B & G Oysters Ltd.

06/30/2008 Posted by prustitant

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.

Pros: Amazing oysters!!!!

Cons: Food is good, but overpriced. Service is mediocre.

06/02/2008 Posted by getchell

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.

Pros: really great oysters, good location, decent wine list

Cons: cranky servers, overwhelmed hostess, a bit pricey.