The Daily Catch Seaport
With a just creamy enough texture, generous potato chunks, meaty pieces of clam, and a house-made biscuit in place of the requisite oyster crackers, the Daily Catch's chowder is an exemplar of the form. 2 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, dailycatch.com.
Roche Bros. Downtown Crossing
Wegmans, shmegmans. This outpost of the local grocery chain offers pretty much anything city dwellers could wish to stow in their Sub-Zero fridges, be it Cockenoe oysters, Unicorn Kisses seltzer, or Dom P̩rignon. 8 Summer St., Boston, MA 02110, rochebros.com.
Ideal Manhattan, Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar
Like an antique wing chair done up in a sharp new print, Citizen's spin on the Manhattan hews to tradition while freshening things up. The cocktail starts with the classic recipe (Maker's Mark, sweet vermouth, Angostura), then amps it up with a touch of the unconventional (St. Germain, grapefruit bitters). The final effect? True to the original cocktail's spirit, but tastier. 1310 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2215, .
The Banks Fish House
This souped-up spin on a classic succeeds thanks to its middle-of-the-road thickness, a bit of elegance (and flavor contrast) from the bright-green chive oil, and the sheer amount of clams and pork belly. The double-carb side — oyster crackers and a tasty little dinner bun — doesn’t hurt. 406 Stuart St., Back Bay, MA 02116, thebanksboston.com.
The Brewster Fish House
It's as classic as a bistro gets: petite and boasting seasonal fare, lots of wines by the glass, and genial service. The menu is seafood-oriented, and a plate of the crisp oysters with sea urchin and basil oil, chased by the seared cod with favas, is an elegant way to sample the local bounty. 2208 Main St., Brewster, MA 2631, brewsterfishhouse.com.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Why escape to the Cape for the weekend when you can unwind right in your own backyard? A weekend at this French-style manor can include slurping local oysters in the elegant on-site restaurant; indulging in a seaweed wrap at the 16,500-square-foot marquee spa; or simply relaxing by the fireplace in one of the cozy guest rooms. 35 Landmark Dr., Plymouth, MA 02360, plymouth.mirbeau.com.
Matt Murphy’s Pub
If the sophisticated dark wood paneling didn’t already clue you in, one look at the backlit bar—showcasing a fine selection of whiskeys and excellent draft beers—reveals that this is a pub for the refined Irish drinker. Drop in on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. for completely free, no-strings-attached oysters. 14 Harvard St., Brookline Village , MA 02445, .
Oro
When we're in the mood for a gut-busting morning meal, there's no place like Oro. After devouring the moist blueberry-ricotta pancakes and braised-pork-spiked huevos rancheros, we go for an order of fresh-as-can-be oysters with rice-wine mignonette—chased by a classic bloody mary, of course. 162 Front St., Scituate, MA 2066, restaurantoro.com.
Biba
The bar at Biba is a scene, with the local swells packing the place every night. They must be coming for the sensational bar snacks—especially the crispy scallion pancakes, and the oyster shooters with vodka. 272 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Tapestry
What happens when you mix a tropics-inspired lounge with an upscale pizzeria? In this case, a neighborhood go-to. Grab a pie straight from the wood-fired oven, or stop by the Club Room for the $1 oyster deals. 69 Kilmarnock St., Boston, MA 02215, tapestry.restaurant.
Barbara Lynch, Barbara Lynch Gruppo
Not content merely to launch the city's best new restaurant and upscale bar while keeping No. 9 Park, B&G Oysters, and the Butcher Shop running on all cylinders, Lynch is now planning a fine-dining concept in Fort Point. Her ambition, like her excellence, knows no bounds. barbaralynch.com.
Row 34
Sure, you could take out-of-towners here for a traditional New England fish-and-chips meal—but this temple to craft beer and raw oysters is so much more than that. Cases in point: the meaty striped-bass-head tacos and grilled salmon collar with charred peanuts and cilantro. 383 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, row34.com.
Jonah's
Chowder, five salads, seven fish entrées, clams and oysters on the half shell, lobster, dessert—all for less than fifteen dollars. And after dinner, you might venture upstairs to the revolving Spinnaker lounge for a trip around the Boston skyline. Hyatt Regency, 575 Memorial Dr., Cambridge, MA .
The Red Inn
With its wide windows and incredible vistas, this circa-1915 inn offers a clam's-eye view of Provincetown Harbor and the lighthouse at Long Point. Hardwood floors and beamed ceilings set the mood for platters of fresh-off-the-local-boat cod, lobster, and oysters. The only thing missing is sand between your toes. 15 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA theredinn.com.
Skipjack's Seafood Emporium
Skipjack's is obsessed with providing the freshest seafood in the neighborhood in a setting of nautical charm and modern comfort. Its oyster list boasts aphrodisiacs from up and down the eastern seaboard, and its entrée menu abounds with specials such as spiced wasabi-crusted salmon and a "Lobster Spectacular" that lives up to its name. 55 Needham St., Newton, MA .