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    The Urban Oyster

    4.3 (197 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    The Urban Oyster Photos

    THE URBAN OYSTER ATMOSPHERE

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    Chloe H.

    I celebrated my birthday at The Urban Oyster on Sunday afternoon. The decor was exquisitely designed. It gave elevated casual with a touch of elegance. We were immediately seated upon arrival and given a choice of seats/location. I started with the Pearanoia cocktail which was refreshing. Then I tried the Luck Be a Lady cocktail. This was a pretty drink and a bit sweet. For appetizers: -Devil's Eggs were perfect! -Taco Flight (2 shrimp and 1 catfish) was very filling. Could have had this as an entree. -Chargrilled Oysters were unfortunately my least favorite of everything ordered. Nothing stood out. For entrees: -Grilled Branzino was a solid choice. There was an up-charge to replace the cauliflower with broccolini. -Seafood flatbread I had the bread pudding for dessert. I enjoyed the starters more than the main courses. The drinks were luscious and the food was good. The service was attentive and friendly. It's located in a quaint neighborhood of Baltimore reminiscent of Adams Morgan in DC. I will certainly be back to hangout because the ambiance is a vibe! Having metered parking directly across the street provided convenience. For rideshare riders, they have a vestibule so that you are covered while waiting.

    Prawns
    Leah G.

    It's more of a socializing experience and atmosphere the oysters and drinks were fantastic the ambiance was amazing and the service was great!!

    Seafood flatbread
    Kristina D.

    Food: 7.5/10 Ambience: 8/10 Service: 6/10 Food I tried: hot honey old bay wings, seafood flatbread, half dozen oysters and bread pudding The bread pudding and fresh oysters were the best things I ate. The wings needed more sauce and were a little dry (and were not spicy despite the name and the description mentioning hot sauce) and the seafood flatbread was decent. Two others at my table had charbroiled oysters and didn't like them at all. The ambience was cute - the music was fun upbeat R&B and the decor and lighting was very chic. The service was mixed. The good - our server was friendly, endearing and quick and the manager checked on us and was very gracious. The bad - I ordered a mocktail and was brought a regular cocktail (thankfully I didn't drink it but our server didn't realize her mistake for quite some time) and someone else at my table told our server her allergies but was still brought a cocktail containing one of her specified allergies. I'd go back for happy hour at the bar if I was casually catching up with a friend or 2 but I'm not sure I'd go back for a formal dinner.

    Anya T.

    I had an amazing time here. I had been at a professional development work conference the week of my birthday. Honestly, it felt like a complimentary getaway because I got to work and play. In the day time I went to cohorts and talks. In the evening I got to explore Baltimore for the first time. This was at the top of my list because it's Black Woman owned and had a menu selection worthy of my birthday dinner. I shared a few plates with my colleagues but also got to indulge in a main. It was a warm and inviting space. I had such a great time and I'd definitely go back.

    Raw oysters
    Kelly C.

    I was really excited to try this spot on my birthday after seeing some glowing recommendations online. The hostess was really friendly and the interior is chic. Our server was overall friendly and attentive, refilling our drinks and checking in regularly. The raw oysters were very fresh. The chargrilled oysters were drowning in bbq sauce and cheese, and I think the sauce/cheese took away from the oysters. The seafood flatbread is delicious. However the seafood pomodoro is a bit disappointing and overpriced. For $42 it was really just pasta noodles with an extremely small amount of seafood. There was also a ton of crab shell. I found pieces of shell in almost every bite I took. Not sure if I would order full prize entrees here again but definitely a solid option for raw oysters and happy hour! Automatic 20% gratuity regardless of party size- we were a party of two.

    Kaya E.

    The Urban Oyster is a beautiful Black, female-owned restaurant in the neighborhood of Hampden in Baltimore. I decided to pop in to connect with a friend for her birthday dinner. Getting a reservation and parking was really easy on a Sunday evening. Here's all of the things that I loved and didn't love as much while here, Loved, - crab cake was good, not the best I've ever had but good - Our server was really friendly and attentive - Interior is beautiful, I love the family style table at the front and the fact that they have a large window that opens out to the street letting in fresh air. -my friend says she loved the fresh oysters and the cocktail she got Didn't love as much, - Snapper bites were decent, chewy but decent. Loved the presentation - charbroiled oysters -- didn't really taste anything but cheese and it was a bit burnt I'll be back to check out their happy hour or when the menu features some different options. I saw someone mention an oxtail lasagna and babyyy let me tell you. I would scarf that down really quick.

    Deviled eggs with fried oysters
    TaNeisha J.

    I waited until I was able to visit The Urban Oyster a few times before I settled on my overall rating. The restaurant is a bit small -- decor is really nice. Since I didn't have a reservation, I sat at the bar for a quick meal. Service was speedy. I tried the crab cakes with potatoes and broccolini. I also tried their deviled eggs topped with a fried oyster. The crab cakes were a hit! No filler! I loved the potatoes too. My critique for this dish would be the broccolini; it was a bit too charred for me. The deviled eggs topped with fried oysters were tasty. The deviled egg filling was mixed well - smooth. The crunch from the fried oysters gave a bit of balance to the soft egg. Thoroughly enjoyed! All-in-all, I enjoyed my food and the experience. Will definitely keep this one in rotation! Cheers!

