National Oyster Day returns on Tuesday, August 5, and Philadelphia-area restaurants are celebrating the beloved bivalve with coastal charm and creative flair. From briny, ice-cold classics to coal-roasted shells and champagne-laced mignonettes, oysters are stealing the summer spotlight. Expect oyster-forward menu features at standout spots including Alice, Jansen, Oltremare, Square 1682, Stella of New Hope, The Hayes, and The Twisted Tail.
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Alice, a seasonal American restaurant found in the heart of the Italian Market, offers two oyster dishes perfect for celebrating National Oyster Day. The Barnegat Bay Oysters ($19) are served raw with a refreshing cucumber aguachile, while the Coal Roasted Oysters ($21) are finished with garlic lager butter and house hot sauce — providing a bold, summer-ready flavor in every shell.
Reservations are encouraged and can be made via Resy here.
Hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday 5pm—10pm and Sunday 5pm—9pm
901 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA | 215.798.6766 | Website | Instagram
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Jansen, Mt. Airy’s contemporary and award-winning New American restaurant by Chef David Jansen, spotlights oysters two ways for National Oyster Day. Guests can enjoy a half dozen raw oysters—East Coast ($22) or West Coast ($26)—or opt for the indulgent Oysters Rockefeller ($26), baked with fontina, lager, mustard greens, bacon, and breadcrumbs. Elegant and elevated, each preparation is a natural fit for Jansen’s refined summer menu.
Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made via Resy.
Hours of operation: Tuesday through Thursday from 5 – 8pm and Friday – Saturday 5 – 9pm
7402 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA | 267.335.5041 | Website Instagram Facebook X
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Square 1682, the lively modern American kitchen located inside the Kimpton Hotel Palomar, is perfectly positioned to celebrate National Oyster Day on Tuesday, August 5, with its popular Buck-a-Shuck special. Every Tuesday from 5 to 8 pm, the restaurant offers fresh East Coast Oysters for just $1 each, paired with a rotating selection of seasonal garnishes that highlight the oysters’ natural brininess and freshness. This year, the weekly special aligns with the holiday itself, giving oyster lovers an ideal opportunity to toast the occasion in style.
Reservations are encouraged and can be made via OpenTable here.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8am—11am for breakfast; Monday through Thursday 11:30am—2pm, Friday 11:30am—3pm for lunch; Tuesday through Thursday 5pm—10pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm—11pm for dinner; Friday and Saturday 3pm—5pm for mid-day menu; Saturday 9am—3pm, Sunday 9am—2pm for brunch
121 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, PA | 215.563.5008 | Website | Instagram
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Stella of New Hope, Bucks County’s modern American restaurant located in the Ghost Light Inn boasting 180 degree views of the Delaware River, is the ultimate riverfront destination for celebratingNational Oyster Day in Bucks County. Featured on the dinner menu, the restaurant offers Oysters on the Half Shell (MP), served with seasonal granita, mignonette, lemon, and house-made cocktail sauce. Guests can indulge in the briny goodness while enjoying the picturesque river views.
Reservations can be made here.
Hours of operation: Tuesday- Thursday 4 pm-9 pm, Friday- Sunday Brunch 11am-2pm, Friday- Saturday 4pm– 10 pm, Sunday 4 pm – 9 pm
50 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938 • 267.740.2691 • Website • Instagram • Facebook
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The Hayes, Midtown Village’s contemporary American tavern and gastropub from acclaimed Chef Townsend Wentz, is celebrating National Oyster Day with a pair of oyster-forward offerings. From the starters section of the menu, guests can enjoy the Oysters ½ Shell ($20), featuring a half dozen East Coast oysters served on ice with fresh lemon and classic mignonette. In addition, The Hayes will spotlight its popular 2 Buck a Shuck promotion during daily happy hour from 3–6 PM. This crowd-pleasing special offers East Coast oysters for just $2 each, making it the perfect way to toast to National Oyster Day while exploring a variety of small plates and discounted beverages from the bar’s robust cocktail, beer, and wine list.
Hours of operation: Wednesday through Sunday 11:30am – 12am. Kitchen closes at 10:30pm.
1123 Walnut Street, Philadelphia | 215.982.2192 | www.thehayesphl.com
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The Twisted Tail, Headhouse Square’s restaurant, bar and live music venue, is a paradise for oyster enthusiasts. During the restaurant’s social hour, offered from 4pm-6pm, guests are invited to grab a seat at the large (air-conditioned) indoor bar and enjoy Buck-a-Shuck Oysters (1/2 dozen oysters for $6), served with vodka cocktail sauce, hot sauce, and mignonette. The Twisted Tail also offers Oysters on the Half Shell ($18), available on the dinner menu from 4pm-10pm.
Reservations are encouraged and can be made here.
Hours of operation: Monday – Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm; Friday 4 pm – 12 am; Saturday 11 am – 12 am; Sunday 10 am – 10 pm
509 S. 2nd St. | 215.558.2471 | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter