The Urban Oyster

10/10 no notes! Visiting my family in MD for the weekend and this was #1 on my to do list to try! The oysters and food were excellent. What I loved the most was the red snapper nuggets! My goodness, I can’t to go back and have it again! The deliver eggs with the fried oyster on top, magnificent! Love the ambiance of the place and staff were pleasant and welcoming!

We had the BEST experience at Urban Oyster for our date night! The wait staff were so attentive and always made sure our drinks were full. We got oysters, a starter, two mains, and a dessert and everything we had was absolutely delicious! The food, was amazing…the DRINKS!! also amazing!! Our cocktails with dinner were all great but the espresso martini at the end of the night really stole the show. I’ve had quite a few espresso martinis, but this was by far the best I’ve ever had! If you’re considering coming here, I highly recommend you check it out!

I had high expectations for Urban Oyster. Unfortunately the food was lackluster. We snagged a last minute reservation for an early dinner and were seated right away. Started off hot with the oysters - the best thing we ordered in my opinion. The oysters were very fresh. I ordered the grilled branzino and my friend ordered the seared scallops as mains. (We skipped apps- nothing super appealing though the deviled eggs were tempting). The grilled branzino had no taste, and the green sauce it came with didn’t seem to go that well with the fish. The seared scallops were better in my opinion, scallops were good and the risotto was surprisingly light. It wasn’t anything to phone home about though. I felt a little unsatisfied by the meal but we still decided on trying the dessert while we were there. We ordered the key lime cheesecake - it’s regular cheesecake topped with a key lime curd and a graham cracker crust. It was good but the crust was a bit too dense and hard to cut through with just a spoon. Tasted good though- although Im just a fan of anything key lime. The cocktails were tasty but a little light on flavor. Overall, I love the vibe of the restaurant but not sure I’d come back any time soon unless for oysters and a drink.

I visit Baltimore often from Texas, so I'm always researching unique and local fare to experience. On this visit, my friend who has heard of this place also recommended we try it. It did not disappoint. Let's talk ambiance and decor. I would call it "sophisticated chic." From the front door to the restrooms. A color pallette that says "it's a vibe" to "date night romantic." I love the open view into the kitchen. Makes you completely one with all the staff. Speaking of staff, shout out to bartenders Abby and new hire Keyes! Great service and warmth. Both the food menu and the cocktail menu had just changed on the day visited. Abby's passion for her craft, as well as her love and pride for this black owned female establishment, was obvious. Now the food...wow! We, of course, went for the fresh shucked oysters as well as a variety of some grilled ones. So fresh and delish. We tried most of the app menu, and it did not disappoint. We ended the evening with a warm butter cake with a strawberry coulis...well you get the picture. Perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Had to order something from the dinner menu to go. How could we not! Short rib Parpedelle can't wait to try. I know it will hit. Overall, it was a great experience from food to service to staff. Oh yeah...price...well somewhat pricey but worth it. I recommend the Happy Hour, great menu pricing there. Would have loved to have met Chef Jasmine...maybe next time.

I had a wonderful experience at Urban Oyster while in town for a work conference. I treated myself to a solo date and was blown away by the food, drinks, and atmosphere. The service was excellent—Sage, my server, was friendly, attentive, and made me feel right at home. The ambiance of the restaurant is beautiful, warm, and inviting, perfect for a solo evening or a group outing. I started with the UO Spritz, which was perfectly balanced—tasty, strong enough to feel like a real cocktail, but not overpowering. For food, I tried three kinds of charbroiled oysters; the BBQ Bacon oyster was hands-down my favorite—smoky, savory, and delicious. The teriyaki one was my least favorite, but still an interesting flavor. I ate them too fast to take any pictures lol The seafood tacos were a hit! The crispness of the batter on the shrimp, catfish, and oyster was just right—light, well-seasoned, and the sauce paired with the slaw brought everything together beautifully. But the star of the show was definitely the crab cakes—nearly all crab, minimal filler, and full of flavor. The portion was just right, and the sauce they served it with elevated it even more. The fingerling potatoes were well-seasoned and satisfying, and the broccolini was decent—could’ve used a bit more flavor, but definitely not a dealbreaker. Overall, I’m so glad I made time to come here. Urban Oyster is a gem—I’d absolutely come back the next time I’m in town.

We went here for my best friend’s birthday dinner and everything was AMAZING. The grilled cheese oysters were my favorite (the chilli oysters & raw oysters were also fantastic). We also shared the crab pasta, seared scallops, truffle fries and butter cake for dessert. The cake was out of this world!!! They also gave my friend chocolate chip birthday cookies which came out warm and were delicious. Everything was 10/10 excellent! Drink pictured is Lucky Be A Lady

We went here for the 1st time to celebrate a friend's birthday. This place is very pretty, and the service was really good. The food was amazing....flavorful, pretty, and tasty. The seafood was fresh, The beef was melt in your mouth, the pasta was made in house by hand. Everything was amazing and we will be back.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Urban Oyster in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I entered the cozy, coastal-inspired space adorned with brass chandeliers, I felt warmly welcomed.  Opting for the chef’s table experience, I was treated to an intimate culinary journey led by Executive Chef and Owner Jasmine Norton. Her passion for oysters and innovative approach to seafood were evident in every dish. The chargrilled oysters, a house specialty, were a delightful fusion of traditional flavors with a modern twist.  The service was impeccable, with Chef Jasmine and her team ensuring that each course was presented with care and accompanied by insightful explanations. Their dedication to creating a memorable dining experience was truly commendable. Learning about Chef Jasmine’s journey—establishing the first female and Black-owned oyster bar in the U.S.—added depth to the evening. Her commitment to introducing oysters to a broader audience and making seafood dining approachable is both inspiring and impactful.  For anyone seeking a unique and enriching dining adventure in Baltimore, The Urban Oyster is a must-visit. Chef Jasmine Norton and her exceptional team have crafted a culinary gem that beautifully blends history, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality.

