I was admittedly late to the oyster party.  These raw, curiously textured, “tastes like the ocean” suckers were a total conundrum to me.  Their in the shell presentation and consistent partnership with champagne was enough to make me want to try them, but the aforementioned descriptors are what stopped me.  It took 25  years of life for me to recognize my foolishness.  Living in close proximity to some of the freshest, most delectable specimens available; I was doing myself a disservice by not indulging (a credo I apply to most dining experiences).

They are one of the ultimate summer snacks, and since they pair perfectly with cold summer beverages, many restaurants draw in a hefty post-work crowd by playing the bargain bivalve game.  Even some of Boston’s top restaurants do it. Eater Boston has a comprehensive list of where to find the $1 oyster deals in and around the city for each day of the week…but here are my preferences for the Monday to Friday grind:

Monday: Rialto (pictured here), starting at 5:30pm

Tuesday: Puritan & Co, starting at 5:30pm

Wednesday: GRILLED OYSTERS?! at The Kirkland Tap & Trotter

Thursday: Les Zygomates, 4:00-6:00pm

Friday (but available everyday): Lineage, 5:00-7:00pm

The thing that is still unclear to me is just how many is too many. Can’t stop won’t stop.