Best Bets
Best oyster happy hours
By Julia Beizer | Washington Post Staff Writer | Updated 10/23/2009
Sweet, briny and fun to eat, these shimmering beauties are more seductive appetizers than, say, chicken wings. (All happy hour promotions are available year-round and throughout the restaurant unless noted.)
Black's Bar & Kitchen
Bethesda, MD
The business-casual crowd gathers around the sizable bar at Black's during happy hour. Snag a seat at the front end of the bar for a great view of the shuckers opening salty half shells from the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. (Chesapeake Bay oysters are two for the price of one at the bar and on the patio from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.)
Hank's Oyster Bar
Multiple Locations
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Hank's Oyster Bar
(Washington, DC)
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Hank's Oyster Bar -- Old Town
(Alexandria, VA)
Because Hank's sources well, there is bound to be a nicely curated selection from both coasts. The servers and bartenders are a great resource, pointing out the flavor notes in all the options. (Three kinds of oysters are $1 each from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Happy hour year-round in Alexandria; only during the cooler months in the District.)
Old Ebbitt Grill
Washington, DC
The Ebbitt is perhaps king of the oyster bars in town. During happy hour, all items on the raw bar menu are half-price, which means you can even order the usually $95 Orca platter. Expect a mix of blue-blazered locals and weary tourists at the bar. (Half-price raw bar items -- except the lobster cocktail -- from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Sea Catch Restaurant & Raw Bar
Washington, DC
Tucked away in Canal Square, Sea Catch is a bit of a sleeper, but its selection is among the best in town. The bar discounts only two varieties during happy hour, but often includes sweet Chef Creeks and Long Island Blue Points. (Selected oysters are $1 at the bar from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.)
Urbana
Washington, DC
Twenty- and 30-somethings flock to Urbana's happy hour for thin pizzas, cheese selections and discounted glasses of wine, but since August, the subterranean lounge has offered oysters on its munch list. The selection changes daily and often features samples from Virginia, California and Nova Scotia. ($1 each from 5-7 p.m. daily.)
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