Walking in, immediately you are reminded why people go to restaurants. It's more than just to eat. More than a bite of a preferred dish. For me, this place summons the feels of sitting with grandma; Comforting, but more importantly, caring, or better yet, intimate. Intentional. It's size combined with a design pattern that balances masculine and feminine is nothing short of love brought into the physical. Close your eyes for a moment, and you'll hear something more amazing. From the curated playlist in the background, married with the staffs laughter while working and guest conversations is a hair shy of a cinematic opening of an ethnically balanced rom-com. Then insert title sequence, "URBAN OYSTER", that's then stretches from the center to the far edges and fades out. The walk-in conveys one simple word, elevated. Your host(whomever they are) greets you with a smile that should be sponsored by Crest or Colgate. The melody of silverware on plates, ice rumbling in shakers, and conversations with a sprinkling of laughter seems almost orchestrated. Everything is Beautiful. Every member of the staff actually cares about what they're doing, how it's done, and how they can make your experience better. The attention and little things done may go unnoticed by some, but meaning a lot, add to an evolving experience. Ingredients forward is how I would describe the dining experience. You may find yourself asking, who picked the tomatoes for this sauce? What herbs am I tasting? Wondering if the chef personally went and caught the fish, beef and poultry personally and then spoke words from Avatar to the animals "thank you, your spirit will return to Eywa...." Lol. The selection of curated cocktails brings new meaning to the word, Spirits. Always a few that welcome a playful blend of thoughtfully presented libations. Try anything. I've traveled a lot, and there are very few places that I've made it a point to return, multiple times. I bring and meet people I care about here. I tell people who have elevated appreciation of dining about this place. People come to restaurants to escape and be taken care of. To be surrounded by good vibes. To celebrate major milestones and transitions in life. To simply feel better. The food here feels like hopes and dreams. Like witnessing a child's dream that was drawn on a napkin as a kid during a moment they didn't want to end, because it felt that good. The people here feel like community. I wouldn't be surprised if motivational phrases were written on the walls before painting. This is where the celebrations become a core memory. This is where a terrible day transitions to the best natural high. Tears and tears("tares") are dried and mended with a dash of pure joy. This is where intentionality and integrity come to live and love out loud. This is what meaningful feels like in an establishment, food, and people. When I spend here, I feel like I'm reinvesting in a life experience for countless others.

*visiting from Houston* This establishment is so cute and quaint. It was at Friday afternoon and we had reservations for 4pm. There was no wait and we were instantly seated. My favorites were Cheese Louise oysters! Omg, the cheese and bacon flavor is amazing. Also got the shrimp cocktail along with the UO Burger, truffle fries were an extra $2. Burger was fantastic. We also got the wings but I wasn't impressed by them. I couldn't really taste the flavor on the wings which is why I knocked a star off.

I was reall excited to get here. Overall I'd say the service, ambiance and drinks were the highlight. The food lacked flovor for me. The deviled egg filling truly didnt taste like any thing and the fried oyster on top of it did not taste like there was seasoning in the dredge. I bit in and just tasted the oil the oyster was friend in. The red snappper nuggets wasnt bad but still no seasoning in the dredge but they put sweet chill sauce on it and that helped give it some flavor

I had the most amazing experience here for the Oyster Masterclass. There were oysters, seafood pizza/flatbread, shrimp cocktail, and a sommelier serving drinks that paired with every tasting. As a left-handed person the idea of shucking oysters was always followed by the idea of loosing a finger but this experience took all the precautions. The oysters were delicious, I successfully opened 9 oysters, and we were able to take the materials home. ALSO #BLACKOWNED If there is a line or long wait at this restaurant, properly shucking oysters takes time Or so we were told

The Urban Oyster was a pleasant experience overall. Our waiter was sweet and attentive. The highlight was the breathtaking dining room and bar. My seafood flatbread was flavorful if a little salty for my taste. I'm eager to come back to try some of the other options. I will also add that the menus were stained and a little sticky which detracted from the elevated experience I believe the establishment is going for. I would love to see that rectified.

