Shaffer City Oyster Bar & Grill

08/03/2008 Posted by JElise626

I've been wanting to try this restaurant as I just moved to the neighborhood. Well, I finally did and it was wonderful. Great oyster and beer selection and my salmon entree was prepared just right. Our server was super friendly and helpful with recommendations. I'll definitely be going back. Much better than Black Pearl (which is close by) and a lot less crowded than BLT Fish.

06/04/2008 Posted by angenyc

This place has changed a few things...They now have a great microbrew beer tap with some great choices. A new bar like menu salmon sliders which are really really good and oysters. I would check out this place again!! It looks like the owner changed up the decor as well.

01/25/2008 Posted by radamady

I'm relatively new to raw oysters, and I was extremely pleased with the seperate descriptive menu. The decor was inelegant but cozy and romantic. The lighting and brassieres really contributed to the ambience. The service was outstanding. Our waitress was humorous and patient, and the bus staff were attentive and prompt. And the oysters themselves were exactly what I was looking for. Each one was like taking a swim in the ocean. Looking forward to going back.

Pros: A great experience overall. Romantic and fun.

Cons: A bit pricey, but a great deal for oysters.

12/05/2007 Posted by bethany22

I have to say, I stumbled in on a whim one afternoon waiting for my boyfriend to get off work, and fell in love! Not only are the bartenders extremely friendly and attentive, but they know all about the oysters and assist in your selections. The first time we had Gabe, very nice, and the second time it was an Asian girl, I don't know her name (sorry!). She was especially sweet, but they were both pretty cool. I must disagree with the review below me, I found the owner to be delightful! Not only is he hilarious, but he remembered me from the time I came in before, which is always nice. The oysters are awesome, and half price wine for happy hour. Can't think of a better place to unwind after a day at the office, will be back for sure!

Pros: great service, great food!

Cons: get there early for happy hour, bar fills up quick!

05/19/2007 Posted by terryknightt

First time I ever ate at the place and it was a lark. I strolled by earlier in the afternoon and ran across it. It is pretty nondescript, but made reservations for later on in the night. A casual place so I was not really going in with high expectations. I have to say the service was insane. I used to work at City Crab for several years and this guy was all over anyone I ever worked with. As I said I worked in a seafood place and not easily impressed but the food coming at me was awesome. The oysters are the best I ever had and the way the server presented them and helped me along with choosing the assortment was so fun. My date and I had a blast and then we had a drink with our waiter at the bar. I'm sorry but that type of conversation and interaction just does not happen at the big restaurants in Union Sq. I don't want to draw any negative attention to the owner but the guy is a loud mouth. I guess all in all it was an amazing dining expierence but the owner needs to pipe down at yelling at the staff. He may think he is in charge but making fun of the busboys deters from our dining pleasure. It's a restaurant not boot camp.

Pros: Service, varied raw menu

Cons: Owner needs a leash

03/24/2007 Posted by rowrowrow

This is the place to go for a great variety of oysters! And their menu for cooked foods is equally delicious. Friendly owner too.

Pros: The oysters

03/11/2007 Posted by slu

Went here with a big group to celebrate a friend's dinner. The owner was very hospitable and friendly and came out often to check on us. He told us he would take care of the appetizers and all we had to do was order the entree. What wasnt made clear was that we would have to pay for all the appetizers that he ordered for us at the end of the meal (which basically was 3 of everything on the menu). Even so, the food and atmosphere was good. What ruined the dinner was the waitress. She was really obnoxious and had no idea what was going on when we were trying to order. I asked her for sugar and she replied -"thank you". When it came time to order dessert, we had to wave her down while she was having a glass of wine at the bar. To top it all off, we split the bill, half with cash and half with credit card. I'm very meticulous with the bill and counted the cash three times before giving it to the waitress and asking her to put the balance on the credit card. When the receipt came back , she had overcharged us. I told her this and her and the bartender insitied that it was the right amount and even showed us the cash that we had given. But how could we trust the the cash was the right amount when he had already put it into the register??? That doesnt make any sense. So the whole evening was ruined because of this less than professional waitress and the bartender who decided to charge us extra for an already over-priced meal.

Pros: Owner very friendly

Cons: Poor waitstaff, over-charged

03/04/2007 Posted by tenderknight

All I'm gonna say is, this place stinks. Spend your money elsewhere. There are about 10 other places in this city that serve better, fresher, and more reasonably priced seafood, with much, much better service and atmosphere. Want some suggestions? Mermaid, Black Pearl, Dock's, for starters

Pros: None I can think of

Cons: The restaurant itself.

01/12/2007 Posted by mfoxjackson

A real welcoming place. We were greeted by the owner whose colorful personality and attentiveness started off an enjoyable visit. (he stopped by after we ordered and told us our dinner selections were great choices)The waitress was friendly and polite and right there when needed. The wine list was varied and the food was delish! We had the Shaffer oysters and some Littleneck clams, both of which were extremely fresh and tasted great. The lobster bisque soup was amongst the best we had ever had. The seared scallops with mushroom risotto was melt in your mouth amazing (maybe a bit buttery for some) All in all a great place. We will definitetly be back!

01/11/2007 Posted by johnfulton

Granted the owner is loud and yes he is abrasive but the product is really top notch. You will not find fresher oysters. I have been coming to the restaurant for the last 3 years and have found the food incredibly consistent. I have never had a bad oyster and the wine list is amazing. Yes, the owner is a pain and really an attention black hole continually interrupting you and yelling at the staff but the guy knows oysters. A little note about the staff and in particular the waiters. There really is no better pat on the back in going to your nabe' restaurant and the staff knowing who you are. There is a waiter there that not only recognizes me (a great plus when bringing out of towners or clients) but what I drank the last time I was there. If you want a real New York experience at a local hangout this place can't be beat.

Pros: Friendliest service ever

Cons: Loudest owner ever