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Liv's Oyster Bar, Old Saybrook, CT

Liv's Oyster Bar

4.9 (2841)
$31 to $50
Seafood
166 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Make a reservation

A photo of Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant

Liv's Oyster Bar

4.9
$31 to $50
Seafood
Old Saybrook

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Lively
  • Great for creative cocktails
Opening in 2006, Liv’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant quickly became a dining destination in Old Saybrook. Inspired by his daughter, Olivia, and years of experience in the restaurant industry, owner John Brescio set out with a desire to welcome the community to his family’s table.

Dining at Liv’s, whether in the main room, at the bar, or on the patio, is an experience to be savored with friends and family long after summer on the shoreline has past.
John Brescio also serves as Liv’s Executive Chef, creating simple, focused dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients, and the stunning seafood that the area provides. The menu at Liv’s changes with the seasons, bringing guests a true taste of the pristine environment. John works closely with Liv’s partners to make sure only the best produce is used, as he would serve nothing less to his family.
Together with his exceptional staff, John welcomes you to the special experience he’s created at Liv’s Oyster Bar.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–8:45 pm Fri 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    John Brescio
  • Catering
    We offer off premise catering for events of all sizes. From weddings in your favorite venue to intimate dinners in your home. Please contact us to learn how each event is tailor made and customized to your desired experience.
  • Private party facilities
    Our space adds the perfect presence for smaller events (8-10). Warm, inviting, with our spot-on staff there to assist, Liv’s would love to be your host for any occasion. Please contact the restaurant for reservations.
  • Neighborhood
    Old Saybrook
  • Parking details
    On Street or Parking Lot behind the building
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Concierge
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What 2,841 people are saying

Liv's Oyster Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • 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

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Liv's Oyster Bar consistently delights with "world-class" food and "outstanding" service. The menu features exquisite seafood, including top-quality oysters, and creative dishes. The cocktails are "deliciously crafted," and the atmosphere is "bustling." Friendly staff, including standout servers like Ava and Fiona, enhance the experience. Highly recommended for any occasion!
2,841 Reviews
  1. Joel Gold

    Greater Boston19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Server very nice/upbeat and very helpful re: suggesting items to order.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Nancy Gold

    New York City194 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service & food were both amazing. The manager & server went beyond to make us very happy. A lovely birthday celebration. The noise can still be a factor at this restaurant, but not really sure what can be done unless they address the acoustics-flooring, ect. It’s one of our favorite places despite it being extremely noisy. We try never to go on a weekend in the summer which is the season.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Robert

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Great place! Food & cocktails are fantastic, service was outstanding. Could use a little decor updating, maybe a table cloth, flower on table, update light fixtures in seating area. Overall, very good.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Marcia Gold

    New York City9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Cassie is a gem, Jamie knows how to hire rockstars

    Is this helpful?

  5. Paul

    New York City7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 8, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food. Great service. Nice location in center of town.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Nancy Gold

    New York City7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 7, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food as always. Fiona, our server was excellent. Attentive, responsive and friendly.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Evan

    Tampa1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 2, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service are always world-class at Liv’s.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Natasha

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 2, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The manager Jaime and Sharon were so lovely and very accommodating; especially when my I made reservation incorrectly. Drinks were good, food was good. Our server Ava was fantastic!!! She was such a bright light in our experience. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jennifer Gold

    St. Louis6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 30, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Liv’s never disappoints whether I go for oysters and a cocktail at happy hour, have a low key but amazing burger or ramp up to a several course dinner. Food is delicious, service is outstanding and friendly, and the space is pretty and bustling. I highly recommend for any occasion.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Mary Gold

    Connecticut11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 25, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is one of our go to restaurants in town always spot on and perfectly done, the staff is super friendly and give great service! Best bartenders in town too! They really engage with you remember what you like to drink and are happy to catch up with what’s going on with you!

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–8:45 pm Fri 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    John Brescio
  • Catering
    We offer off premise catering for events of all sizes. From weddings in your favorite venue to intimate dinners in your home. Please contact us to learn how each event is tailor made and customized to your desired experience.
  • Private party facilities
    Our space adds the perfect presence for smaller events (8-10). Warm, inviting, with our spot-on staff there to assist, Liv’s would love to be your host for any occasion. Please contact the restaurant for reservations.
  • Neighborhood
    Old Saybrook
  • Parking details
    On Street or Parking Lot behind the building
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

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FAQs

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.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Connecticut
  4. Middlesex
  5. Old Saybrook

Make a reservation

A photo of Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant

Liv's Oyster Bar

4.9
$31 to $50
Seafood
Old Saybrook

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today
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