A favorite culinary time has arrived: oyster season. Order a platter of oysters – raw, steamed or fried – at one of these Charleston restaurants with a reputation for out-of-this-world oysters.
Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar: This renovated space reflects the beautiful, original 1800s architecture in a comfortable, contemporary indoor and outdoor dining space. The menu features an extensive selection of oysters from South Carolina and beyond. 205 East Bay St. | amenstreet.com
Charleston Crab House: This restaurant has been serving up fresh, local seafood since 1991. Enjoy waterfront dining on the intracoastal waterway at the James Island location or dine on Lowcounty seafood dishes while sitting on the rooftop patio at the downtown Charleston location. 145 Wappoo Creek Drive or 41 S. Market St. | charlestoncrabhouse.com
The Darling Oyster Bar: Located in a 115-year-old storefront, this restaurant has a 14-seat raw bar fronting King Street. Or grab a table to order everything from oyster shooters to oyster spaghetti at this dining sensation where the kitchen pays careful attention to local ingredients and sustainability. 513 King St. | thedarling.com
Leon’s Oyster Shop: This award-winning restaurant will not disappoint with its char-grilled oysters or a fried oyster sandwich – all washed down with a drink from the extensive beer, wine and cocktail menu. 698 King St. | leonsoystershop.com
Oyster House on Market: Located in the heart of downtown Charleston’s French Quarter, this restaurant has a patio overlooking the historic Charleston Market and an indoor space that pays homage to the warehouse district’s past with high ceilings and exposed brick walls. Enjoy the incredible fall weather in the O-Bar for happy hour on the patio lounge while sampling oysters from around the country. 35 S. Market St. | oysterhouse.menu
Pearlz Oyster Bar: This eclectic oyster bar house has two Charleston area locations and serves up menu items like oysters on the half-shell and baked oysters Rockefeller along with a wide selection of regional oysters. 153 East Bay St. and 9 Magnolia Road | pearlzoysterbar.com
Save the date: If you’re coming back to Charleston in the winter, don’t miss the Lowcountry Oyster Festival on Jan. 29 at Boone Hall Plantation. Highlights include the oyster shucking and oyster eating contests as well as live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a children’s area and a food court showcasing a variety of local restaurants.