Oysters on the half shell.
For some the mere mention makes them squirm in disgust, for others it is culinary music to the ears. We are fortunate indeed with the bountiful variety of fish and shellfish from the Gulf of Mexico that show up on dining tables here but did you know that Apalachicola Bay oysters are considered some of the finest eating oysters available...in the world? (read all about it in the NY Times here). Located about 95 miles to our east, Apalachicola is close enough that most oysters found on menus in South Walton will originate from there BUT there are other varieties that you will find as well that are excellent in their own right.
Revered by the culinary adventurous and those who have grown up where the bivalve mollusks are plentiful, these briny "mouthfuls of the sea" are a local South Walton delicacy served straight up over ice, shucked and raw, and are at their best now through spring.
(Just a side tidbit - that whole thing about only eating raw oysters during months that contain an "R" is a myth although it is true certain naturally occurring marine bacteria, like Vibrio, are higher in coastal waters during warm weather months. But you can still get ill during the colder months as well. Read about who should not ever eat raw oysters and other safety facts here).
So where can you go in these parts to indulge your oyster on the half shell craving? Here are our picks. Feel free to add your favorite or comments below.
Caliza Restaurant at Alys Beach
Info | Directions
Apalachicola Oysters and Washington State Wellfleet Oysters. Served on ice with lemon, cocktail sauce and shallot-cucumber vinaigrette.
Acme Oyster House at Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin
Info | Directions
Louisiana Oysters. Served on ice with lemon, horseradish and cocktail sauce.
Goatfeather's Seafood Restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach
Info | Directions
Apalachicola Oysters. Served on ice with a lemon and a variety of sauces (eg. hot sauce, cocktail sauce, remoulade sauce.) Oyster Happy Hour daily until 6pm.
Hurricane Oyster Bar in Grayton Beach
Info | Directions
Apalachicola Oysters. Served on ice seven different ways, with different sauces. Daily Oyster Happy Hour from 3-6pm daily.
Stinky's Fish Camp in Dune Allen Beach
5994 W. Co. Hwy. 30-A, Dune Allen Beach, 32459 | 850-267-3053 | www.stinkysfishcamp.com
Apalachicola Oysters. Served on ice with lemon, cocktail sauce, and horseradish.
Bayou Bill's Crab House in Santa Rosa Beach
Info | Directions
Apalachicola oysters. Served on ice with lemon, cocktail sauce and horseradish.
Buster's Oyster Bar and Grill in Miramar Beach
Info | Directions
Apalachicola Oysters. Served on ice with lemon and cocktail sauce. Oyster Happy Hour daily from 5-6pm.
Hammerhead's Bar & Grill at Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin
Info | Directions
Louisiana Oysters. Served on ice with lemon and cocktail sauce. Oyster Happy Hour daily from 3-6pm.
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