Hog Island Oyster Company

Beautiful views, well run picnic area, and delicious fresh oysters but the drive is killer! We came from Cupertino for a 2PM reservation thinking that two hours was enough time to get there. Unfortunately, we didn't get there until a bit after 3PM so we kind of had to rush to finish before 5PM :/. When I make it out here again, I'll definitely try getting an earlier reservation and leaving with ample time to enjoy the food and scenery!

Pros: Wonderful and relaxing, great atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff behind the bar, clean toilet facilities, easy and friendly valet parking.

Cons: A little expensive (but that's just how it is).

Details : Wanted to go for oysters with the wife to celebrate her birthday. After checking out several reviews on places in the Bodega and Tamales area, The decision was Hog Island Oyster Company. Great decision.

I called two weeks ago for reservation but the mechanical voice said it was fully booked, so we took the advise of several reviewers to try it anyway. We just might luck out with someone's cancellation or at least get a table for shucked oysters. As Plan-B we had Tamale Bay Oyster Company's address just in case.

The three of us (including a college son) brought with us a bottle of white wine with opener and disposal wine glasses, bread, lemons, hot sauce and shucking tools in case we need them, and our winter jackets just in case, filled up the gas tank and turned on the GPS and we were on our way.

I remember years ago going to Bodega Bay from San Francisco and had to drive along the dreadfully slow and tortuous and winding Rt-1 near Point Reyes. This time going there from Fairfield, CA. we did not know what to expect but anticipating some punishment regardless. It turned out to be a pleasant 70-minute drive without any pain or suffering. For those of you from San Francisco who might want a easier drive to Marshall or Bodega Bay without suffering through the section of Rt-1 near Point Reyes you might want to consider taking 101 and cut across from Petaluma instead.

The weather was absolutely perfect (early October). We didn't need the jackets. We arrived at the place and the valet immediately took over and told us where to go. It was around 11 am Saturday morning and there were a couple of tables available but we had to buy the shucked oysters due to not having a reservation. That was totally fine for us. Now that we know the next time we will do it differently. Fortunately we arrived a little early because the place filled up pretty fast.

We had a total of 48 raw oysters and 14 grilled ones. That was just about the right amount for the three of us. We didn't need to bring the shucking utensils and condiments. The Robert Mondavi 2010 Chardonnay was just perfect with the oysters. One bottle was just right so we didn't need a DD.

Afterward we took a ride up to Bodega Bay, which is a left turn at the parking lot and straight for about 15 minutes. What a wonderful time.

For those who want to know, the oysters cost $145, the tips $12, the parking valet $5.

HUGE HUGE HUGE fan of Hog Island Oyster Picnic at the farm!!!! This was my second time here and it just gets better each time. Make reservations at least 2 months in advance for a picnic if you want to guarantee a spot. Here's how to make it a really successful trip. Give each person in your party an item to bring.

1. Charcoal, lighter, grilling supplies, cutting board, knife
2. Utensils, plates, paper towels, a towel
3. Corn, artichokes, veggie skewers different sauces, butters, hot sauces, etc for the oysters
4. Bread, cheeses, finger appetizers etc.
5. Protein (tri-tip, carne asada, chicken, etc)
6. Salad and/or fruit
7. Water, soda, foil, aluminum serving trays
8. EVERYONE bring their own beer, wine, champagne, cocktails (no hard alcohol allowed)

Get there, fire up the grill, order oysters, and start shucking! They'll provide you with a shucker and teach you how if you've never shucked your own oysters. Throw some on the grill with your favorite sauce, and designate a grill master to put on and take off everything. OR, you can shoot them raw... just as good! BIG fan of the "Atlantics" if you're looking to shoot them raw. Easy to open, very clean, and tastes soooo sweet and salty! YUM!

BTW, they offer FREE VALET service!