When I see a restaurant with the word “oyster” in the title, I have a pretty good feeling that I am going to like it. And as predicted, I’m a big fan of Select Oyster Bar in Boston’s Back Bay.
Select Oyster Bar first made it’s way on to my “must-try” list after reading Meghan’s blog post last Spring. It took me quite a while to make my first trip, not making it until December for a Christmas celebration. This past Friday, MJD and I visited again and since we loved it so much the last time, I made sure to take pics to share with you this time around 🙂
Select Oyster is located in the heart of Back Bay on Gloucester Street between Boylston and Newbury. With exposed brick and rustic lantern lighting, you are greeted with an awesome ambiance as soon as you walk in to the 800-square foot restaurant. The front area of the restaurant features the bar and some window seats which would be perfect for people watching, as well as a larger communal table. As you make your way through the restaurant, the back “room” is a screened in patio area, which opens up during the warmer months. I can’t wait to go back during the summer and sit out there!
MJD and I had a reservation and were seated just a few minutes after our res time. It was a Friday night and they were seriously packed. It was loud, lively and fun with Jay Z and Snoop Dogg coming through the speakers. We started off with two of the drink specials- me ordering a featured glass of rose from Provence and MJD with a drink called the Lion’s Tail which was a rye whisky based drink. It did take a bit longer than we expected to receive our drinks after we sat down, but we both chalked it up to it being a busy Friday night. This was not the case on our first visit to Select, so I’m going to assume this was an anomaly :).
To start, we obviously had to order some oysters, starting with the Island Creek and the Wellfleet. Both were delicious and I felt truly summery with my oysters and rose! We also ordered the Prince Edward Island mussels as an appetizer. Both of us loved them- served in a carrot- tomato romesco broth, the flavors were great and bold. The crunchy bread was perfect for dipping into the broth as well.
Since we had a bunch of starters, I decided to go with a starter as my entrée. I had done this the last time I visited Select also and it was the perfect amount of food. I ordered a prawn special for my entrée, prepared with white wine, basil and served with a house made hummus. The server described the dish as their take on scampi and it was light, super fresh tasting and lovely. It was definitely small plate size, but that was okay for me- just be aware if you are ordering this way too. MJD had the artic char which I of course snuck a bite of. It was cooked to perfection with mustard and pancetta on the side for some delish flavor combinations.
During other visits to Select Oyster, I’ve also had the avocado toast which was a great side if you ordered a starter for your entrée. It’s perfect for sharing as well. One other thing about Select which I knew from prior visits is they do not serve dessert. As you know I have a big sweet tooth, I do wish they had it.
Chef Michael Serpa has a hit with his first restaurant, Select Oyster Bar. I’d definitely recommend it for any oyster or seafood lovers in Boston, or those visiting looking for some yummy eats in Back Bay.
xoxo, Jenna
Yum! I need to go back!
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So good! Thanks for inspiring me 😀
Nothing better than Wellfleets, Island Creeks and Rose! I definitely need to make a return trip! your meal looks really good.
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Totally agree- pretty perfect meal! It was super yummy! Hope when you go back it isn’t snowing 😉
Oh goodness I’m starving now lol I can’t wait to visit Boston one day and try out all of these fabulous places that you blog about!
XOXO Morgan
http://www.styleonedge.net
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Would love to have you visit and take you out! We do need a SC girls trip somewhere for sure ❤️
Oysters are seriously the best food ever- my personal ridiculous record is 4 dozen and a time. This place looks amazing! Hugs, Kait
http://www.makeminemaroon.com
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That is an impressive personal record! Love them too 🙂 Come visit and we can go eat so many oysters there ;)!
xoxo!
All of the food looks absolutely amazing! Wishing I was in that area right about now! YUM!!
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Thanks Scout! I love seafood too!
This looks absolutely amazing! I love the photography and the oysters look BOMB! I’m a big seafood fan myself!!
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Thanks girl! xoxo!
yummy! We love Oysters and all seafood, really, so this looks like a place we need to try. And with a side of rose?! #roseallday 😉
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Yes!! Rose all day for sure! Let me know what you think if you visit
So I’m not so good with raw oysters but seafood I love so I will be checking this out!! Looks great! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
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There are tons of other delish options beyond oysters, you’d like it a lot, Biana!
xoxo!