If you’re on the hunt for fresh, briny delights, you’ve come to the right place because Maine’s oyster scene is second to none. And if you’re looking for oysters that won’t break the bank, you’re doubly in luck. Portland has a variety of oyster socials, buck-a-shuck, happy hours, and raw bar deals, that are sure to satisfy your seafood cravings, whether you’re an oyster aficionado or a curious newbie.
We’ve rounded up some our favorite places where you can slurp and savor to your heart’s content. The world is literally your oyster, so grab a friend, a glass of something crisp, and get shucking
On Wednesdays, make your way to the Old Port for a seafood lover’s dream at Blyth and Burrows.
This upscale cocktail bar offers $1 oysters, $1.50 shrimp cocktails, and $2 Jonah crab in a chic setting. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and small plates as part of Blyth’s Oyster Social, running from 4 pm to 9 pm. It’s the perfect midweek treat for those craving fresh seafood and innovative drinks. Walk-ins only.
Wednesdays are the day for oysters! Also on Wednesdays, you can dive into Maine Craft Distilling’s Buck-a-Shuck deal, where you can enjoy fresh oysters for just $1 each, starting at 5:30 pm.
Pair your oysters with their happy hour from 4 pm – 6 pm, featuring deals on drinks, snacks, and more. Savor fresh Maine flavors and unwind in style!
The way Portland does summer, enjoy fresh and locally sourced raw oysters for $4 each at The Porthole! The raw bar excitement doesn’t stop there—treat yourself to a colossal shrimp cocktail each priced at $4. Craving a little bit of everything? Go for the combo. Enjoy these seafood delights with a beautiful view from the end of The Porthole deck. Open 7 days a week!
Already known for their exotic flavors, crazy creativity, fusion flair, and late-night fun, Paper Tiger has now added an amazing $2 Buck-Shuck to their list of offerings.
During happy hour, Paper Tiger features a rotating selection of up to three local oysters, each served with their house Bloody Mary mignonette for an extra kick. Happy hour deals (including Buck Shuck oysters) runs every Monday through Friday from 3-6pm.
Photo: Porttown Public House
When it comes to oyster indulgence, Porttown Public House on Commercial Street knows how to deliver. With $2.50 oysters and $3.50 jumbo shrimp, this lively sports and beer bar invites you to savor the freshest flavors of the sea. Life is your oyster, and if you’re not living it up here at Porttown, are you really living?
A lively cocktail bar and restaurant known for its vibrant, yet relaxed, atmosphere, delicious offerings and late night karaoke, East Ender also has a 3 Buck-A-Shuck special featuring Maine oysters served with your choice of cocktail sauce or mignonette. Enjoy fresh oysters and a fun evening out in the Old Port!
Highroller Lobster Co. is your go-to spot for more than just killer lobster rolls. At their raw bar, enjoy fresh, local oysters for $4 each or go big with a Lucky 7 or Baker’s Dozen, all local and all shucked to order just for you. They come with the usual suspects: house mignonette, lemon, cocktail sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. And here’s a summer twist—try their Mango Habañero mignonette for a sweet and spicy kick.
And if you’re really looking to elevate your oyster experience, check out Bony’s Big Ol’ Bloody Mary. This monstrous drink combines lobster, bacon, shrimp, oyster, and caviar with their house Bloody Mary mix. It’s worthy of the mention.
Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room is your waterfront destination for all things seafood. Boone’s has been a go to spot for many since its opening in 1898, with iconic dishes such as their baked stuffed lobster. However, Boone’s is about more than just lobster. They currently have a great happy hour special featuring $1 oysters, $9 snacks, $5 wine, and $5 draft beer. Happy hour is available everyday from 3-5pm!
If you’re still hungry after happy hour, stay for dinner and explore the full menu featuring dishes such as pan seared sea scallops, clam chowder, filet mignon, grilled salmon, and more.
For a truly unique (and mobile) oyster experience, check out Lady Shuckers, your go-to mobile raw bar. This awesome raw bar sources top-notch Maine oysters from a network of women-owned sea farms, bringing a fresh spin to the local oyster scene.
You’ll often find Lady Shuckers at breweries, distilleries, and even backyard parties (available for hire) across Portland and Maine, serving up oyster options for 3, 6, or 12 oysters—or you can just grab a single to satisfy your cravings. Prices are currently $3 for a single, $11 for 3, $20 for a half dozen, and $35 for a dozen.
Want to catch them in action? Check out Lady Shucker’s online calendar to see where they’ll be popping up next, like their regular spot at Summer Sunsets on Thursdays at Thompson’s Point.
Old Port Sea Grill is a staple in the heart of Portland’s Old Port, serving up fresh seafood since 2002. Their menu shines with a variety of local and imported fish and shellfish, with a particular emphasis on East Coast cold water oysters.
Enjoy the a la carte raw bar at $3.50 each, where oysters are served with cocktail sauce, horseradish, champagne mignonette, lemon, and a rotating selection of flavored ice.
The Shop by Island Creek Oysters on Washington Avenue is the must-visit for oyster enthusiasts and seafood lovers. This charming and Instagrammable raw bar and shellfish market is Island Creek Oysters’ northern hub, where you can savor hand-picked Maine oysters and some from their Duxbury farm.
Enjoy their oysters fresh for about $2 each or dressed up for around $8 with creative toppings like Ginger Thyme Mignonette, Pear Purée, Fennel, and Dukkah.
Maine Oyster Co. in West Bayside is the ultimate spot for casual dining and great oysters. Dive into their $2 oysters and High Life special, and don’t miss their “Oysters of the Night” menu, updated daily online, to see what fresh selections are available.
Beyond oysters, Maine Oyster Co. offers shucking classes, private catered events, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Izakaya Minato brings a unique Japanese twist to Portland’s oyster scene that’s sure to impress even the most skeptical oyster eater.
Their Motoyaki Oysters are broiled Maine oysters with miso custard and ponzu offer a transformative experience, blending rich flavors and textures for a truly unforgettable taste. At just $4 each, you can enjoy as many as you like, making it a perfect treat for those who want to explore their culinary horizons!
J’s Oyster is an iconic seafood restaurant on Portland’s waterfront, known for delivering fresh quality Maine oysters!
While they don’t host an “oyster social” or a Buck-a-shuck, with oysters right in the name, you know this staple is a reliable spot for oysters at any hour and has to be on the list! Their reputation speaks for itself—even actress Cynthia Nixon from Sex and the City has given her seal of approval.
With options like a half dozen or a baker’s dozen of fresh oysters, J’s ensures that no oyster tour is complete without a stop here. For those looking to elevate their experience, try their Lobster-Stuffed Oysters, Rockefeller Oysters, or Mornay Oysters—or indulge in a sampler of all three!
