Cravings do not wait for the coast, and Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood brings the tide straight to Cherry Creek.
Sitting at 2625 E 2nd Ave, this sleek, nautical haven turns late lunches into daydreams and date nights into repeat plans.
The raw bar glistens, the cocktails sparkle, and the service keeps pace with the buzz.
Settle in, because these dishes are the reason people keep thinking about their meal days later.
Glacier fresh oysters at the raw bar
The first slurp is a clean chill that hushes the room. At Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood, the raw bar commands attention with briny beauties arranged like pearls on ice.
You can taste the coast even though Cherry Creek hums outside the door.
Pick from East Coast and West Coast selections listed with tasting notes. The Blue Island namesake oysters lean crisp, mildly sweet, and perfectly balanced.
A squeeze of lemon and a polite dab of horseradish sharpen everything without bullying the natural flavor.
Hit happy hour if you like a good deal without compromising freshness. The bar team pours martinis that pair like they were born for shellfish.
Sit at the counter to chat about regions, sizes, and salinity with folks who treat bivalves like a love language.
The space feels polished yet breezy, with maritime touches that stop short of theme park. Service is quick, friendly, and focused, so trays land cold and glistening.
Bring a friend or fly solo and make the ice mound your stage.
Hours start at 11:30 AM most days, with dinner stretching into the evening. Weekends get lively, and reservations help, though bar seats often open if you time it right.
The $-signs reflect Cherry Creek, but the quality more than holds its own.
I once chased a flight of oysters with a citrusy spritz and watched the patio glow under Colorado sun. That memory still snaps like sea air when the urge hits.
When you want clean, bright, and unforgettable, let the shucker lead the show.
Clam chowder that warms the Rockies
The aroma alone feels like a welcome-home handshake. Blue Island’s clam chowder arrives creamy but not heavy, studded with tender clams and potatoes that keep their shape.
Each spoonful tastes clean, savory, and balanced.
The kitchen nails texture, avoiding gluey pitfalls and watery detours. A sprinkle of herbs and black pepper lifts the richness.
If you like a side of bread, ask for it to catch every last swirl.
This bowl shines at lunch when Denver breezes nudge the patio umbrellas. Indoors, the sleek nautical lines frame your comfort moment without fuss.
Service glides by with refills that appear exactly when you start thinking about them.
Pair it with a light salad or a half sandwich if you are pacing yourself for oysters. Or lean into coziness and add a martini to play off the chowder’s briny soul.
The staff will help you gauge portions so you leave satisfied, not stuffed.
Hours kick in at 11:30 AM, and it is popular through dinner, especially on weekends. Prices sit in the $$$ lane, fitting Cherry Creek’s groove.
The steady 4.6-star buzz speaks to consistent execution and warm hospitality.
On a cold afternoon, I landed at the bar and watched steam curl from the bowl like a tiny weather system. A couple next to me traded spoonfuls and nodded, quietly happy.
If you are chasing comfort that remembers the ocean, this chowder knows the way.
The Connecticut-style lobster roll
This roll struts onto the plate like it knows it is the main event. Warm, buttery lobster nestles into a toasted split-top roll that crackles just enough.
Each bite brings sweetness, ocean depth, and that glossy butter finish.
Blue Island treats the filling with respect by letting the lobster lead. No heavy mayonnaise, no distractions, just clean seasoning and a squeeze of citrus.
The portion is generous without tipping into mess territory.
Fries on the side show up golden and crisp, made for dunking in house sauces. If you prefer greens, a bright salad balances the richness.
Either way, the plate photographs like a postcard and tastes better than the picture.
Sit on the patio when the Colorado sky performs. Inside, the bar hums with locals swapping oyster notes and martini opinions.
Service threads that needle between friendly and efficient.
Price wise, it is Cherry Creek, so plan accordingly. Hours start at 11:30 AM and stretch through dinner, with busy patches around prime time.
