The 10 Best Places To Get Oysters In Savannah This Season
Savannah is a city renowned for its rich culinary traditions and vibrant food scene. Among the many staples we love as Savannahians, oysters are a mainstake. And when it comes to oysters, timing is everything. In Savannah, oyster season typically spans from September to April. However, the peak of oyster season is during the fall and winter months, when the water temperature drops, making the oysters plumper, juicier, and more flavorful.
So let’s explore the best places to indulge in the finest oyster dishes the city has to offer.
The Grey
📍109 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah, GA
Inside a restored, 1938 art deco Greyhound Bus Terminal, Johno Morisano and Chef Mashama Bailey partnered to build The Grey. Known for its elegant ambiance and inventive cuisine, The Grey offers a delectable oyster selection, including the freshest raw oysters and innovative seafood dishes.
The Wyld Dock Bar
📍2740 Livingston Ave., Savannah, GA
Nestled along the tranquil Herb River, The Wyld Dock Bar is a hidden gem for seafood lovers. Enjoy their signature Roasted Garlic Butter Oysters with a stunning waterfront view in a laid-back atmosphere. This is a great place to pull up and dock if you’re boating in Savannah, which is an integral Savannahian activity.
They’re having their annual charity oyster roast to support the @humanesocietysav on October 25th for $30 a person and all you can eat oysters! Check out their website for more information!
A.J.’s Dockside Restaurant
📍1315 Chatham Ave, Tybee Island, GA
A local favorite that we’ve mentioned in our ‘A Local’s Guide to A Summer Day In Tybee’ blog, A.J.’s Dockside Restaurant offers a variety of oyster dishes, from classic oyster po’boys, oyster pasta dishes, oyster topped salads and multiple oyster platters. This is also another great spot for stopping for a snack while boating around Savannah!
The Shrimp Factory
📍313 E. River St., Savannah, GA
In River Street’s former cotton warehouse, which was built in 1823, is The Shrimp Factory- which opened its doors in 1977. Aside from its addition to the Savannah nightlife scene in the Historic Downtown District, it boasts a vibrant oyster bar with an array of options- Rockefeller, raw, steamed, fried or baked! They also have happy hour specials on those oysters!
Husk Savannah
📍12 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, GA
Also located in the Historic Downtown District, Husk is celebrated for its commitment to Southern cuisine. Their oysters are no exception, being sourced
from Maryland to North Carolina and Florida with options including Skinny Dippers, Jerome Creek, Lil Honey, Blue Points, May Rivers and McIntosh Dukes!
Rocks On The River
📍102 W. Bay St., Savannah, GA
Right near River Street, inside the Bohemian Hotel, overlooking the Savannah River is Rocks on the River. Aside from the extensive and classy brunch and dinner menus, they offer a delicious roasted oyster, baked in lemon red pepper butter with a crisp parsley, garlic breadcrumb topping. Rocks On The River is the perfect spot for a romantic date night.
Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar
📍116 West Congress St., Savannah, GA
Another Historic Downtown District favorite, which is the first floor of 3 floors of unique dining experience. They have a raw oyster bar as well as Butter Garlic & Parmesan, Rockefeller and Casino baked oysters! Real quick, the second floor is the Bamboo Tiki Room, known for its rum selection and romantic, tropical vibes. The third floor is a great rooftop bar that looks out over the city and offers a stunning view!
Fleeting
📍201 Port Street, Savannah, GA
If you’re in East Savannah, Fleeting is just a short walk away from your door. This is a local Savannahian gem, as its farmer’s market inspired menu and stunning environment. Their gorgeous menu is a great blend of fresh, modern dishes and Southern favorites, including the roasted oysters with sun dried tomato butter and grief caper gremolata.
And coming soon is a Charleston favorite, The Darling Oyster Bar.
They’re known for fusing classic entrees and exciting modern flavors, while paying careful attention to local ingredients and sustainability. You can get your oysters steamed, baked, raw or in a shooter if you’re looking for a kick. But you can also get them baked with Maitre’d Butter & Bread Crumbs, Alabama White Sauce & Bacon or Pimento & Sourdough Soppers- which are Darling originals. Stay tuned for more details about their opening!
Why are oysters so important to Savannahians?
Oysters, often enjoyed during lively oyster roasts, have become synonymous with social gatherings in Savannah. These communal events bring people together, fostering connections, and creating lasting memories. Oyster roasts are more than culinary experiences; they’re celebrations of togetherness and a reflection of Savannah’s warm and welcoming spirit. Traditionally, these gatherings are perfect for engagement parties, corporate events, family reunions, and even wedding receptions, emphasizing the role of oysters in strengthening community bonds.
Historically, oysters have been a cornerstone of Savannah’s cuisine, playing a vital role in local agriculture and the economy. While the state of Georgia was once renowned for its wild oyster harvesting, the shift towards locally grown oysters is gaining momentum. Enter the Tybee Oyster Company, owned by Laura and Perry Solomon, the pioneers behind Georgia’s first floating oyster farm. Their journey began from a shared affection for oysters and a realization that local food serves as a meaningful connection to a place.
The introduction of the Tybee Oyster Company and their unique “FlipFarming” method reflects Savannah’s commitment to preserving its oyster heritage while embracing sustainable farming practices. As Perry and Laura Solomon mechanize their farming process, they make it more efficient, all while involving their family in this cherished endeavor. Their dedication to teaching the next generation to appreciate local food underscores the idea that food should benefit both the environment and the community.
Like we said, oyster roasts in Savannah hold a special place in the heart of the city, not just as a culinary delight but as a symbol of community and tradition. They’re more than just a chance to eat yummy seafood, they are the embodiment of Savannah’s rich cultural heritage and community as well as a testament to the city’s unique relationship with the coastal environment.
Don’t forget about The Hilton Head Oyster Festival on November 10th and 11th! The festival offers low country boil, BBQ, and more. There will be an oyster shucking contest, food trucks, pop-up shops, arts booths, lots of live music, after party plans, and all the oysters you can eat!
Stay tuned for our blog on upcoming oyster roasts!
Yes, oyster season in Savannah is a time to celebrate our coastal region and indulge in a culinary tradition that has deep roots in our city’s history. From classic oyster roasts to innovative oyster dishes, Savannah’s chefs have embraced these bivalves and incorporated them into a variety of dishes that showcase the city’s coastal flavors. And with the fall and winter months upon us, it’s the perfect time to explore Savannah’s oyster offerings!
