The 7 Best Oysters in Massachusetts

If your passion is seafood, you may feel like you have to hop across the pond to Europe in order to find some truly delicious oysters. However, if you’re living in or visiting Massachusetts, there are plenty of great spots around the city where you can find exceptional oyster dishes. With so many options out there, how do you choose which ones will satisfy your cravings? Read on to discover our pick for the 7 best oyster bar in Massachusetts!

The 7 Best Oyster in Massachusetts

The Hourly Oyster House in Massachusetts

Union Oyster House

Address: 41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.3 (7394)
Phone: +1 617-227-2750
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Reviews:

My wife and I did the tourist thing and went here while visiting Boston. It was relatively empty when we came for lunch so the service was pretty quick. Our server was very nice and friendly, she made recommendations on what we should order. The brought us some cornbread to start, it was super soft and moist. It wasn’t to sweet which I liked. We got the clam chowder to start and I ended up getting the lobster mac and cheese for my entree. My wife got the lobster ravioli. Overall the meal was pretty good but to us the decor on the wall was the coolest part of the meal. Definitely a cool place to see while in Boston but definitely more for tourists I think.

✭✭✭✭ By Steven Beecher (2 months ago)

Just the history and the inside decor of the restaurant is an enough reason for a visit. Started with complimentary warm tasty corn bread. Clam chowder was also very good. Had the Fried oysters with fries and it was very fresh and tasty. Receive a free pot of gold souvenir for St.Patrick’s Day. Server was friendly and attentive. Definitely recommend.

✭✭✭✭ By Carol S (8 months ago)

Good food, especially if you’re looking for fried food. Clam chowder was good, just very small bowl, cup is even smaller. My daughter had the fried seafood platter. It had a lot, with fish and chips, and a variety of fried seafood. She really enjoyed. I had a scallops platter in a light creamy tomato sauce with rice. I enjoyed it also. The salmon was good and the lobster macaroni and cheese was good also. It was a bit pricey, parking wasn’t easy to find, but it’s a great area to walk around with a lot of pubs in the area with music. This place had very good service and worth the visit at least once.

✭✭✭✭ By Sigfredo Diaz (6 months ago)

I know this place has been around for a while but man was it just amazing from food to service. Everything was top notch. The lobster we got was amazing. We got clam chowder to share for the table to taste. Our waitress was the life of the party not only with our table but you could just tell how her energy made everyone’s night amazing at other tables. Food was super filling and the set up is very nice. I know their upstairs kitchen is closed and it’s a shame their menu has shrunken since covid but they’re doing amazing! This is a must if you’re in Boston – add it to your list now!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Sonia Ninan (4 months ago)

During a quick trip to Boston, we looked up for the best seafood restaurant in the area and Google recommended this place.
After struggling to find a parking spot, we finally made our way to the restaurant.
The place has the charm and warmth that can only be acquired through years of continuous service. The place was not very busy when we visited so we got a seat quickly. I ordered their special clam chowder, the soup of the day (minestrone) and the fish of the day (haddock) with a side of mashed potatoes. All washed down with a Guinness beer (I wish it was draught, but it was available only in a can)
The food was delivered very quickly by our very helpful server. Everything was delicious. I could not find anything that was lacking. Even the prices are very reasonable.
Must try!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Cajetan Barretto (10 months ago)

The Barking Crab

Address: 88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.2 (4652)
Phone: +1 617-426-2722
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM

Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM

Wednesday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM

Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

Friday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Reviews:

Stopped in on our way back from Vermont. This place overlooks Fort Point Channel so a nice location. The place is tented with a pirates of the Carribean type theme. Our party of 9 did not have to wait too long for a table but we would have appreciated if they would have seated us together instead of 2 separate tables as we requested. We order clam chowder, lobster rolls(cold), king crabs,
Fried fish sandwich, peel and eat shrimp and bouillabaisse. Everything was done well, no complaints. Drinks were surprisingly decent as well.

✭✭✭✭ By Danny Surujbali (3 months ago)

I’m a Texan who was in Boston for a business trip, so I was eager to get some seafood while I was in town! The Barking Crab was in an awesome location, just on the harbor’s walking trail and on the water. The view was increidible, and they had a ton of seating, both indoor and outdoor. I was able to get seated quickly since I was eating alone, but I did notice that there was a line for groups to sit down. But it didn’t seem like anyone waited more than 5-10 minutes! The service was decent, but the food incredible. I got the raw oysters, which were fresh and delicious, and the lobster roll. The meal was amazing! It was pricey, but worth it.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Jeremy Feghali (4 months ago)

Waited for about 35 – 40 minutes, which is normal for this place! People tend to eat fast & leave so the line moves fast. The food was amazing & came out fresh & hot. The lobster roll was fresh & was just the right amount of lobster. The lobster mac was hot & cheesy, it was thin but while it cooled it thickened up. The crab cakes were small for the price but delicious! We loved being able to try this recommended restaurant on our trip! Definitely a fun place to go to if your trip allows the time!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Tiffany Thomas (3 months ago)

A place with character. One of the better clam chowders around. The lobster roll was good but could have used on more bit of meat given the price. It was bulked up with a layer of lettuce underneath as filler. Nice staff. Decent beer selection.

