Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
- 4.9Food
- 4.9Service
- 4.6Ambience
- 4.5Value
Noise • Moderate
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Liv's Oyster Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.
Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant
Noise • Moderate
Connecticut
Seafood
Middlesex
Best Overall
Middlesex
Best Food
Middlesex
Best Service
Middlesex
Best Ambiance
Middlesex
Best Value
Middlesex
Innovative
Middlesex
Healthy
Middlesex
Hot spot
Middlesex
Neighborhood gem
Middlesex
Great for fine wines
Middlesex
Lively
Middlesex
Most Booked
Joel Gold
Greater Boston19 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
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Nancy Gold
New York City194 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
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Robert
Greater Boston2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
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Marcia Gold
New York City9 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
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Paul
New York City7 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2026
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Nancy Gold
New York City7 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2026
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Evan
Tampa1 review
Dined on July 2, 2026
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Natasha
Las Vegas2 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2026
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Jennifer Gold
St. Louis6 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2026
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Mary Gold
Connecticut11 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2026
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May 1, 2026
Connecticut Magazine's 2026 list spotlights the state's top raw-bar spots. Liv's Oyster Bar in Old Saybrook is highlighted as a standout on the list.
Published in News-Times
May 1, 2026
Connecticut Magazine lists Liv's Oyster Bar among the top raw bars for 2026 as part of its annual restaurant roundup. The feature also highlights other seafood spots in Connecticut.
Published in Stamford Advocate
April 17, 2026
Connecticut Magazine names Liv's Oyster Bar in its 2026 list of top burger restaurants. The feature highlights diverse eateries across the state as part of the annual ranking.
Published in Norwalk Hour
April 17, 2026
Connecticut Magazine unveils its 2026 list of top burger restaurants, naming Liv's Oyster Bar in Old Saybrook among the selections. The feature highlights a wide range of local eateries across Connecticut.
Published in CT Insider
March 20, 2026
Connecticut Magazine has released its 2026 list of top lunch restaurants, selected by a panel of food experts. Liv's Oyster Bar in Old Saybrook is among the featured spots.
Published in News-Times
Warm, lively, and casually elegant. Liv’s blends a neighborhood feel with chef-driven seafood plates, many guests call it welcoming and ideal for celebrations or pre-theater nights. Expect a buzzing room on weekends and show nights (noise can be high), attentive staff, well-crafted cocktails, and a focus on fresh oysters and seasonal seafood.
Busiest: Friday and Saturday nights and evenings before shows at The Kate, the dining room gets lively and sometimes noisy. Quietest: early weekday dinners and during happy hour; arriving for an early seating (or mid-week) usually means a more relaxed atmosphere and quicker service.
Yes, Liv’s Oyster Bar is a popular choice for date night. Guests praise the fresh oysters, inventive cocktails and attentive service, and many celebrate anniversaries or pre-theater dinners there. The setting is casual-elegant with a lively, warm vibe that suits special evenings. Note that the room can get busy and a bit noisy on weekend or show nights, so consider an early seating or the bar for a cozier experience.
Casual dress. Liv’s markets itself as casual-elegant, so smart-casual attire is appropriate, comfortable but neat outfits fit the dining room, bar or patio.
Weeknights (Tuesday–Thursday) are often the best choice for a quieter, more relaxed meal. If you want buzz and a lively scene, Friday or Saturday before a show will deliver that energy, but expect noise and make a reservation. Happy hour on weekdays is a popular time for value on oysters and drinks.
Yes, Liv’s staff are frequently noted as accommodating. Guests report successful requests for specific seating (including for elderly diners), dietary accommodations (gluten and dairy allergies), and timing for pre-theater meals. Call ahead with any accessibility, allergy, seating or celebration requests so the team can prepare and make your visit comfortable.
Yes, Liv’s is family-friendly and staff are accommodating with seating needs. Guests report bringing children, teens and elderly family members; one guest specifically noted management accommodated a seating request for an elderly mother. The dining room is relatively compact, so if you need wider spacing or specific accessibility arrangements it’s best to call ahead so the team can prepare.
Portions at Liv’s tend to be moderate to generous, guests frequently note ample servings and satisfying entrees. Several comments mention 'ample servings, ' hearty appetizers like shrimp cocktail and large oyster portions, and entrees that are filling. Prices skew toward higher-end shoreline dining, so expect restaurant-quality portions paired with thoughtful plating and seasonal ingredients.
Go early for a quieter table and the best happy-hour deals, or arrive before a local show if you want a lively pre-theater meal. Weeknight early dinners (and happy hour) tend to be less crowded; Friday/Saturday evenings and nights before shows at The Kate are busiest. If you prefer a quieter experience, book an early seating or a mid-week reservation.
Yes, families dine here and guests often bring children. Reviewers mention a kids’ menu with puzzles and mazes, chicken fingers and kid-friendly choices. Because Liv’s focuses on seafood and seasonal dishes, very young children may be better served at an earlier seating; call ahead if you need a high chair or other accommodations.
Guests have reported dining with a dog on-site (suggesting pet-friendly outdoor seating), but official policy for pets or emotional support animals isn’t posted. Service animals are generally allowed by law; if you plan to bring a pet or require accommodation for a service animal, call the restaurant in advance to confirm patio policies and any needs.
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