I was so excited to give Urban Oyster a try! The inside is stunning with a beautiful, large bar and a raw bar area that greets you first thing when you walk in the door. We asked our bartender/server about gluten free options on the menu and she was unsure of what items would be safe. Another server said that everything was gluten free except the flatbread and the tacos. This seemed encouraging at first but upon further investigation, I kept seeing other items like a lobster corn dog and fried oysters that probably contained gluten too. When I asked about those items, I was told they did have gluten as well. At this point, I was feeling a little nervous. The bartender offered to check with the kitchen which I said I would appreciate since none of the staff seemed to know what ingredients were in the food but at this point, we had been going back and forth for a while and it seemed like I was becoming a nuisance. We ultimately got the charred BBQ oysters topped with cheddar and bacon and the lobster bisque to start. The BBQ flavor was a little too overwhelming for me but the charred texture was nice. The lobster bisque fell flat for me as it was watery and the flavor was lackluster. Then the scallop mushroom risotto and beef bourguignon came out. The server snatched the beef bourguignon right back up and apologized for the fried onions on top. I was confused since fried onions are usually gluten free. Then she was unsure whether I could have the mashed potatoes and asked me if they were okay to which I responded, "I don't know, you tell me". At this point, I was really starting to get frustrated. After checking with the kitchen (again), she realized the fried onions were coated in cornstarch and the mashed potatoes were gluten free. Great. The beef bourguignon was delicious and hearty. Probably the best dish we tried. The scallops were tender and well seasoned. I wasn't the biggest fan of the risotto but that's probably because I don't always love mushrooms. It had a lot of mushroom-y flavor so if you like that, you'll probably love that dish. All in all, I felt a bit underwhelmed and uncomfortable. I think if the service had been better, I would easily knock this review up to a 4. In my opinion, a nice restaurant where you're likely paying $50+ per person should have their staff well trained enough to know about common allergens. If you can mention the word "vegan" on your menu, you should also take the time to mark items as gluten free, contains nuts, etc. I'm sorry but there's no excuse for cutting corners around something so important at a place that is boasting a James Beard nomination. I hope that with time and training this changes because I'd love to return in the future for a meal I can enjoy without worrying about how sick I might get later on.

A great place for a dinner date. There was not a single dish that wasn't absolutely perfect! The drinks were great, the service was excellent, and the ambience was perfect. I'm so excited to be back in the future :)

When I heard there was a new female black owned oyster bar in Baltimore, I knew I had to make the trip and I'm so happy that I did. We visited for brunch and were welcomed by a friendly smile who sat us promptly. The Urban Oyster is beautifully decorated and almost makes you feel like your taking a journey into the ocean, it is on the smaller side and I can see it becoming very busy during happy hour/dinner service. Our server Katie was great and provided us with a great experience. She took time to explain the menu, answer any questions that we had and even made great recommendations. We started with the Chargrilled Oysters - they allow you to mix and match so we went with the Volcano which is a hot chili paste/oil and the Cheese Louise which was a mixture of cheeses. Both were good but over powered the oysters just a little bit. For entrees my friend went with the French Toast and scrambled eggs and I had the Crab Cake Benedict. Both were delicious and flavorful. I'm so glad that I took the time to come check out this amazing new place. I most definitely will be back to check out their happy hour specials and other menu items.

This place was so cute. The ambiance was very laid back although It was very loud in there due to a party that was sitting a few tables down. The decor was beautiful, lighting was amazing. The service was good although we were told after 15 min that the printer had an issue and our order was never sent to the kitchen. She was apologetic and made up for It. The food was different but tasty. The eggs and the broccolini were my favorites. I didn't taste the oysters but they come on 3 flavors and my guest wasn't impressed. The batter on the lobster corn dog was a mix of sweet and salty but the dipping sauce paired well. The seafood flatbread was very rich. The bread was too thick for my liking to be a "flatbread". They should make this a shareable appetizer not a main dish. Make reservations to guarantee you a seat. The bar gets filled quick and no one is in a rush to get up.

The Urban Oyster can be pricey, but I am going to give you a big tip: it's called happy hour. Offered Weds-Fri 4-6, and only at the bar. The food menu offers discounted dishes - for example your choice of fried oyster, shrimp, or catfish tacos; devilled eggs, hot honey wings or chargrilled oysters. Wine is $7/glass and beer is $5. Now a girl can make a meal out of that! Add some sides from the main menu - soy garlic green beans, for example, or charred broccolini - and you have all the food groups. Throw in an elegant vibe and classy service, and it is up there with my top recommendations. The thing is - the bar can fill up quickly, and once people are seated there, they tend not to leave for a while. So come early or get lucky! One super-pro tip: if you choose a dish that is on the sweet side (eg hot honey wings), balance it with a crisp white wine or beer. Cocktails or sangria would not complement as well.

The food was pretty mid. The service was pretty bad too. Didn't feel welcoming and rushed out even though our part arrived a little past 9 and the kitchen closes at 10. The crab cake had a lot of shells in it. The waitress was nice enough to comp them.

Where do I start? This was probably the best meal I have had in a year. Four of us had been wanting to try this place so we made a reservation for an early dinner. I was surprised at how small the venue is. It was packed and space was sort of cramped between tables, but it was all worth it when my taste buds settled in for some extreme culinary delights. Erica provided exceptional service and kept checking on us throughout our meal. We started with cocktails and oysters. The Bodega Kitty was meowvelous and the Char-grilled oysters were fantastic, especially the BBQ ones. Yummers! The Grilled Branzino was the best I have ever had. I don't know what magic the chef included here, but it was flaky and fresh, cooked to perfection with the perfect amount of flavor and crunchy skin texture. We finished off the palate adventure with the Key Lime Pie Cheesecake. I love Key Lime Pie, I like Cheesecake. Mix them together and OMG! This place is not inexpensive. For four people sharing apps, cocktails, entrees and dessert our bill came to $322. They do automatically charge 20% gratuity so check your bill before adding more. I will definitely return here for incredible food and amazing service.