✭✭✭✭ By Alan Hutson (a month ago)

Came here on a whim while looking for a lobster roll place in Seaport.
The place was already half full in late afternoon on Monday, but we were fortunate to grab one of the window side tables with a great view of the harbor. My friend and I got the barking crab roll, naked lobster roll, fried clams, and some fresh oysters, and everything was decent. With a lot of tourists in the area, I knew this would be a tourist trap, but the overall food quality wasn’t too bad. The oysters were similar to what you would get in other places, and I enjoyed the crab roll. However, the toasted buns were quite disappointing and the fried clams were far below my expectations. Everything was certainly overpriced for the quality, but the barking crab roll was worth a try.
Would recommend going here for the good views and vibes, but food may be slightly disappointing for the price.

✭✭✭✭ By Jea Kim (7 months ago)

Legal Sea Foods – Harborside

Address: 270 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (4266)
Phone: +1 617-477-2900
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Reviews:

Excellent food and great service. We could not get a reservation but the restaurant has a great amount of bar seats for walk in traffic. We were seated immediately and had some amazing food and drinks. This restaurant sits in the harbor and the atmosphere is very relaxed and comfortable. This was our first time in Boston and the first place we ate. It set a good tone for our visit.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Lana (5 months ago)

I came here on a whim while being in the area for work. Walked in and quickly found a spot at the wrap around bar. (Even if it’s busy, stop in and see if seats are available along the bars!) I enjoyed the atmosphere and excitement of the restaurant.

Food was amazing. I wanted to try a little of everything so ordered the crab cake appetizer, clam chowder, and salmon nigiri. Everything was delicious. I was not expecting a sushi menu but was excited to see it and enjoyed the salmon. The chowder and crab cakes were rich but flavorful and not overly heavy where I could still enjoy my whole meal.

Highly recommend this restaurant if you’re nearby!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Jillian O’Connell (2 months ago)

Tried to call and reserve the table before going and it says no table, then we walked in around 12 with 6 people in total. Luckily we have a table immediately. The view is good if we could have a table besides the window. I have been told that it has 3rd floor with even better view. Maybe try next time. The Caterpillar Roll ? is highly recommended! I ordered Grilled Swordfish steak with French fires and Fregola salad. The French fries is good, but salad is okay. The fish is fresh, but if you want to have something more flavored, maybe try something else. My friend tried butter roasted potatoes and sweet corns as sides. He said sweet corns are good but potatoes are too many and inside is too plain. It provides freed bread before food which is okay. The waiters are nice and polite.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Johnson MrBear (6 months ago)

I have very mixed feelings about Legal. They were highly recommended in blogs, YouTube videos, and from locals. But, I was slightly disappointed with our experience.

First, the location is amazing, and we were seated near the water without having to wait though we were a large party.

Everyone was amiable, and our waitress was very accommodating. However, our food was nothing to brag about (except the oysters were impeccable).

As you’ll see in the pictures, the cheeseburger I ordered from the kid’s menu was not properly cooked and was still raw inside.

The mac and cheese our friends ordered (also for a child) tasted “like aspirin” or rotten cheese. Our waitress and the manager came to apologize and refunded our money for both items, which were appreciated.

But, as a tourist, this isn’t an establishment that I would return to when we visit again.

✭✭ By Victoria Vaden (4 months ago)

Food was absolutely delicious!!! Fun fact…their clam chowder has been served for every presidential inauguration since Ronald Reagan! I can taste why! So good! Crystal, our server was an awesome host! Cod fritters, lobster bisque soup and fish tacos were so good!

✭✭✭✭✭ By Lyn Campbell (8 months ago)

Neptune Oyster

Address: 63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (3216)
Phone: +1 617-742-3474
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Reviews:

Neptune oyster is wonderful. Staff are friendly and courteous, committed to giving diners a great experience. The razor clam appetizer was amazing as was the hot buttered lobster roll. Also had a few things from the raw bar (oyster and scallops) which are great to try based on your preference. Wine selection was good as well. The only downside is the wait, about an hour and 15 minutes on a Friday evening. You just have to stand outside in line and commit. Definitely worth it though! Inside is pretty squished together so I wouldn’t say it’s great for large groups at busy times.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Lena Owens (4 months ago)

I had lunch here with my friend today. The long line outside seems promising. Got in after an hour and 15 minutes. High hopes. Oysters are decent. Fresh enough. I had a lobster roll and my friend had a fried oyster burgers. Both are jaw-droppingly terrible. My friend’s burger is tough and dry. My lobster roll has absolutely no flavours. I thought I had COVID and lost my palate. But I could taste the fries. The fries are great and definitely the highlight of my meal. The urchin toast is equally bad. Urchin all melted on the toast with no texture and flavours. This joint is definitely over-hyped and overpriced. Doesn’t deserve the hour long line up.