    Old fashioned
    Amanda S.

    And prep for my trip to Baltimore, I researched black owned restaurants to visit, and I was delightfully introduced to a Black owned oyster bar in the city. Luckily for me, it wasn't too far of an Uber ride from the harbor area where I stayed and so I took a quick trip to enjoy the oysters and a nice cocktail. The restaurant looked like it was located in a really nice area from what I can tell. The restaurant is small in size but very well decorated; it has a bit of a sophisticated flair. My server, Erica was really nice and knowledgeable of the menu. The oysters tasted very fresh and the old-fashioned was very well balanced. I noticed there was a bit of a small smaller menu so just keep that in mind. But overall a really nice restaurant and I hope they stick around.

    Beet salad
    Kim F.

    So glad I chose this restaurant to meet up with my good friends to celebrate my birthday. Although parking was quite a challenge, once inside the experience was well worth it. Great vibes, and good food. The Cheese Louise charred oysters were simply delicious. We enjoyed everything from the cocktails, Taco Flight, beet salad, wings and seafood flatbread. Every bite of my seafood flatbread was a mouthful of buttery garlicy cheesy seafoody goodness. Chef's kiss!

    Beet Salad
    Kathy M.

    I finally made it to The Urban Oyster after watching them grow from a food truck into a full restaurant and I was not disappointed. We went during Restaurant Week and everything was on point. The oyster deviled eggs were unreal (be sure to asked for the Obey hot sauce and that took it over the top). I had the beet salad and the honey-glazed ribeye with truffle fries...perfection. And the grilled oysters? That's what we all came for, and they absolutely delivered. The service was amazing, the manager ( Ms Amaya) was hands-on and genuinely fun, and the drinks were top-tier--my lemon drop raspberry tequila was exactly what it needed to be: strong, smooth, and dangerous in the best way. Cheers to our waiter Ms Ericka!! She handled us with Grace and elegance because we got a little tipsy. I'm definitely going back. Believe the hype.

    Teriyaki oyster
    Kamille H.

    This is the only Black woman owned oyster bar in the country. If you have a large group, make a reservation. There is street parking available. Prices were reasonable. We only stopped by for oysters, which were good. I was a bit disappointed by the limited options at the raw bar since this is an oyster bar. The shucker we had that particular night needed some more training in shucking and in overall oyster presentation. If it's not obvious by now, I can be a snob about that, but if we're talking raw seafood I will be that. A few oysters we got were shucked through the heart and shriveled up, which is unacceptable if oysters are supposed to be your bread and butter. I would expect that at a pub or more rustic seafood spot. I would dine again for sure. The menu had something for everyone.

    Tania A.

    The Urban Oyster was amazing from ALL levels! From the moment we walked in, I felt the vibrancy, elegance and warmth that makes this place truly special. The food? Exceptional. Everything from the Crab of Corn Soup, Taco Flight, Seared Scallops, and Grilled Branzino was spectacular ! Everything was incredibly fresh, cleanly presented, and the flavours were bold but balanced. You can tell this isn't just a restaurant - it's a story of community, culture, and culinary excellence coming together. The staff were also really welcoming and knowledgeable! If you're looking for phenomenal seafood with soul, flavor, and a powerful story behind it, The Urban Oyster is the place. I'm already planning my next visit.

    View of the kitchen
    Olakunle O.

    The Urban Oyster was a pleasant experience overall. Our waiter was sweet and attentive. The highlight was the breathtaking dining room and bar. My seafood flatbread was flavorful if a little salty for my taste. I'm eager to come back to try some of the other options. I will also add that the menus were stained and a little sticky which detracted from the elevated experience I believe the establishment is going for. I would love to see that rectified.

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    The food was amazing, the drinks were good, and the service was incredible! Our waiter Tony took great care of us! Highly recommend!

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    The Urban Oyster Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Urban Oyster

    What's your fav on the menu and why?

    The branzino! It had the perfect char and was cooked to perfection!

    Is this a casual or formal attire restaurant?

    It's cute but casual.

