Despite being a city in a landlocked state, Denver has truly embraced oysters and has plenty of fresh, delicious, and sustainable oysters on offer in remarkable restaurants.
From raw bars to traditional, classy dining establishments and some unexpected eateries too, below we’ve compiled a list of some of the best oysters in town.
Keep an eye out for oyster promotions too, as nearly all of our chosen restaurants offer oyster happy hours. Top-quality oysters at a low price?
What could be better than that!
Cart-Driver
2500 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
303-292-3553
http://www.cart-driver.com/
Tucked into a 640-square-foot shipping container in the heart of Denver’s RiNo neighborhood, Cart-Driver is not your average restaurant.
Its name comes from the Carrettiera (or Cart-Driver) who brought goods from Southern Italy’s farms to their surrounding villages in a horse-drawn cart, stopping along the way to serve dishes to the people he met.
Cart-Driver keeps that spirit alive, encouraging diners to share food, their tables, and an overall unique dining experience.
Their selection of oysters that are flown in fresh changes daily, and therefore the prices fluctuate to reflect that.
But as well as delicious oysters, you can also enjoy creative wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal market plates - so you’re always getting something different at Cart-Driver! But that’s not all, they also have prosecco on tap, Italian-style spritzes, as well as local brews and craft cocktails.
Cart-Driver is open seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner, and is open for community hour and late-night dining, always serving up domestically sourced ingredients.
Guard & Grace
1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202
303-293-8500
http://www.guardandgrace.com/
Named after the chef’s daughter, Guard & Grace is the quintessential big, fancy steakhouse - with 9,000 square feet of fiery grills and charcuterie, oyster bar and bar tops, and private rooms - with a modern twist. Its fancy walk-in, floor-to-high-ceiling glass wine cellar, and bright open decor strike the perfect balance between elegance and fun.
Right in the heart of Denver’s business center, Guard & Grace has gorgeous private dining rooms designed by KTI Interiors to make your special events that much more special and classy.
These private rooms are ideal for smaller, intimate parties of 8 guests, but can also accommodate a larger party of 80 seated guests or a reception of 120.
Audiovisual equipment is complimentary for guests as well as valet service and is based on availability.
Their chef serves an elegant seasonal menu but can accommodate custom menus for special events.
But whatever the occasion, definitely make a note on your calendar for the restaurant’s Social Hour. The Social Hour runs from Monday through Friday, from 3 pm to 6 pm and specials on oysters are included.
Humboldt Farm Fish Wine
1700 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80218
303-813-1700
http://humboldtrestaurant.com/
Located uptown, this surf and turf restaurant serves uncomplicated, tasty dishes morning, noon, and night.
Their oyster happy hour serves Washburn Oysters on the half-shell from 3 pm to 6 pm for just $2.
Humboldt is the perfect place to celebrate, or just catch up with friends and family with a carefully considered menu full of bold flavors that put an adventurous spin on familiar dishes.
The menu features both small plates and elevated entrees, as well as seasonal craft cocktails, a curated selection of wines, and unique local beers.
The folks at Humboldt want to create a relaxing dining experience for you, that makes you feel right at home.
This is evident from the cocktails and food to the service and overall atmosphere of the restaurant.
You’re sure to enjoy their modern neighborhood kitchen and bar, as well as their large outdoor patio, which all makes for a fun, informal dining experience.
Jax Fish House Denver
1539 17th St, Denver, CO 80202
303-292-5767
http://www.jaxfishhouse.com/lodo
With locations across Colorado, Jax Fish House’s motto is “bringing the coast to the coastless,” and you can head to a few locations between Denver and Boulder to enjoy an oyster happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm daily.
Selected oysters on the half-shell are flown in daily from the east coast and you can enjoy them for just $1.50.
What makes Jax Fish House fascinating is their exclusive oyster, the Emersum Oyster (as in ‘em are some good oysters’).
Working with Rappahannock River Oysters (RRO) in Virginia, the Emersum is the result of months of cooperation and research with the RRO, which was established in the Chesapeake Bay in 1899.
It has since been revitalized by cousins Ryan and Travis Coxton in 2002, who have both made a big splash in the oyster world by embracing sustainability on oyster growing practices.
