Liv's Oyster Bar

Name: Liv's Oyster Bar
Address: 166 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT, United States, 06475
Telephone: (860) 395-5577
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

2088 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 29, 2022

10:30 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(860) 395-5577

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Oyster Bar
Hours of operation
Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–9:45 pm
Phone number
(860) 395-5577
Website
http://www.livsoysterbar.com/
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.
Private party contact
Julie, 860-395-5577. catering@livsoysterbar.com: (860) 395-5577

Location
166 Main Street Old Saybrook, CT 06475
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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What 2,088 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Connecticut
Seafood

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Filters

AS
ArmasS
New York Area
45 reviews
5.0
45 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Liv’s is one of our go to places. Cocktails are good, service is on top of things without being intrusive, oysters are always a must have. This visit I had Barramundi Milanese which was plentiful and outstanding. My wife opted for Swordfish Puttanesca and it was delicious, fish was cooked perfectly, tender and moist. The restaurant itself is always bustling and therefore can be a bit noisy. If you get to Old Saybrook you have to have a meal at Liv’s!
H
Heather
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We drive 45min for a birthday dinner there every year and Liv's is always delicious!
IS
IvanaS
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never disappoints. This time we enjoyed the swordfish and the seared tuna. Amongst our favorite places for summer dining.
RK
RichK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful experience, Dodd was amazing and the service level of staff was on point.
C
Chuck
New England
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good but not great. Service was slow, as though they were understaffed.
KE
KENL
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite! Perfectly shucked fresh oysters. Best cocktails made by Brian.
DS
DiningSisters
New England
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The oysters were fresh and cold delicious! The best clam chowder I have had by far I wish I could get it in a bowl. Main course fish was delicious. We took advantage of happy hour which helps make the final bill more affordable given high prices wherever you go nowadays. But if you get a memorable meal the price is worth it. This was maybe our fourth time and it’s been great each visit. I will be back again soon that is for sure!
MP
MichaelP
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience2
Way too noisy. Has been for years. Needs acoustic improvement or I won’t be returning.
K
Kathryn
Seattle
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, great service, lovely setting. Never disappoints.
C
Cobia
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Meal was excellent! Room was too cold! Service was a little slow!
CE
CaptEZ
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
First time visit, but there there will be more !! The Happy Hour was great, Mystic oysters sweet & clams briny & firm. Definitely worth the ride from Branford.
JA
JudithA
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were there to celebrate my husband's birthday. He loves oysters and he enjoyed a dozen. The rest of the food was delicious and we had great service.
a
amber
New York Area
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and Brian at the bar is amazing
BL
BarbaraL
New York Area
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had friends visiting from Florida so we wanted to go to a restaurant we knew would impress them . The cod and scallop entrees were amazing as was the ahi tuna. The service was impeccable. Prices were in line with other upscale restaurants in the area. We had a great time.
T
Teddi
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been going to Liv's for 15 years and we always have the BEST dinners there!! It is our favorite restaurant and it is GREATin every way!!!
CA
ChrisA
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The waitress was excellent- she didn't rush us, but checked back with us at the perfect times. The food was of the high quality we expected, and not generic. It was creative and delicious. There is a lot of good seafood dining in the area but we will carve out a spot for Liv's on our list to visit regularly- Liv's has its own style and personality and that is a big part of what will bring us back.
Y
Yaya
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
A most perfect evening. Great variety of oysters, and diverse entrees.
JP
JaimeP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our meal was exceptional! We have lived in the area for many years and have never been to Liv’s. We have missed out! We will be going back.
w
williamj
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent job as always
JH
JoseH
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a superior meal of the Scallops with Gemelli and fresh pea sauce! To die for! And my husband had a fabulous blackened fish tacos which he referred to as the best fish tacos he has ever had! Our server Jake was impeccable!
LS
LorenS
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
We decided to sit at the bar for dinner. As always, the food was superbly prepared. Unfortunately, the bartender seemed completely uninterested in taking our drink or dinner order. Barely looking at us and not making eye contact or talking to us. Perhaps she was having a bad night. Finally, we asked if we could order. When she realized we knew someone at the restaurant she was more pleasant. She was very pleasant to another gentleman at the bar who was clearly a regular. Again, I truly wonder if she was having an off night, because I’ve always had great service.
N
Niles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
As always, excellent mussels and much, much more...