When I saw online this was a black owned, women owned oyster bar in Baltimore, I knew I wanted to support! I came on a Sunday afternoon. Arrived around 4pm. It was pretty light upon my arrival. But within minutes, the restaurant filled with patrons! It's a beautiful restaurant, with an open concept. The oysters are being shucked towards the front of the restaurant, very visually appealing upon entry! I started off with 4 oysters, (I ended up ordering 2 more). They were pretty large and briney which I enjoyed! I enjoyed the CALIENTE KISS cocktail which was recommended by the bartender. It was good, not too spicy but accompanied my oysters nicely! For my entree, I ordered the grilled branzino, with a side of soy garlic green beans. The main entree comes with cauliflower that was nicely seasoned and a white bean puree if I remember correctly. Based on the photos on yelp, ordering the branzino seemed like the popular choice! I will say, it was quite enjoyable. I was impressed with this establishment, and I look forward to returning with friends!

The bad: the food was much left to be desired. I ordered the shrimp and grits, no andouille sausage due to my allergy. I did not like it, what's not for me may be for someone else. It was savory, oily and the grits were gritty. If that's something you like go for it. The drinks were okay, not amazing; would honestly skip if I was to go again. Good: the service was amazing the waitress was understanding, I truly didn't want to send my food back and she volunteered for me to get something else and which I did. She came back about 5min later checked on me if I needed any condiments and stated the bill was comp. The decor sitting and ambiance was friendly and romantic for an outing. I would definitely go again but possibly for dinner instead of the brunch.

We loved our experience here from entrance to exit! The place is beautiful and the food is awesome. Branzino--you must order this if it's on the menu. The wood smoke added this super delicate flavor, and it was delicious. Seared Scallops--the corn puree added a hint of sweetness for an unexpected layer to the dish Red Snapper Bites--served on the actual fish! I'm not a huge oyster fan, but if you go to a place with oyster in the name, you have to try some. We ended up getting one of each kind offered that night, and they were all really good!

Happy hour here is a good deal. The menu is small, but varied, the service was impeccable, and the attention to detail and presentation were elevated. The deviled eggs were delightful and the oyster fritter on top was unexpected and delicious. The hot honey old bay on the wings was sweet without being sticky, and the catfish tacos were covered in a really great slaw. The star of the evening was the pineapple upside down cake, though. It was somehow both light and decadent. Great atmosphere for a quick bite.

Walking into the Urban Oyster feels like a classy journey into the ocean. From the art work to the serene choice of blue, even the glow of the sconces on the walls add to a calming ambiance. The service was prompt and pleasant. We were quickly serviced water and our drinks came shortly after. My cavatelli was a compilation of Al dente noodles, sweet blue crab and the richness of fried garlic. My brother had the burger. He enjoyed it. For dessert my father enjoyed the vanilla cake while my brother and I split a hearty portion of Tarharka brow honey graham ice cream. We enjoyed the restaurant.

I have been dying to come here since they opened their new spot, and I was so excited to see The Urban Oyster participating in Baltimore Restaurant Week! We had an early Sunday dinner from the Restaurant Week menu and the food, service, and atmosphere were stellar! Katie, our server, was so friendly and funny, she was super attentive even as the place filled up. The decor is beautiful, very understated with water themes. The lighting is warm and inviting, and my favorite part was the fish-print wallpaper on the ceiling in the bathrooms! The restaurant week (RW) menu was an absolute steal at $55 a person for all the food you get. And if you're going to the first Black female- owned oyster bar in the country, you're going to get a dozen oysters! The RW menu offered Chincoteagues, which are delicious and big, but they had a lot of other oysters on offer for the raw bar. I was very happy sipping my Pink Lady cocktail and eating oysters. The entrees were great. my husband loved the sweet tea brined Yardbird, and it was a full meal. My steak was delicious, it almost tasted like jerky with the maple glaze, and the green goddess mash was to die for. I absolutely loved the combo of flavors. I did order the steak medium and I feel it came a little on the rare side. I still very much enjoyed it as I don't mind a rare steak, but if you don't like red/pink, I'd suggest medium well to be safe! Dessert was so decadent, the key lime pie wasn't on the menu as it was a backup to the RW dessert, but it was thick, creamy, and very flavorful. The Taharka Brothers ice cream was fantastic, per usual, and I think Honey Graham is the reigning flavor. I can't wait to come back to try the regular menu, and eat way more oysters

