B & G Oysters

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prustitant

Joined 5 years ago

Wonderful Oysters. I have been to B&G Oysters twice now, and I must say that I am eager to visit again. The wine list is nice, including some muscadet that is perfect for oysters. What the diner can ALWAYS expect is amazingly fresh oysters. While waiting, you can hear the ice grinding for the presentation, the oysters are juicey/briney, and flavorful, well-shucked, and the presentation is always nice. The condiments are always fresh, but the oysters with a hint of lemon are also just as pleasing.

Out of the food I've had here, everything is delicious. The fried artichoke was delicious, but a little difficult to eat. The calamari was fried very well, with each morsel being even. The softshell crab has too much cilantro for my tastes, but the peppers underneath are surprising and flavorful, and the crab is absolutely divine. The panna cotta is well-executed with nothing extra added.

My only complaints about the place are the service and the prices. The first time I went, the service was not too slow, especially considering how packed the place was. My date and I sat at a communal table outside, and the people next to us were close, but nice. The second time, the restaurant was practically empty, we sat outside, and the service was just as slow! Furthermore, the oyster menu we received was not the "dinner" oyster menu. Therefore, when we ordered, the oysters we received included some oysters that we did not order! Lastly, the price for the oysters are $2.55 each, putting a dozen at $30.60. Between two people, a dozen is definitely not enough, especially if you want food with it, and some wine. The food is pretty pricey considering the portions, which is probably why they don't include the prices on the website. Consequently, if you're in the mood for good oysters, I recommend the place. But perhaps you'll want to eat a meal somewhere else before or after dining here.

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getchell

Joined 5 years ago

Great Oysters, Bit Pricey, Twice Poor Service. It's a busy Monday night, and we have no reservation. Place is packed. We leave our name and mobile number @ 8:45, are told "30 minutes; we'll call you" and proceed back down the street to await our summons. 45 minutes later we wander back to inquire, and are told the phone just rang and rang - strange, no missed call, no voicemail, whatever.

I feel as if the hostess could care, but really she just seems overwhelmed. This is the second time in a year I have brought an out-of-town oyster-lover to this establishment, and immediately get the same impression. We wait another 10 minutes, and get seats at the bar.

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. 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.

But the server is not only busy, but also never smiles - just kind of cold. I wonder if I said the wrong thing, who knows? But the vibe is almost rude. Again, it is busy, and it's probably the end of a long night.

But, between the lack of follow-up by the hostess, the coolness of the service, and the price of the food; the quality of the place gets lost. Twice I've tried this place, and twice been turned off, almost as if they don't need to try.

I 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. Within the context of so darn many great eateries within several blocks, I won't be going back any time soon.

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foodiegirl31

Joined 5 years ago

Just a great place. I have been to B&G about 5 or 6 times and each time I have really enjoyed myself. The food of course it just wonderful, it's hard to go wrong with a Barbara Lynch venue. The service is very gracious and consistent, right down to the host staff which can be hard to find sometimes. The bartenders and waitstaff are knowledgable and friendly and the ambience is warm and inviting.

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Eric Grossman

Joined 10 years ago

Status-conscious seafood lovers scarf up celebrity chef's pricey oysters against an upscale, South End backdrop.. 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 (the "L" stands for lobster). Rich homemade desserts include apple Tatin and Meyer lemon cheesecake.

Photo by Justin Ide

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palazzino

Joined 6 years ago

Fun, good food, good service. THis place would make it for sure in NYC. Very good food. Dining experience is small format and tight but that's part of the appeal. Sampled a bunch of different oysters, all very good. WIne list was great. Main course was excellent. We sat at the bar, which is where about 50% of the seating is. It was great. Again, all part of the experience.

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kfb82

Joined 6 years ago

Really fresh seafood. Incredibly fresh good quality shellfish, but really no extra flavors. This is not a place to go for seasoned food. I 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. The oyster selection is exceptional, and they are very good quality oysters. I would recommend this place to someone who is either an oyster afficionado or people who like their food pretty plain.

It's a very crowded and loud place, which gives it a fun buzz, but people who are looking for a quiet place to have a relaxing meal should stay away.

Doesn't Recommend

goodvalueonly

Joined 6 years ago

Worst experience in Boston, don't make the same mistake. I usually never write any reviews but was in this case so disappointed I had to say something

Went to this restaurant based on the excellent reviews.

Saturday eve: we have been waiting for 1h30

Total price 150 dollars for 2, for:

- 6 raw oysters: low quality for 2/3 of oysters tasted

- 6 fried oysters: forget the word oyster, it is just fried batter over tartar sauce

- 2 lobster rolls, the worst 31 dollars for overcooked lobster, no taste

- Wine: 12 dollars/glass for a very low quality chablis

To conclude, don't waste your time or your money for this very low value restaurant

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anine

Joined 7 years ago

Seafood domination. I don?t think you can get better seafood in Boston than B&G. I love everything about this restaurant; food, wine, service, atmosphere. It?s a small space, so if you are a party over 4 people, I would recommend making reservations. Usually stop by the Butcher Shop for a glass of wine before we go, makes the ?Barbara Lynch Experience? even better. The excellent service at B&G needs to be mentioned too.

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collegeincambridge

Joined 7 years ago

Best Seafood in Boston. Barbara Lynch is a genius.. If I had an unlimited budget, I would only eat at Barbara Lynch restaurants. B&G Oysters is the latest in a string of fantastic restaurants. Each one, however, is surprisingly unique. At B&G, I recommend sitting outside weather permitting. You must order the oysters and then sample as many of the tasting plates as possible. Everything is exquisite. Worth the wait.

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desieclipse

Joined 7 years ago

Delicious!. I 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! I also enjoyed the pumpkin soup w/ scallop which was a special for that day.