B & G Oysters

(617) 423-0550

550 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02116 42.344 -71.0712

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Neighborhoods: South End, Shawmut

BANDGOYSTERS.COM

Years in business

Established in 2003

Hours:

Monday From 11:30 AM To 10:00 PM Tuesday To Friday From 11:30 AM To 11:00 PM Saturday From 12:00 PM To 11:00 PM Sunday From 12:00 PM To 10:00 PM

Price:

$$$

Last updated 8.16.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Check

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Celeb Hangout, Theater District Dining, People Watching, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List

Cuisine:

Traditional American, Soups, Seafood

Smoking Permitted:

No

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About B & G Oysters

Featured Review

Eric Grossman

Contributor

Barbara Lynch, James Beard Award-winning chef/owner of No. 9 Park, lends her high buzz quotient to this small, sleek raw bar. There's little room to maneuver in this tiny spot; large parties often face lengthy waits to enjoy Lynch's superior selection of oysters and exceptionally eclectic wine list. Servers reel off impressive descriptions of each of the menu's many bivalves. From Washington Kumamotos to local Welfleets, B & G's main draw is its pricey, delectable, shucked-to-order oysters. Other highlights include a flavorful, not-too-creamy clam chowder and playful seafood dishes like a BLT…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Be careful when heading to the downstairs bathroom, which is accessed via an incredibly narrow spiral staircase.
Parking:
Good luck: There's hardly any non-resident parking available within walking distance. Prepare to fork over $12 for valet service.
When to Go:
If your party totals three or more, arrive either early or after the dinner rush; otherwise, expect a wait of an hour for one of the few tables.
Where to Sit:
If it's available, grab a stool by the front window to enjoy an exceptional people-watching vantage point.
Parking:
Good luck: There's hardly any non-resident parking available within walking distance. Prepare to fork money over for valet service.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “love everything about this restaurant; food, wine, service, atmosphere.”
  2. “The restaurant is very small with every table having a great view of the kitchen.”
  3. “Small restaurant, with a great atmosphere (fun funky music, relaxing lighting, eclectic mix of people), friendly, upbeat, helpful wait staff that seems to enjoy working with one another, and a great selection of seafood.”
  4. “comfortable environment & excellent food”
  5. “The bartenders and waitstaff are knowledgable and friendly and the ambience is warm and inviting.”
  6. “the food is good, the staff is friendly, the ambience is chic yet comfortable.”
  7. “Service was outstanding, the hostess (red hair) is fun and couldn't be nicer.”
  8. “Though a bit on the small side, the cozy decor draws you in and solid drinks/wine list pairs well with the menu.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “The chocloate beer cake was good but the vanilla bean panna cotta was delicious!”
drinks
91.66999816894531% positive
  1. “It took a while to get our drink order in but after that service was outstanding.”
  2. “love everything about this restaurant; food, wine, service, atmosphere.”
  3. “The wine list is nice, including some muscadet that is perfect for oysters.”
  4. “The oysters were amazing and the wine list is fantastically paired for the menu.”
  5. “Value is amazing in consideration of the fact that the food is of such high quality, and the wines can hardly be found anywhere else.”
  6. “Eclectic wine list compliments menu perfectly, and knowledgeable staff will spend time if you don't know a particular wine.”
  7. “Watching the kitchen as you sit at the bar and enjoy your wine and food.”
  8. “The drinks come quick, the oysters are great (although they bring 17, and we have to ask for the last) and the appetizers are tasty - calamari, artichoke, bibb.”
  9. “Service was good, enjoyed sitting at the bar watching all the action.”
  10. “The chocloate beer cake was good but the vanilla bean panna cotta was delicious!”
  11. “Though a bit on the small side, the cozy decor draws you in and solid drinks/wine list pairs well with the menu.”
  12. “cocktails/beer. Since this event was all about oysters, I can't give a real opinion on the full menu (though if you check out their Website it is a serious eyefull of yum).”