✭ By Trekker T. (2 months ago)

Neptune Oyster. Oh, yes. The afternoon I visited was a weekday so the wait was only 45 minutes.

The johnny cake with bluefish and caviar is a must order item. Delicious! The flavors! The lobster roll was fresh, but not special-tasting. Razor clams were supremely fresh and magnificent. Loved the taste. The oysters were very fresh and an employee explained where each oyster was from.

The service was A+ from all employees. Servers made sure I was taken care of and the water glass was continually filled. Small interior of restaurant. Service is quick and friendly so the turnaround time is frequent. And they take American Express.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Kelly Cambridgeport (6 months ago)

Hands down to the best raw oysters. I love their little menu showing different types of oysters. I wished this place was bigger. Came here at 7pm, no wait-list accepted. Came here again early in the morning 30 minutes before it opens there was already a long line, put my name down for the wait-list, 1.5hours wait, but it’ was worth the wait.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Momo (7 months ago)

I was really really really pleased to decide to visit here. I had to wait for some time but it was totally worth of it. The oysters are very fresh, juicy and delicious. And the foods which I ordered are yummy too and went well with my drink. Surely the service was very satisfactory. My family had a great time in here. I’ll definitely try again next time.

✭✭✭✭✭ By Jongchan Park (JC) (11 months ago)

Atlantic Fish Company

Address: 761 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.6 (2956)
Phone: +1 617-267-4000
Website: Link
Opening hours:

Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Reviews:

The food and service here was absolutely amazing. This place is definitely on one of my “to visit again” lists the next time I come to Boston. The restaurant’s seafood ingredients is of fairly high quality, but the dishes they make with them are even more so.

The fried calamari and the caviar was of very high quality, and I highly recommend trying them out.

My favourite dish by far, however, was the scallops wrapped in crispy bacon. This dish was simply amazing, both in texture and taste, and is definitely a must-order.

Highly recommend checking this restaurant out!

✭✭✭✭✭ By STRYKER40 M (6 months ago)

We went there the night before Thanksgiving and it was a great dinner. The appetizer, fried calamari, was good but a big portion of it was just fried jalapenos. My entree was the whole fish, and I loved it. The meat was tender and the skin was nice and crispy. My friend also enjoyed his risotto with scallops as add on. They did give quite a lot of scallops for a good price. For dessert, we got the baked Alaska as dessert and it was huge.

✭✭✭✭ By 梁凱傑（Jack Liang） (a week ago)

Excellent restaurant. First off. It’s a beautiful setting. Second it was very clean. Third, the service was outstanding
Last but not least the food. The New England clam chowder may have been the best we ever had. I had the fisherman’s pasta, outstanding. My wife had the haddock with crab stuffing, good but not quite outstanding. Drinks were good

✭✭✭✭✭ By Robert Birmele (10 months ago)

Was in Boston and decided to have some seafood. The service was almost impeccable and the food was really good. Lobster bisque executed real nicely, easily best dish I had. Scallops with bacon appetizer is very tasty. Had some fish for entrees which was flavorful but slightly over cooked

✭✭✭✭✭ By Marc Lee (5 months ago)

Great, but expensive

I got what many other people have left reviews for when they come here- lobster bisque (soup) and lobster roll (entree). The lobster bisque was delicious, as it wasn’t watery nor was it too thick. You may want to choose to eat it with the complementary bread they give- tastes better, in my opinion.

I chose to have my lobster roll buttered and served warm. It was good; however, it does tend to be a small portion and there is definitely better lobster roll you can find in Boston for cheaper. The lobster roll didn’t as much of an impact on me as I was hoping it would, and I would probably order something else if I happen to dine here again. The fries are nice and crisp though- just the right size in my opinion.

The service is great- our server boxed up our meals for us, constantly refilled our waters, was very knowledgeable about the menu.

We came around 7-8pm, and it was very crowded indoors. It’s very loud and tends to be cramped during peak hours, so anyone sensitive to loud noises should choose to dine elsewhere during those times.

This restaurant has some great seafood, but be prepared to shell out a bit of money if you want a good experience when you come here.

✭✭✭✭✭ By David Yang (4 months ago)

Woodman’s of Essex

Address: 119 Main St, Essex, MA 01929, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.4 (2736)

Row 34

Address: 383 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, United States
Map: Click here
Rating: 4.5 (2650)

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