Oyster season in Texas runs from September to April. During this time, enjoy some of the freshest Gulf Coast oysters in the best seafood joints in the Lone Star State. Texans love oysters, no matter if they are raw, grilled, fried, or mixed in a gumbo. These top seafood establishments listed below have gained a reputation for having some of the freshest oysters around. Get your oyster fix at these restaurants that range from upscale joints to dive bars.
Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette - Houston
Liberty Kitchen has a number of locations scattered throughout Houston. When it comes to oysters, Liberty Kitchen is known for its happy hour. Even if you miss happy hour, the oyster bar is still available, along with a menu packed full of seafood from the Texas and Louisiana coasts. Oyster lovers will find oysters in many forms here, from fried, raw, grilled, or in salads and stews.
Gilhooley's Restaurant - San Leon
Gilhooley’s Restaurant, located in San Leon, is one of the best spots on the Texas coast to get some great oysters. The oysters at Gilhooley’s are always fresh since this seafood restaurant is located near Misho’s Oyster Company. Be prepared for some large Gulf Coast oysters here. Also if raw oysters aren’t your thing, try Oysters Gilhooley, which are freshly shucked oysters that are seasoned with butter and parmesan cheese and then roasted in a wood-fired barbecue pit. This dive bar and restaurant isn’t kid-friendly and isn’t very fancy, but it’s the price you pay for some excellent oysters.
Eugene's Gulf Coast Cuisine - Houston
If you’re craving oysters and you’re located in Houston’s museum district, then Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine is the spot to visit. This Houston restaurant gets busy during the week for its happy hour oyster specials. The Gulf coast raw oysters are just as plump and big as you would imagine. However don’t miss out on the other oyster dishes at Danton’s, such as the Gulf Coast chowder, baked oysters or even a fried oyster po’ boy sandwich.
Captain Tom's Seafood and Oyster Bar - Houston
Captain Tom’s Seafood & Oyster Bar is a Texas-based chain that serves up fresh oysters along with other classic seafood dishes. Freshly shucked oysters are a popular item on the menu. You’ll find many diners pairing their oysters with a Michelada, which is a Mexican beer served with spices and peppers. If you’re looking to fill up on more than just oysters, also try the fried seafood or a cup of gumbo.
S&D Oyster Company - Dallas
This Dallas establishment has been pleasing seafood lovers since 1976. The Gulf oysters here are so popular that you’ll always see employees shucking them. With a name like S&D Oyster Company, you wouldn’t expect anything less. Served with homemade cocktail sauce, a bite into an oyster here will make you forget how far away you are from the coast. This old-fashioned eatery uses the same recipes they did decades ago. Also, you’ll find New Orleans-style dishes here too.
Brasserie 19 - Houston
Oyster snobs will love the variety of oysters offered at Brasserie 19. Choose from different varieties of oysters that are served here every single day. From Gulf coast oysters to East coast oysters to oysters from the West coast, Brasserie 19 guarantees that all oysters will taste fresh and delicious.
Black Pearl Oyster Bar - Galveston
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a Galveston establishment. Located right on the Texas coast, it’s no surprise why Black Pearl Oyster Bar serves up some fresh seafood and oysters. The main focus of this restaurant is the oyster bar, however, there are many other delicious seafood options here too. For those who want more than just raw oysters, enjoy Black Pearl’s unique oyster dishes such as Oysters Rockefeller, made with spinach cream cheese or Oysters Diablo, which gives a spicy kick to your regular oyster meal.
Quality Seafood Market - Austin
Quality Seafood Market is not only a seafood supplier but also a great place to watch the game or drink a beer. Seafood from the Gulf coast is the star at this establishment. Quality Seafood Market lives up to its name by serving up some of the freshest oysters in Texas’ capital city. Enjoy them raw or grilled here.
Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar - Austin
East and West coast oysters are what is on the menu at Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar. There is nothing better than sitting on Perla’s patio while enjoying a dozen oysters. Located in South Congress in Austin, Perla’s is the perfect spot to stop after a long stroll on this eclectic street.
Pine Tree Lodge - Beaumont
This seafood shack located outside of Beaumont is situated right on Taylor Bayou. You can’t leave Pine Tree Lodge without indulging in the fried catfish. However this southeast Texas joint serves up some fresh Gulf coast oysters too. If you come here with an appetite, try the seafood combination platter, which has everything a seafood lover would enjoy like catfish, shrimp, alligator, crawfish and of course oysters.