Reservations help if you want a leisurely evening with cocktails and conversation.
I once split this roll and still thought about it two days later while staring at my desk. That buttery perfume sticks in the happiest way.
If you crave a taste of New England without the flight, this roll gets you there on time.
Thai curry mussels with bread for every drop
The fragrance hits first, and suddenly everyone at your table sits up straighter. In a wide bowl, mussels bathe in yellow coconut curry that glows like sunset.
Cilantro and a hint of heat round the edges without overwhelming the shellfish.
The kitchen cooks the mussels just to open, keeping them plump and juicy. Bread arrives ready to swipe the sauce like a mission.
Ask for extra if your group believes in clean plates.
The curry leans aromatic and silky rather than fiery. It plays well with a crisp lager or a bright white wine from the list.
The staff can point you toward a pairing that amplifies every spoonful.
Atmosphere wise, the room buzzes during happy hour as shareables fly from the line. Patio seats catch evening light, and the bar crew keeps conversation lively.
Service stays attentive even when the place hums.
Expect $$$ pricing in Cherry Creek, with hours daily from 11:30 AM and later on weekends. Parking can take a minute, so plan a little buffer.
Once seated, the rhythm settles into that vacation-adjacent calm.
A friend once declared this dish non negotiable after one dunk of bread. I agreed, then quietly claimed the last mussel and pretended it was research.
If sauces haunt your dreams, this curry writes vivid chapters.
Grilled salmon with crisped edges
The sizzle whispers before the plate lands. Blue Island’s grilled salmon arrives with bronzed edges and a juicy center that flakes under the fork.
Simple seasoning keeps the fish in the spotlight where it belongs.
Depending on the season, the kitchen pairs it with bright greens, grains, or vegetables. Citrus and herb accents lift the richness without shouting.
Add a glass of sauvignon blanc for an easy win.
Ask to sit near the windows if you are catching a late lunch glow. Inside, the polished nautical vibe feels calm, comfortable, and just a little celebratory.
Service moves smoothly, checking in without hovering.
This is the order for days when you want clean fuel and satisfying flavor. It is also forgiving if you plan to share bites across the table.
The kitchen respects temperature, which means consistent results plate after plate.
Like the rest of Cherry Creek, prices reflect the neighborhood, but quality follows suit. Hours begin at 11:30 AM, and you can count on steady crowds at peak times.
A reservation helps keep your evening on schedule.
I once swore I would save room for dessert, then polished this salmon and forgot my plan. No regrets, just a quiet nod to the grill team.
When you crave balance, this dish keeps its promise.
Trout dip that disappears fast
The speed at which this dip vanishes is almost comedic. Smoked trout blends into a creamy spread with a hint of lemon and herbs.
It is light enough to share, rich enough to feel like a treat.
Toasts arrive warm, ready to scoop generous swipes. Ask for extra if you are sharing with more than two people.
A crisp pilsner or sparkling water cuts the richness nicely.
The bar is a great perch for this one, especially during happy hour. You can watch the shuckers work while you snack.
That gentle bustle becomes part of the flavor memory.
The room keeps a modern maritime tone, and staff move with calm efficiency. They will guide you through portions if you are building a meal from small plates.
Timing stays tight so nothing lingers too long.
Prices feel fair for the quality, and the hours from late morning to evening make it flexible. Patio seating is popular when the weather behaves.
If you arrive on the later side, expect a friendly crowd.
One afternoon, I promised myself just a taste, then realized the bowl was suspiciously empty. The table accepted my apology because there was still bread.
If you like smoky, creamy, and snackable, this dip is a happy problem.
Ahi tuna tacos with wasabi slaw
Color pops the moment these tacos arrive. Slices of ahi tuck into soft tortillas with wasabi slaw snapping bright and cool.
A light ponzu drizzle ties it all together.
The fish stays silky and clean, seared just enough to warm the edges. The slaw lifts every bite without scorching your palate.
