$1 Oyster Happy Hour at Hank's Oyster Bar

Hank's Oyster Bar in Dupont recently introduced a $1 oyster happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30pm, Sunday through Friday. On a recent visit, there were 6 types of oysters on offer, and 3 were available at happy hour prices (the rest are the regular price of $2 each). Olde Salt (VA), Penn Cove (WA), and Blue Point (MD) were each $1 a piece, and available for $2 each were Island Creek (MA), Stellar Bay (BC), and Kumamoto (CA). I tried a selection of the happy hour oysters, all of which were fantastic and super fresh. The Olde Salts were of small to medium size, tasted purely briny and really yielded that fabulous essence of the sea flavor. The Penn Coves were of large size, deliciously briny and ended with a definite creamy note. The medium-sized Blue Points also were creamy and not as briny as the Penn Coves. I think oysters are best enjoyed with just lemon juice and perhaps a dab of hot sauce, and Hank's gives you both as well as garlic and shallot mignonette, cocktail sauce and oyster crackers, which you can pair with your lovely bivalves if you so desire. I enjoyed the oysters with a delicious pinot grigio which has both notes of acidity and smoothness which enable it to match well with the brininess of the oysters. Should you want to make your oyster snack more substantial, Hank's also has some great sides such as gouda mac and cheesy, Old Bay french fries, fennel and apple slaw, and sesame green beans, all for $4.

Hank's Oyster Bar
1624 Q Street at 17th in NW DC
http://www.hanksdc.com/