It seems as though the oyster trend unfolded practically overnight in Western New York. There’s no shortage of quality shucks, creative accoutrements, wine lists with perfect pairings and specials that make it affordable to indulge. Oysters are becoming a staple starter at a growing list of local restaurants. Here’s where to find them (and some great specials, too).
31 Johnson Park, Buffalo; 332-3131
The 31 Club's oysters tend to be Wellfleet (sweeter flavor profile), but they do switch it up occasionally. Their shucks are served with Rosé mignonette — a light, vinegar-based dressing made up of of minced shallots and cracked pepper.
Billybar
5590 Main St., Williamsville; 634-2572
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Monday through Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m at Billybar you can choose from four types of oysters, with one on special. They are served with Billybar’s specialty mignonettes: black pepper and shallot, green chile jalapeno and gazpacho. Another popular choice is raw oyster shooters, which consist of oysters, vodka, tomato juice and hot sauce. Oysters range from $1 to $1.50 each during the special, depending on market price.
5493 Sheridan Drive, Buffalo; 839-2525
Black and Blue offers oysters on the half shell individually, in a small oyster sampler or as part of a large oyster sampler.
BOSS
1735 Hertel Ave., Buffalo; 551-6499
Buffalo’s Original Steak & Seafood (BOSS) offers a daily selection of fresh oysters with either red or white vinegar mignonette, and a Tabasco sorbet made in-house.
Bourbon and Butter
391 Washington St., Buffalo; 253-6453
Bourbon and Butter offers a daily selection of oysters on the half shell with classic garnishes.
CRÄVing 1472 Hertel Ave., Buffalo; 883-1675
Every Wednesday at CRÄVing is $1 oyster night from 5 to 9 p.m. The oyster type changes regularly based on what’s flown in fresh that day from the East and West Coast — they’ve even had Glacier Point oysters from Alaska. The chef will create sauce upon request, but recommends enjoying the full flavor of the oysters with just a squeeze of lemon.
72 Elm St., East Aurora; 652-4720
Elm Street Bakery showed off its talent for oysters at the 2014 Iron Event at the Town Ballroom; their version featured smoked oysters paired with fermented horseradish and crème fraiche on a caraway cracker. Even though that’s not a regular menu item, Elm Street does expand its oyster options by offering not only oysters on the half shell with mignonette, but also wood-roasted oysters with garlic and Espelette (chili pepper) butter on rye bread.
8900 Main St., Clarence; 632-1772
Enjoy oysters at Hayes Seafood House’s newly remodeled patio, or order them for take-out. They’re part of a menu that includes all kinds of seafoody goodness, from clams to crab legs and more.
Oshun
5 E Huron St., Buffalo; 848-4500
Oshun has never skimped on the quality of its oysters, and has raised the bar by offering a nice variety of East and West coast oysters for half price Monday through Saturday from 9 p.m. to close.
166 Franklin St., Buffalo; 858-3118
Osteria 166 offers fresh oysters every weekend. Pair the oysters with the “Contessa” — a cocktail made of house Pinot Grigio, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, a splash of soda and fresh muddled strawberries. The fruity, fresh taste is the perfect pairing for briny oysters.
6766 Transit Road, Williamsville; 632-9556
The Protocol usually has four to six types of oysters per day paired with a champagne mignonette. They also offer warm Oysters Rockefeller stuffed with Swiss cheese, spinach and Pernod.
Providence Social
490 Rhode Island St., Buffalo; 464-3786
Providence Social offers a daily selection of fresh oysters. They generally offer Blue Point or Rock Harbor oysters, but the selection occasionally changes.
1206 Hertel Ave., Buffalo; 551-6208
Public House offers fresh East coast oysters at market price with cocktail sauce, mignonette and fresh shaved horseradish. A second Public House location at the site of the old Root 5 restaurant in Hamburg recently opened, and also offers a daily selection of fresh oysters (with beautiful lake views).
184 Sweeney St., North Tonawanda; 362-2802
Every Tuesday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Remington Tavern offers a dozen oysters for $15. Four types are offered and the variety changes daily. There is also a Happy Hour special: cooked oysters at the bar, six for $10, Sunday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Seabar 475 Ellicott St., Buffalo; 332-2928
Seabar’s oyster platter, which includes 12 total, is perfect for tasting multiple oysters which can vary greatly in flavor, ranging from sweet to briny to buttery. Their oysters come with a crisp cucumber jalapeno salsa.
3260 Main St., Buffalo; 837-2326
Shango offers a selection of oysters served with a chipotle cocktail sauce and mignonette. They also offer prepared menu items featuring oysters, such as crispy fried oysters with creole mustard slaw and a Po’ Boy stuffed with fried oysters, house smoked bacon, greens, tomato, onion, and a chili pepper garlic sauce.
581 Delaware Ave., Buffalo; 885-1594
Tempo’s “iced oysters” are served with cucumber mignonette and horseradish cocktail sauce - and live up to the restaurant’s many other excellent dishes.
