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Ready to dive into a platter of oysters on the half shell? Here are 10 top-notch oyster spots to visit on the Delaware coast.
Raw oysters are having their day, becoming a standard feature in many coastal Sussex establishments. Take, for instance, the new Lewes Oyster House, which follows in the footsteps of Henlopen City Oyster House.
What’s the appeal? Much like good coffee beans and fine wine, an oyster’s flavor varies depending on the provenance. For instance, East Coast oysters tend to be saltier than those from the West.
Thanks to the number of raw bars at the beach, you can taste the differences yourself— and don’t forget to try the local options. Here are some establishments that sell oysters on the half shell.
Henlopen City Oyster House
It can be challenging to nab a seat at the bar of this high-energy restaurant, which helped make oysters a requisite prelude to any meal. With nearly 10 offerings, it’s no wonder. Visit on the right day and the menu might include the desirable Kumamoto, a creamy Washington oyster with a honeydew finish.
50 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach | 260-9193
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Wheelhouse
Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, the tiered restaurant offers views of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. The raw bar features Chesapeake Bay oysters and clams.
7 Anglers Road, Lewes | 291-2163
Lewes Oyster House
This Second Street business, slated to open in early summer, is easy to find. It’s in the former Jerry’s Seafood, also known as the original Rose & Crown or the Walsh Building. Expect East Coast oysters, including some from local Rehoboth Bay purveyors.
108 Second St., Lewes
JD Shuckers Seafood Grill & Raw Bar
Just a few miles inland on Route 24, JD Shuckers was founded by Jamie Davis, who previously worked at an Annapolis oyster house. Thursday nights are buck-a-shuck for local oysters. There is also a Georgetown location.
20750 John J. Williams Highway, #11, Lewes | 945-8850
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Starboard Raw
Steve “Monty” Montgomery initially wanted to install a raw bar in The Starboard, but space is limited. So, he opened this oyster-focused spot across the street. The Baltimore-style oyster house serves oysters on the half shell, in oyster shooters, on seafood towers and in po’ boy sandwiches. Delaware Bay oysters are $1 during happy hour.
2000 Coastal Highway; Dewey Beach | 227-9000
Fins Hospitality Group
Fins’ road to success is paved with oyster shells. The group started with Fins Fish House & Raw Bar in Rehoboth Beach and expanded to the highway with Fins Ale House & Raw Bar, a launching pad for Big Oyster Brewery—which now has a location on Kings Highway in Lewes. And that’s not all. There’s a Fins Ale House & Raw Bar in Bethany and one coming to Fenwick Island. Wash down a sampler with an oyster shooter made from beer, vodka, rum, Champagne or tequila.
Multiple locations in Rehoboth Beach & Bethany Beach
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Chesapeake & Maine
Part of the Dogfish Head family, this seafood-centric restaurant has a dedicated raw bar with oysters from both regions. The selection rotates, but if Smoke on the Water is available, give it a slurp. The restaurant’s proprietary oysters are grown around Hoopers Island and placed in tanks with smoked sea salt.
316 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth | 226-3600
SoDel Concepts
The Rehoboth-based hospitality group has several restaurants with raw bars, including Matt’s Fish Camp locations in Lewes, Bethany and Fenwick Island; the Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar sites in Rehoboth and Bethany; and Catch 54 in Fenwick Island. Fish On in Lewes sells oysters on the half shell but does not have a physical raw bar. Roasted oysters are on tap at Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth and the new Ocean View Brewing Company in Ocean View.
Visit sodelconcepts.com for locations and menus.
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Big Fish Restaurant Group
All Big Fish Grill restaurants have raw bars, as does The Crab House in Rehoboth, which features $1 oysters every day. You’ll find oysters both baked and raw at Sazio, the group’s Italian restaurant. Can’t get to the beach? There’s a Big Fish on the Wilmington Riverfront, and the company also owns Trolley Square Oyster House.
bigfishrestaurantgroup.com
Local Suppliers
Want to shuck your own? Delaware Sea Grant has posted a list of state seafood suppliers, including businesses that specialize in farmed or wild-caught oysters. Rehoboth Bay Oyster Company, for instance, is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
deseagrant.org/de-seafood-suppliers.
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