food quality
95.95000267028809% positive
  1. “comfortable environment & excellent food”
  2. “Watching the kitchen as you sit at the bar and enjoy your wine and food.”
  3. “What the diner can ALWAYS expect is amazingly fresh oysters.”
  4. “Out of the food I've had here, everything is delicious.”
  5. “Small restaurant, with a great atmosphere (fun funky music, relaxing lighting, eclectic mix of people), friendly, upbeat, helpful wait staff that seems to enjoy working with one another, and a great selection of seafood.”
  6. “have never had oysters before so my review comes with a limited reference frame - however, everything else I tried from the menu was absolutely delicious - the scallops are the best!”
  7. “This signature dish is so fresh and delicious that it'll keep you coming back again and again.”
  8. “ordered scallops, and while they were very good scallops, they didn't really taste like much because there was no sauce or seasoning on it at all.”
  9. “The condiments are always fresh, but the oysters with a hint of lemon are also just as pleasing.”
  10. “We also had half a dozen Pemaquid oysters that were super fresh - love that salt water flavor!”
  11. “The fish sandwich was excellent (breading was light, fresh flaky fish tended to keep falling out of the too big bun) right down to the shoe string fries & crispy sweet pickles on the side.”
  12. “would recommend this place to someone who is either an oyster afficionado or people who like their food pretty plain.”
  13. “outstanding food without the pretension”
  14. “The food is pretty pricey considering the portions, which is probably why they don't include the prices on the website.”
  15. “For entrees my wife had the Sea Scallops w/ sweet potato tortelloni which were outstanding.”
  16. “The drinks come quick, the oysters are great (although they bring 17, and we have to ask for the last) and the appetizers are tasty - calamari, artichoke, bibb.”
  17. “guess I'm just too old-fashioned, but for the rather high cost of a meal here, even if the food is really good; patrons shoudl feel welcome.”
  18. “She happily recommended her favorite oysters, and all of the food was perfectly timed and elegantly prepared.”
  19. “Really fresh seafood”
  20. “Incredibly fresh good quality shellfish, but really no extra flavors.”
  21. “The softshell crab has too much cilantro for my tastes, but the peppers underneath are surprising and flavorful, and the crab is absolutely divine.”
  22. “had oysters as an appetizer which were great and they had a selection of 12 different ones from Massachusetts, PEI, Connecticut, Virginia, British Columbia and Washington St.. My wife had the house cured Norwegian salmon which was good but we would prob”
  23. “also enjoyed the pumpkin soup w/ scallop which was a special for that day.”
  24. “love everything about this restaurant; food, wine, service, atmosphere.”
  25. “The chocloate beer cake was good but the vanilla bean panna cotta was delicious!”
  26. “great oysters & seafood in general!”
  27. “Highly recommend the Nova Scotia oysters and the lobster salad.”
  28. “great sandwiches, salads).”
  29. “Very good food.”
  30. “The food was excellent - executed well with interesting flavor combinations.”
  31. “Whole meal was delicious!”
  32. “Fun, good food, good service”
  33. “had the Rope-Grown Main Muscles which were outstanding I just wished I had more bread to sop up the juices with.”
  34. “The lobster bisque was tasty (not too rich, no lobster pieces though).”
  35. “The fried artichoke was delicious, but a little difficult to eat.”
  36. “the food is good, the staff is friendly, the ambience is chic yet comfortable.”
  37. “Value is amazing in consideration of the fact that the food is of such high quality, and the wines can hardly be found anywhere else.”
menu variety
90.90999603271484% positive
  1. “Though a bit on the small side, the cozy decor draws you in and solid drinks/wine list pairs well with the menu.”
  2. “The oyster selection is exceptional, and they are very good quality oysters.”
  3. “Innovative menu items, plus excellent variety of oysters, of course.”
  4. “Eclectic wine list compliments menu perfectly, and knowledgeable staff will spend time if you don't know a particular wine.”
