Time to Visit Neptune Oyster
I know Neptune Oyster has been written about roughly every week on the boards, but I was wondering about the best time to go. If this has been discussed before, I apologize!
I'll be in Boston this winter. Would it be better to go for lunch one day or just try to do dinner and live with the wait? I don't mind waiting a little, but the last time I tried to go the wait was over and hour and a half. Does it make any difference on how packed it is depending on the season?
Also, depending on which would be better, please offer any detailed time suggestions (i.e. - 11:30, 1:00, 6:00, etc.)
Any input is greatly appreciated!
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My fave time to arrive at Neptune Oyster is at 11:15 a.m. on a Saturday, that way you'll be close to the front of the line for the 11:30 open. In the winter, wear layers and bring a book or a Kindle to pass the time. There is nothing so satisfying as when someone appears to raise the window grates and open the door to let the line in. Once there you will find a bit of a delay in service as the staff takes the initial orders and gets them worked, but not much: they are pros.
There is something faintly decadent and very exciting about slurping muscadet and cherrystones at the stroke of noon! Then have your warm lobster roll while in winter I work the tuna ribbons, in summer the lobster caprese.
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re: marais
MC Slim JB
Nov 15, 2012 08:18 PM
With apologies to Dave Barry, Tuna Ribbons would make a great band name.
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Thanks for all the advice and tips. I was wondering what else to try other than the lobster roll too, as I love scallops I might have to test out the scallop dish.
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re: Lefty721
CapeCodGuy
Nov 15, 2012 06:22 PM
If you get a chance to try our local bay scallops ANYWHERE, do so. They'll usually be called Nantucket Bays or Cape Cod Bays, Only available from Oct. to about March depending on supply. Sweet as candy.
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MC Slim JB
Nov 15, 2012 07:09 AM
My preferred window is more like 2:30-4:30pm on weekdays. That's not gonna work for everyone, obviously, but it's the only time it ever feels relaxed, unjammed, and it's busy sometimes even at that time.
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re: CapeCodGuy
opinionatedchef
Nov 15, 2012 03:08 PM
ccg, that has also been our experience in previous WINTERS but not in other seasons. Just a heads up for future visitors reading this. I do think that in winter, if you go at 5 (it's open straight through anyway) you have a chance of a non-wait. And you are always at an advantage if you are willing to sit at the counter( and yes, be jostled from behind).While consensus is 90% positive on their warm lobster roll and fried clams, I really encourage you to try their non-trad dishes- where Nick's talents are many (It's almost impossible for us to not order the vitello/sushi tuna sandwich and the scallop dish!)
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re: opinionatedchef
Infomaniac
Nov 16, 2012 10:17 AM
If April last year was your first visit to NO, how many WINTERS or seasons could you experience?
I had lunch here yesterday (Vitello Tonnato) with only a half hour wait at noon.
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It is definitely less crowded in the winter, but there will still be a wait at peak times. You can just leave your cell#, walk around the north end or grab a drink and they will call when your table is ready. This is the easiest approach for me, rather than trying to nail the exact right time.
Otherwise you can grab a seat right when they open at 11:30a, though I have seen more people queueing at this time lately when in the area. Mid afternoon is usually a good quiet time to go with no wait. Expect to wait any time around dinner even in the winter.
