We're shell-ebrating (see what I did there?) National Oyster Day the best way we know how, on the half shell and diving into the best oysters Augusta has to offer. Whether you prefer them raw with a saltine cracker or layered with loads of Rockefeller flavor, we have you covered. 

Photo Credit: That mouth-watering spread above? That's Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar

The Oyster Po' Boy 

New Orleans is known for its vibrant French Quarter stocked with some of the best oyster bars in the world. Tucked into Surrey Center you'll find the French Market Grille bringing cajun and creole cuisine home to Augusta with a selection of crawfish, oysters, and homestyle gumbo. 

Personal favorite? Three little words: 'Oyster Po' Boy.' This six-inch sandwich has a quarter pound of oysters, dusted with seasoned cornmeal, flash fried, served with homemade tartar sauce, sliced tomatoes and creole coleslaw. We call this one Mardi Gras in your mouth. 

In a Half Shell 

Complete with a fully stocked oyster bar, Beck's will serve you oysters raw on the half shell all night long or to switch up your style, order the Hunt's Style baked oysters topped with herb butter, jalapenos, and a three-cheese blend. 

Personal favorite? The atmosphere of this restaurant will have you feeling as if you were visiting Cape Cod for a weekend getaway. We recommend completing that feeling with a dozen 'Baked Oysters' made with herb butter, parmesan asiago, and a three-cheese blend that's straight from heaven. 

Just a head's up: Beck's is temporarily closed however, be sure to add them to your list when they reopen! 

Oysters All Around 

Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar is the place to visit if you're wanting to service your oyster craving. This Surrey Center restaurant specializes in this half shell delight with a full menu of oysters harvested from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Prince Edward Island, Canada. From briny to broiled, this local favorite offers broiled oysters topped with jalapeno, harissa lime butter, and parmesan. 

Personal favorite? We fully recommend a dozen of the 'Oysters Rockefeller' made with spinach, Pernod, shallots, and parmesan. 

Fry Em' Up 

Nothing would quite be complete in the south without a little frying, and here, we absolutely fry our oysters. Craft & Vine located in historic downtown Augusta is known to whip you up a craft cocktail and pair with a batch of their fried oysters. 

Personal favorite? Ask them for those 'Fried Oysters' topped with Nashville hot sauce and sour pickles. Since this restaurant specializes in small plates, add an order of 'Low Country Shrimp' AKA sautéed shrimp, roasted corn, andouille, potato hash, and old bay butter.

We encourage our visitors and locals to practice safe social distancing while exploring our beautiful city, and to continue following recommendations for travel, sanitation, and safety given by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Effective July 10 through September 8, the Mayor of Augusta has issued an executive order requiring masks to be worn while participating in public activities. For more information, view our guidance on masks and social distancing.