Polished Back Bay seafood spot with standout raw bar and crudos, lively bar service, and automatic 20% gratuity plus ~3% fee; excellent food for a splurge, but space is tight and value feels steep to some.
Select Oyster Bar earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality anchored by a best-in-class raw bar and outstanding bartender expertise that elevates the oyster and wine experience. Tight seating and cramped tables prevent grade A territory, while occasional seasoning inconsistencies and isolated food safety reports temper otherwise strong execution. A destination for seafood purists willing to embrace the lively, compact Back Bay setting.
One caveat: Mandatory 20% gratuity and ~3% operations fee not always expected; several diners felt blindsided