Editors’ Choice
Island Creek Oyster Bar
Island Creek Oyster Bar
Burlington
They had their oyster farm in Duxbury way before they even thought of opening a restaurant—and it started the continuing craze for carefully grown and harvested bivalves. Knowledgeable staff are invited to come down anytime to work the farm, and they study up on every variety, with a thick binder and occasional pop quizzes. Look to them to guide you, whether you are an aficionado hoping to try something unique or a newbie looking to slurp your first.
300 District Ave., Burlington, 781-761-6500, islandcreekoysterbar.com
Readers’ Choice
Brine
Newburyport
Their selection changes daily. Use the card to choose your favorites, or stop by on Thursdays for “buck a shuck”—chef’s choice oysters at a quality you would never usually see for that price.
25 State St., Newburyport, 978-358-8479, brineoyster.com
Runner Up
Elm Square Oyster Co.
Andover
Enjoy oyster happy hour every day from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.—$1.49 for chef’s choice, paired with three sauces, all made in-house. Their menu changes daily based on what’s freshest, naturally.
Two Elm Square, Andover, 978-470-2228, elmsquareoysterco.com