We had dinner at the Urban Oyster right when they opened, but we returned tonight for dinner again, and I can confidently say that it's a great dinner spot. Tonight, we shared: Caesar Salad (romaine lettuce, seasoned croutons, and pecorino cheese); shrimp cocktail (house-made cocktail sauce and lemon); crab and pesto cavatelli (creamy pesto, jumbo lump crab, corn puree, basil oil, and crispy garlic); seared scallops (with porcini risotto and corn puree); butter cake (with strawberry crumble and strawberry sauce). None of these were dishes we'd tried when we visited last time (some things seem to stay on the menu - the red snapper nuggets, their chargrilled oysters, the lobster bisque, etc.), but many dishes were different (lots of new things to try). We liked all the dishes we got, making it hard to choose a favorite! I thought the cavatelli was a wonderful spring dish (bright and great pasta). I thought the shrimp cocktail was one of the best I've had recently (did they put lemon in the cocktail sauce?!). I thought the dessert was a dream (the nod to strawberry shortcake was so delicious). I've enjoyed their drinks both times as well (we've had wine and cocktails). The service is wonderful. And the restaurant is gorgeous (really beautiful design). Overall, just a great addition to Hampden. I was nervous when I heard a third oyster-focused restaurant was opening in the neighborhood (would it be one too many and would they be too similar), but Urban, Dylan's and True are all different, with different menus and vibes. Urban Oyster definitely brings something different - it's delicious, but is also feels upscale, fun, foodie, and casual all at the same time. Definitely check it out!

This review is spanned across two visits, and both occasions were unforgettable! Every dish was a 10/10. Get your mouth ready for the Volcano Chargrilled Oysters if you can handle the heat! The Branzino was buttery, melted in my mouth with pleasant surprises of sea salt crystals embedded into each bite. You're getting a whole fish, so come hungry and ready to clean your plate. My crafted cocktail was a beautiful fusion of tequila and mezcal, paired with fresh hibiscus juice, ginger and lime - what a perfect vacay drink. Just close your eyes and take a sip to be whisked away to somewhere tropical and breezy! The ambiance is light and airy, but still sexy and refined. Whether sitting at the bar or at a table, you'll be serviced by the kindest and most attentive staff in Hampden. Plan your visit now!

Wow wow wow. So happy I was able to try Urban Oyster with a friend recently. The decor is so cute. The bar is well decorated and looks spacious enough to sit and dine without knocking elbows. We ordered some glasses of wine and appetizers and oysters to share and almost everything was divine. The shrimp cocktail is pricey but so worth it as the shrimp is perfectly cooked and fresh and the cocktail sauce is yummy and a little spicy. We got every outward variety except the largest one and enjoyed them all and ended up getting a second round of each. The deviled eggs are HEAVENLY. The mushroom pasta and collard greens are good but a little salty. The key lime cheesecake is not nearly sour enough. But the butter cake. The BUTTER CAKE. Just get it. It's the best dessert I've ever eaten. That is all.

Everything about the restaurant is amazing. The music. the service! The drinks and most importantly the food! I've been at least twice and the food has never disappointed!!! You can tell these chefs are dedicated to ensuring each item is prepared with care and spice. Every single thing was amazing, we scrapped our plates and were so stuffed on the way out. would 10/10 recommend for date night or an intimate dinner for 2-4 people. Make a reservation for the ultimate experience!

Very quaint and charming restaurant. I went on a Thursday evening and I was part of a party of six. Everyone loved their food, including me. The only thing I did not love were the deviled eggs. They had way too much relish in them. Other than that great food and an even better dessert, I highly recommend the strawberry cake, dessert. Also the collard greens plus cabbage is a must. Our waiter was most impressive because he wrote nothing down and remembered everyone's order and even recited it back to us and we were a large party.

We decided to stop by after exploring the Baltimore Christmas market - we had no idea how hard it is to get a table on a weekend. We were very pleased with everything. The restaurant was fully booked with reservations, but we sat comfortably at the bar as a group of 4 and had no issues receiving great and prompt service. Here are some specific notes: Cocktails - The Bodega Kitty is worth the hype! A perfect balance of sweet and sour, strong hibiscus flavor. Appetizers - The Deviled Eggs were 10/10, the texture was perffffect and I loved the oyster fritter topping - somehow it paired really well?! Not a combination I would've ever imagined! Entree - I loved the scallops! They were tender, juicy and perfectly cooked, and the corn risotto that paired with it was very filling and hearty - perfect for a cold night. Frankly, every dish was fantastic.. Also? The ambience and noise level was on point which seems to be a rarity these days in a lot of places. I actually appreciate the fact that there are fewer tables - gives a very intimate feel! I can't wait to go back and try all the other dishes!

I've been a fan of The Urban Oyster for years. This iteration at a new location is no different. I love the decor and think the amount of seating is just right. Today, I was craving the UO burger and fries. Why, you ask? The Urban Oyster burger is delicious. Perfectly seasoned, it's addictive. I actually crave the burger every other week. Did today's visit satisfy me? You bet. From the great service to the savory food, I was more than satisfied. I'm looking forward to my next visit.

