Boathouse Oyster Bar, Boiled Oysters & America’s Coastal Oyster Icons
America’s oyster renaissance is here. From the bustling raw bars of the West Coast to the Gulf Coast traditions of Boathouse Oyster Bar, and from chef-driven dining rooms like Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar to the cult-like following of Broad St Oyster Co, oysters continue to shape coastal culture and modern seafood dining.
At Sherwood Island Oysters, we honor these traditions while providing cold-water oysters known for their clean brine, firm texture, and unmatched freshness. This guide explores iconic oyster bars, the forgotten art of boiled oysters, and the growing influence of contemporary seafood brands.
Boathouse Oyster Bar – A Gulf Coast Staple
A Beloved Destination for Oyster Lovers
For decades, the Boathouse Oyster Bar has been a go-to stop for locals and travelers craving fresh oysters, live music, and a true coastal atmosphere. Its charm lies in:
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Daily-delivered oysters
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Classic shucking craftsmanship
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A casual, waterfront vibe
Signature Dishes
Boathouse is known for:
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Raw oysters on the half shell
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Boiled oysters — a rarity today
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Chargrilled oysters with garlic butter
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Oyster shooters
What Makes It Great
Boathouse reminds diners that oysters don’t need over-complication — just freshness, ice, and expert shucking.
Boiled Oysters – The Forgotten Coastal Classic
What Are Boiled Oysters?
Though not as famous as fried or grilled oysters, boiled oysters were once a staple in Gulf and East Coast seafood kitchens.
They offer:
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Soft, velvety texture
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Deep ocean sweetness
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A flavor profile similar to steamed clams
How to Make Boiled Oysters at Home
Boiling is simple and comforting. Here’s how to do it right:
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Bring salted water with lemon and bay leaf to a simmer.
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Add live oysters, ensuring they are submerged.
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Cook until shells open naturally (3–5 minutes).
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Serve hot with butter, herbs, or hot sauce.
Why Boiled Oysters Deserve a Comeback
They’re:
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Easy to prepare
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Incredibly flavorful
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Ideal for cold-weather seafood nights
Sherwood Island’s oysters are particularly well-suited due to their clean brine and firm structure.
Boshamps – Coastal Comfort Meets Oyster Expertise
A Southern Icon
Boshamps is rooted in Gulf Coast heritage, celebrating the region’s seafood traditions with fresh oysters, Southern dishes, and waterfront dining.
Menu Highlights
Expect:
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Gulf oysters
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Chargrilled creations
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Daily seafood specials
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House-made sauces
Why Diners Love Boshamps
It embraces the warmth of Southern hospitality while delivering exceptional oyster quality.
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar – High-End Coastal Cuisine
Elegant, Modern, Ingredient-Driven
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, often known as Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar, is a leader in upscale seafood dining.
What Sets It Apart
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Curated raw bar programs
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Focus on regional oyster flights
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Expertly crafted seafood entrees
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Transparent sourcing & sustainability
A Model for Modern Oyster Bars
Boulevard combines culinary artistry with raw bar tradition — a balance consumers now expect.
Broad St Oyster Co – West Coast Oyster Culture, Reimagined
A Social Media & Culinary Phenomenon
Broad St Oyster Co transformed from a niche raw bar into a national seafood obsession thanks to its innovative food, approachable vibe, and fresh, high-quality oysters.
What You’ll Find There
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West Coast oysters (Kumamoto, Shigoku, Pacifics)
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Butter-poached lobster rolls
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Chilled seafood selections
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Crisp wines and craft beers
Why It Matters
Broad St Oyster shows how raw bars can adapt to younger, trend-driven audiences without sacrificing quality.
Broadstreet Oyster – A New Coastal Voice
Emerging Presence in Oyster Culture
Broadstreet Oyster continues the pattern of modern raw bars elevating freshness, transparency, and regional sourcing.
A Focus on Flavor
They emphasize:
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Clean shucking
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Fresh brine
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Seasonal oyster menus
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Classic seafood preparation
Broadstreet Oyster’s presence reflects the growing demand for approachable, high-quality raw bars across the country.
How to Choose the Best Oysters at Any Restaurant
Freshness Indicators
The best oysters have:
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Clear oyster liquor
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Clean ocean aroma
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Tight shells before shucking
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Properly chilled presentation
Understand Merroir
Oyster flavor varies by region. Ask about:
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Growing waters
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Salinity levels
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Harvest dates
Key Questions to Ask
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“Where were these oysters sourced?”
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“How recently were they harvested?”
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“What oyster varieties are available today?”
Knowledge empowers better seafood choices.
Why Sherwood Island Oysters Deliver Elite Raw Bar Quality
Cold-Water Farming Advantage
Our Connecticut waters provide:
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Clean, crisp salinity
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Firm texture
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Balanced minerality
Sustainability at the Core
We practice:
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Reef restoration
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Shell recycling
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Zero-waste farming techniques
Farm-to-Door Freshness
We harvest oysters daily, pack them cold, and ship overnight to preserve their pure coastal flavor.
Conclusion – Coastal Flavor, Oyster Heritage & Modern Excellence
From the Gulf Coast vibes of Boathouse Oyster Bar, to the refined dining of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, to the innovative energy of Broad St Oyster Co, oyster bars continue to define and elevate American seafood culture.
And behind every great oyster bar lies a farm committed to purity, sustainability, and ocean stewardship. That’s where Sherwood Island Oysters shines — delivering the freshest cold-water oysters straight from the source.
Taste the coast the way it was meant to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are boiled oysters?
A traditional preparation where oysters are gently boiled until shells open, producing a tender, sweet flavor. -
What is Boathouse Oyster Bar known for?
Its raw oysters, Gulf Coast charm, and diverse cooked oyster dishes. -
How does Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar source oysters?
They emphasize regional variety, sustainable harvesting, and transparent sourcing. -
Are Broad St Oyster Co oysters high quality?
Yes — Broad St is known for premium oysters and innovative raw bar offerings. -
Can I order fresh oysters online?
Absolutely — Sherwood Island Oysters delivers cold-water oysters harvested daily.
