Best of 16 oysters in San Antonio
In the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas, oysters have become a popular culinary delight. Oysters in San Antonio are sourced from various regions, known for their unique flavors and textures. Local restaurants and seafood spots feature menus with diverse oyster options, including raw, grilled, and fried preparations. These establishments also offer an array of accompanying sauces and garnishes, enhancing the overall oyster experience. San Antonio's growing appreciation for oysters has led to a rise in oyster-centric events and festivals, further solidifying the city's position as a destination for oyster lovers.
- 1. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
- 2. El Bucanero - Blanco
- 3. Smashin Crab
- 4. Landry's Seafood House
- 5. Smashin Crab
- 6. Laguna Madre Seafood Company
- 7. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
- 8. Fish City Grill
- 9. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
- 10. Dry Dock Oyster Bar
- 11. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
- 12. The Lighthouse Seafood
- 13. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen IH-10
- 14. SILO Terrace Oyster Bar
- 15. Little Em's Oyster Bar
- 16. Fish City Grill
1. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Live music on weekends, Cozy atmosphere, Extensive wine list
For our appetizer, we tried the Blackened Oyster & Shrimp Fondeaux with crawfish, a recommendation from our waiter Kris. The combination of oysters, shrimp, and crawfish in a blackened sauce was a unique and delicious start to our meal. My husband and I also shared a dozen raw oysters, savoring their fresh, briny taste.
In addition to the appetizer, we enjoyed a bowl of seafood gumbo. The soup was chock-full of shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage, and the rich, dark roux provided a deep, complex flavor. We also ordered a salad to balance out our seafood-heavy meal. The service and food at the restaurant were both excellent, making for a highly enjoyable dining experience.
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TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. El Bucanero - Blanco
Family-owned seafood restaurant since 1991
A selection of fresh oysters was sampled, surpassing the quality of previous coastal oyster experiences. Accompanying sauces and sides were also provided to enhance the oyster enjoyment. The establishment is known for offering excellent ceviche in San Antonio.
High-quality oysters, served on the half shell, were a part of the seafood experience. This particular seafood establishment consistently provides top-notch seafood options, with the oysters being a standout.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
3. Smashin Crab
Seafood boil bags with customizable flavors, Large selection of alcoholic beverages
The chargrilled oysters were a standout dish, boasting perfection in cooking and seasoning. Visitors should not miss out on the opportunity to try this delightful dish.
The grilled oysters were an impressive culinary experience, with their expert preparation and tantalizing flavor. It is highly recommended to savor this dish when visiting.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
4. Landry's Seafood House
Housed in a historic building with a lively atmosphere
The oysters served at the meal were fresh and tasty, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience. The service provided throughout the evening was top-notch, contributing to the overall positive atmosphere. However, during the meal, there was an issue with the fried seafood platter I ordered. The shrimp on the platter was delicious, but unfortunately, the oysters were not up to par. Out of the five oysters served, the first one was satisfactory, but the second was disappointing as it contained only batter with no oyster inside. The remaining three oysters were rubbery, making them difficult to chew.
I brought this issue to the waiter's attention, and he assured me that he would inform the chef. It's worth noting that despite the oyster issue, the service was excellent, and the other aspects of the meal were enjoyable. Nonetheless, the oyster problem was significant as I was not able to fully enjoy the dish I had ordered.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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5. Smashin Crab
Rustic, nautical-themed atmosphere with communal seating
The oysters served were small in size and not particularly juicy or flavorful, lacking the taste of the renowned Acme Oysters from Louisiana. The restaurant offered to remove the oysters from the order, recognizing their lack of quality.
In contrast, the Half Dozen Raw Oysters were a standout part of the meal. These oysters were fresh and delicious, offering a satisfying taste that made them a must-try for any seafood lover.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Hidden Gems
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6. Laguna Madre Seafood Company
Family-owned seafood restaurant
I opted for Barnacle Bill's signature creamy coleslaw as a side for both meals, which was an excellent choice. The oysters, fresh and plump, were served on the half shell, and I savored every one of them.
During my meal, I had a dozen oysters, one of which was in my mouth when my entrée arrived. The fried shrimp, served with two sides - coleslaw and cream corn - and a drink, was delicious and reasonably priced at $9.95. It was worth noting that the oysters were marked "OUT FIRST" on the receipt, and they did, in fact, arrive before my entrée, as promised.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
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7. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Live music on weekends, Private dining rooms available
Oysters and shrimps were a standout at the seafood restaurant, with many customers raving about their delicious taste and freshness. The fish dishes were also a highlight, offering a variety of options that were skillfully prepared and presented.
When it came to preparing lobsters, it was suggested that adding a little bit of salt to the boiling water could enhance their flavor. Unfortunately, the lobsters served were criticized for lacking any taste, which was a disappointment for some diners. Despite this, the oysters and shrimps remained a favorite among customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
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8. Fish City Grill
Fresh seafood flown in daily, happy hour specials, kid-friendly
The oysters were a standout dish, delicious and satisfying, while the shrimp and catfish were overly salty and disappointing. Despite the issues with the meal, the waitress did not inquire about the food or if there were any problems, which was surprising. The restaurant has been visited many times in the past, and the bisque is always a highlight, considered one of the best. On this occasion, the meal began with a half dozen oysters, which were fresh and flavorful at the happy hour price.
