How Blue Island Oyster Bar Serves Fresh Seafood to Colorado – Even Though We’re Landlocked

Oyster Beds at Blue Island Oyster Co. in Sayville, NY.

Though Colorado is famously landlocked, that doesn’t mean we have to settle for anything less than fresh, high-quality seafood. Thanks to our incredible partnership with Blue Island Oyster Co., we can offer ocean-fresh oysters, lobsters, and more right here in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Here’s how Blue Island Oyster bar and Seafood is able to provide us with the best seafood available, despite being far from the ocean.

1. The Power of Denver International Airport (DIA)

One of the largest and busiest airports in the country, Denver International Airport (DIA) plays a crucial role in connecting us to the world’s best seafood. Blue Island Oyster Co. utilizes the airport’s extensive cargo facilities to ship in fresh seafood from the coasts of Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the East Coast, and even international markets. Every day, air freight brings fresh seafood into DIA, arriving within hours of being caught, and ensuring that we can offer the freshest products to our guests at Blue Island Oyster Bar.

With DIA's cold storage systems and specialized handling procedures for seafood, products arrive in perfect condition, preserving the natural flavors and freshness of the catch.

2. Efficient Rocky Mountain Express Routes

In addition to air freight, overnight trucking routes are a vital part of how Blue Island Oyster Co. delivers fresh seafood to Colorado. From coastal hubs like California, Oregon, and the Gulf Coast, refrigerated trucks transport seafood along highways like I-70 and I-25 straight to Denver. These refrigerated trucks keep seafood at the ideal temperature, ensuring the quality stays intact until it reaches Blue Island Oyster Bar.

This efficient, overnight transportation system means that we can receive the best oysters, lobsters, and fish delivered directly to our kitchen without compromising on freshness or quality.

3. Direct Supplier Relationships with Fishermen

One of the key factors in our ability to provide guests with the freshest seafood is its direct relationship with fishermen and trusted seafood purveyors. We work directly with sustainable fishermen who hand-pick the freshest catches, ensuring the highest quality seafood is delivered to us. This direct supply chain means we can have the freshest oysters from Blue Island’s farms and other renowned producers, harvested and shipped within hours of being caught.

By pre-ordering specific catches, we can customize deliveries to meet the exact needs of Blue Island Oyster Bar, keeping storage times to a minimum and ensuring the seafood we serve is as fresh as possible.

4. Sustainable & Flash-Frozen Options

While fresh seafood is always the top priority, our purveyors also work with suppliers who use sustainable aquaculture practices. In some cases, seafood is flash-frozen at sea, locking in its freshness and flavor for rapid shipment to Colorado. This technique is particularly beneficial for sushi-grade fish, such as tuna and salmon, which need to be frozen quickly to preserve their delicate texture.

In addition, sustainable farming practices ensure that fish and shellfish are sourced responsibly, minimizing the environmental impact and maintaining a steady supply of high-quality seafood for Blue Island Oyster Bar.

Blue Island’s sustainable caviar collection.

5. Local Alternatives – Fresh and Sustainable Options

Though Colorado is far from the ocean, we’re lucky to have a growing local aquaculture industry. Our local fish farms and freshwater suppliers provide high-quality Colorado trout, catfish, and other fresh fish options. These locally sourced alternatives help to diversify the menu, while supporting the local economy and reducing the environmental impact of long-distance transportation.

Fresh Seafood, Delivered to Colorado

Thanks to the incredible logistics and Blue Island Oyster Co., we can offer Blue Island #9 oysters, lobsters, and sushi-grade fish delivered to Blue Island Oyster Bar daily. With DIA’s cargo operations, efficient overnight trucking routes, direct supplier relationships, and sustainable practices, Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood. has cracked the code on providing Colorado’s best seafood, even though we’re miles away from the coast.

So, the next time you visit Blue Island Oyster Bar, you’ll know that your oysters are as fresh as if they were just pulled from the ocean. From sea to plate, we’re committed to bringing you the best, no matter how landlocked we are.

Reserve your table now at Blue Island Oyster Bar and taste the freshness that comes from our partnership with Blue Island Oyster Co.. We can’t wait to serve you the best seafood Colorado has to offer.