A Guide to San Diego’s “$1” Oyster Deals
Written by Madison Beveridge
As the summer months just keep heating up, nothing screams “refreshment” like freshly shucked oysters, and nothing screams “good deal” like $1 specials. Two words that should always go hand in hand? $1 oysters. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of San Diego’s best deals that are $1 or pretty darn close!
From consciously sourced varieties and casual dining spots to Michelin awarded chef’s and international flavors, San Diego’s oyster scene is alive and well, offering diners access to these fresh, briny, creamy delicacies.
So whether you are the token oyster loving friend at the table, or you have to fight to grab the last half shell, we’ve got you covered with all the best spots in town.
31ThirtyOne oysters
Paradisaea
5680 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla
Paradisaea caviar topped oyster
A tropical, modern oasis on the 2025 Michelin Guide, Paradisaea doesn’t mess around when it comes to high quality ingredients and exceptional ambiance. Serving up $1 dollar oysters alongside other happy hour bites like fresh bread and Japanese Hamachi, hop on a barstool and double fist the half shells with one of their signature cocktails. Keep your oyster’s classic with a little hot sauce and lemon or opt for indulgence with caviar. The swanky and eclectic spot will leave you craving another dozen.
Pro Tip: Pair your oysters with one of their bird-themed cocktails. Pick from refreshing sips like their lemongrass yuzi tonic or go bold with the sesame and banana rum.
Oyster Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fort Oak
Fort Oak
1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego
Nestled in Mission Hills, Fort Oak’s infamous oyster Monday’s are any seafood lovers’ wildest dreams. Kick off your week in the very best way with a half or full dozen, enjoyed at the bar or on their patio. For a little surf and turf action, pair your oysters with their signature dry-aged hotdog, or keep things raw with the ahi tartare. The modern, nautical feel might make throwing back a dozen oysters a bit too easy, but that’s what dollar specials are all about.
Pro Tip: With a first-come-first-serve policy, claim your barstool or grab a seat on the patio on the early side for plenty of time sipping and eating.
Oyster Hours: Mondays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
31ThirtyOne
31ThirtyOne
3131 University Ave, San Diego
Under the leadership of Michelin-starred Chef Drew Deckman, 31ThirtyOne celebrates the art of oysters with fresh batches directly from Baja Shellfish Farms. Using the Kumiai variety, 31ThirtyOne dishes up dollar oysters during their “Happiest Hour & a Half,” served on the outdoor, rooftop patio. Typically accompanied by mignonette, 31ThirtyOne’s fermented habanero sauce is available for those craving a little extra kick.
Pro Tip: Baja Shellfish Farms is family owned and was brought to life by oceanologist Sergio Guevara. Their partnership with 31ThirtyOne ensures customers are eating fresh, sustainable and quality oysters each time.
Oyster Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar
1608 India St, San Diego
If the name doesn’t give it away, then the interior just might, Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar is a chic and bright atmosphere that’ll leave you craving the freshest of bites. Their dollar oysters are served alongside a house made mignonette, but with the kitchen’s swirl of Mexican, Asian, Peruvian, and Italian cuisines, diners can garnish the oysters with a range of flavors.
Pro Tip: Operated by lifelong seafood lovers, Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar drink menu has a list of what they call “seafood friendly” sips. These offer guests lighter, brighter options that pair well with raw seafood, like oysters.
Oyster Hours: Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Glass Box
12841 El Camino Real, San Diego
Glass Box
Coined a “transparent” dining experience for their iconic, and literal, glass walls, Glass Box at Del Mar Sky Deck has an everyday oyster happy hour. Their oysters come pre-dressed with a Japanese style sweet and spicy sauce, adding a little extra tang to each half shell.
Pro Tip: Use the dollar oysters as your pre-dinner appetizer and check out Glass Box’s full sushi menu from Chef Ethan Yang.
Oyster Hours: Daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fish Shop
Fish Shop
1010 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas • 1775 Garnet Ave, San Diego • 1110 Rosecrans St #100, San Diego
An oyster lovers haven, Fish Shop’s locations in Encinitas, Pacific Beach and Point Loma serve $1.25 oysters every Thursday. With an impressive and lengthy selection, get to know your favorite oyster variety and sample what each coast has to offer. From Washington to Massachusetts, and all the way up to Canada, Fish Shop’s oysters are served plain, ready to top with whatever your heart desires.
Pro Tip: Each region has a little something different, so dabble with variety like richness, brininess, and sweetness.
Oyster Hours: Thursday from 4 p.m. to close.
Ironside
Ironside Fish & Oyster
1654 India St, San Diego
Ironside’s rustic and nautical ambiance is a perfect backdrop for a tray of fresh oysters. Their menu is seafood forward, so whether you want 1 or 100 oysters, there are ample options to pair with.
Pro Tip: Oysters are hand selected by the kitchen weekly, so diners can expect the freshest batches, paired with traditional toppings like lemon, horseradish, and mignonette.
Oyster Hours: Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Shrimp Heads
Shrimp Heads
2832 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego
With Cajun flare, seafood boils and all the classics, Shrimp Heads leans into the art of messy eating with all you can eat deals and family style dining. Grab a dozen oysters for just $12 and follow their motto of “eating like a kid again.”
Pro Tip: Check out their bucket deals for a classic seafood boil experience, and pair with a half or full dozen of oysters on the side.
Oyster Hours: Monday through Thursday from 12p.m. to 3 p.m.
Blue Water
Blue Water
3667 India Street, San Diego and 5083 Santa Monica Ave 1B, San Diego
Elevated dining with a commitment to fresh and well sourced seafood, Blue Water is serving up everything from sashimi to fish sandwiches and, of course, oysters. Their $1.50 special boasts thoughtfully sourced varieties, enjoyed in their traditional seafood market atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Blue Water’s owners are ocean and seafood fanatics, always surfing, diving, boating, and fishing the beaches and waters of San Diego and Baja California. Every meal is served with a commitment to freshness.
Oyster Hour: Fridays from 4 p.m. to close.
