In honor of National Oyster Day on Wednesday, August 5, restaurants across Philadelphia and the surrounding region are showcasing the beloved bivalve in a variety of preparations. Whether served raw on the half shell, roasted over coal, or paired with bright mignonettes and crisp pours, oysters remain a summertime favorite and the perfect excuse to gather around the table. Expect oyster-forward menu features at standout spots including Alice, Estia, Stella of New Hope, The Twisted Tail, and Urban Farmer.
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Alice, a seasonal American restaurant found in the heart of the Italian Market, is serving two oyster dishes for National Oyster Day, each showcasing a different take on the coastal favorite. The Barnegat Bay Oysters ($19) are served raw with a refreshing cucumber aguachile and avocado, while the Coal Roasted Oysters ($22) are finished with garlic lager butter and house hot sauce for a richer, more savory bite. Whether ordering one or both, the duo offers a fresh way to celebrate the occasion.
Reservations are encouraged and can be made via OpenTable.
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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Estia, the modern Greek restaurant known for its whole fish and Mediterranean cuisine, offers a selection of fresh coastal specialties perfect for National Oyster Day. Diners can enjoy the Chef’s Daily Selection of Oysters ($19/$33), served with cocktail sauce and mignonette. Pair the oysters with a glass of Assyrtiko ($19), a crisp, dry Greek white wine, for the perfect coastal-inspired dining experience.
Reservations are encouraged and can be made here.
Hours of operation: Sunday through Thursday: 3:00pm – 8:30pm; Friday through Saturday: 3:00pm – 9:30pm
1405-07 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215.735.7700 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Stella of New Hope, Bucks County’s modern American restaurant located within the Ghost Light Inn, is the perfect riverfront destination for celebrating National Oyster Day. Offering sweeping views of the Delaware River, the restaurant serves Oysters on the Half Shell during dinner, featuring a selection of East and West Coast oysters accompanied by seasonal granita, mignonette, lemon, and house-made cocktail sauce. Guests can choose from a half dozen East Coast oysters ($26), a half dozen West Coast oysters ($38), or a mixed half dozen with three of each ($32), making Stella of New Hope the ideal spot to savor fresh oysters alongside picturesque waterfront views.
Reservations for Stella of New Hope are always encouraged and can be made on OpenTable.
Hours of operation: Tuesday–Thursday, 4–9 pm; Friday–Sunday, brunch 11 am–2 pm; Friday–Saturday, 4–10 pm; Sunday, 4–9 pm
50 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA | 267.740.2691 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
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The Twisted Tail, a Southern-inspired contemporary American restaurant, bar, and live music venue in the heart of Headhouse Square, is a must-visit destination for oyster lovers this National Oyster Day. During Social Hour, offered daily from 4–6 pm, guests can grab a seat at the spacious indoor bar and enjoy the restaurant’s popular Buck-a-Shuck special, featuring a half dozen oysters for just $6, served with vodka cocktail sauce, hot sauce, and mignonette. For those dining later, Oysters on the Half Shell ($18) are available during dinner service from 4–10 pm.
Reservations for The Twisted Tail are encouraged and can be made on OpenTable.
Hours of operation: Monday–Thursday, 4–10 pm; Friday, 4 pm–12 am; Saturday, 11 am–12 am; Sunday, 10 am–10 pm
509 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA | 215.558.2471 | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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Urban Farmer, the modern American steakhouse known for its locally sourced ingredients, in-house butcher shop, and robust mushroom program, is celebrating National Oyster Day with its Oysters ($24) served with champagne mignonette. The dish showcases fresh, expertly prepared oysters paired with bright champagne mignonette, making it the perfect way to toast the occasion before enjoying one of the restaurant’s signature steaks or seasonal dishes.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via OpenTable.
Hours of operation: Monday through Sunday, 7am – 2pm, and 4pm – 11:30pm
1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA | 215.963.2788 | Website | Instagram | X | Facebook