Bristol Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Bristol

This is a 10 star review in my opinion. This place is a gem. The staff is incredible and I honestly do not think it gets any better than our server Katie Bessette. This little lady is like the sun herself. She literally anticipates any thing and every thing you may need or want, offering suggestions from drinks, apps and dinner. She is absolutely an asset to this place.

Their $1 raw oyster special is every Weds and Thurs from 4pm to 6pm with 6 selections to choose from. They are great. I swear the cleanest looking bunch ever served any where. Their shrimp cocktail is tremendous. They are cooked just right! Perfection actually.

Their drinks are by far stellar in comparison to many. Everything used in their drinks is as fresh as it gets including their fresh squeezed juices and purées. Their grapefruit cosmopolitan martini is the best kept secret of the place. Made with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. It was insane. Perfect drink to enjoy anytime but I can’t wait for the spring & summer on the outside patio area. Made with Tito's vodka, grapefruit juice, lime juice, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Cointreau.

Their chef has really created an awesome menu. It is minimal in offering but delivers with maximum results. It’s apparent the chef is a seasoned veteran with talent. We ordered the raw oyster as well as fried oyster app. Very light in taste and extremely tasty. The crab cake app is a single 5 oz portion serving and fit for your dinner. It is more than enough to satisfy you should you start out with the raw oysters and a few shrimp cocktail.

I ended my meal with a Delektable - their take on an espresso martini. Made with Stoli vanilla, St. George NOLA liqueur, espresso, Delekta's coffee syrup & whipped cream. It is fabulously served with a very slight and extremely thin creamy layer. It’s definitely delectable! Call immediately for your reservation and if lucky enough secure Katie, the bright ray of sunshine who will certainly make you feel almost VIP like. Bar side reservations are available but very popular...

I hate that I even have to write this review considering Bristol Oyster Bar was one of my favorite restaurants in town. As I'm sure everyone is aware, they have $1 oysters, everyday from 4-6. Which is a fantastic deal, if you aren't accompanied by rude waitresses/hostesses.

I was with a party of 4 and we arrived at about 5:20. We put our name, and asked if we would still be able to get the oyster deal. We were informed that if we sat down by 6:00 and had an oyster order in then sure we would get.

So here is problem number one: They have 7 - 8 tables. Four of them sit 4 people and the others sit 2. So as we watched each table eat their oysters, chat, and sip their drinks.. time was ticking. With such limited seating, if you are their prior to 6, with your name in, I think it would only be fair to honor those people. They write the time next to the names on the wait list!!!

Problem number two: Meanwhile, 2 chairs opened up at the bar and two more were in process of cashing out, RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER. A couple walked in AFTER us and they said "oh hey guys!!! There are two seats opening up at the bar, go ahead!!" (seemed like they knew them).

Problem number 3. As 6 quickly approached, we decided to go grab food and drinks somewhere else. But we didn't leave without saying something to the waitress about how we were upset that they didn't give us the 4 seats at the bar. She replied " Ummmmm.. well it's first come, first serve sooo I didn't sit anyone there." Welllll... actually you or your co-worker did. Knowing those two people were cashing out decided to give 2/4 seats to a couple who came in AFTER us. If it was first come, first serve then why didn't the party of 4 who had been waiting 30+ minutes get offered the seats?

I really hope that no one else has to experience such bad customer service...

What is there to say- Bristol Oyster Bar exceeded my wildest expectations!

The oysters were delightful, local and freshly plucked from the sea. Also they were shucked to perfection, expertly separated from the shell and without any gritty fragments. The calamari was perfectly cooked and prepared with a unique and absolutely delicious combination of flavors- Thai chili lemongrass and sweet soy. There were chopped peanuts as well that added some lovely texture to the dish.

Next was the beef tartare, a first for myself. It was expertly diced, and marinated in a wonderful vinegar based dressing with thinly sliced shallots. The focaccia toast was a smart addition to the dish and added a perfectly placed crunch to the experience.

Lastly, the swordfish with sticky rice and coconut curry simply blew my mind; I will be thinking about it for many days to come. The curry broth was a complete flavor bomb, the rice was expertly cooked, and the swordfish was grilled to perfection. When everything was had together in unison as a perfect bite, it was unlike anything I’ve ever had in the best possible way.

My husband and I were celebrating our wedding, and Chef Tom made a point to come and talk with us throughout the evening. Our server Samantha was sweet as can be, informative, and attentive. And Steven, one of the cooks, also came to deliver our dishes and give detailed descriptions of what we were about to dig into.

I highly recommend Bristol Oyster Bar, it was one of the best meals I’ve had in dare I say years, and I cannot wait to come back and try the rest of the menu! Thank you for such a memorable experience, we won’t soon...