There is absolutely nothing like a fresh plate of oysters… if that is considered your cup of tea. However, if you have clicked on this article then it is to be assumed you are at least somewhat interested in some great happy hour oyster deals. The good news is that there are a handful of wonderful selections all over NYC offering a cheap and delicious evening treat.
Oysters have been consumed for centuries now and are prepared differently across a plethora of cuisines. Today, oysters are served raw over an ice plate with some sides to cut the fishy taste. Lemon juice, cocktail sauce, mignonette sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and pesto are just to name a few.
Interestingly enough, oysters used to be a lot larger than what they are today and were more widely consumed. Historically oysters were about 3 feet long and weighed more than 20 pounds, which is huge if you try and visualize it. They were not served on a fancy platter of any sort, rather people during The Stone Age would crack oysters open over a fire and heated on stones before consumption. Archaeologists have found more fossilized oyster shells than you could imagine which only proves how important they were to peoples’ diets. Because oysters grow in shallow waters they are easier to collect as opposed to daunting hunts for meat. Romans, Native Americans, and many others also used to view this delectably slimy dish as a staple of their diet.
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, oysters were also a popular dish amongst the working class in the US and Europe. Due to their accessibility, oysters were absorbed in a shockingly high rate. Regardless of someone’s financial standing, they would be able to enjoy oysters due to their low price. In 1885 oysters could be purchased for only three cents and by 1889 the price had dropped to only a cent. New York quickly became one of the largest oyster producers across the continental US and influenced the developing pallets of many chefs. Not only were oysters eaten by New York City’s population, but were also used for roads, cement, fertilizer, and many other infrastructure necessities.
Since then, the overharvesting of oysters in the US and Europe has become an issue. Many oyster markets on the east coast began to shut down due to overharvesting and eventually, diseases started to affect the quality of what was available. During the 1970s oysters were on the verge of extinction. Because oysters were still in high demand albeit with the lack of accessibility, prices began to increase leading to a decrease in casual oyster consumption as average consumers could no longer afford to do so. Luckily, you can go ahead and purchase them for cheap listed at the places below during $1 deals.
The Mermaid Inn
- Upper West Side – 570 Amsterdam Avenue
- Greenwich Village – 89 MacDougal Street
- Chelsea – 227 10th Avenue
Every day from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM every one of The Mermaid Inn’s locations offers a happy hour. You can choose from $1.25 East Coast oysters, select $6 beers, and $9 wines and cocktails. To make a reservation, you can visit their website here.
Flex Mussels
- 154 W 13th Street
Owned by Bobby and Laura Shapiro, Flex Mussels is one of their twenty-something New York City venues. On a mission to serve globally-inspired seafood, oysters, and PEI’s mussels served in over 23 different sauces, the Shaprio family works hard at creating a high-quality environment with delicious food. Their happy hour menu includes discounted seafood, mussels, cocktails, and wine. However, most importantly they offer $1.5 oysters from the shucker’s choice. Flex Mussels’ happy hour takes place from 5:30 PM to 7 PM every night of the week. To make a reservation, you can visit their website here.
Grey Lady
- 77 Delancey Street
Callum McLaughlin, Ryan Chadwick, and Gavin McLaughlin are the masterminds behind this delicious NYC restaurant. Raised in Nantucket (home to some of the most incredible seafood spots in all of New York), these three guys have curated an immaculate menu for their patrons. Grey Lady is with no doubt a go-to joint if you’re looking to enjoy a tasty drink paired with virtually perfectly prepared seafood. Luckily, from Sunday to Friday they offer a happy hour menu from 4 PM to 7 PM. This menu includes $1 oysters, $6 draft beers, $9 wine, and $10 cocktails. To make a reservation, you can visit their website here.
Bar Belly
- 14 Orchard Street
Bar Belly’s happy hour takes place Monday to Saturday from 5 PM to 7 PM. They offer $1 oysters, $4 beers, and $8-$10 cocktails. Currently, they only take walk-ins for parties up to 3. For parties 4 and more or a special occasion, you must make a reservation. To make a reservation, you can visit their website here.
