Brooklyn Oyster Shack

Not a good place at all. Canned Manhattan Clam Chowder that they didn’t even bother to add more clams to? Flavorless mussels that were half the portion of any other restaurant that I have been to at double the price. The owner/​chef had to be called on the phone to return from grabbing a sandwich else where. Made food without washing his hands, sneezed without covering his mouth (the kitchen is amazingly small and nothing goes unnoticed) and proceeded to eat his sandwich on a car hood outside in between customers. Also the bill was $ 80 for two without alcohol… that’s canned soup, small bowel of mussels, with no flavor and a dozen oysters with shards in ever one.

The almost-​4-​year old and I dropped by yesterday around 12, right after the place opened, and ordered the shrimp roll, Connecticut-​style, and the crab roll, New England style. Both were delicious, on buttery grilled rolls, complemented by a crisp McClure’s pickle. The folks working there, Desmond and Rebecca, were super nice, and my son (who decided the restaurant should be called «Shrimpytown») wants to come back and try the lobster roll.
It’s great to have a place like this in the neighborhood, though I’ll be interested to see how they do in colder weather. There’s not much seating inside (two tables, chairs around the counter), and the Shack doesn’t have a liquor license yet (it’s BYOB for now). The menu is limited at the moment — just rolls, oysters, and whoopie pies — and there’s no sign that they’ll expand. But Windsor Terrace residents, take note: we’ve got a real seafood place, at long last. Take advantage.

I am very happy that this place opened up. I want it to succeed. It’s a great idea, great location, a welcome addition to the neighborhood. My review can probably somewhat be attributed to start up pangs.
I went here over the weekend. The oysters tasted very fresh and were top notch. The service was a bit on the slow side, but again start up pangs. We ordered a dozen oysters which were tasty except that every single one had bits of shell in it, maybe more care needs to go into shucking. We also ordered the jumbo shrimp cocktail, which was tasty, but the shrimp were definitely not jumbo. Large, extra large maybe. And ridiculously over priced at $ 15/​half dozen. I admit, it’s my fault for ordering a second helping of the shrimp cocktail which brought the bill up to $ 70 w/​o alcohol (no license yet: byob) Way too pricey for a joint I want to frequent often. Hopefully they will work out the service, quality and menu pricing quickly because I really want this place to become a neighborhood staple.

Live nearby and finally had a chance to check it out. Very fresh and very tasty seafood, not to mention good service. The liquor license has not been approved… yet… but this place has lots of potential. And no doubt this will be remedied shortly. Frank, the owner, seems like a smart and attentive guy. Looking forward to coming back and enjoying the charms of Brooklyn Oyster Shack!

I predict the moment NYMag hears about this place, lines will be out of the door. So go there while you can! It was amazing… the service was wonderful, I also loved that they were so accommodating with BYOB. I got some oysters and a crab roll that I did not want to end… they didn’t cut back on the portion of crab, and it melted in my mouth… the bread was some of the best I’ve ever had… after eating, the place smelled up with yummy fresh buttery bread smell which made me want to eat another roll, but i had to run off before i gave in to temptation! Already looking forward to coming back and bringing fellow seafood lover friends.

I love this place! I tried the Bluepoint and Shigoku oysters, both super fresh. Their lobster rolls are the best I’ve had anywhere! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. This is definitely going to be my new hangout spot in the neighborhood.

Great addition to the hood. Had the crab roll and Shigoku and Bluepoint oysters. Great way to end a hangover. Also try the Moo Thunder stout! Great combo. The bartender and shucker were very knowledgeable and helped us pick some really good oysters. Can’t wait to come back.

Great atmosphere, friendly waitress, BYOB till they get their liquor license, amazingly fresh and tasty crab and lobster rolls. But my favorite might have been the clam chowder.
It was the best chowder and perhaps the best soup dish I have ever had at a restaurant. I was even talked into trying a raw oyster for the first time in ten years and it was lovely and it didn’t give me food poisoning! Yay!
Very excited to have them in my neighborhood, hopefully it’s the start of good things in Windsor Terrace.

Clever use of the space– former gelato spot… Beachy feel, small prep area
Large selection of east and west coast oysters and local clams
Went with a lobster roll– Connecticut style $ 16
Tiny roll– interesting lobster flavor… McClure pickle and cole slaw not house made
Overall, if I lived in my old building around the corner I would frequent this spot more… but since I don’t…