If you weren’t expecting landlocked Memphis to offer much in the way of seafood, then prepare to be surprised. Memphis takes their food seriously, and oysters can be found all over the place. From half shell to deep-fried, oysters are definitely on the menu.
We’ve rounded up the top places to check out below, but many Memphis eateries serve oysters. Check out the classic New Orleans oyster po’ boys for an introduction to the taste. Otherwise, head on over to one of these restaurants:
Pearl’s Oyster House
299 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
901-522-9070
If you aren’t sure where to go for oysters in Memphis, Pearl’s has put a clue in the name. This is a place that prides itself on fresh and delicious oysters, and they have an extensive menu to match.
Try the Louisiana gulf oysters served ‘raw’ with a splash of hot sauce for the most authentic experience. Their char grilled oysters are also something special, if you aren’t such a fan of raw.
Otherwise, give the sampler a go. This serves you two oysters served Rockefeller style, two char grilled, and two topped with jalapeños. Pearl’s claims to serve over 40,000 Louisiana oysters per month, all hand shucked.
It’s always one of the first places to look for oysters in Memphis, and not just because of the name. These oysters taste fresh from the ocean despite the travelling time. A great choice for a seasoned oyster eater, or a first time sampler.
117 Prime
117 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
901-433-9851
117 Prime is an award-winning steakhouse that also does fantastic oysters. Make sure to head out during their happy hour, when Gulf oysters are only $1.
This ‘Executive Happy Hour’ is for achieving the ‘Executive’ state of mind, and some freshly shucked oysters alongside a craft cocktail are sure to help with that. At such a good price, you may find you’ve loaded up on oysters with no room left for steak.
Outside their happy hour, 117 Prime also serves oysters from their raw bar. The char grilled oysters are the star, with only the lightest grill for flavor. This restaurant prides itself on their ingredients, and the high-quality of the oyster is clear in every bite.
Particularly impressive for a restaurant nowhere near the sea. 117 Prime is luxurious dining, and although oysters may not be the star of the show they deserve at least second billing. Perfectly cooked and exquisitely flavored, these are oysters that keep you coming back.
The Half Shell Memphis
688 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38117, United States / 7825 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38125, United States
901-682-3966 / 901-737-6755
The Half Shell gets their seafood fresh, so the menu is full of seasonal changes. One thing that always stays the same is the fantastic Louisiana Gulf oysters that The Half Shell have been serving up for over 30 years.
The Half Shell think they serve the best oysters around, and many are inclined to agree. It’s why the local eatery was able to open a second location, picking up numerous awards along the way.
Try the oysters baked, grilled, or Southern fried. For luxurious palates, tuck into three baked oysters Rockefeller-style, with three Bienville and smothered in a creamy white wine sauce.
If you come on a weekend, you can even try oysters Benedict, for an unusual brunch treat. Otherwise, get them Just-Shucked and served with cocktail sauce and horseradish. These hand shucked oysters are a fresh coastal experience.
Flying Fish
105 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
901-522-8228
Although Flying Fish may not have the range of oysters available in some other restaurants, their fried oysters are second to none. The seafood-focused menu is extensive, featuring lots of fried treats and even a healthier grilled selection.
Flying Fish is a friendly and welcoming family restaurant, with a menu to match. The fried oysters are at an affordable price with no loss of flavor, and service is quick with a smile.
This is a casual diner, for hearty seafood meals that don’t leave you wanting. Try the oysters poor boy, or the fried oyster baskets that come with hushpuppies and fries. Flying Fish has locations across America, mostly in Texas, and their kitsch dining style is popular with adults and children.
If oyster doesn’t appeal to everyone, there’s enough on the menu to keep even the pickiest of eaters happy. There’s even gator, for those who like their dinner with bite (or bite back!).
Owen Brennan’s
6150 Poplar Ave #150, Memphis, TN 38119, United States
901-761-0990
The award-winning Sunday brunch is Owen Brennan’s most popular menu, but the lunch and dinner options are the ideal combination of comfortable and elegant. But whatever time of day you choose to go, oysters are on the menu.
Owen Brennan’s serves classic New Orleans food, so oysters are a must. The range will suit any tastes, with fresh, char grilled, Rockefeller, and Bienville all available.
