Our Story & Our History

Did you know that in the 1800s oyster bars in New York City were located in the basements of buildings? They were called oyster cellars, refectories (a room for communal eating) or dives (presumably for diving down the stairs). These cellars were distinguished by the red lanterns hung above the cellar stairs. The only women welcome in these establishments were prostitutes. Did you know that most oyster cellars were owned and operated by African Americans? The most famous of these proprietors was a man named Thomas Downing, who at the time of his death was one of the wealthiest men in New York City.

Thomas Downing (1791-1866) made oyster cellars respectable. He turned his into one of the fanciest eating establishments in New York City. He innovated by welcoming wives and even children when accompanied by their husbands and/or fathers, of course. He only served the best oysters from each day’s catch and his establishment was famous the world over. He was also a tireless abolitionist who was barred from citizenship until the Civil Rights Act of 1866 became law, the day before he died.

Sarah Malinowski Thomas Downing - NYC Oyster King & Abolitionist Oyster Notebook — Fishers Island Oyster Farm (fishersislandoysters.com)