z
zvar
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 31, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience3
We enjoyed the oysters and the meal that we had. The service was uneven, but I feel it was because everyone seemed to show up at the same time. The service was fine, but there was a long wait between items showing up.
c
cheshire
New York Area
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
A usual Saturday evening dinner with another couple
t
tlee
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food. , get there early if you want to sit outside
CE
ConstanceE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always delicious. Wonderful for a special evening out
F
Foodie
New York Area
80 reviews
vip
4.0
80 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Freshest oysters and local to boot. Great cocktail choices and something on the menu for everyone regardless of your dietary restrictions. Great service laid back and fun
w
williamj
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and service as always
JP
JoanP
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Go for the oysters of course, and the Ahi Tuna dishes are fab. If I had to give constructive criticism, I would say there is a bit of water damage on the ceilings in the hall and restrooms and it doesn’t match the rest of the updated loveliness of the restaurant!
KG
KevinG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
My wife and I went on 5/20/22 for our anniversary. We've enjoyed every visit to Liv's, and this time it was amazing. I had a Striped Bass special that was great. The dish had many wonderful flavors and even some lightly pickled peppers that added a spectacular taste. I also had to have a variety of 6 Oysters, along with the Warm Asparagus Salad. The salad was an "explosion" of flavors in ever bite. It had caramelized onions and a variety of tasty mushrooms, with a dressing that was exceptional. My wife tasted it and said that she will have it on our return. My wife had the short rib burger and an order of the Truffle French Fries. She was extremely happy. We finished by sharing a chocolate brownie dessert that was sensational. They also have a pretty exceptional wine list and an excellent selection of wines by the glass. Our server was Maddie, who told us that it was her first night. We made a point to tell her how great she was, because she pulled it off like a veteran. She was excellent.
SB
StephenB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Best raw bar in the area; tuna tartare was excellent; great/friendly server, Chrissy.
M
Mrsg
Naples
68 reviews
vip
5.0
68 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently fabulous, year after year! Fresh shellfish always a favorite. Chowder is my absolute favorite!
GD
GlennD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a lovely dinner for two. Food, ambience and service was wonderful.
AJ
AnnaJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were celebrating with our youngest daughter and we had an absolutely wonderful time! The oysters were so fresh and delicious and the dinner was exceptional. Our compliments to the chef!!! His selection of spices, vegetables and dish presentation was amazing. Thank you for a great culinary experience and evening!!!
UT
UTSP
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall3food4service5ambience3
Food and service good. Found it to be very noisy, and quite chilly.
SP
StevenP
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
What a wonderful dinner! The mussels amazing great atmosphere and attention to detail will definitely be back next time we are in saybrook
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have been there two weeks in a row and the service and food were outstanding.
DB
DavidB
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
If you love Oysters than Liv’s is the place to be .
S
Suzette
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoy Livs as a treat for our birthdays. The question we asked was why we don’t go there more often. The food is amazing. We always start with the mussels; we do everything but eat the sauce like soup! They are super. Next comes the oysters, always fresh and delicious. Our server was such a great help and nice guy. My husband is the chief of wine selection having been in the wine business. He said they have the perfect wine list; interesting and reasonable. Since we were celebrating a birthday, the brownie dessert, which was delicious, came complete with candle. We plan to go back soon and take company with us!
J
Joananne
New England
83 reviews
vip
5.0
83 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent. Patio dining was open which was a great experience. All aspects of dining were perfect. Thank you

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Liv's Oyster Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (860) 395-5577.

Liv's Oyster Bar is rated 4.8 stars by 2088 OpenTable diners.

Liv's Oyster Bar does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 29, 2022

10:30 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(860) 395-5577

166 Main Street Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Additional information

Neighborhood
Old Saybrook
Hours of operation
Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–9:45 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Oyster Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
On Street or Parking Lot behind the building
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
John Brescio
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

Website
http://www.livsoysterbar.com/
Phone number
(860) 395-5577
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.
Private party contact
Julie, 860-395-5577. catering@livsoysterbar.com: (860) 395-5577

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Liv's Oyster Bar

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Gift card

Menu

What 2,088 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Liv's Oyster Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant rated?

Does Liv's Oyster Bar offer gift cards?

Is Liv's Oyster Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Gift card