Puritan Oyster Bar

Puritan Oyster Bar is the seafood-centric neighbor to Will Gilson’s Puritan & Co. in Inman Square, opened in early 2023 as a lean, oyster-forward spot with fresh raw bar offerings, seasonal seafood plates and an easygoing yet thoughtful beverage program. It carries forward the group’s commitment to local New England sourcing in a more casual setting next door to its flagship.

The vibe: A sliver of a space with a long marble bar and minimalist touches, the bar feels approachable and unpretentious with a quiet energy that’s perfect for drinks and a shared tower of shellfish. Tables are limited and reservations are available but walk-ins are encouraged, making it as comfortable for an impromptu stop as it is for a planned dinner.

The food: The menu centers on oysters and fresh seafood with rotating varieties from New England waters, crudos, chilled shellfish and shareable small plates that highlight clean, coastal flavors. Alongside what you’d expect from a raw bar, you’ll often find seasonal touches and Gilson-inspired riffs like lobster toast and bluefish melts that nod to broader seafood traditions while keeping the focus on freshness and texture.

The drink: A full bar of cocktails, wine and beer supports the seafood program, with a selection that skews bright, light and seafood-friendly rather than heavy. Oyster-friendly wines, chilled beers and citrus-leaning cocktails fit the menu’s flavors, and there’s a sense of balance across pours meant to enhance rather than overwhelm the dishes.

Time Out tip: Oysters are half-price at the bar every day from 5 to 6pm — a good excuse to swing by early, secure a seat and start with a round of cold shellfish before settling into larger plates or cocktails.