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You know that seafood legend you vaguely remember about only eating shellfish during months that contain the letter ‘R’? Thankfully it’s way outdated, leaving you to enjoy the summer months with a belly full of oysters—and plenty of cash left in your wallet. As it turns out, there are plenty of spots throughout the city that offer amazing deals on one of the oceans’ most appetizing and expensive critters. Whether you’re in Midtown East, Greenpoint, or Long Island City and in the mood for just one or a dozen, chances are there’s an afterwork or a late night special on a selection of fresh Blue Points, Malpeques or Royal Miyagis close by. So as it nears 5 p.m., don’t waste your dollar bills on the vending machine. Instead head to one of these great destinations and use those singles for an infinitely more sexy, satisfying and slurp-worthy 5 p.m. snack.
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S Prime
Address: 35-15 36th St.
When: Tuesday-Thursday, 5-8 p.m.
Website: sprimenyc.com
Come for the oysters, stay for the steak and don't worry about blowing your entire paycheck at Long Island City's swanky S Prime. All the items of the restaurant's Bar Bites menu are heavily discounted three days a week with the $3 Blue Points going for a buck on top of half-priced drinks, lobster sliders, calamari and much more.
Wild Edibles
Address: 535 Third Ave.
When: Everyday, 12-6 p.m.
Website: wildedibles.com
Slurp your deliciously fresh brunch, lunch or dinner down for just 99 cents a pop at this highly rated Murray Hill seafood haunt—and wash it down on the cheap, too. For every six oysters you order, you can get a $4 lager.
Sel De Mer
Address: 374 Graham Ave.
When: Everyday, 4-8 p.m.
Website: yelp.com
Gets the dollar price tag daily at this affordable and non-pretentious seafood spot. Wine and beer is half off, too!
The Saint Austere
Address: 613 Grand St.
When: Monday-Saturday, 6-8 p.m.
Website: thesaintaustere.com
Passersby are naturally drawn to this rustic tapas restaurant thanks to the "$1 Oysters" sign that they hang outside, but don't worry if you miss the magic window. There's usually one type of East Coast oyster available and it will cost you just a dollar more after 8 p.m., whether you order just one or dozens.
Maison Premiere
Address: 298 Bedford Ave.
When: Everyday, 4-7 p.m.
Website: maisonpremiere.com
Everyone already knows that Maison Premiere's oysters live up to the hype, but it's rare that a happy hour selection can be just as satisfying to your palate and your wallet as a regular dinner menu. That's where this Bedford Avenue hot spot delivers, too. With close to 20 different varieties available during happy hour, you'll get the broadest and possibly most delicious selection for your buck (even if some uncommon types will run you an extra 25 cents).
Crave Fishbar
Address: 945 Second Ave.
When: Monday-Friday, 5-7 p.m.
Website: cravefishbar.com
About a dozen varieties of oysters are available during this delicious two-hour window, so come hungry, pair it with half-priced sparking wine, and make hanging out in midtown east during your free time count.
MP Taverna
Address: 31-29 Ditmars Blvd.
When: Weekdays 11 p.m.-1 a.m. & Weekends 11 p.m.-2 a.m.
Website: yelp.com
This go-to Greek tavern is perfect for early birds and night owls alike. Happy hour specials include $5 well drinks and dollar gyro-spiced sliders and the menu remains available at the bar during all college and NFL football games. Maybe you can make Sunday Night Football date night after all.
Black Crescent
Address: 76 Clinton St.
When: Everyday, 6-8 p.m. and 12-1 a.m.
Website: yelp.com
Penny pinchers rejoice: This is a 99 cent happy hour. Since opening in January, this Lower East Side cocktail and seafood spot is quickly gaining a reputation for its generous happy hour offerings (and awesome cocktail menu). Whether kicking off your night or finishing it off, you'll be able to choose between a rotating selection of four options from the East and West coast including Fanny Bay, Canada Cup, Royal Miyagi and, of course, Black Crescent.
The Dead Rabbit
Address: 30 Water St.
When: Monday-Friday, 5-7 p.m.
Website: deadrabbitnyc.com
Finally, a perfect watering hole for those who work all the way down by the water. Proclaimed "Best Everyman Bar" by New York magazine last year, this FiDi saloon offers $1 Blue Points and specially priced Pernod absinthe cocktails in the upstairs parlor during their "L'Heure Verte" hour.
Essex
Address: 120 Essex St.
When: Sunday-Friday, 5-8 p.m.
Website: essexnyc.com
Don't let this hotspot's boozy brunch hog the spotlight. After all, a three-hour oyster happy hour in the Lower East Side is hard to come by. Make a reservation or sit at the bar and enjoy half-priced drinks as well as a rotating selection of dollar oysters (usually Blue Points).