Location matters, and it so happens that Houston has a prime location on the Gulf Coast and is also a hub for travel. Why does this make a difference as diners tuck in at their favorite restaurants? Oysters.
Whether the bivalves are big, creamy, and harvested from the natural and artificial reefs that line the Gulf Coast or small, crisp, and salty from the northeast, the oysters served in Houston's restaurants are fresh and diverse. With so many varieties to choose from, there is often confusion about the best time to eat oysters from the raw bar. Winter is the best time to slurp oysters in their natural state, especially if they come from the Gulf Coast. As the water cools down, oysters' metabolism slows, making them a well-balanced treat that perfectly combines taste and tang. During the summer, many restaurants fly in their oysters from more northern locations to ensure freshness and quality.
No matter the time of year or whether they are dressed, baked, grilled, or fresh from the Gulf, it is prime time to enjoy Houston on the half shell.
Little's Oyster Bar
Chef Jason Ryczek pays homage to the ingredients in his kitchen by letting their natural flavors shine. His chef-driven menu features a great raw bar with a rotating selection of oysters, Texas wild Gulf shrimp, Maine lobster, and jumbo blue crab. littlesoysterbar.com
Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette Memorial
Known for their fresh coastal ingredients and inviting atmosphere, both Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette locations are neighborhood favorites. Guests can choose from a robust wine list, and several ways to enjoy oysters, including the Char-Grilled Gulf Oyster Selects served with parmesan-herb butter or bacon jam & butter. libertykitchenoysterette.com
Credence
One of Memorial's newest restaurants has already made a name for itself as a go-to spot for Texas-inspired culinary traditions. With a cocktail and wine menu that pairs perfectly with dishes including oysters on the half shell, Fire Roasted Seafood Tower, Sweetwater Whole Duck, and wild Gulf snapper, the possibilities are endless. credencehtx.com
Amrina
Eclectic Indian restaurant in the Woodlands, Amrina, boasts a variety of oyster options for any dining experience. Choose from Oysters on the Half Shell with lemon, Kashmiri chili mignonette, the Red Vein Sorrel & Champagne Granita featuring pickled granny smith apple and cucumber, or the Roasted Oysters with masala panko and dill butter. amrina.social
Josephine's
Josephine's takes pride in its Gulf Coast-centric approach, carefully sourcing seafood exclusively from the region. Their oysters are harvested solely from Gulf Coast waters, stretching from Matagorda Bay, Texas, to Mississippi. During happy hour, available Monday through Friday from 5 to 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy Gulf Coast oysters for just $1.50 each. josephinesgulfcoasttradition.com
State of Grace
River Oaks hotspot, State of Grace features an impressive selection of ice-cold raw oysters, plateaus, and specialties like Oysters Bienville topped with bacon, mushrooms, and garlicky crumb. With fresh offerings changing daily, State of Grace's knowledgeable servers guide guests to their perfect selection, with oysters covering all preferences from briny to sweet to earthy and everything in between. stateofgracetx.com
Pappas Bros Steakhouse
The oysters for their Fried Oyster appetizer come from Barataria Bay near New Orleans, Louisiana. The oysters come from a small Smith Point facility, which exclusively shucks oysters for Pappas Restaurants. Their seasoned flour blend is carefully crafted for the batter to enhance color and flavor. pappasbros.com