TLDR
A New Orleans-inspired garden oasis serving world-class oysters and historical cocktails in a timeless, candlelit setting.
Instagram Posts References
Maison Premiere is highly acclaimed for its 'absolutely STUNNING backyard garden' and is a 'must for seafood lovers.' It features an impressive seafood tower with oysters and shrimp, along with other small plates like olives, underscoring both its exquisite ambiance and high-quality seafood offerings.
This establishment is recommended as part of the GoCity New York Mini Guide for its oyster bar and cocktails.
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Maison Premiere, a Williamsburg establishment that has maintained its charm and quality for over a decade, offering a timeless New Orleans-inspired experience with exceptional cocktails and a standout raw bar.
Details
A timeless Williamsburg institution, this New Orleans-inspired destination has captivated guests for over a decade with its old-timey charm and lush, vine-lined garden [1, 2]. The establishment is celebrated for an impeccable cocktail program—featuring tableside service for martinis and Sazeracs—and an extensive raw bar that anchors its refined seafood menu [1, 4, 5]. While the atmosphere is consistently praised for its romantic, candlelit aesthetic, it remains a standout for both intimate dates and solo bar visits [1, 4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on a sophisticated raw bar, featuring an extensive selection of East and West Coast oysters that are frequently cited as the city's best [1, 4, 19, 20]. Highly recommended dishes include the bay scallop crudo, steak tartare, and the seafood tower, while the lobster roll has been identified as a dish to skip due to bread-to-filling ratio [1].
Customer Sentiment
Patrons overwhelmingly praise the sophisticated atmosphere and expert drink program, often noting it as an iconic destination for special occasions [1, 4, 5]. While the experience is highly regarded, some guests have noted that the price point can be high for casual outings and expressed occasional concerns regarding close proximity seating [1, 6, 7].
Caveats
Some visitors may find the tables to be placed quite close together, which can occasionally lead to a lack of personal space during crowded service [16]. Additionally, the pricing may be considered too expensive for casual first dates [6, 7].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MAISON PREMIERE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: New York Best Seafood Eats Looking For 2 Days
"Mentioned as a spot for affordable happy hour oysters."
PositiveFrom post: New York Best Seafood Eats Looking For 2 Days
"Noted for an extensive oyster selection and great cocktails."
PositiveFrom post: Most Iconicessential Nyc Bars Not Best Or Most
"Maison Premiere is listed as an iconic establishment."
PositiveFrom post: Most Iconicessential Nyc Bars Not Best Or Most
"Maison Premiere is listed as an iconic establishment."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find A A Great Tradition Daiquiri
"This user asked if Maison Premiere would be a good place for a daiquiri."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Find A A Great Tradition Daiquiri
"Maison Premiere was mentioned as a place that has historically served good daiquiris."
PositiveFrom post: Does Anyone Know Which Restaurants Have Brandade
"The user recalled having a good brandade at Maison Premiere last year, though noted that menu items may have changed since then."
NeutralFrom post: What A Good Oyster Restaurant For Graduation
"Mason Premier in Brooklyn is considered one of the two best places in the city for oysters."
PositiveFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"Maison Premiere was recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Widest Oyster Selection Aquagrill Replacement
"This user's favorite is Maison Premiere in Williamsburg, praising it as a beautiful place known for oysters and martinis with a great selection and pricing. They also strongly advised against the Grand Central Oyster Bar."
PositiveFrom post: Widest Oyster Selection Aquagrill Replacement
"This user mentioned that Maison Premiere in Brooklyn has a huge selection of oysters."
PositiveFrom post: Widest Oyster Selection Aquagrill Replacement
"This user suggested Maison Premiere as a place with a large oyster selection."
PositiveFrom post: Widest Oyster Selection Aquagrill Replacement
"This user suggested Maison Premiere as a potential replacement for Aquagrill."
PositiveFrom post: Widest Oyster Selection Aquagrill Replacement
"This user stated that Maison Premier has a significant East Coast and Prince Edward Island oyster selection."
PositiveFrom post: Widest Oyster Selection Aquagrill Replacement
"This user stated that Maison Premiere likely has the widest oyster selection and also offers good raw bar options and well-priced oysters from both East and West coasts."
PositiveFrom post: Widest Oyster Selection Aquagrill Replacement
"This user recommended Maison Premiere in Williamsburg for its large oyster selection, noting about 25 varieties on their menu, extensive raw bar options, and one of the best cocktail programs in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Widest Oyster Selection Aquagrill Replacement
"This user listed Maison Premiere as a place with a significant oyster selection."
PositiveFrom post: Influencedeinfluence My Seafoodheavy Restaurant
"At Maison Premiere, the commenter recommends ordering a dozen oysters, the bread and seaweed butter, and a great cocktail."
PositiveFrom post: Prettiestmost Impressive Looking High End
"Maison Premiere is mentioned as a restaurant with an impressive aesthetic."
PositiveFrom post: At What Point Are Tables Too Close To Each Other
"During an anniversary celebration at Maison Premiere, the commenter reported being accidentally groped by patrons at an adjacent table due to the tables being seated side-by-side and the neighbors being overly affectionate."
Negative