We’ve always been the place where a cold martini meets a colder oyster. At our waterfront Battery Park City spot — P.J. Clarke’s On the Hudson — clams and oysters arrive daily (shucked within 24 hours) so you taste the goodness of the tide, every time.
The Freshest Raw Bar This Side of The Hudson
On the Hudson keeps a tight, honest list from trusted purveyors for our Hudson Oyster Bar — Blue Island, Island Creek, Fisher’s Island, Rappahannock, War Shore, Local 130 — iced, shucked, and plated by those in the know. Booths inside, a cool patio outside, and private rooms upstairs. Pre-theater or post-office, we move at your pace.
Think cousins, not twins. Oysters vs clams comes down to the shell, texture, and flavor. Oysters wear rough, rippled shells and taste briny-sweet with a creamy glide. Clams are smoother on the outside and firmer on the bite, cleaner and a touch sweeter. Both are great raw; clams also love a quick steam, while oysters flirt with heat — broiled or fried with a squeeze of lemon.
Serving styles & textures:
- Raw: Oysters = silky, saline. Clams = crisp snap, clean finish.
- Cooked: Oysters shine broiled or fried; clams open for steamers, chowders, and casino.
- Sauces: Oysters adore mignonette (and a martini). Clams pair with lemon, cocktail sauce, and an ice-cold lager.
To Clam Up or Oyster Down — Which Is Better?
If you want creamy, layered salinity, oysters are your world — ask what we’ve got from Blue Island or Island Creek today. Choose littlenecks or cherrystones if you crave a refreshing seafood taste that plays nicely with pilsner and patio weather.
Pre-theater or power lunch? Split the difference between clams and oysters with a half-and-half tower and let the table debate. Our team will steer you by size, salinity, and season, then match your picks with crisp whites, bubbles, or a proper classic cocktail. Decision made? Good — now admire that river view while you plot round two.
Shuck By The Water (And Stay A While)
Slide into the bar for a quick dozen or book the room and let us build the raw‑bar moment your guests will talk about. Battery Park City convenience, FiDi access, and waterfront shellfish dining and hospitality that’s aged well since 1884.
Order online to catch today’s list, explore the On the Hudson Menu for the full spread, or explore the raw bar, and we’ll shuck, pour, and repeat.