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    Dylan's Oyster Cellar

    Dylan's Oyster Cellar

    4.3
    (213 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    I recently returned to Dylan's for dinner this past week. I love the vibe here and wish I would…read morestop by more often. We were able to grab seats at the bar after a brief wait. We were right in front of the oyster shucking area which was entertaining to watch. We ordered a dozen oysters, six of two different kinds. The oysters are priced by the half dozen here just FYI. I feel like Dylan's has some of the freshest oysters in Baltimore. I love that they're not all huge ginormous dinner plates but some are small and petite with a light brine. We also ordered the french onion dip, potato skins, caesar salad, and brussel sprouts. The french onion dip had great flavor and went well with the potato chips (I subbed extra chips in place of the crackers to make it gluten free). I only wish the dip was served warm. The brussels were absolutely delicious with great flavor and texture, and not swimming in the sauce like some other places. The stern fern martini is one of my faves but I can't drink more than one and once the other salty dishes started coming out, I needed something different so I opted for the yuzu cider. That was really refreshing and delicious! The basque cheesecake for dessert was good but not the best I've had. Service at the bar seemed a bit rushed but it may have been because the place was packed. It was a Tuesday night but at 6:30pm, every seat was full. By 8pm the place really cleared out so we'll time our visit a little later next time. The owner, Dylan, was working the floor alongside his staff and was nice enough to offer us some of his home-made hot sauce. It was really good! My only wish would be for the menu to be better marked for gluten free options.

    As always love Dylan's!! Consistently delicious. Their oysters are always so fresh and tasty. But…read moretheir other dishes are also so good. Their happy hour is great! Cheap beers pair so good with oysters haha. Service is always great, the interior is cozy. It's not upscale like other oyster houses in the area.

    Photos
    Sticker $3
    Sticker $3
    Roasted oysters
    Roasted oysters
    Deja Vieux

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    Deja Vieux
    Brick Bistro Hampden

    Brick Bistro Hampden

    4.0
    (23 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$$

    I came in on a Wednesday night and was sat immediately by the owner. He explained the the menu and…read morepromptly got us some waters (and kept the glasses full throughout the meal). The restaurant is cute and comfortable and I love that you can see what's going on in the kitchen. I had the Spanish rice and shrimp witch was a pleasant surprise since I had no idea what to expect. The proteins were fresh, tender, and flavorful while the veggies and rice complemented them well. I can't wait to see what the outdoor area looks like in the fall with its bevy of space heaters and seating. I will be back! 9/10

    I would only recommend this place to a very specific audience. If you are a smoker: hookah,…read moremarijuana, cigars, or anything similar. This may be for you. However, if you cannot tolerate the smell of smoke or have an upper respiratory condition such as asthma or bronchitis, I strongly advise against going. I did enjoy the concept of the space. Each group has its own private pod equipped with a television, overhead speakers, mood lighting, and comfortable seating, allowing you to have your own relaxed kickback-style gathering. The food available for purchase was good, though when I visited the menu was limited, and they had run out of dessert. That was disappointing; however, the owner was kind enough to comp us for the missing dessert, which I appreciated. Be aware that the atmosphere can get a bit rowdy, depending on the guests in nearby pods. There is also a BYOB option, which my group and I fully took advantage of. Unfortunately, I left smelling heavily of smoke in my hair, clothes, and even my purse absorbed the odor. I would recommend improved ventilation or the use of air purifiers or humidifiers in the rooms. I will not be returning.

    Photos
    Wine rack
    Wine rack
    Stuffed French toast
    Stuffed French toast
    Games

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    Games
    Avenue Kitchen & Bar

    Avenue Kitchen & Bar

    3.7
    (508 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$$

    Had a great Bachelorette brunch here. The food was great, best Branzino I've ever tasted! The…read morecatfish was also delicious. Chicken and waffles were good, but the chicken had a different flavor that I wasn't used to. Not bad, but different. My sis had the vegan burger and loved and she's not vegan! Service was great considering our large party. The DJ had us singing more than eating! Great vibes! Highly recommend this place. Will be back when im back in town.

    The Avenue Kitchen & Bar is located in a lively area of Baltimore, making it a convenient spot if…read moreyou're planning to walk around afterward, grab ice cream, or enjoy the surrounding nightlife. Unfortunately, my overall experience was disappointing. Starting with the drinks, our group ordered lemon drops, smoked old fashioneds, vodka sodas, and an espresso martini. The lemon drops tasted like they were made with lime instead of lemon, the vodka soda was very weak, and the espresso martini lacked flavor and strength--we ended up ordering an extra shot just to make it drinkable. As for the food, it was a mixed bag. The Brussels sprouts were cold, stale, and easily the biggest disappointment of the meal. The honey Old Bay wings were decent, around a 7/10, with good flavor. The catfish nuggets arrived cold, and the fries that came with them were cold as well. The fish tacos were actually the highlight of the meal--they were flavorful and well-prepared, although they could have used a sauce to bring everything together. The burger was solid, about an 8/10, but the fries had an unusual seasoning that didn't pair well with them. The quesadillas were also underwhelming and lacked flavor. The prices felt excessive considering the quality of the food and drinks. One thing to keep in mind is that there's a noticeable difference between the cash price and the card price, so be prepared if you're paying with a card. Overall, I left disappointed. Between the weak drinks, inconsistent food quality, and high prices, this wasn't an experience I'd recommend, and I don't see myself returning.

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    Avenue Kitchen & Bar
    I promised only to eat a little
    I promised only to eat a little
    Tequila sunrise mimosa

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    Tequila sunrise mimosa

    The Urban Oyster - seafood - Updated July 2026

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