Saturday: Happy Hour Oyster Crawl
/oysters from ten bells
The Challenge: Hit up 6 spots for discounted oysters in one afternoon. Can it be done? Read on to find out...
3:00pm - THE TEN BELLS
THE DEAL: Rotating Selection of $1 Oysters and $15 Carafes of Red, White or Rosé From 3:00pm to 7:00pm.
THE DEAL: An all around solid, straightforward deal with a nice variety of well shucked, tasty oysters and good value on the wine.
The ten bells
4:00pm - KEN & COOK
carafe at the ten bells
THE DEAL: $1 Naked Cowboy Oysters, $7 Glasses of Red, White and Rosé and Select Beers for $5 From 4:00-7:00pm
THE DEAL: At the time of this visit, the website advertised a "daily" happy hour. However, the server charged the full price for the oysters, claiming that the happy hour deal is only available on weekdays. After some discussion and given the discrepancy, the oysters were ultimately, albeit reluctantly, offered at the happy hour discount. Currently, the website discreetly advertises the official happy hour (Monday-Friday, 4:00-7:00pm) on the "Dinner" menu, while the "Happy Hour" menu states "4pm-7pm", failing to note the days that it is offered. This stop is a roll of the dice.
5:00pm - SEL RROSE
THE DEAL: Surprising Variety of East and West Coast Oysters for $1.00 from 5:00-7:00pm Daily.
THE DEAL: Like Maison Premiere just across the Williamsburg Bridge, Sel Rrose offers every oyster on the menu (around 10 varieties daily) for $1.00, hoping to make up the revenue with pricey cocktails. While the server may explain a vaguely defined and inconsistently enforced limit of two dozen oysters per order (per customer?), by and large, the ploy works.
6:00pm - HILL & DALE
oysters at hill & Dale
THE DEAL: Rotating Selection of East Coast Oysters for $1 With Purchase of a Drink From 5:00-8:00pm Daily. Happy Hour Beverage Selections Include $5 Drafts, Well Cocktails and Select Wines for $6 and a Daily "Bartender Special" for $7.
THE DEAL: Another confusing policy regarding oyster limits during happy hour. One menu states a limit of two dozen per table, while another claims a cap of 12 per person. However, on this visit, a group of 6 ordered four dozen without a problem (except for one gnarly looking black oyster that was promptly replaced when the server was notified).
7:00pm - THE LEADBELLY
THE DEAL: $1.50 Select Oysters From 5:30-7:00pm Daily.
THE DEAL: On the day of the visit, The Leadbelly was closed for a private event, so call ahead.
Straight shuckin' at 169 bar
7:30pm - 169 BAR
THE DEAL: Technically Not a "Happy Hour", But Priced Like One: A Rotating Selection of East Coast Oysters for $20 a Dozen (3 for $5). Also available: 40's of Colt 45 and Caviar, Both Served on Ice (Seriously).
THE DEAL: This place is a dive, so ordering raw oysters may feel like tempting fate. Ignore that suspicion, as the oysters are fresh, delicious and expertly shucked by an oyster wench in a booth next to the bar.
RECAP AND RESULTS:
Having checked out 6 venues offering discounted oysters, the itinerary below reflects the best spots for an afternoon of bivalves on a budget in the LES:
- The Ten Bells (3:00-5:00pm) - $1 rotating selection of oysters + $15 carafes of wine from 3:00-7:00pm. Yes, please.
- Sel Rrose (5:00-6:00pm): $1 east and west coast oysters from 5:00-7:00pm. Best variety of all the locations visited, but be prepared for pricey cocktails.
- Hill & Dale (6:00-8:00pm): $1 oysters and discounted drinks served in a cavernous space from 5:00-8:00pm.
- 169 Bar (8:00-All Night): With oysters at $20 a dozen served all day and night, 169 is not officially an oyster happy hour destination. However, cheap drinks and a festive atmosphere make this spot a great final destination for your oyster crawl.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
-The Ten Bells is located at 247 Broome Street. Sel Rrose is located at 1 Delancey Street. Hill & Dale is located at 115 Allen Street. 169 Bar is located at 169 East Broadway.
-Total Cost: About $100 per person for oysters and drinks, depending upon the number of oysters consumed. Tax and Tip Included.
-Total Distance Covered: One Mile.
-Prices and times are subject to change without notice, so call ahead or check the websites to confirm before going.