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About
The Urban Oyster
Welcome to The Urban Oyster, a vibrant seafood haven nestled in the heart of Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood at 914 W 36th St. This first-of-its-kind restaurant, proudly owned by the country's first Black female oyster bar owner, has quickly garnered a reputation as a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts.
As you step into The Urban Oyster, the inviting ambiance captivates you. The interior design reflects themes of water and nature, featuring warm lighting and exquisite decor, including charming fish-print wallpaper that adds a unique touch to the experience. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between upscale and casual, making it ideal for a romantic dinner, a lively outing with friends, or a special family celebration.
The menu is a carefully curated selection of seafood dishes, showcasing the freshest ingredients. From their luscious Chargrilled Oysters to the delightful Red Snapper Nuggets, every bite tells a story. Notable highlights include:
- Deviled Eggs topped with a delectable fried fritter, elevating a classic starter.
- Lobster Corndog, served with rosemary hollandaise that perfectly complements the sweet lobster.
- Crab and Pesto Cavatelli, a creamy dish featuring jumbo lump crab that has received rave reviews for its bright flavors and rich textures.
- Seared Scallops served over delectable porcini risotto—a true delight for the palate.
Customer feedback reflects the exceptional experience at The Urban Oyster. Diners rave about the friendly and attentive service, with many mentioning how the staff makes every visit memorable. From personalized recommendations to buzzing conversations at the bar, the service elevates the dining experience.
Happy Hour at The Urban Oyster is a gem as well—offering a delightful menu that doesn’t compromise on creativity or taste. The Pineapple Upside Down Cake and the spicy Hot Honey Old Bay Wings have become favorites among regulars.
With dishes that blend tradition with innovation, The Urban Oyster stands out in a competitive landscape, offering a refreshing take on seafood dining. The food is not only delicious but also beautifully presented, aligning with the overall experience of the restaurant.
If you find yourself in the Baltimore area, make sure to stop by The Urban Oyster. Whether you’re indulging in a dozen Chincoteague oysters or savoring their seasonal specialties, every meal promises to be a delightful culinary adventure. Don't forget to call ahead for reservations; this hotspot fills up quickly!
In conclusion, The Urban Oyster isn’t just a place to eat; it's a place to indulge in the art of seafood, embodying elegance, flavor, and impeccable service. Come join the community and discover why so many are thrilled to share their experiences here.
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“ Food, service, and experience were perfect! They are a must try! My absolute favorites were the red snapper nuggets and the seared scallops with risotto. The snapper nuggets were very filling and could absolutely be ordered as an entree with a side - which I'll definitely be doing next time! I would recommend making a reservation if you are able to. ”
“ 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! ”
“ 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. ”
“ 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 ”
“ 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. ”
“ 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! ”
