It's on 1 of my list. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Cost$12
- SubwayF to 2 Av, 5 min
- Address95 1st Ave, New York
- Health gradeA, city inspection
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Seating less than 20 people at a time, Upstate Craft & Oyster Bar is one of my favorite spots for happy hour in the East Village. Sourcing everything from local producers, you won’t find a single freezer in the place (if it’s not fresh, it’s not on the menu).
The only constant at Upstate is great service and an impressive lineup of oysters. There’s more than a dozen options to choose from (east and west coast varieties). During happy hour, you can score half a dozen oysters and a beer for $12 (not a typo, just a super generous deal).
While the oysters are the draw, don’t sleep on the other menu items like the beer-steamed mussels and tantalizing fettuccine with clams. I’ve enjoyed several meals at Upstate and have yet to be disappointed, the seafood prices are some of the fairest in the city. This one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood, highly recommend.