2 Floating Oyster Bars in Boston With a Waterfront View
Picture shucking oysters on a boat, Boston Harbor’s skyline glowing for a cool waterfront night. Floating oyster bars mix seafood and seaside charm, much like slipping into one of Boston’s hidden igloos. With just two spots, they’re low-key gems for foodies and photo buffs. Our curated list hits The Tall Ship Boston and Boston Harbor City Cruises for oysters, drinks, and harbor vibes. Ready to sail?
1. The Tall Ship Boston: A Moored Spot for Oysters and Views
Docked at Pier One in East Boston, The Tall Ship Boston is a 245-foot ship turned oyster bar that’s been a summer go-to since 2021. Run by the crew behind Pier 6, it reopens each April (April 19, 2025, for the new season) with bars serving up harbor and skyline views. It’s a seafood spot that feels like you’re in on a local secret.
What to Expect
Menu: The raw bar’s got local oysters (Wellfleets, Island Creeks), shrimp, clams, and crab claws, plus sushi and charcuterie. Cocktails like the Knotty Nauti (tequila, passion fruit) or Dirty Banana (rum, coffee liqueur) keep it chill, like the drinks at Boston’s best speakeasies.
Vibe: It’s a laid-back deck hang with live music, pier games, and nearby food trucks. Special but not stuffy.
Standout Feature: The ship’s harbor setting trumps land-based spots. Indoor heated areas make it a year-round option.
Why It’s a Cool Waterfront Night
The Tall Ship’s oysters and skyline views hit that sweet spot of chill and memorable. It’s where you snap photos, share a dozen oysters, and catch East Boston’s waterfront glow. After 7 PM, it’s 21+, perfect for dates or friend hangs.
Insider Tips
Book Ahead: Grab tables online, especially for summer weekends.
Get There: Take the $4 ferry from Charlestown or Seaport, or Blue Line to Maverick. Parking’s a hassle, so skip driving.
Best Time: Hit it after 7 PM for the 21+ scene or midday for all-ages. Check Instagram for music or market updates.
Pro Move: Pair oysters with a frozen Key Lime Colada and play corn hole on the pier.
2. Boston Harbor City Cruises: Oyster Dining That Sails
Boston Harbor City Cruises dish out oysters on boats that cruise, launching from Rowes Wharf or Seaport. With buffets and raw bars on select sailings, they blend dining and harbor tours, great for locals or visitors chasing a cool night out.
What to Expect
Menu: The raw bar’s loaded with oysters, lobster rolls, crab cakes, and shrimp, all fresh and local, not unlike the catches at Boston’s top fish and chips spots. Buffets toss in non-seafood options, with cocktails or wine to match.
Vibe: It’s upscale but easygoing, with music and views of the USS Constitution or Zakim Bridge. Feels like a summer night done right.
Standout Feature: The cruise itself—sailing the harbor—gives skyline views you can’t get dockside.
Why It’s a Cool Waterfront Night
City Cruises feel like a boat party anyone can join, ideal for special nights or showing off Boston. Oysters and harbor views make it memorable without trying too hard, perfect for guests or celebrations.
Insider Tips
Book Early: Dinner cruises fill fast, especially in summer. Check online for holiday or fireworks sailings.
Get There: Reach Rowes Wharf (Red Line to South Station) or Seaport (Silver Line) 30 minutes early. Dress nice but comfy.
Best Time: Sunset cruises (6–8 PM) nab golden-hour views. Winter sailings have heated cabins.
Pro Move: Stroll Seaport’s Snowport market before boarding for a full waterfront night.
Why These Floating Oyster Bars Are Cool
Floating oyster bars are a Boston rarity, with just The Tall Ship and City Cruises pulling off this waterfront setup. They’re as exclusive as a private club, with views that beg for a photo. Mixing Boston’s seafood obsession with its harbor roots, they serve oysters in spots that feel like a secret worth sharing. Docked or sailing, they’re a cool night out.
They work year-round, too. The Tall Ship’s indoor spaces handle winter, while City Cruises keep sailing summer and winter. These aren’t just restaurants—they’re Boston’s harbor at its best.
Tips for Your Floating Oyster Bar Night
Here’s how to make your waterfront night a hit:
Book Smart: Reserve early for City Cruises’ sailings or The Tall Ship’s weekends. Check schedules online for music or fireworks.
Dress Right: Bring layers for harbor breezes and a phone for skyline pics. City Cruises lean dressy; The Tall Ship’s casual.
Get There: For The Tall Ship, take the $4 ferry from Charlestown or Seaport, or Blue Line to Maverick. For City Cruises, hit Red Line (South Station) for Rowes Wharf or Silver Line for Seaport. Driving’s tough—parking’s limited.
Keep Going: Add harbor fun, like East Boston walks or Seaport’s Snowport.
Stay Posted: Check the venues’ Instagram for menu or event updates.
Keep Chasing Boston’s Hidden Gems
The Tall Ship Boston and City Cruises are your ticket to oysters, drinks, and harbor views that make for a cool Boston night. Whether you’re chilling on The Tall Ship’s deck or sailing with City Cruises, these floating oyster bars capture the city’s coastal heart. Got a taste for more? Dig into our other curated lists or join our newsletter to stay in the loop on Boston’s best-kept secrets.
