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L&E Oyster Bar
Master Critic Review
L&E Oyster Bar
8.1
This neighborhood oyster bar from the Bar Covell team serves East and West Coast oysters alongside clam chowder, crab linguine, and wedge salads in a charming bistro with a marble bar and upstairs happy hour space. The walk-in-only policy and sidewalk patio create a relaxed Silver Lake hang for fresh seafood and curated wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daily Oyster Selection, Clam Chowder, Crab Linguine
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Neighborhood oyster bar with walk-in-only policy and Bar Covell's wine curation
Who should go: Oyster lovers and neighborhood regulars seeking casual elegance
When to visit: Happy hour 5-7pm weekdays upstairs or weekend evenings
What to order: Chef's choice oysters, clam chowder, crab linguine, grilled oysters
Insider tip: No reservations; upstairs bar has separate happy hour menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - relatively easy to find in residential Silver Lake but bring quarters for meters during dinner hours
Dress code: Casual neighborhood vibe - jeans and nice top works, though some dress up for dates
Noise level: Lively but conversational - marble surfaces create some echo but you can hear your dinner companion
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical for walk-ins; upstairs bar usually has immediate seating
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - wedge salad and pasta sides available but seafood-focused menu
Vegan options: Very limited - best to call ahead, not the ideal choice
Gluten-free options: Some options available - oysters and grilled fish work, but chowder and pasta don't
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, excellent choice - intimate marble bar seating creates natural conversation, oysters are a classic date food, and the walk-in policy means no pressure if things aren't going well. The sidewalk patio is particularly romantic for warmer evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-in only policy - no reservations accepted. Expect 30-45 min waits on weekend evenings, but the upstairs bar typically seats immediately and has its own happy hour menu. Arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm for shortest waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - no kids menu, oyster-focused concept, and lively bar atmosphere. Better for teens who appreciate seafood or for lunch when it's quieter.
Best For
Better for: Casual neighborhood elegance with exceptional wine curation, walk-in flexibility, and quality oysters at non-downtown prices. The Bar Covell pedigree means the wine list punches above typical oyster bars.
Skip if: You need guaranteed seating for a time-sensitive dinner, want an extensive non-seafood menu, or prefer quieter fine dining ambiance over neighborhood bistro energy