BESPOKE: OYSTERS ON A HALF SHELL IN HARLEM 2023

Harlem Bespoke:  Fresh oysters was a standard for any restaurant a century ago but has only recently become de rigeur in the current NYC dining scene.  Apparently months with the letter R are peak time to eat the fresh delicacy since they are at their prime during the cooler months so make sure to stop by these local eateries for the gastronomic experience du jour.  

Maison Harlem, 341 St. Nicholas Avenue at the corner of 127th Street.  Harlem's favorite French restaurant has a wildly popular Happy Hour so make sure to come early since the bar fills up quickly even at the beginning of the evening. Best bets are probably earlier in the week when things are less crowded.  More on Maison Harlem in our past post: LINK

B2 Harlem, 271 West 119th Street, east of Frederick Douglass Boulevard.  The former Billie's Black still has the same owner but has been transformed into one of uptown's most under the radar seafood restaurants.  This eatery is probably one of the best spots for fresh oysters since there usually is not a wait for a spot at the bar.  More details on B2 Harlem can be found in our past post: LINK

ROKC, 3452 Broadway by 141st Street.  The boutique Japanese ramen and raw bar in Hamilton Heights is on the cozy side but is full of charm.  Dropping by early is probably beneficial besides getting a deal on fresh oysters since lines for a table or spot at the tiny bar form by the time 8:00 rolls around.  More on ROKC can be found in our past post: LINK

Perch, 1693 Lexington Avenue by East 107th Street.  Uptown's newest speakeasy on the east side might be the most glamorous one to be found in the city.  The tiny 25 seater has great cocktails and small plates which are a divine combination with freshly shucked oysters: LINK

HarlemBespoke.com 2023