A Dozen of Atlanta's Most Beautiful Oyster Bars

By Colleen Ann McNally on 01/17/2018, updated on 01/18/2018

Atlanta may be many miles from the sea, but this city is certainly discerning when it comes to quality seafood. At these esteemed oyster bars, the wealth of varieties from quality sources is of utmost importance. When combined with beautiful ambience and curated cocktails, it won't take long to see why Atlanta adores a dozen on the half shell. 

Kumamoto oysters with pickled red onion at Beetlecat (©Andrew Thomas Lee)

C. Ellet's

Set just outside SunTrust Park in The Battery Atlanta, this modern steakhouse from esteemed Chef Linton and wife Gina is named for Hopkin's great-grandfather. A walk-up oyster bar is open on weekends and for SunTrust Park events. L&D (daily).

The Optimist

Ford Fry's chic restaurant embodies coastal living—from tangy cocktails to delicious starters (seafood gumbo, mussels in crabby-coconut broth, fried clam roll), roasted fish dishes and a wine list heavy in coastal selections. Also features a raw bar and outdoor patio with mini-golf. L (M-F), D (daily).

Legal Sea Foods

At the Downtown location of this famed Boston restaurant, the menu typically offers five to eight varieties of oysters chosen for their flavor profile, cup size, shell quality and availability. The team sources oysters from cold waters, then tests them for purity at the Quality Control Center on the Boston waterfront. L&D (daily).

Kimball House

This train depot-turned-restaurant offers farm-to-table food, craft drinks and one of the city's best oyster bars in an industrial-chic setting. The bar serves up absinthe service, classic cocktails, wine and drought beers. Open late; D (daily).

W. H. Stiles Fish Camp

Anchor down at chef Anne Quatrano’s raw bar inside Ponce City Market, also know as “Dub’s” for short. The menu’s rotating selection of oysters, clams, po’boys, lobster rolls and chowder sources fresh catches (mostly) from the South. L&D daily.

Lure

Lure blends a weathered seaside fish house with a fine-dining coastal restaurant. Enjoy fresh oysters, perfectly cooked fish and a long list of hand-crafted cocktails. A patio, and private and group dining options are also available. L (M-F), D (daily), Br (Sa&Su).

BeetleCat

Following his success at The Optimist, Ford Fry has done it again with this playful Inman Park spot. After gawking at the interiors, which embody two distinct ambiences in the upstairs and downstairs spaces, you’ll need a moment to appreciate the menu’s diversity. Enjoy oyster happy hour M-F from 4-6 pm. D (daily), L (F), Br (Sa-Su).

Miller Union

Topped with smoked oyster cream, crisp country ham and benne seed, Miller Union’s roasted oysters are bursting with flavor and seasonality. Beautifully served on the half shell, this starter sets the tone for the level of exceptional dining expected from Chef Steven Satterfield. L&D (daily).

Miller Union

Six Feet Under

Oysters on the half shell and an icy draught beer are ideal companions for the rooftop at both locations of this casual restaurant. Visit the Memorial Drive location for a birds-eye view of historic Oakland Cemetery; while the Westside location offers urban chic views of the up-and-coming neighborhood. Open late; L&D (daily).

Hugo's Oyster Bar

This hot spot near historic Roswell captures the flavors and flair of the American South. At the purple-stained concrete bar with bentwood chairs for 30, dig in a diverse mix of raw and prepared oysters. A round of oysters pairs well with a concoction from the impressively stock make-your-own Bloody Mary bar. L&D (daily).

Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar

East Cobb’s go-to spot for approachable, chef-driven seafood, has a new executive chef on board: Thomas Hill. While he brings seasonal dishes with progressive flavor to the table, diners can still count on quality oysters on the half shell, raw or wood roasted, served year-round at Drift. D (daily).

The Mercury

Inspired by midcentury American culture, this refined eatery is located on the second floor of Ponce City Market. Enjoy a bite from the raw bar, chops and steaks, and dishes like burrata ravioli and grilled Atlantic swordfish. The bar program offers classic cocktails featuring housemade ingredients and premium spirits. L&D (daily).