The cup of bisque, as expected, was excellent and lived up to the high standards of previous visits. However, the salad was a letdown. The salad was not specifically mentioned as being a problem, but its inclusion in the description of the meal suggests that it was not particularly memorable or enjoyable compared to the oysters and bisque. Overall, the oysters and bisque stood out as the best parts of the meal, while the shrimp, catfish, and salad were unremarkable.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Waterfront
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9. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
Wide selection of seafood and cocktails, family-friendly atmosphere
Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen is known for its diverse and savory menu, featuring dishes such as the Oyster Trio and Mahi Mahi New Orleans style. Some guests have noted that the food can be a bit too salty for their liking, but the flavors are generally well above average. The restaurant's service is efficient, and the food is delivered in a timely manner. The shrimp pasta and fried catfish and oysters were particularly enjoyed by guests. Although the prices are on the higher side, patrons feel that the quality of the food and service justifies the cost.
My wife and I dined at Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen and had a delightful experience. We ordered the shrimp pasta and the fried catfish and oysters, which were absolutely delicious. The service was efficient, and our meals arrived in a timely manner. The restaurant's prices are slightly high, but we felt that the quality of the food and service was worth the cost. We enjoyed our meals with a refreshing Abita Amber and were very satisfied with our dining experience. We look forward to visiting Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen again in the future.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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10. Dry Dock Oyster Bar
Pet-friendly patio, Full bar with signature cocktails
The restaurant in question excels in one area: oysters. If you're looking for an affordable spot to enjoy oysters and cheap beer, this might just be the place for you. However, if you're hoping for excellent service or high-quality seafood beyond oysters, you may be disappointed. The other seafood offerings are merely passable at best.
Despite the mediocre service and subpar seafood, there are still reasons to visit this establishment. In particular, the crab legs have been praised as being delicious and well worth the trip. So, while it may not be the best option for a sit-down dinner with top-notch service, it could be a great place to grab a drink and enjoy some excellent crab legs.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Waterfront
11. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen
Live music on weekends, Casual waterfront dining, Full bar with signature cocktails
The oysters on the half shell were highly recommended and lived up to their reputation. They were fresh and had a delightful taste that pleased the palate. In addition to the oysters, we also ordered jambalaya, calamari, and mahi mahi. Each dish was expertly prepared and the flavors were excellent.
Our waitress was exceptional, providing attentive and friendly service throughout the meal. She made recommendations and ensured that our dining experience was enjoyable. The food and service combined made for a memorable meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Affordable Nightlife
12. The Lighthouse Seafood
Uses high-quality, sustainable seafood, Cozy atmosphere, Great for date night or special occasions
If you're a seafood lover, you won't want to miss out on the fried oysters at this restaurant. Cooked and seasoned to perfection, these fried oysters are some of the best that can be found. The oysters themselves are fresh and full of flavor, adding to the overall deliciousness of the dish.
Highly recommended for seafood lovers, the fried oysters are a must-try. Their fresh and flavorful quality make them stand out, and the perfect cooking and seasoning ensure that they are a truly enjoyable culinary experience. Don't pass up the opportunity to try these impressive fried oysters.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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13. Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen IH-10
Live music on weekends
The seafood selection at the restaurant was outstanding, with standout dishes including oysters, calamari, mahi mahi, and a shrimp pasta. The quality of the food was excellent, and our waitress provided exceptional service that enhanced our dining experience. The positive experience has left a lasting impression, and a return visit is highly likely.
My friends also enjoyed their meal at the restaurant, savoring their choices of oysters, calamari, and a shrimp pasta. Their contentment was evident, reflecting the overall satisfaction with the meal. It can be concluded that the restaurant offers delicious seafood that meets various preferences, contributing to a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Mid-Range
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14. SILO Terrace Oyster Bar
Waterfront dining, Live music, Happy hour specials, and Pet-friendly
Enjoying a cocktail and oysters on a terrace is a pleasant way to end the day. The oysters are typically fresh and delicious, and the view makes the experience even more enjoyable. However, there was a recent exception when the oysters served had shell fragments, ruining the experience. Fortunately, the rest of the meal was still enjoyable.
Silo, a favorite spot for a dinner stop after work, is where this experience took place. The terrace offers a great spot to relax and enjoy a drink and some oysters. But on this particular visit, the oysters were disappointing. They had shell fragments, which was unfortunate as oysters are usually a highlight of the meal. Despite this setback, the rest of the dinner at Silo was still delightful.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- High-End
- Waterfront
15. Little Em's Oyster Bar
Cozy atmosphere, Southern hospitality, Focus on sustainability
The oysters served were fresh and had an excellent taste, making them a standout feature of the meal. Customers have the opportunity to try a dozen oysters, selected from various producers across the Northeast. The oysters are not served in the Gulf style, which is typically accompanied by crackers and red sauce. Instead, horseradish and vinaigrette are offered as condiments, providing a different way to enjoy the various styles of oysters.
Overall, the oysters are a must-try for anyone looking to explore different flavors and textures. With a range of options from Northeast producers, this is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons and try something new. The absence of Gulf-style crackers and red sauce allows the natural flavors of the oysters to shine, while the horseradish and vinaigrette add a nice tangy and spicy kick. High-quality, fresh oysters are the star of the show, making this a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Waterfront
- Asian Cuisine
- High-End
- Vegan Options
16. Fish City Grill
Local favorite with a relaxed atmosphere and a commitment to sustainable seafood
The cod served at this establishment is delicious, with a perfectly cooked breading. Accompanying fries are also a standout, crispy and well-cooked. As it was our first time visiting, the restaurant provided us with a sample plate featuring their soups and oyster nachos. We found these offerings to be exceptional, particularly the oyster nachos.
This restaurant has a wide variety of oysters on the menu, with a rotating selection of specials featured on a blackboard. Due to the constantly changing nature of these specials, it is challenging to rate specific dishes. However, it is worth noting that the majority of the seafood offerings can be found on the specials menu, indicating a high level of quality and freshness.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Vegetarian Options
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