Memphis, September 4, 2025
News Summary
As the oyster season kicks off in Memphis from September to April, seafood lovers can look forward to indulging in a culinary delight at the city’s top five seafood restaurants. Whether enjoying fresh raw oysters, baked or fried options, or sophisticated seafood dishes, both casual and fine dining experiences await. Notable venues such as Coastal Fish Company and Half Shell are celebrated for their unique offerings, catering to diverse preferences in a vibrant foodie scene.
Memphis is gearing up for the much-anticipated oyster season, which runs from September through April. As seafood enthusiasts prepare to indulge in this culinary favorite, a selection of the top five spots in the city to enjoy fresh oysters has been published. These venues offer a variety of options, from raw oysters on the half shell to sophisticated seafood dishes, catering to both casual diners and fine dining experiences.
Top Seafood Spots for Oysters in Memphis
Coastal Fish Company, situated on Hyde Lake in Shelby Farms Park, is a popular destination for those looking to savor fresh oysters while enjoying picturesque waterfront views. The restaurant features an extensive raw bar menu, allowing customers to choose from a range of raw oysters served on the half shell, as well as composed oysters that come with additional ingredients. For special occasions, the restaurant offers a “Grand Tower,” which includes jumbo shrimp, half a lobster, mussels, jumbo lump crab, and raw oysters, making it an excellent choice for seafood lovers.
Half Shell has been a favorite amongst locals since the 1970s, serving hand-shucked raw oysters paired with cocktail sauce and horseradish. The menu here also includes a variety of baked, chargrilled, and fried oyster options, ensuring that there is something for everyone who walks through the door.
Another great option in Bartlett is Pier 64, which specializes in a variety of seafood, including raw oysters on the half shell. Diners can choose to enjoy them plain or dressed with the chefโs special sauce, making it a customizable experience for patrons seeking unique flavors.
The Cove, affectionately known as โthe ship barโ in the Broad Avenue Arts District, emphasizes its offerings of oysters and handcrafted cocktails from the Prohibition era. The cozy venue boasts leather booths, dark wood decor, and pirate murals, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day, The Cove hosts daily cocktail and oyster specials, in addition to live music and trivia nights, making it an excellent spot for social gatherings.
Finally, Southern Social is located in Germantown and represents fine dining with the essence of Southern hospitality. The restaurant serves fresh oysters alongside a traditional trio of mignonette, cocktail sauce, and horseradish. Other popular menu items include a vibrant Caesar salad, deviled eggs topped with crispy cornmeal-dusted oysters, and hearty entrรฉes featuring fried chicken and wild game meatloaf.
A Celebration of Oysters
As Memphis embraces the arrival of oyster season, these five seafood spots offer a range of delicious options for residents and visitors alike. Whether indulging in the raw bar experience at Coastal Fish Company or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere at The Cove, there are numerous ways to celebrate this seafood delicacy. The article also acknowledges and expresses gratitude to the sponsors of the featured seafood restaurants, highlighting their contributions to the local culinary landscape.
FAQ
What is the duration of the oyster season in Memphis?
The oyster season in Memphis runs from September through April.
What type of oysters can I find at these seafood spots?
Customers can enjoy raw oysters on the half shell, baked, chargrilled, and fried oyster options, with unique sauces and accompaniments available at different restaurants.
Are there any special events or promotions offered at these seafood spots?
Many locations, such as The Cove, frequently have specials on oysters and cocktails from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., along with live music and trivia nights.
Do these restaurants cater to special occasions?
Yes, venues like Coastal Fish Company offer special towers and catering options for celebrations and gatherings.
Key Features of Top Seafood Spots for Oysters in Memphis
| Restaurant | Location | Specialties | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Fish Company | Hyde Lake, Shelby Farms Park | Raw oysters, Grand Tower | Waterfront views |
| Half Shell | Various locations | Hand-shucked oysters | Casual diner |
| Pier 64 | Bartlett | Raw oysters with special sauce | Family-friendly |
| The Cove | Broad Avenue Arts District | Oysters, Prohibition-era cocktails | Cozy, themed |
| Southern Social | Germantown | Oysters, fine dining | Elegant, Southern hospitality |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis Restaurants Serve Up 13 Must-Try Sandwiches
Blues City Cafe Gains Popularity as Late-Night Dining Spot
Rev. Joshua Henry Narcisse Reflects on Lent and Personal Growth
Popular Seafood Restaurant ‘The Half Shell’ Set to Open Third Location in Germantown, Memphis
Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Best Oysters in Memphis
- Commercial Appeal: Best Memphis Restaurants for Fish During Lent
- Memphis Magazine: The Top 10 Dishes of 2019
- Memphis Flyer: New Location of Half Shell
- Commercial Appeal: Favorite Bygone Memphis Restaurants
- Wikipedia: Oysters
- Google Search: Oysters in Memphis
- Google Scholar: Oysters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Oyster
- Google News: Oysters
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
