What a beautiful day on Oak Island! You've been soaking up the sun by the water and wandering around, but now your stomach is starting to rumble, and you're hit with a craving for oysters. What to do? We’ve got you covered with our list of the best oyster restaurants on Oak Island. Whether they are eaten raw, grilled, fried, or steamed, they are sure to hit the spot. Keep reading to discover our recommendations.
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In This Blog Post:
- Swain’s Restaurant
- Island Way
- Back 2 Shuckers
- Shagger Jacks
- Book Your Oak Island Vacation Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
Swain’s Restaurant
Swain’s Restaurant is a cozy, local seafood spot, that also serves up delicious pasta and steaks. Oyster lovers have to try them dusted with Swain’s special seafood breading and lightly fried. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. You can also indulge in a seafood platter that features oysters, scallops, shrimp, and clams. No matter what you choose, you’re in for a tasty treat!
- Menu
- Location: 8317 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
- Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Thursday to Saturday, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Cost: $$
Island Way
This elegant and lovely restaurant is located right on the water, overlooking the ocean. What a perfect way to end your day, by eating some oysters and watching the sunset over the sparkling sea! Oysters at Island Way are prepared three different ways. First, you can order them raw on the half shell, served with tangy cocktail sauce and a fresh spritz of lemon. You can also try their special oysters Rockefeller, which consists of broiling them with a rich blend of cheese, bacon, and spinach. Island Way guards their recipe closely, so to get a taste of this dish, you’ll just have to go eat there! Finally, you can also order their classic fried oysters, which is a tried and true menu item.
The restaurant also serves up many other mouthwatering dishes, such as Carolina crab cakes, filet mignon, and chicken parmesan, just to name a few. With so many wonderful options, a magnificent view, and a refined ambiance, you’ll be glad that you came here to eat dinner.
- Menu
- Location: Island Way 1407 East Beach Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
- Hours: Open daily, 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Cost: $$$
Back 2 Shuckers
This charming hole-in-the-wall prides itself on serving up some of the best seafood in the area. The menu is extensive and proudly serves everything from Boom Boom shrimp to calamari, as well as cold drinks. But if you’re here for oysters, they deliver. Order up a dozen raw oysters on the half shell, or try steamed oysters, which are served with lots of butter and Old Bay - decadent!
Back 2 Shuckers also specializes in Calabash-style seafood, which means the oysters have been lightly breaded and deep-fried, creating a delicate yet crispy coating. Yum! All these menu options might make it hard to make a choice. In these situations, we recommend bringing some friends and each ordering something different to share, so you can try it all.
- Menu
- Location: 6220 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC, United States, 28465
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Cost: $$
Shagger Jacks
The next restaurant on our list is a laid-back bar and grill that serves up good vibes as well as delicious eats. Order a beer or a tropical drink and devour some fried oysters. We’d be remiss not to mention all the other spectacular menu items, as well. Enjoy Jack’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, their Blackened Salmon, and peel-and-eat shrimp as you relax after a long day. After a meal here, you can see why it’s such a popular local spot!
- Menu
- Location: 8004 E Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Cost: $$
Book Your Oak Island Vacation Today
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Oyster Restaurants on Oak Island
Do I need a reservation for any of these restaurants?
Island Way recommends that you make a reservation, but it is not required. If you'd like to book a table, call them at (910) 278-7770.
When is oyster season?
Wild oyster season in North Carolina starts in October and runs through the coldest months of the year. Farmed oysters, however, are available all year long.
Is it safe to eat raw oysters?
Eating raw oysters is safe for most people, as long as the oysters are healthy and stored correctly. However, eating raw seafood always carries a risk. There is always a possibility of contamination, which is why some people should not eat raw oysters. This includes those with compromised immune systems, people with underlying conditions, and pregnant women.