There is nothing better in the summer than slurping down a plate of freshly shucked oysters with an ice cold beer, or perhaps a glass of bubbly or a carefully crafted cocktail. Fortunately, some of the top places on the Northshore for oysters are offering a bevy of summer deals. So read on and slurp them up!
Elm Square Oyster Company
The oyster-obsessives at Elm Square have put together quite the enticement for bivalve lovers. Nearly every day from 4-7 pm, a chef’s choice of fresh-off-the-farm glistening beauties will be available for $1.49 a piece. Trust them to bring in some super-fresh surprises – owner Matthew Morello has practically worn a path between Andover and his favorite supplier, Taylor Lobster Co. in Kittery, with frequent visits.
But that’s not all – the restaurant will be offering a crisp Achenberg Gruner Veltiner (one of our favorite oyster wines) for $5 a glass or $4 seasonal Spinnaker beers from Rising Tide Brewery in Portland, Me. This yeasty, hazy Hefewiezen style is a terrific summer sipper – and at under 5 percent ABV, it’s okay to have more than one. Enjoy them on the charming patio as the sun sinks in the sky.
Tuesday through Saturday, 4-7 pm, now through Sept. 3rd; Two Elm Square
2 Elm Square, Andover, 978.470.222, www.elmsquareoysterco.com
The Blue Ox Restaurant & Bar
Sit in the buzzy bar area for half-price oysters on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and now Sundays. The folks at Blue Ox are big fans of the bivalves from Island Creek, so expect a succulent selection from their flats to the south, in Duxbury, delivered direct to Lynn.
For an accompaniment, choose from a thoughtful selection of craft brews and wines, or ask them to recommend a cocktail from their extensive list.
191 Oxford Street, Lynn, 781.780.5722, www.theblueoxlynn.com
Brine Oyster Bar
Belly up to the beautiful marble bar to watch the oyster experts shuck a late-night snack. A chef’s choice of buck-a-shuck happens every Thursday from 9 to 11 all summer long.
Perfect pairings are a specialty at this oyster mecca – be it beer, wine or perhaps a tasty cocktail, chat up the staff to find the right drink for your mood and your luscious shellfish.
25 State Street, Newburyport, 978.358.8479, brineoyster.com