Let’s get this party started! I’m super pumped (and I’m using the word pumped) so you know it’s about to get real… we’re going down the rabbit hole, the topic, oysters. Oystahs, Ersters, we call them by many variations of the name, but all you need to know is that these little suckers, no pun intended, are in season and we intend on going no holds barred until the months no longer carry the letter “R”.

First off, I should probably disclose that I wasn’t always an oyster lover, quite the opposite actually. I would only eat them baked, with a ton of cheese, bacon, and butter on them. Don’t get me wrong, they’re fabulous this way also, however, there is something to be said about really enjoying them as a delicacy not smothered in a bunch a cheese as an appetizer. For this reason it took me a long time to truly understand the different kinds, sizes, and what lends to them being saltier, smoother in texture, etc.

My preferences are probably a bit different than most “locals”, I don’t like the majority of gulf oysters due to the size and texture, AND I’m not particularly a fan of “happy hour” oyster deals. There IS a distinct difference between cheap oysters and good oysters. I felt like that needed to be said, for whoever needed to hear it. I’m willing to pay for good oysters. Now that I’ve put that PSA out into the universe, I give you my picks for best (upscale) oyster bars in New Orleans.

#1 Seaworthy

Oh, how I love you Seaworthy, let me count the ways… east coast, west coast, yes even the gulf coast, you have them all. Variety is your middle name, and I appreciate you on every level for it. From your swanky little bar crackers to your excellent, yet not overpriced wine options, you are my go-to for oysters, every time. The vibe is a little more posh here with nods to hipster influence; it’s not your average oyster bar and how exciting is that…

Kicking off this oyster-palooza, we spun the wheel of fate and landed on west coast first. From these options we chose the Totten Inlet “Virginica”, Salazarian, and Wildcat Cove – three each to give them a fair chance at winning our hearts. By far and away the Salazarian were our favorite! Super silky in texture and just the right amount of sweet and salty.

Moving on to the second round, we hit up the eastside options and let the deliciousness roll over us. Beausoleil oysters were one of my first loves so I’m partial to them, and as always, they didn’t disappoint. The Seahogs were also showstoppers on this tray, holding their own with just enough saltiness and not too much fish of the sea aftertaste.

For our third and final round we brought it home to the gulf with our forever coveted Murder Points and accompanied them with some Alligator Coves. Both were great in size and had lovely texture.

Seaworthy carries many different oysters throughout the season so some of these options may or may not still be available. They do offer two fantastic happy hour options so if you’re ballin’ on a budget, hit them up early afternoon or late-night (I would suggest calling for exact times).

Before we discovered this gem, I did have a first love (so to speak) and they now fall to my second pick for best upscale oyster bar.

#2 Luke

So as previously stated, I was a late bloomer with my love for oysters. This is probably why they’ll always be slightly overshadowed by a first love for an excellent raw bar, which Luke possesses hands down. Not only do they have a decent oyster selection, but they have phenomenal monstah king crab legs and jumbo shrimp that I would eat everyday if it was financially and physically possible.

We frequent Luke as often as we can during the spring and summer months, during this visit in particular we had Murder Points (which are our ole’ reliable oysters) and these amazing sauteed crab claws with jumbo shrimp… literally mouth-watering.

Getting back to the oysters… they usually carry mostly a variety of gulf, but sometimes will throw in some east coast options.

I really like the oysters here because they’re consistently clean. The guys that work the bar are fun and always nice. I know that sounds cheesy, but we always have a good time chatting with everyone, maybe it’s just because we go so often, but we definitely get that Norm from Cheers vibe after we’ve had a few drinks.

Cheers & Happy Eating!

To wrap it up I’ll say that while I am a craft beer lover (that’s a future blog in the works), I do enjoy a really nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc with my oysters! I feel like it really enhances the flavors and also allows me to eat more seafood and not fill up on beer. We also love to mix as much horseradish as possible without dying into our cocktail sauce, but that’s just a personal preference.

Happy Oystah Eating, Rachel aka “The Accidental Yat”

How do I find these Oyster Bars/Restaurants in New Orleans?

I thought you might ask! Here is their contact information.

Seaworthy: 

• 630 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Visit Website

Luke:

• 333 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Visit Website