Come for lunch, and you can get them on a po’ boy as well, or fried and served with a salad. For those who struggle to decide, Owen Brennan’s allows you to order the combo: 4 oysters, any style. That way, you can try everything they have to offer.
Owen Brennan’s offers some of the best food Memphis has to offer, combining New Orleans cookery with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The oysters are a vital part of the menu, and have even been awarded ‘Best oysters’ by Memphis Magazine!
The Cove
2559 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN 38112, United States
901-730-0719
The Cove serves up a winning combination of cocktails, oysters, and atmosphere, for a fun evening out. Order at the oyster bar and get them on a half shell. These oysters are shucked to order, to ensure you get maximum taste and freshness, with only a small wait.
Alongside the classic Rockefeller oysters are Blue Cheese oysters. You can even order oysters casino - cooked in the half shell, and served up with bacon, sherry, and a hint of nutmeg.
Wash the oysters down with the Sazerac, the nation's oldest cocktail and a New Orleans Classic. Made from rye whiskey and absinthe, it’s certain to hit the spot.
Come during the happy hour for a cocktails and oysters special, or make the most of the atmosphere with the live music every Friday and Saturday night.
The Cove has taken the casual approach of a dive bar, added high quality food and a vast cocktail menu, and shaken it up with jazz and spirit.
The Gray Canary
301 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
901-249-2932
The owners of the Gray Canary hope to create a captivating experience, focusing on the details for everything from their handcrafted cocktails to the raw oyster bar.
The place is designed to intrigue the taste buds, with a classic interior and innovative food drawn from worldwide culinary techniques. The combination of traditional Southern ingredients and global cooking styles makes the Grey Canary a vital stop for foodies and non-foodies alike.
The oysters themselves are sustainably sourced from both the East and West coast. Come for brunch or dinner, and try some of the best fresh oysters Memphis has to offer. The knowledgeable staff can guide your selection, so you can see just how amazing oysters can be.
Silky O’Sullivan's
183 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
901-522-9596
An Irish pub may not be the first place you look for oysters, but alongside the Blarney Stone and the shamrocks is a well-stocked oyster bar. Silky O’Sullivan’s is primarily known for its famous barbecue, but that doesn’t mean the oysters aren’t worth checking out.
Try them raw topped Rockefeller or Bienville style, straight from the half shell, or charbroiled. Indulge in the oyster bar while enjoying live evening entertainment, or head along for Sunday brunch.
St Patrick's Day may not be a traditional seafood day, but Silky O’Sullivan’s replicate the holiday atmosphere year round. Classic Southern flavors meet Irish drinks and New Orleans style seafood for a must-visit destination. Even the building itself is worth a look, with over 100 years of history.
Also try:
Soul Fish Café
862 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, United States / 4720 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117, United States / 8413 US-64, Memphis, TN 38133, United States
901-725-0722 / 901-590-0323 / +19012071583
The Soul Fish Café may not have as much oyster on the menu as some other options, but the oyster po’ boy is one of the best around. Soul Fish Café offers a range of Southern seafood with a good kids menu and daily cake specials.
McEwen’s
120 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
901-527-7085
For oyster lovers, there’s one very strong reason to head to McEwen’s: the buttermilk oyster appetizer.
Served with a spicy mustard plum sauce, a trip to McEwen’s is with it for these alone. Tangy and delicious, you may be tempted to order them for all three courses. The rest of the menu pairs classic American flavors with local cuisine for a quality dining experience.
Friday Tuna
750 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38018, United States
901-751-8888
Alongside the teppanyaki and sashimi, Friday Tuna serves oysters raw or grilled Cajun style. This sushi restaurant offers a unique Memphis dining experience for any lovers of fresh seafood. Try the oyster roll for a new take on the classic dish.
Mortimer’s
590 N Perkins Rd, Memphis, TN 38122, United States
901-761-9321
Head to Mortimer’s on a Tuesday or Saturday from 4pm to get oysters on the half shell for just 75 cents! If you can’t make it one of those nights, you can get oysters baked, in a po’ boy, or fried and topping a salad or even a burger.
Sweet Grass
937 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104, United States
901-278-0278
Oysters are always on the menu at Sweet Grass. Look out for the oyster stew, or the cornmeal fried oysters.