Add a margarita or a citrusy spritz if you like a zippy pairing.
These work beautifully as a shared starter or a light lunch entree. If you want a little heat, ask for an extra dab of wasabi.
The kitchen is happy to calibrate.
Service tends to move these quickly, which keeps the tuna in its ideal window. The room catches chatter from the bar, but it is a pleasant hum rather than a roar.
Patio seating gives them a sunny backdrop on nice days.
Pricing sits in the expected Cherry Creek range, and hours cover lunch through dinner. Walk in for late lunch and you may snag instant bar seats.
Peak dinner times call for a reservation.
I once ordered these after oysters and still finished every crumb. They are that kind of easy.
When you want freshness without fuss, these tacos do the job with style.
Fried jumbo Gulf shrimp and dill tartar
The crunch announces itself from across the table. Jumbo Gulf shrimp wear a golden coat that stays crisp to the last bite.
Inside, the meat snaps tender and sweet.
House slaw rides shotgun with bright acidity and a cool crunch. Fresh dill tartar brings a herby tang that begs for repeat dips.
A squeeze of lemon flicks on the lights.
This plate hits the nostalgic part of the brain without feeling heavy. Order a beer or a bright white and let the bubbles keep things lively.
The kitchen times it well so the breading never sogs.
Blue Island’s dining room keeps things relaxed but refined. Servers move deftly, staying helpful and cheerful even when it is hopping.
Patio tables are fun for a casual, sunshine-forward lunch.
Expect Cherry Creek pricing and steady crowds from 11:30 AM onward. It is easy to share, so consider splitting with the table as a starter.
Pair with fries if you are feeling classic or salad for balance.
One visit, we blinked and the plate was bare, fork marks like a crime scene. Nobody confessed, but the dill tartar was the accomplice.
If crispy shrimp make you happy, this one will keep you smiling.
Fish and chips done right
The batter’s whisper crackles with every cut. Blue Island’s fish and chips arrive piping hot, crisp outside and flaky inside.
It is the kind of simple that takes real care.
The fries come plentiful and properly salted, ready for malt vinegar or tartar. Portions satisfy without toppling you.
If you want a lighter ride, share and add a salad.
Pair it with a cold lager or a clean pilsner to echo the seaside feel. The bar pours quickly, keeping your plate and pint in happy conversation.
Service stays attentive even when the room swings busy.
Inside, the nautical polish keeps things bright and modern. Patio seating puts you in Cherry Creek’s swirl with just enough remove.
Families, dates, and solo diners all look equally at home.
Price sits at the neighborhood norm, and hours from 11:30 AM through dinner give you options. Weekends build momentum, so a reservation never hurts.
Walk in at off hours and score a bar seat with ease.
I remember sharing this on a Monday, trading bites for sips of a martini. The crisp never faded, and we talked longer than planned.
If you miss the coast, this plate brings the dock to Denver.
Curried cauliflower that steals the show
Vegetables rarely upstage seafood here, but this one loves the spotlight. Curried cauliflower arrives roasted and sauced just enough to cling.
The spice sings a warm chorus without overwhelming.
Share it as a starter or park it next to grilled fish. The texture balances tender and char nicely.
Ask for a spoon because you will want every last bit.
The dish shines at happy hour when the small plates parade. Sip something bright and let the spices dance with citrus.
Service keeps the cadence smooth so hot plates stay hot.
Blue Island’s room glows in the evening, and this plate looks right at home. Patio diners grin when the breeze sneaks in, carrying kitchen aromas.
It is casual enough for weeknights, polished enough for a date.
Prices align with the neighborhood, and hours from midday through night make timing simple. If you are building a vegetable-forward meal, the team helps map portions.
They know when to suggest bread and when to steer you toward a crisp salad.
One night, we ordered it as an afterthought and ended up guarding it like dragons. No regrets, only clean plates and satisfied silence.
If you love a side with personality, this cauliflower talks back.