GEORGIA - While Georgia may be the Peach State, its extensive coastline and beautiful barrier islands cultivate another delicious bounty: the oyster. Georgia's coastal waters produce flavorful, salty oysters that are a cornerstone of Lowcountry cuisine. From rustic, waterfront shacks serving up steamed buckets to sophisticated bars with curated raw selections, there are fantastic places to indulge in this local delicacy. Here is a guide to some of the best spots to find incredible oysters in Georgia.
What to Expect from Georgia Oysters
Georgia's oysters are typically wild-harvested clusters from the tidal salt marshes. They are known for their distinctively salty and savory flavor, an authentic taste of the local ecosystem. While they can be enjoyed raw, a very popular local tradition is to steam them.
Top Spots for Oysters in Coastal Georgia:
- The Crab Shack (Tybee Island, GA):
- The Oysters: Don't let the name fool you; while they serve plenty of crab, The Crab Shack is a legendary spot for a classic, no-frills oyster experience. They are famous for their steamed oyster buckets, served piping hot on a tray with crackers, cocktail sauce, and drawn butter.
- The Vibe: A massive, rustic, and incredibly fun waterfront shack with sprawling outdoor decks built around ancient oak trees. It's a casual, lively atmosphere where you can watch boats and even see live baby alligators in a lagoon below.
- Sorry Charlie's Oyster Bar (Savannah, GA):
- The Oysters: Located in the heart of historic downtown Savannah, Sorry Charlie's is a premier destination for oyster lovers. They boast an extensive raw bar with a rotating selection of oysters from Georgia and beyond, allowing you to sample different varieties. They also offer delicious cooked oyster preparations.
- The Vibe: A stylish yet comfortable restaurant and bar set in a beautifully restored historic building. Their rooftop bar also offers excellent views of the city.
- Bernie's Oyster House (Savannah & Tybee Island):
- The Oysters: A long-standing, beloved institution, Bernie's Oyster House offers a laid-back, dive bar atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh oysters. They serve them up raw on the half shell, steamed, or in classic preparations like Oysters Rockefeller.
- The Vibe: A fun, no-frills spot with a beachy, casual feel. It's a go-to spot for both locals and tourists seeking a relaxed seafood meal.
- Southern Soul Barbeque (St. Simons Island, GA):
- The Oysters: Here's a delicious surprise: one of the best BBQ joints in the South also serves fantastic oysters. Southern Soul Barbeque often features wood-smoked or grilled oysters, adding a unique, smoky dimension to the coastal classic.
- The Vibe: A laid-back, award-winning barbecue joint housed in a converted 1940s gas station, with ample outdoor seating under live oaks.
- Coastal Kitchen (St. Simons Island, GA):
- The Oysters: For a more upscale oyster experience in the Golden Isles, Coastal Kitchen offers fresh, high-quality seafood with beautiful waterfront views of the marina.
- The Vibe: A polished yet comfortable setting perfect for enjoying raw oysters on the half shell or other chef-driven seafood dishes while watching the boats.
The Atlanta Exception:
- Kimball House (Decatur, GA): While located far from the coast in Decatur (part of the Atlanta metro area), no discussion of Georgia's best oysters is complete without mentioning Kimball House. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant is nationally recognized for its exceptional oyster program, featuring a meticulously curated daily list of different oyster varieties from across the country, served with classic accoutrements. It's a must-visit for the serious oyster connoisseur.
The Tradition of the Oyster Roast:
Keep an eye out for seasonal oyster roasts, a beloved coastal Georgia tradition, especially in the fall and winter months ("R" months). These are communal events where bushels of local oyster clusters are steamed (often over a fire pit or in a steamer) and then dumped onto large tables for everyone to shuck and eat together.
From the lively, rustic decks of The Crab Shack on Tybee Island and the sophisticated raw bars of Savannah to the award-winning selections at Kimball House in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a diverse and delicious oyster experience. Whether you prefer them raw, steamed, or grilled, exploring the state's oyster shacks and restaurants is a perfect way to savor the unique and savory taste of the Georgia coast.