You're in for a treat! South Walton is an oyster lover's paradise. Here are 10 places where you can find some of the best oysters in the area:
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar (Gulf Place): A 30A palace with panoramic Gulf views, live music, and a wide variety of oysters, from raw to grilled with various toppings.
It sits across from the beach on 30A Beach with an open-air concept overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and gets its name from a legendary fishing reef off the coast just across the street. Offering 40 feet of panoramic views, the upstairs open-air dining room is the perfect place to grab a casual bite to eat. Live music is frequent and showcases local artists adding to the fun and playful ambiance of this seafood spot. This is also one of the few places along 30A that you can enjoy your oysters fried. The fried oyster platter comes with house remoulade for dipping and crispy french fries. Just drizzle a little lemon on top, and you're golden. When you come to Shunk Gulley, you can count on two things: fresh oysters and a stunning view.
Stinky's Fish Camp (Dune Allen): Known for its "Oyster Log" featuring 36 different oyster preparations, including unique options like champagne butter and smoked gruyere & bacon.
Don't be deterred by the name! Stinky's Fish Camp is a long time favorite in Dune Allen Beach for fresh seafood and drinks. They also happen to be a renowned spot to get your hands on some oysters, and their Oyster Log adorned with 36 baked oysters is definitely something to write home about. A foot long piece of driftwood is topped with 3 dozen delectable oysters prepared in a variety of mouthwatering styles including BBQ butter, shrimp and crab, cheddar jalapeno, and smoked gruyere and bacon. Don't worry, your classic Rockefeller and garlic butter are there for the purists too. The log is a Stinky's signature for a reason and might even end up being the most memorable part of your trip.
Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill (Grayton Beach): A lively spot with a "pearl of 30A" vibe, offering raw oysters from around the world, including a "World Tour" option.
Hurricane Oyster Bar is a long-standing funky restaurant that serves oysters in an impressive range of fashions. Raw? Steamed? Grilled? Baked? Head to Hurricane Oyster Bar in Grayton Beach and call it however you'd like it. Try the "World Tour," and you'll get a sample of five different styles of raw oysters in styles influenced by international foods from Mexico, Russia, Germany, Japan. Perhaps the most unique flavor on the tour is Japanese, which is a raw oyster topped with hot & sour sauce, seaweed, and ginger. Hold onto your hats, cause these flavorful oysters will blow you away! They also have a broad selection of baked options including crab, Cajun, Picatta, Casino, Crawfish, and more. Whether you like them served on the half shell or covered in bacon and cheese, Hurricane Oyster Bar is bound to have a flavor for every kind of oyster eater.
Great Southern Cafe (Seaside): A Southern-inspired eatery with a focus on fresh, local seafood, including a delicious Baked Oyster Trio.
Fish Out Of Water (FOOW) (WaterColor): stunning views and specializes in locally sourced ingredients, including fresh Gulf oysters.
The Bay (Santa Rosa Beach): A beachy, laid back, waterfront restaurant with a focus on Southern coastal cuisine, featuring fresh oysters and a lively atmosphere.
Vin'tij Food & Wine (Miramar Beach): This upscale restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that includes fresh, expertly prepared oysters.
Acme Oyster House (Seascape): A branch of the famous New Orleans oyster house, serving classic raw and chargrilled oysters.
Barefoot's Beachside Bar & Grill (Sandestin): Enjoy fresh oysters with your toes in the sand at this casual beachfront eatery.
Surf Hut (Miramar Beach): A laid-back beach bar with a casual menu featuring fresh oysters and other seafood favorites.
Bonus:
30A Oyster: This mobile oyster catering service brings the oyster bar experience to you, offering fresh oysters shucked on-site for private parties and events.
"Always a great shucking time!"
It's time to step up your shrimp boil game and throw an oyster shucker into the mix. 30A Oyster is a locally owned company that brings the oyster bar to you! This private catering service can accommodate events, parties, weddings, and dinners of any size, shape, or style. Rick, the owner of 30A Oyster, is an oyster shucking champion who promises to deliver only the freshest quality local seafood via his oyster bar on wheels. He provides full service "oystertainment" and claims to be part-cook and part DJ. You can have your oysters raw or grilled, but either way, they'll be shucked right before your eyes. Chow down on shrimp, sausage, corn, and new potatoes while you enjoy watching the master at work from the comfort of your own home. Regardless if you hire Rick for a large gathering or just for a fun family dinner, 30A Oyster is guaranteed to provide a night you won't forget.
Shrimpers Seafood Market - Family owned and operated since 1977
This much-loved local seafood market is a staple in the South Walton community for providing locals and tourists alike the freshest seafood at fair prices. Jump up on Highway 98 and take a quick drive over to Shrimpers Seafood Market and pick up a bucket of freshly caught oysters to bring home. Get your oysters pre-shucked, or pick them up still in the shell and see if you can do it yourself. Impress your family and friends by getting your hands dirty and putting your shucking skills to the test (but maybe wear a cutting glove)! The great thing about Shrimpers is it's a one-stop shop; you can also get traditional seafood seasonings, soups, sauces, and sides. Don't forget to pick up a fresh made key lime pie so that you can reward your hard work when you're done.
Tips for Oyster Lovers:
Check for Happy Hour specials: Many restaurants offer discounted oysters during Happy Hour.
Ask about oyster varieties: Different varieties have unique flavor profiles, so don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations.
Try different preparations: Explore beyond raw oysters and try grilled, baked, or fried options.
Pair with local brews: Many South Walton restaurants offer a selection of local craft beers that pair perfectly with oysters.
Enjoy your oyster adventure in South Walton!
