Citizen Public House is something different on the oyster scene. This is a tavern complete with fried pickles and gourmet pb&j, it is not the place you’d expect to turn out delicious oyster. Somehow this combo really works. Located behind Fenway Park it perfect for a pre or post game snack. And even better when the Red Sox are not in town as the crowds are significantly cut down. Treat yourself to a dozen of their refreshingly filling oysters while socializing with those seated around you at this social oyster bar. With few options you can rest assured the oysters you order are tops.

Mare lets you dine in the North End without a plate of pasta. This seafood restaurant’s focus on sustainable fishing sets it apart from other area eateries. With a raw bar that stands up to other area options, and a menu filled with unique offerings, Mare serves the influx of visitors to the North End as well as locals who can’t get enough of their fresh fish. Rock Crab Spaghettoni and Zuppa di Mare are favorites for those who want a taste of Italy alongside their seafood, while the Grigliata di Pesce and Pan Roasted Halibut showcase the craftsmanship of the kitchen staff. Dishes are simply prepared to showcase the seafood, yet beautifully presented. Large windows allow diners to watch the world go by in this minimally decorated restaurant. The clean lines of the decor reflect the clean flavors found in the food they serve.

Summer Shack has consistently good food, excellent blackboard specials, stiff drinks and a seasoned wait staff. The laid back atmosphere is family friendly, but also offers a bar in another room for those looking to leave the kids behind. Excellent daily specials combined with a variety of classics make Summer Shack a place to return to over and over again. Not a seafood fanatic, the land lover’s menu allows all an equally exciting dining experience, especially the fried chicken and corn dog. Kids are fans of Summer Shack as well, with crayons, write on table cloths, and special events on Sundays just for families (free Sundae bar and balloon animals while you eat), you can get your lobstah’ fix while the kids are entertained.

Union Oyster House is a taste of Boston history. Opened in 1826, and holding the title of America’s oldest restaurant, Union Oyster House still offers one mean oyster bar. Just outside Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Union Oyster House is the perfect place to start your tour. Sit at the first floor raw bar to devour your oysters, or step into the past and explore the rest of the place. Cozy booths line this relic and the smaller scale helps transport diners to a time when things were not so big. Wherever you sit just be sure to take the name seriously because Union Oyster House offers some of the best bivalves you’ll find in Boston.

Legal Harborside Floor 1 offers one of the best ocean views around. Floor to ceiling windows adorn the harbor-side of this excellent oyster joint. A raw bar sits near the center with seating that allows diners to watch the water change. In typical Legal fashion, Legal Harborside serves up super fresh oysters at reasonable prices. Not up for bar side seating, no problem Legal Harborside, Floor 1, has many tables, most perfectly placed to enjoy the view. Grab a seat, and watch as your oysters are freshly shucked, then dig in and relax because this restaurant will transport you to paradise.

Select Oyster Bar is open 7 Days a week, offering Lunch + Dinner daily. Nosh on mane filled with local seafood offerings that are filled with mediterranean flavors. A creative wine program, craft beer offerings, and cocktail program featuring artisans spirits serves as an excellent counterpoint to the seafood menu. A true oyster bar, Select offers stunning plates filled with raw seafood including freshly shucked local posters, ceviche and crudo. Lunch “plates” are a mix of soups, snacks, and sandwiches, some of which can be found as appetizers on the dinner menu. Dinner adds a variety of main course offerings and both menus, big on seafood are short on meat.

B&> is a South End treasure by famed chef Barbara Lynch. Located below street level, B&> boasts a simple setting that allows diners to focus on the fabulous food. Oysters are the star here, so order up. The enclosed garden patio takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood and transports you into a garden sanctuary. Check off your favorites, or order new ones from the list that circulates; start with a dozen then explore further because these briny treasures should be icy cold upon consumption. Make a meal of your oysters or sample the other options from this South End eatery that’s been drawing crowds for years.

Island Creek Oyster Bar does not exclusively sell Island Creek oysters (from Duxbury, MA). They open their menu to many other oysters from coast to coast. With such a large selection, this is an oyster oasis. Island Creek quickly secured its place as one of the best oyster bars around and has been expanding it’s restaurants ever since. Island Creek does not sell oysters exclusively (although they certainly offer a lot of options), and is a place worth eating more than oysters. When you can’t get into their Fenway location, make the trip to their newly opened Burlington location where you’ll get a taste of the same high quality product that’s kept it growing over the years.

Neptune Oyster is the oyster lover’s oyster bar. Neptune’s selection of east and west coast oysters are impressive. With sleek décor this no frills oyster bar is the perfect spot to sit and sip champagne while dozens of these fresh mollusks arrive before your eyes. A no reservation policy has served it well, creating hours long waits for diners who need a fix of their seafood. The oysters may be amazing, but Neptune does not disappoint with its entrees either. An award winning lobster roll, New England clam chowder and seasonal specialties bring this flourishing oyster bar to the top of its class.

Fashionably simple, Row 34 in Fort Point Channel, within the Seaport District, has quickly made a splash in the restaurant scene. Serving simple, fresh seafood, Row 34 churns out plates of seafood to be eaten with enjoyment. Row 34 has a focus on pairing their menu items, including raw bar favorites with beer. Start with a dozen of their crisp, clean, expertly shucked, local oysters alongside a pint of a craft draft or bottle of beer for a coupling you won’t soon forget. The main course selection consists of the freshest fish they can find and cooks it up in every way imaginable: pan seared, roasted, grilled, baked, battered and fried. All served with carefully chosen accompaniments that will have you returning for more.