Although I live close by to Duxbury, home of the world famous Island Creek Oysters, I was not able to get to the newly opened Raw Bar at Island Creek Oyster Farm last season. To celebrate Father’s Day this year, I knew that I wanted this to be my destination. Friends described to me how this was a perfect combination of seafood and craft beer, right on the bay, which sounds ideal to me!
Island Creek Oysters retail store info
I was certainly familiar with Island Creek Oysters since, as a treat for myself, I occasionally stop by their retail store at 296 Parks Street in Duxbury on the way home from work to bring home a dozen or two oysters to shuck. Their retail store consists of a small room with their namesake oysters displayed on ice along with typically an oyster from another locale which can be as close as nearby Plymouth to as far away as Washington State. Also available for purchase are some other shellfish including mussels or razor clams as well as ICO memorabilia and oyster accompaniments such as mignonette and oyster knives.
A little history of Island Creek Oysters
Island Creek Oysters is the brainchild of Skip Bennett who started oyster farming in Duxbury in 1995. By 2000, Bennett had added more members to his team and they started distributing their oysters. Today Island Creek oysters can be enjoyed all over, from Canada to the Caribbean, including at famous restaurants in New York, California, and Chicago. (Even at the White House!) Visit www.islandcreekoysters.com for detailed information.
In addition to the two Island Creek restaurants, Bennett and a group of others own Row 34, a restaurant with locations in Boston and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Although these bivalves are famous throughout the world, we in the South Shore are able to stop by their market, pick up a few dozen, shuck them ourselves and enjoy them in the comfort of our own home or yard. Island Creek averages around 100,000 oysters sold a week! Contact them for oyster farm visits via boat.
Now to the raw bar
The Raw Bar at Island Creek Oysters is quite the experience. It overlooks Duxbury Bay with picnic table and bar top dining (or slurping) options, along with a top quality craft beer and wine list. The main attraction (the oysters) arrive fresh from the bay to your plate. The vibe is reminiscent of a beer garden or backyard barbecue: good food, good drink, and lawn games to boot. It is located seasonally at 457 Washington Street in Duxbury.
The only signage for the raw bar is a chalkboard sign on Washington Street. Upon entering, someone will direct you to your parking spot. The parking lot is located next to their headquarters. It is a little bit of a walk from the lot to the raw bar, hence why I wish I used the stroller for the littlest guy and did not have to carry the baby seat.
My visit occurred on a day that couldn’t make up its mind whether it wanted to rain or be sunny. This benefited us since it was not too crowded. Two food truck styled automobiles were lined up with only one being used on this day. Take a pencil and check off what you want to order for food. We ordered 18 oysters, excellent creamy crab dip with Cape Cod potato chips and a hot dog for the older little guy.
Craft beer (of course)
On to the craft beer…. With Trillium on the menu, I had to order it. It was their coffee stout which never disappoints. Also on the menu were choice cuts from Zero Gravity out of Burlington, Vermont, TRVE from Denver, and Hermit Thrush from Brattleboro, VT, which specializes in sour beers (right up the alley of my wife). Sitting communally on the picnic tables, I overheard another family mention Vitamin Sea, a new strongly hyped brewery out of Weymouth, Massachusetts. They had an IPA by them, which I also ordered and enjoyed.
My wife and I took turns with my son playing and romping through the kid (and adult) game area on site including cornhole, tetherball (but with a bottle instead of a ball) and what presumably was a bocce court that kids were running laps inside.
The vibe is relaxed. The oysters tremendously good. The beer selection outstanding. The view superb. And ultimately, the Raw Bar at Island Creek Oyster Farm is conducive to patrons of all ages. My four-month-old belonged as much as the elderly couple sitting next to us, truly a place for everyone.
I was excited to try this backyard road trip and it even exceeded my expectations. This is a true gem close to my own backyard.
Do you want more Backyard Road Trips?
For more fun on the South Shore of Massachusetts, try these backyard road trips: Mayflower Beer Gardens, Wompatuck State Park and Norwell/Hanover trip.
What’s in your backyard?
