Oysters at P.J. Clarke’s are kind of legendary: ice-cold, East Coast, and shucked to order so they hit the table tasting like the ocean (in a good way). If you’re curious about what makes a great oyster, don’t fear.
That’s why we’ve brought in Alexis, The Oyster Lady – your behind-the-bar coach for the world of oysters, how they’re shucked, which types you’ll actually love, and what to drink with them. As our in-house oyster sommelier (or “mermmelier,” as some regulars say), she brings a new level of expertise to the P.J. Clarke’s Raw Bar.
Why You Need an Oyster Guide
Even in the best oyster bar New York has to offer, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. Rockefellers, Littlenecks, briny or creamy – choosing can feel like a tiny leap of faith. Maybe you love oysters but never know quite what you’re in the mood for.
That’s where Alexis steps in. As your personal oyster expert, she listens first – to what you usually drink, what you like to eat, and how adventurous you’re feeling – then builds a mini tasting journey from there. She’ll explain which taste like a cold Atlantic wave, which lean buttery and subtle, and which have that brisk mineral bite people crave. No judgment, no rush – just a steady guide between you and the ice-filled platter in front of you.
If you’re planning to stop by soon, you can make a reservation and settle right into the action at the raw bar.
What to Expect: Oyster Lady Events, Perks & More
Alexis doesn’t just hand you a plate and walk away. She turns the raw bar into a little classroom, a show, and a neighborhood hangout all at once. On any given visit, you might catch her moving in a rhythm of shucking and storytelling, or hosting something that makes you feel like an insider. Here’s a taste of what’s on the horizon:
- Quick shucking demos
- Oyster & Champagne pairings
- Tasting flights from crisp to rich
- Raw bar tours with Alexis by region and farm
- Fast etiquette tips – including the art of a graceful slurp
Follow P.J. Clarke’s on Instagram for updates, and check the P.J. Clarke’s Raw Bar page for upcoming moments at one of the most beloved raw bars in NYC.
Inside the Raw Bar at P.J. Clarke’s
Settle in at the bar, and you’ll see Alexis’s style right away. She brings a mix of ease, precision, and oyster-trained instincts that make the whole experience feel like part tasting, part conversation. The atmosphere shifts when she’s behind the rail – more curious questions, more excited first-timers, more regulars claiming their favorite seats.
If you’re exploring where to meet her, browse all P.J. Clarke’s locations to find the raw bar closest to you.
Join Us at the Raw Bar
If you already speak fluent shellfish or you’re still figuring out your oyster style, Alexis is here to make the whole thing easier, more delicious, and a lot more fun. Settle in at the bar, let her build you a tasting, and see why so many guests call P.J. Clarke’s the best oyster bar in NYC.
Planning something bigger? Private Affairs at P.J. Clarke’s can bring her oyster know-how to a private celebration – a shell-stacked gathering with your own oyster sommelier on deck. Shucking great oysters, always at P.J. Clarke’s.
