Rick Allison has eagerly welcomed new and returning customers for more than ten years to his five King Street Oyster Bar locations for lunch, brunch, dinner, and special occasions, including Valentine’s Day. Some of his regulars had their first date at King Street and continue to feel an affinity for the special place where they first fell in love.
“I appreciate when customers come up and tell me how much this restaurant means to them, and that they found their life partner here,” Allison explains. “Some of them even come back to get engaged in our restaurants,” he adds. “That level of trust they have in us means the world to my staff.”
Newcomers quickly become regular diners who feel like part of the family. They share Allison’s appreciation for oysters, which prompted him to open his restaurants, beginning in Leesburg—the location of his first shop—which helped make the area a thriving business community. Additional locations include Middleburg, NoMa (Northeast Washington, D.C.), Potomac, and City Ridge. The business motto says it all: “Shuck it. It’s better raw!”
A 1989 graduate of the Culinary Institute of New York and a former executive chef at the legendary Old Ebbitt Grill on Capitol Hill, Allison is dedicated to preparing and serving high-quality oysters, other seafood offerings, and a wide array of culinary delights.
“For me, King Street Oyster Bar is my passion,” Allison says. “It’s about food, customer service, and hospitality.”
Growing up steeped in rich Italian family traditions, Allison recalls, “I grew up making homemade pasta with my grandmother, Louise. At a young age, she owned a restaurant-bar in Pittsburgh where I worked. I’ve enjoyed being around food all my life.”
Oysters: Perfect for Valentine’s Date Night and More
Allison raised his children in Loudoun County and admits he grew tired of driving into Washington, D.C., to find the succulent oysters his family frequently craved. When retired Washington Commanders tight end Chris Cooley left his pottery shop in Leesburg, Allison took over the King Street location for his first oyster bar.
“Anyone can come in and try whatever oyster fits their palate and have a great experience,” Allison says. “A lot of restaurants offer just a few types of oysters, usually from similar East Coast regions. For me, it’s different. There’s no one else offering 12 oysters every day.”
Oysters are often considered an aphrodisiac, making them an ideal menu choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day date night. “That’s what makes this the perfect date spot,” Allison adds. “No matter what you enjoy, you can choose an oyster that suits your palate: less salt, no salt, big, or small.”
What’s on the Menu?
King Street Oyster Bar offers a wide selection of oysters, jumbo shrimp, and lump crabmeat. For guests who prefer non-seafood options, the menu also includes wings, a variety of appetizers, chili, soup, salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, and steak.
Daily Happy Hour is offered Monday through Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., featuring $7 food and drink specials and $1.50 oysters.
Sunday brunch is served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and includes mimosas, specialty Bloody Marys, a variety of cocktails, and brunch favorites such as chicken and waffles, pancakes, eggs Benedict, tacos, breakfast burritos, steak and eggs, and more.
But Allison’s hospitality extends far beyond the menu. His goal is to ensure every guest has a memorable experience. “I spend a lot of time building relationships because everyone wants to feel special and noticed when they come in,” he says.
“For me, the relationship with my guests is the most important part of all of this,” Allison adds. “If they feel a true connection, I know they’ll come back time and time again.”
If You Go:
King Street Oyster Bar
12 South King Street
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 571-442-8068
Reservations, special events, and catering available.
Website: kingstreetoysterbar.com
“My goal is to always make sure that our customers have an awesome experience with their loved ones, family, and friends,” King Street Oyster Bar Owner Rick Allison.