  5. “had oysters as an appetizer which were great and they had a selection of 12 different ones from Massachusetts, PEI, Connecticut, Virginia, British Columbia and Washington St.. My wife had the house cured Norwegian salmon which was good but we would prob”
  6. “Small restaurant, with a great atmosphere (fun funky music, relaxing lighting, eclectic mix of people), friendly, upbeat, helpful wait staff that seems to enjoy working with one another, and a great selection of seafood.”
  7. “The oysters were amazing and the wine list is fantastically paired for the menu.”
  8. “have never had oysters before so my review comes with a limited reference frame - however, everything else I tried from the menu was absolutely delicious - the scallops are the best!”
  9. “live in Cali and eat oysters quite a bit but have to say the variety here was GREAT.”
  10. “Yep, the oysters are great (and what a selection - options from all over the place, and the servers really can help steer you toward some th.”
  11. “cocktails/beer. Since this event was all about oysters, I can't give a real opinion on the full menu (though if you check out their Website it is a serious eyefull of yum).”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “Consequently, if you're in the mood for good oysters, I recommend the place.”
  2. “For what it's worth it's our favorite restaurant in Boston.”
  3. “Yep, the oysters are great (and what a selection - options from all over the place, and the servers really can help steer you toward some th.”
  4. “Just a great place”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “Overall had a great experience - will definitely go back!”
service
85.71000099182129% positive
  1. “It comes across as a friendly neighborhood crowd although we think the diners that go here are probably well seasoned foodies.”
  2. “It took a while to get our drink order in but after that service was outstanding.”
  3. “would recommend this place to someone who is either an oyster afficionado or people who like their food pretty plain.”
  4. “Eclectic wine list compliments menu perfectly, and knowledgeable staff will spend time if you don't know a particular wine.”
  5. “The excellent service at B&G needs to be mentioned too.”
  6. “The bartenders and waitstaff are knowledgable and friendly and the ambience is warm and inviting.”
  7. “Small restaurant, with a great atmosphere (fun funky music, relaxing lighting, eclectic mix of people), friendly, upbeat, helpful wait staff that seems to enjoy working with one another, and a great selection of seafood.”
  8. “Service was outstanding, the hostess (red hair) is fun and couldn't be nicer.”
  9. “Our server was warm and friendly, attentive but not too attentive.”
  10. “the food is good, the staff is friendly, the ambience is chic yet comfortable.”
  11. “But the vibe is almost rude.”
  12. “Fun, good food, good service”
  13. “The service was attentive.”
  14. “From the moment you enter the door smiles and a friendly welcome are abound.”
  15. “love everything about this restaurant; food, wine, service, atmosphere.”
  16. “The waitress we had was incredible!”
  17. “The second time, the restaurant was practically empty, we sat outside, and the service was just as slow!”
  18. “Yep, the oysters are great (and what a selection - options from all over the place, and the servers really can help steer you toward some th.”
  19. “Excellent oysters, great entrees, eh service”
  20. “The first time I went, the service was not too slow, especially considering how packed the place was.”
  21. “The server asks if we'd like water, and I we explain we are hungry, have a friend in from away, and would like 18 oysters of her recommendation.”
value
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. “The food is pretty pricey considering the portions, which is probably why they don't include the prices on the website.”
  2. “it's a beautiful, airy, generous little shoebox of a place, which somehow manages to be intimate and expansive at the same time.”
  3. “For what it's worth it's our favorite restaurant in Boston.”
wait time
33.3299994468689% positive
  1. “The drinks come quick, the oysters are great (although they bring 17, and we have to ask for the last) and the appetizers are tasty - calamari, artichoke, bibb.”
  2. “The first time I went, the service was not too slow, especially considering how packed the place was.”
  3. “The second time, the restaurant was practically empty, we sat outside, and the service was just as slow!”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/17/10

