Oysters in or close to Monmouth County

[NeptuneCitizen]

We'd like to get some top quality oysters for a good price. We'll eat out or try shucking at home. If you know a place that offers great value, we'd consider driving out of our way to get them.

The Shipwreck grill in Brielle has had a decent selection, but you're paying 2-3 dollars a shell. That's fine, but there's no need for them to only be a high class food. At least I hope that's the case. Thanks in advance for your help.

[MGZ]

To the extent any of you have the opportunity to discuss the menu oysters at any of these establishments, or in fact are involved in the menu selections, please encourage the inclusion of some of the oysters raised in our local waters. I submit that the reinvigoration of the fishery is both encouraging and exciting. I am a fan of the diverse subtleties that the flavors of various bivalves posess. Nevertheless, the fact that we may once again have abundant, local, delicious, inexpensive oysters thrills the food geek inside me. $1.50 oyster specials are great, but imagine a plate of 6 for $2.50! Moreover, we may again see oysters hours out of water, instead of days (weeks).

BTW - For those of you who prefer hands without scars, try steaming a dozen in about a quater inch of water in a covered 12 inch pan. Dip in drawn butter, tabasco, or cocktail sauce - Hell they're even tasty plain!

[tom246]

They are not local but here is what BPG is currently offering. Nice selection.

RAW BAR (per ½ dozen)

Oyster Tasting - Any 18
Kumamoto - Baja California
Wiley Point - Maine
Blackberry Point - P. E. I.
Beau Soleil - Nova Scotia
Canada Cups - New Brunswick
Malpaque - P. E. I.
Blue Point - Connecticut
Wianno - Massachusetts
Watch Hill - Rhode Island

[njfoodies]

Not Monmouth County, but we go to Blue Point Grill in Princeton to get our oyster fix. Definitely not the best pricing out there, but they usually have anywhere from 6-12 different types of oysters from Blue Points to Kumamoto's. They also have an oyster sampler that is tasty and features 2 dozen oysters of different varietals.

It's been a while since we've been there and definitely need to revisit. Last time we were there we sat at a table out front and it was a gorgeous night...of course we were envyiing the table next to us drinking the '97 Phelps Insignia. YUM! -mJ

[tom246]

Njfoodie has this right. Blue Point has a great variety of fresh oysters. It is however in Mercer County, not Monmouth.

[AC Captain]

Blue Point's oyster selection is really awesome. Pretty funny that one of the best places to get oysters in the state is 50 miles from the beach.

Stella Marina offers half price oysters during happy hour.

[white light]

Brandl has 1/2 price oyster specials on Thursday

1/2 price: ½ shell, Shooters, Chowder, Casino, Rockefeller, & Fritz

[AC Captain]

IWhite Light
I'v been meaning to try Brandl's oyster special. Have you tried it? Any feedback?
Stella's is pretty basic only one selection, usually blue points. Usual suspects for sides.

[white light]

I haven't been there on a Thursday for the special but have had both oysters on the half shell and the shooters multiple times and they've been great (my wife even became a convert of raw oysters from here). I think they usually serve bluepoints.

[MGZ]

I don't know how many of you have noticed, but it appears the efforts to resuscitate the local oyster fishery seem to be paying off. I have seen an noticable increase in the availability of Jersey oysters. Most recently I picked up a baker's dozen from Point Lobster for $5.99. Not a bad deal for the home shucker!

[bgut1]

Good to know. Thanks MGZ.

[TomT]

If you go the shuck at home route, Lusty Lobster in Highlands carries a few varieties of oysters at any given time. You can sign up on their website for their mailing list, they use this route to deliver coupons semi-regularly. Recent specials had 50 littlenecks for $15, and a 25 lb. box of steamers for $85.

No affiliation other than shopping there.

www.bestlobster.com

[white light]

I agree Shipwreck usually has good ones, but they are on the pricey side.

Wherever you go I'd look for cold water varieties since it's not really the season for them.

[jsfein]

I've been pleased with the Blue Points at Park Avenue Bistro in Freehold. I think they go for $2 a pop. The selection, though, is usually limited to 1-2 varieties.

[Tapas52]

We had some delicious fresh shucked West & East Coast Oysters at Le Avenue in Long Branch Pier Village a few weeks ago.....coupled with great Escargot & a interesting Martini Cocktail hour also.

[NJDolfan]

Doris and Eds.
7 different flavors on the menu at all times.

[joonjoon]

Avenue's been doing a happy hour oyster deal..i believe it's 1.50 oysters from 4-7. On Fridays it's supposed to be all night happy hour. I keep meaning to get over there on Friday but missing it..