Giving 3 stars because I'd say my experience was neutral. I tend to give establishments a lot of grace during the Valentine's weekend, but I do strongly feel experiences should be consistent regardless of what time of year you may be eating at an establishment, who is visiting the establishment, etc. That said, we visited on Saturday 2/15/25 and were immediately able to snag two seats at the bar. We were greeted upon sitting by super engaged bartenders. I appreciated that the bartenders were very poised and didn't seem to be overwhelmed. The ambiance of TUO is top notch, definitely giving downtown vibes BUT love that Chef Jasmine brought this level of sexy to Hampden. That's a win! On to the food...we ordered the Hugo Spritz and another drink, can't remember the name but you'll see it in the pictures. We also ordered the lobster corndog, chargrilled oysters (Cheeses Louise and Teriyaki), Beef Bourguignon, Seared Scallops, and Raw Oysters. The chargrilled oysters (which you'll be able to tell by the pic) were not consistent with what you'll see in other posted pics. They barely had any flavor filling and one of them was floating in more oyster juice than filling for sure. The lobster corndogs were giving old school McDonalds chicken nugget batter flavor but in the best way and paired with a creole honey mustard. So that combo in itself was relic of old school nuggets with the sweet n sour. Not sure that's what Chef Jasmine was going for, but if so-NAILED IT! The corndogs were delicious and I appreciated that the lobster was perfectly cooked and not over/rubbery. The scallops, flavorful and perfectly cooked BUT everything else about the dish was a complete miss for me. So much so, when I was packing my box to go, I almost left the risotto but didn't want to be rude so I took that to go too. The risotto was a little under and crunchy and the corn emulsion was extremely sweet. Visually, when you see the dish you're expecting that first bite to probably be a rich, savory, umami bomb but this was completely opposite of that which is why it was so trippy. That first bite for me, was a ton of sweetness from the corn, I'd assume because of course you don't SEE the corn but you can absolutely TASTE corn, it throws your palate into whack. I would not order that dish, in its current iteration, ever again. My friend devoured her short rib and when I tell you it was tender! No knife was ever needed for her dish. The plate and/or food presentation could've been tightened up in some places. As you'll see from my pics it looks as if someone smeared their hand through the powdered sugar on the corndog plate, the oysters as I noted earlier were lackluster in presentation. Again, this does not deter me from wanting to return, definitely giving them another chance. At this point, I can't give a 10/10 but I would recommend. I think I just went during the wrong time of year, but I'm definitely going back with the hopes that they were just having an off day-we all do. Cheers to a great time!

Holy. Moly. The wait to get a reservation that work for this place was well worth it. I do highly recommend getting a reservation, this place is amazing and people know it. The wait staff? Absolutely amazing. So attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, the oysters, the drinks, everything. The interior is so chic and cozy. But it is small, again. Make a reservation! The bar is so fun! You can see people shucking oysters live which truly makes them shine. I cannot wait to come back here, this was such a delight. Supporting women, especially black women, in seafood? Sign me up over and over and over again.

Beautiful place. Picturesque. Great Service. Quick service. Excellent cocktails. Inside and outside seating. Wheelchair accessible. Food - Starters: We started with a half dozen charbroiled oysters (bacon BBQ and cheddar, volcano and teriyaki). We didn't like any of them. The BBQ sauce was too sweet, the teriyaki tastes like a less sweeten BBQ and the volcano oysters were so small you could barely taste the actual oyster. Taco flight (fried oyster, fried shrimp, fried catfish). The fried catfish and oyster taste the same, all were heavily battered and fried hard. Deviled eggs (the fried oyster on the top was heavily battered and fried hard). Entrees: Beef Bourguignon (short rib, potatoes and carrots) - Loved it! Seasoned and cooked to perfection Chicken Oscar - Loved it Dessert: Creme brûlée vanilla cheesecake (I think) - basic Cocktails: Mother of Pearl and a champagne cocktail (I forgot the name) We have late reservations, 9:30. I hope that's the reason for the undesirable oysters and the heavily, over fried tacos. I'm heading back to see. Absolutely loved the cocktails, entrees, and the over all vibe of the place. #BlackOwned

Stopped here on a drive up to NY and the food was amazing! NOTE:you need a reservation to get a table but you can sit at the bar without a reservation. Bartenders were very attentive and provided quick service despite having a full bar to attend to. Food was delicious! Had yummy food Egg Benedict with crab cakes and the best Shrimp & Grits I've ever had. The shrimp was served with a yummy curry sauce that was flavorful but mild enough to not overpower the entire dish. Restaurant is beautifully decorated as well. We found street parking and you paid at the meter. Would definitely return.

I first learned about The Urban Oyster via IG and added it to my list of restaurants to try. I ordered Hugo Spritz for my cocktail, which is tasty, light and refreshing. We ordered the deviled eggs and the lobster corndogs, both were really tasty. The lobster corndogs kinda look like chicken fried lobster on a stick the 2 of them weren't breast. For our entrees we had the crab and pesto cavatelli and the grilled Bronzino and soy garlic green beans. All of it was soooo good. I would've liked our waitress to have been a bit more attentive, even on a Saturday as she only came back to give us more water once when we were almost done with our food. There was a hiccup in the kitchen with our order but a gentleman, whom I assume may have been the manager took care of us. Next time I want to try the red snapper nuggets as I noticed a few tables order them. This place has great food and vibe!!

The food was good especially the snapper nuggets. The ambiance was nice as well and good waiting staff.

Great seafood in Hampden? Even better service? Yup this is the place. Came with an empty (+ grumpy) stomach and left with both my heart and tummy full. The fried oysters and beef bourguignon were to die for, and the bartenders were so so gracious- we sat at the bar because it was jam packed on Mother's Day weekend, and when our last appetizer came out delayed our server was incredibly gracious and even offered us multiple free (and delicious) peach mimosas while we waited. I'm excited to go back and am so glad that this incredible place has joined the lineup of local businesses in Hampden.