Summery Slurrrp

by DovesandFigs , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

The oysters here are the best in town; the variety, the perfect presentation, the briny freshness. The local cherrystones are also a treat. The servers know their product and manage to navigate the often crowded small space without making you feel rushed. In season try to get a seat on the patio.

The wine list is well matched to the food and has a wide price range.

If raw seafood is not your thing, the Fried Ipwich clams are a local delicacy brought to a new level with crispy batter fried perfectly. Or try the Maine lobster roll which will make you feel like you spent a day at the beach in Bar Harbor.

  • Pros: Beautiful setting, outstanding seafood, patio
  • Cons: busy and sometimes bit noisy, wait
4 Star Rating: Recommended

05/10/10

great oysters & seafood in general!

by josiebean87 , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

So I came here for the B&G Oyster Invitational two weekends ago (won tickets courtesy of Citysearch!) and it was fantastic. The space was perfect, though quickly packed and crowded, since most of the event was held outdoors and it was a gorgeous 80-degree day out. Inside is set up like a classy bar scene, where the food is all cooked right in front of you while you sip on cocktails/beer. Since this event was all about oysters, I can't give a real opinion on the full menu (though if you check out their Website it is a serious eyefull of yum). However I will say that their fresh as well as their fried oysters are absolutely delicious, and same for their fried Ipswitch clams and fried Point Judith calamari. Overall I would say that this place is definitely worth coming back to try an actual meal at (I'd say more of a lunch place or a casual dinner, since the place does run a little small).

  • Pros: lovely/scenic outdoor location for summer noms
  • Cons: kinda small (for events at least)
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/24/10

Whole meal was delicious!

by cittygrrl at Citysearch

My guy & I tried B&G for the first time on Sunday. The lobster bisque was tasty (not too rich, no lobster pieces though). The fish sandwich was excellent (breading was light, fresh flaky fish tended to keep falling out of the too big bun) right down to the shoe string fries & crispy sweet pickles on the side. The swordfish saltimbocca was perfect - portion on the smaller side but every bite was flavorful. The chocloate beer cake was good but the vanilla bean panna cotta was delicious! We also had half a dozen Pemaquid oysters that were super fresh - love that salt water flavor! Would've had a dozen (or more) if they weren't $2.65 per oyster though... Only complaint was the rolls that were like shoe leather - tough to tear apart & had to be soaked in the olive oil to be chewable. Service was good, enjoyed sitting at the bar watching all the action. Was extremely busy on a Sunday afternoon but we didn't feel crowded or rushed. Overall had a great experience - will definitely go back!

  • Pros: The food!!
  • Cons: Little pricey for the oysters
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/01/10

Fantastic

by dave b at Citysearch

The waitress we had was incredible! Every suggestion she made was spot on! Lobster roll... perfect!

Oyster selection was as good as have ever seen.

  • Pros: Incredible wine pairings with Oysters
  • Cons: Small
4 Star Rating: Recommended

02/10/10

Bivalve me tender

by Alex Rosenzweig , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

If you're looking for oysters or other raw bar selections, BnG is one of the top spots in the city. Though a bit on the small side, the cozy decor draws you in and solid drinks/wine list pairs well with the menu. Oyster sampler is a must for any bivalve aficionado. Food is overall competes with the likes of Neptune Oyster, where it wins on the drink/wine paring, though BnG wins on service and atmosphere. Watching the kitchen as you sit at the bar and enjoy your wine and food.

  • Pros: Fresh and fast seafood
  • Cons: small space, crowded

The Details on B & G Oysters

Place Categories:

  • great favorite oysters
  • good food
  • good service
  • absolutely delicious everything
  • worst experience
  • recommend place
  • favorite small restaurant
  • delicious fried artichoke
  • elegant space
  • fresh good quality shellfish
  • warm server
  • very good scallops
  • great appetizer
  • knowledgeable staff
  • fun hostess
  • great variety
  • delicious signature dish
  • perfect swordfish saltimbocca
  • good g oysters
  • outstanding sea scallops w sweet potato tortelloni
  • great entrees
  • enjoy wine
  • interesting flavor combinations
  • great seafood
  • good b
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