Portions of text from the grayt blog at Ocean Reef Resorts | Destin Vacation Rentals & Real Estate.
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar (Gulf Place): A 30A palace with panoramic Gulf views, live music, and a wide variety of oysters, from raw to grilled with various toppings.
It sits across from the beach on 30A Beach with an open-air concept overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and gets its name from a legendary fishing reef off the coast just across the street. Offering 40 feet of panoramic views, the upstairs open-air dining room is the perfect place to grab a casual bite to eat. Live music is frequent and showcases local artists adding to the fun and playful ambiance of this seafood spot. This is also one of the few places along 30A that you can enjoy your oysters fried. The fried oyster platter comes with house remoulade for dipping and crispy french fries. Just drizzle a little lemon on top, and you're golden. When you come to Shunk Gulley, you can count on two things: fresh oysters and a stunning view.
Stinky's Fish Camp (Dune Allen): Known for its "Oyster Log" featuring 36 different oyster preparations, including unique options like champagne butter and smoked gruyere & bacon.
Don't be deterred by the name! Stinky's Fish Camp is a long time favorite in Dune Allen Beach for fresh seafood and drinks. They also happen to be a renowned spot to get your hands on some oysters, and their Oyster Log adorned with 36 baked oysters is definitely something to write home about. A foot long piece of driftwood is topped with 3 dozen delectable oysters prepared in a variety of mouthwatering styles including BBQ butter, shrimp and crab, cheddar jalapeno, and smoked gruyere and bacon. Don't worry, your classic Rockefeller and garlic butter are there for the purists too. The log is a Stinky's signature for a reason and might even end up being the most memorable part of your trip.
Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill (Grayton Beach): A lively spot with a "pearl of 30A" vibe, offering raw oysters from around the world, including a "World Tour" option.
Hurricane Oyster Bar is a long-standing funky restaurant that serves oysters in an impressive range of fashions. Raw? Steamed? Grilled? Baked? Head to Hurricane Oyster Bar in Grayton Beach and call it however you'd like it. Try the "World Tour," and you'll get a sample of five different styles of raw oysters in styles influenced by international foods from Mexico, Russia, Germany, Japan. Perhaps the most unique flavor on the tour is Japanese, which is a raw oyster topped with hot & sour sauce, seaweed, and ginger. Hold onto your hats, cause these flavorful oysters will blow you away! They also have a broad selection of baked options including crab, Cajun, Picatta, Casino, Crawfish, and more. Whether you like them served on the half shell or covered in bacon and cheese, Hurricane Oyster Bar is bound to have a flavor for every kind of oyster eater.
Great Southern Cafe (Seaside): A Southern-inspired eatery with a focus on fresh, local seafood, including a delicious Baked Oyster Trio.
Fish Out Of Water (FOOW) (WaterColor): stunning views and specializes in locally sourced ingredients, including fresh Gulf oysters.
The Bay (Santa Rosa Beach): A beachy, laid back, waterfront restaurant with a focus on Southern coastal cuisine, featuring fresh oysters and a lively atmosphere.
Vin'tij Food & Wine (Miramar Beach): This upscale restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that includes fresh, expertly prepared oysters.
Acme Oyster House (Seascape): A branch of the famous New Orleans oyster house, serving classic raw and chargrilled oysters.
Barefoot's Beachside Bar & Grill (Sandestin): Enjoy fresh oysters with your toes in the sand at this casual beachfront eatery.
Surf Hut (Miramar Beach): A laid-back beach bar with a casual menu featuring fresh oysters and other seafood favorites.
Bonus:
30A Oyster: This mobile oyster catering service brings the oyster bar experience to you, offering fresh oysters shucked on-site for private parties and events.
"Always a great shucking time!"
It's time to step up your shrimp boil game and throw an oyster shucker into the mix. 30A Oyster is a locally owned company that brings the oyster bar to you! This private catering service can accommodate events, parties, weddings, and dinners of any size, shape, or style. Rick, the owner of 30A Oyster, is an oyster shucking champion who promises to deliver only the freshest quality local seafood via his oyster bar on wheels. He provides full service "oystertainment" and claims to be part-cook and part DJ. You can have your oysters raw or grilled, but either way, they'll be shucked right before your eyes. Chow down on shrimp, sausage, corn, and new potatoes while you enjoy watching the master at work from the comfort of your own home. Regardless if you hire Rick for a large gathering or just for a fun family dinner, 30A Oyster is guaranteed to provide a night you won't forget.
Shrimpers Seafood Market - Family owned and operated since 1977
This much-loved local seafood market is a staple in the South Walton community for providing locals and tourists alike the freshest seafood at fair prices. Jump up on Highway 98 and take a quick drive over to Shrimpers Seafood Market and pick up a bucket of freshly caught oysters to bring home. Get your oysters pre-shucked, or pick them up still in the shell and see if you can do it yourself. Impress your family and friends by getting your hands dirty and putting your shucking skills to the test (but maybe wear a cutting glove)! The great thing about Shrimpers is it's a one-stop shop; you can also get traditional seafood seasonings, soups, sauces, and sides. Don't forget to pick up a fresh made key lime pie so that you can reward your hard work when you're done.
Tips for Oyster Lovers:
Check for Happy Hour specials: Many restaurants offer discounted oysters during Happy Hour.
Ask about oyster varieties: Different varieties have unique flavor profiles, so don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations.
Try different preparations: Explore beyond raw oysters and try grilled, baked, or fried options.
Pair with local brews: Many South Walton restaurants offer a selection of local craft beers that pair perfectly with oysters.
Enjoy your oyster adventure in South Walton!
Portions of text from the grayt blog at Ocean Reef Resorts | Destin Vacation Rentals & Real Estate.