Food was delicious. Went to happy hour Wed-Fri from 4-6pm. Ordered oysters (clean and tasty), tacos (fried and good), as well as a couple items off the regular menu (collard greens, cabbage and Turkey) and to top it off the lobster roll. Service was attentive and fast. Will go back again!

Incredibleee dining experience at The Urban Oyster! First of all, love getting to support the first female + black owned oyster bar in the US! Also, we got a chance to get $50 off our bill of $150+ by downloading their payment/rewards app which is currently being advertised on their website. This was a great way to entice us in the door, and the dining experience was what will surely entice us to come back. (Pro-tip: check Yelp menu pics, because the menu listed on the website was not fully up to date.) Reservations are a must! The space is small but so cute, with Tiffany blue and gold accents everywhere. It's giving bougie champagne and oysters in the BEST way. It's also cool that there is a space where you can see the chefs working in the back! The bartenders clearly are well trained, as the cocktails are expertly hand crafted (and delicious). I loved both the Hampden Spritz and the Luck Be a Lady. For dinner, we ordered the lobster bisque and (jumbo!!!) shrimp cocktail to start. Both were delicious and the seafood fresh and plentiful. For entrees, we had the seared scallops (with porcini risotto) and steak frites. The seared scallops may just be my new favorite entree in the city!!! The steak was cooked to perfection. Finally, we shared the creme brûlée cheesecake for dessert, and it was yet another standout. Literally all amazing bites--no notes!!! Finally, the service was friendly and attentive with multiple staff members clearly working together to ensure a perfect flow to the evening. Absolutely impressed and will be back!

First time here and had a great time! We will definitely be going back. We went for my birthday, and my wife & I received complementary glasses of champagne. 10/10 service. Cocktails were great as well For food, we had grilled/charbroiled oysters -- the teriyaki ones were our least favorite, but that's probably because they don't have cheese. We also had the red snapper nuggets (10/10), Bronzino (7/10), and scallops (8/10). They also gave us a few bday cookies to go. Very thoughtful and enjoyable experience, we can't wait to go back

When in town i always try something new. This black owned restaurant was not a miss. The ambiance, the menu, the food quality was all top tier. We had Katie as our waitress and she was great and knowledgeable about the menu. I ordered the wings to start and they were a hot honey old bay and seasoned right. Then I got the scallops and ricotta which was flavorful and with mushrooms as well. The margarita was so good I ordered a second one lol. The red snapper nuggets were flavored with a sweet glaze. The deviled eggs came with fried oysters on top. Will definitely go back again!

The spot is cute! It's chic, small but airy and somewhat elegant without being stuffy. Reservation was honored and I was seated and allowed to wait for my guest at the table. While the food was GREAT, the service suffered. I probably only saw my waiter twice- once for drink orders, once for food orders and that was literally it. After food was dropped off by runners, we were never checked on which is unfortunate because my friend was missing her fries. I was finished my meal when we realized they werent coming and had to ask another waitress for them.. and wait even longer for a fresh batch. They honestly should have been comped at that point.. but fine. My drink the 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' was fruity and spicy and just delicious. I loved that i could switch up flavors in my taco and charbroiled oyster orders. So i had a shrimp, a catfish, and fried oyster taco- all excellent with meats seasoned to perfection. My oysters were half cheddar bacon (minus bbq) and half cheese louise with volcano sauce added. That volcano sauce is EVERYTHING. I would drive an hour again just for these oysters. Im so excited to try more of the menu because chef obviously knows her stuff!

I just had my first visit to the urban oyster to celebrate my birthday, and let me tell you, it was a real treat. The restaurant is small and very welcoming. This was hands down the best dining experience I've ever had at a black owned restaurant. The food and service were seriously top notch. My husband loved the gravy served with his steak frites. The basil oil on Scallops and Risotto was divine. If can make room for dessert, the cream brûlée cheesecake was AMAZING! And the cherry on top? The restaurant owner shared with me the dining room is painted the color Delft by Sherwin Williams, and now I'm obsessed and I need to paint my bedroom that color ASAP.

Absolutely impeccable work. My oysters were fresh, flavorful and shucked beautifully. My pesto pasta was well-seasoned, and the sauce was decadent! My bartender Abby was absolutely fantastic. She was personable, knowledgeable, and so, so sweet. I'll be coming back just for her, in fact! The lighting was just right, the music was so, so apt. I had an amazing Friday date night.

If you're chasing great oysters, this spot misses the mark. The experience was decent overall, but the oysters underwhelmed. Snapper bites looked great but needed more seasoning. The scallop and risotto dish came with just three medium scallops and a big bowl of mushroom-heavy risotto--flavor was okay, but the presentation lacked appeal. Shrimp cocktail was forgettable, with small shrimp. We also had a beef dish that didn't leave a lasting impression. Space was tight and could possibly be a good HH at the bar.

