Bristol Oyster Bar

Huge downgrade in food quality and presentation. We've been two times before, 2023, and 2022, both times were excellent. This time Feb 2024, the dishes were underseasoned, poorly plated, poorly cooked and generally worse than our previous experiences. The octopus that we ordered at every visit was suddenly pallid, tasteless, and much smaller. I'd really love to know if there was a change in chefs, supply problems, staff issues, etc. because I still really want to love this place. Bristol oyster bar, what happened to you?

We got a big raw bar platter and then a couple of small plates, everything was top-notch. Our reservations were for 7:45 on a Saturday, they started closing up around 9. Our glasses stayed empty longer than you'd expect but we've lived in RI for 3 years and still aren't used to how early everything shuts down so that's on us. Great spot for a date!

The Bristol Oyster House is a fantastic restaurant located in downtown historic Bristol. The oyster selection was top notch. Shrimp, lobster, little necks and a very unique menu. We had oysters, a tomato salad, shrimp and scallop chowder. The staff was very attentive and very friendly and helpful. They have plenty of parking in the rear of the property. The interior was amazing with warm brick and high ceilings and arched windows. The Bristol Oyster House is a small and warm setting to enjoy some of the best seafood New England can offer.

Great spot

Was there 3 years ago. Hasn't aged well. Needs to be refurbished badly.

When you go to a place with oyster in the name you expect the oysters to be fantastic and they were. The calamari appetizer was just so-so and it was small - a one person app. The service was ok. The draft beer selection included a couple of rolling taps from local breweries. I ordered an IPA and a coffee stout came out with the explanation that they just changed the keg. Then the server seemed a bit surprised when I said I didn't want the coffee stout. I had a po boy sandwich and having had real po boys in New Orleans, I regretted my choice. The location and atmosphere are both good and I would go back for that and the oysters.

Dinner was delish! The food was awesome! We enjoyed the cioppino & scallops after the oyster stuffies & calamari for apps. This was our first visit and it’s quite a bit smaller than we thought. All the staff were friendly & courteous, but the wait staff seemed a bit busy.