Oyster lovers, get your slurp on because National Oyster Day is coming up on Monday, August 5, and restaurants across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are celebrating with delicious deals, inventive toppings, and chic seafood specials. From $2 happy hour half-shells to caviar-topped indulgence, here’s where to celebrate the briny, buttery bivalve in style.
Whether you’re a purist who loves a freshly shucked oyster with lemon, or a foodie on the hunt for creative twists like giardiniera mignonette or bone marrow baked shells, this year’s offerings promise something for every palate. We’ve rounded up six standout spots—each with a unique spin and atmosphere, from buzzy downtown favorites to luxurious suburban hideaways.
Adalina (Gold Coast) – Chic Bites & Italian Summer Vibes
Photo Credit: Adam Sokolowski
📍 912 N State St, Chicago, IL | adalina.com
📅 Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 4–6 PM
Gold Coast glamour meets oyster elegance at Adalina, where their weekday happy hour features $2 oysters and $9 cocktails. The upscale Italian spot is known for its luxurious dishes and lively patio, where guests can enjoy Aperol spritzes, martinis, and standout bar snacks like gnocco fritto with prosciutto or polenta cake with whipped ricotta.
The vibe is summer-on-the-Amalfi, right in the heart of Chicago—making it a prime destination for National Oyster Day revelry, whether you’re meeting a friend or treating yourself to something special.
🦪 Pro Tip: Ask your server about pairing oysters with their rotating wine specials.
The Graceful Ordinary (St. Charles) – Riverside Martini Hour & Shucked Perfection
Photo Credit: Matt Reeves
📍 3 E Main St, St. Charles, IL | thegracefulordinary.com
📅 Oyster Happy Hour: Tuesday–Friday, 4–5 PM
St. Charles’ riverside darling, The Graceful Ordinary, brings elegant comfort to the suburbs with an inviting patio and creative coastal-inspired cuisine. Their Oyster & Martini Happy Hour runs Tuesday through Friday, with $2 oysters and $10 martinis that make the perfect after-work pairing.
Guests can expect a rotating selection of fresh oysters served with house-made garnishes and a laid-back yet refined setting that feels like a coastal getaway. Whether you’re catching up with friends or unwinding solo, it’s a great place to raise a shell and toast to summer.
🦪 Pro Tip: Stick around for dinner—their seafood program is one of the most underrated in the area.
The Greggory (South Barrington) – Luxe Oysters with a Side of Elegance
Photo Credit: The Greggory
📍 100 W. Higgins Rd, South Barrington, IL | thegreggory.com
📅 National Oyster Day Specials: One-day-only at the bar
Suburban seafood lovers have reason to rejoice. The Greggory in South Barrington is honoring National Oyster Day with an exclusive bar menu from Executive Chef Jose Sosa that’s equal parts upscale and fun. This one-day-only selection includes decadent Petrossian Caviar–topped oysters, a buttery Oyster Po’ Boy dressed with caper rémoulade, and a housemade Oyster Pie with a flaky crust, creamy oyster filling, and a generous spoonful of caviar for extra indulgence.
Cocktail pairings are just as luxurious—think Velvet Clicquot, a mini gold rush, or Moody Tongue’s crisp Apéritif Pils. If you love a martini, their signature dirty version with a blue cheese–stuffed olive might just become your new favorite.
🦪 Pro Tip: Seating is limited to the bar, so plan ahead with a reservation on OpenTable.
Hawksmoor (River North) – Giardiniera, Bone Marrow & $2 Oyster Happy Hour
Photo Credit: Hawksmoor
📍 500 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL | hawksmoor.com
📅 Oyster Happy Hour: Daily, 5–6 PM
If you like variety, Hawksmoor’s got you covered with four distinct oyster options served daily—including their new Chicago-style Oysters Caruso, topped with a zingy giardiniera mignonette. Other offerings include Vietnamese Oysters with ginger, soy, sesame, and crispy shallots, roasted Bone Marrow Oysters, and the classic raw half shell.
Even better, their daily happy hour from 5–6 PM features $2 oysters, both raw and bone marrow roasted. With an elegant-yet-cozy atmosphere and top-tier service, Hawksmoor is a must-visit for National Oyster Day (and every other day too).
🦪 Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on the Bone Marrow Oysters—it’s surf and turf in a single bite.
The Publican (Fulton Market) – Oysters & Culinary Cred in One Iconic Spot
Photo Credit: Aysegul D. Sanford
📍 837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL | thepublicanrestaurant.com
📅 $2 Oyster Happy Hour
The Publican is already one of the city’s most beloved restaurants for its nose-to-tail menu and beer hall ambiance, and oysters are a big part of that legacy. With Chef Rob Levitt now at the helm, the restaurant’s already-excellent oyster program is getting even more attention—expect sustainable sourcing, bold flavors, and beautifully curated varietals from both coasts.
For National Oyster Day, enjoy a $2 oyster happy hour that highlights Levitt’s whole-hog philosophy with a menu that lets quality ingredients shine. Pair your oysters with one of their signature craft beers or a chilled glass of bubbly.
🦪 Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying at least one of their house-made mignonettes — they rotate seasonally.
Tengoku Aburiya (West Loop) – A Hidden Gem with Heart-Eyed Honeymoon Oysters
Photo Credit: Mistey Nguyen
📍 651 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL | tengokuaburiya.com
📅 Seasonal Specialty: Available through August
Located in the heart of the West Loop, Tengoku Aburiya is a chef-favorite Japanese izakaya with a serious reputation for quality seafood. Their new Honeymoon Oysters are a seasonal delight just in time for National Oyster Day—served with ikura, yuzu pearls, a light soy vinaigrette, and fresh wasabi for a subtle kick.
Available in sets of 3 for $15 or 6 for $25, these Miyagi oysters are a refreshing, umami-packed bite that’s perfect for date night or a solo seafood adventure.
🦪 Pro Tip: These oysters are available all month—but with limited quantities, you’ll want to plan your visit early in the week.
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