I had a great experience! We went on a Sunday evening for an early dinner, I recommend making reservations as it got busy very quickly after they opened for dinner. The decor was so beautiful and bright. The chargrilled oysters are a must try! I was pleasantly surprised by the bacon cheddar bbq. As an entree I ordered the Beef Bourguinon, it was tender and flavorful, the potatoes had an interesting texture but still tasty. Highly recommend! I'll be back.

Loved my experience at The Urban Oyster. The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful. It's a smaller with that is beautifully decorated. We got there right when they opened on Saturday afternoon. We were able to grab a table for 3, it started picking up as time went on. Our server was on point. Gave happy food and drink recommendations and was available when needed. The food is for sure a win! Everything we ordered was delicious. My favorite was the Branzino. It's perfectly cooked served with this vibrant chimichuri sauce. I wanted more of it!! Loved all the other components of the dish. We also ordered the Yardbird which is the cornish hen with green beans served with a light gravy. Another win. The only item that was slightly underwhelming was the shrimp cocktail. The sauce in my opinion could have had a bit more of a kick to it. Could use a bit more horseradish. Again, that's just my opinion as I like a really strong cocktail sauce. It's what makes for a good shrimp cocktail. Also, felt the drinks were a little weak and nothing that blew us away. Other than that, I absolutely love The Urban Oyster!!

I would say 3.5 not quite 4 for me. I dropped in for H/H must be a new addition on the menu, I believe dont quote me. I ordered a couple of drinks ($9) off their happy hour maple old fashioned (2) and a peach margarita i believe (2). The drinks were phenomenal and the bartender was awesome, she made good drinks. Food- I ordered some oysters very plump, and $1.50 excellent deal ordered a dozen of those. The deviled eggs which i ordered and had a fried oyster on top was probably one of the blandest deviled eggs i have had in my life, it was not good at all. The wings were really tiny, and tho the sauce on it was good, it was fried way too hard for my liking it was just ok. All in all i see myself going back for H/H and oysters.

Great food, ambience and customer service! Was lucky enough to snag a seat at the bar. Will definitely return

This place is super cute with a really cute ambiance. I came here on a Sunday night around 7:00pm, it wasn't crowded at all. We were greeted by the hostess and my date and I opted to sit at the bar. The bartender was very nice and he took our drink orders right away. He was very helpful in explaining the drinks and giving us a feel of how they would taste I ordered the Bodega Kitty which was sweet and the right amount of alcohol. My date ordered the Kingston Snowday. He said he liked his drink as well. For appetizers we ordered the Mini duck confit rolls and an order of cheese Louise chargrilled oysters. The oysters were soooo good and yes, they definitely were cheesy!! I would absolutely order them again and again!!! Now, the duck confit rolls left a lot to be desired. They were a lot on the dry side. They needed a lot more plum sauce or the duck needed to be seasoned or salted. It just wasn't flavorful and it was dry. I would not order that again. For our entrees we ordered the Lobster Cavateli in Rose sauce and the Seared Scallops w/ porcini risotto and corn purée. My dates caveteli was so soft and melted in your mouth. I didn't really care for the sauce but he really liked his dish. I am NOT a mushroom fan so I'm not sure why I ordered the porcini risotto dish BUT surprisingly I didn't mind the taste. The scallops were seared and cooked very nicely. The mushrooms have a very distinct flavor that I've never tasted before and I'm glad I tried something new. I would suggest you try it for yourself and see how you like it. I'm looking forward to trying other entrees on the menu. For desert I had the cheesecake. It was delicious!! Nice and refreshing and sweet with the flambé crust on the top. So good!! When I went to the website I did not see it on there so maybe the deserts are something that's only on the menu when you physically go there. Since we came about two hours before closing the bartender recommended we order dessert a little early to ensure we get it before the kitchen closes. I really appreciated that suggestion. It showed he cared about our experience. Overall, I would definitely visit this place again. The food was good and the staff was cool and friendly. Not to mention when the chef came out, he was definitely fine!! If I wasn't on a date...well, anyway...check this place out for yourself!!!

*chef's kiss* Everything from the food, service, & ambience was a 5/5! We tried a few items from the menu and they were all great, especially the oxtail lasagna. Definitely go the next time you're in the area.

So the latest date night lead to the Urban Oyster. Located in the Hampden area it's a lovely restaurant with great service & a nice setup. Tonite's date night was particularly memorable because this was Court's first time trying raw oysters. Our waiter was very nice & informed on all of the dishes & was quick to answer any of our questions. So we started off with some oysters because Court had never tried them. She thoroughly enjoyed them which lead to dinner. I went for the steak frites & truffle fries. Like me say cooked to perfection. That plus the dope atmosphere will make this definitely not our last visit to Urban Oysters

This place has been on the list for a while and finally went on Sunday. I didn't get to meet the chef/owner but she was there. Which I always like to see. The place is really nice and I recommend getting a reservation. They do have open seating at the bar. The staff was nice and the bartenders recommended great options for the drinks What we had Chargrilled oyster - volcano and cheese 8/10 - you can get all six flavors (1 each) or do half and half The taco flight 9/10 UO Burger 9/10 but the fries ehh

Tonight was a lovely time. The service was excellent and the food was flavorful. The deviled eggs were small in portion, but the flavor of the fried oysters was great. Branzino was a star dish for the night and the seared scallops won as well.