For every Emersum grown, dozens of wild oysters are seeded, improving the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay.
So when you head to Jax Fish House and sample an Emersum, you know you’re not only slurping on a delicious, good-quality oyster but supporting sustainable oyster growing too.
And the Emersum is definitely a stellar oyster, it’s the freshest on either of the coasts, with a consistent size, taste, texture, and liquor.
What’s more, Jax Fish House also runs an Oyster Club. This gives you exclusive access to sustainable oysters farmed and harvested from coast to coast.
But being a member of the Oyster Club doesn’t just let you directly order the freshest oysters, but also gives you access to Jax Oyster merch, oyster tips, and tricks to help you become a bivalve connoisseur, and more.
Oceanaire Seafood Room
1400 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80202
303-991-2277
https://www.theoceanaire.com/location/denver-co/
Established in 1998, The Oceanaire Seafood Room has one mission: to provide the best, freshest seafood with sustainable and seasonal ingredients.
With seafood that is flown in fresh daily, the Oceanaire Seafood Room has been recognized time and time again for its top-of-the-catch fish, fine wines, and incredible service, winning Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award for Superior Service, and Opentable’s Special Occasion Restaurant.
Oceanaire only serves the best catches from the most reputable suppliers around the world and carefully crafts each dish to the highest standards of quality and flavor that is sure to blow you away.
As their menu is based on market availability, selections change daily. Their oyster happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 6 pm and 9 pm until close, so head over to their bar area for a $7 delicious, fresh oyster trio!
Oceanaire is the perfect place to sample some of the best seafood from around the world, and their knowledgeable staff is always on hand to guide you through the menu and help you make the ideal wine selection to complement your meal.
Stoic & Genuine
1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
303-640-3474
http://www.stoicandgenuine.com/
Stoic & Genuine is the newest restaurant from the Crafted Concepts team of Jennifer Jasinski and Beth Gruitch, who Denver foodies may already know from their other eateries Rioja, Bistro Vendôme, and Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen.
Located in Denver’s newly renovated historic Union Station, Stoic & Genuine is all about fresh seafood, with a Happy Hour that includes fresh oysters flown in daily, running at $2 each.
Jasinski and Gruitch know that freshness can’t be faked, and you can tell from the first bite.
Their multi-coastal seafood house and oyster bar boasts impeccably sourced, sustainable, and creative seafood.
Their exhibition kitchen lets you in on the magic, opening up to a fresh raw bar with offerings that will be unique every visit.
Sip at refreshing granita, or craft and classic cocktails, or any number of wines from their estate wine list while you enjoy your meal.
Angelo’s Taverna
620 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
303-744-3366
http://angelosdenver.com/
With locations in both Denver and Littleton, Angelo’s Taverna is a staple in Denver with a proud tradition of great food and warm hospitality.
With fresh oysters delivered daily from the east and west coast, Angelo’s Taverna is sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.
But Angelo’s standout is their unique chargrilled oysters. If you’re curious about oysters, these hot, bubbling oysters served with Angelo’s signature sauces are a great place to start.
Blue Island Oyster Bar
2625 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
303-333-2462
https://www.blueislandoysterbar.com/
Inspired by growing up in coastal towns and by memories of families of oyster farms and fishermen, Blue Island Oyster Bar captures the vibe of a small, coastal town perfectly.
Their $2 Blue Island No.9 Oyster served from Monday through Friday makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy great food after a hard day at the office.
Blue Island Oyster Bar strives for delicious, fresh seafood at reasonable prices, and now you can enjoy their menu from home with convenient options for delivery or take-out dining.
Stout St Social
1400 Stout St, Denver, CO 80202
720-214-9100
http://www.stoutstsocial.com/
Located near the Denver Performing Arts Complex and the Colorado Convention Center, Stout Street Social is brought to you from the same group as Humboldt and offers delicious food and drinks in a spacious, fun setting.
Their Happy Hour dishes include signature Petite Washburn Island Oysters from $1.95, while their everyday menu offers small plates, fresh salads, burgers, sandwiches, sushi, and hearty entrees.
So whether you’re after lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, or a place to enjoy a happy hour full of cocktails and local brews, check out Stout St Social!
