We all love our oysters. From fresh oysters on the half-shell to chargrilled oysters or fried oysters in a sandwich, there are so many different ways to enjoy this delectable treat, and so many different varieties to sample. Here in Baton Rouge, we love oysters just as much as you do, a fact that’s easy to see based on the sheer number of seafood restaurants around town.
It should come as no surprise, then, that there are plenty of places to eat oysters in Baton Rouge. The city features entire restaurants exclusively dedicated to oysters, specialty seafood restaurants and even restaurants with a more varied menu that still make room for some of the best fried oysters in Baton Rouge.
Who has the best fried or chargrilled oysters in Baton Rouge? For such an important question as that, we think the only person who can answer it is you. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of all the best places to get oysters in town. Work your way through this list and try them all. Once you do, don’t forget to come back here and tell us which ones were your favorites.
1. Parrain’s Seafood
For the seafood lovers in Baton Rouge, there’s no place better to satisfy your cravings than Parrain’s Seafood. Located conveniently in the mid-city district, Parrain’s has been dazzling Baton Rouge foodies for almost two decades now, and they don’t show signs of stopping anytime soon. It’s difficult to go wrong no matter what you order here, as everything on their extensive menu is worth trying, and there are daily lunch and dinner specials in addition to select brunch items on Sunday.
But of course, Parrain’s wouldn’t have merited a spot on this list if their oyster offerings weren’t also something exceptional. And when it comes to oysters, Parrain’s has got it where it counts. Enjoy a mouthwatering fried oyster platter, or try your oysters in a smaller dose when you order the Whole Shebang Platter, featuring oysters among plenty of other seafood delicacies. And of course, you won’t want to miss one of the best oyster po’boys in Baton Rouge. With options like these, there are plenty of reasons to give Parrain’s a try.
2. Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar
If you’re here for the oysters, then there’s no point beating around the bush. Why bother with a general seafood restaurant when you could head right for a specialized oyster restaurant? At Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar, that’s exactly what you’re going to get. While there are a few non-oyster options on the menu, they all know what you’re there for and the menu reflects this by being made up of mostly different types of oysters — from a raw dozen to baked oysters to the chargrilled options.
What sets Jolie Pearl apart and makes it truly noteworthy as the best oyster bar in Baton Rouge isn’t just the variety of ways the oysters are cooked, although that certainly helps. It’s the sheer variety of oysters served. Rather than just focusing on oysters caught locally, Jolie Pearl is committed to delivering a comprehensive oyster experience, including East, West and Gulf Coast varieties. Try them all and develop the palette of a true oyster connoisseur when you sample dishes like these. Be sure to check the hours before you come, however, as they differ depending on the day.
3. Acme Oyster House
While the name makes it sound like you can only find oysters here, Acme Oyster House actually serves up an exciting variety of food for lunch and dinner every day of the week. And with locations scattered across Louisiana in addition to their Baton Rouge location, they’re a great restaurant to fall in love with, as you’ll be sure to find one near you wherever you travel around the state.
While everything on the menu is worth trying, just a few dishes you might want to pay special attention to include the fried oyster salad, the Boom Boom shrimp and the oyster Rockefeller soup. Of course, we’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention that the chargrilled oysters are some of the best in Baton Rouge. And in case your party includes members who aren’t quite as excited about oysters as you are, there are also plenty of salads, soups and po’boys to keep everyone happy.
4. Roux 61
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite for lunch or a relaxing dinner with friends, Roux 61 is committed to delivering authentic southern flavors — and yes, that includes plenty of seafood and oysters. With a primary location in Natchez, Mississippi, their Baton Rouge location is actually their second, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s any lesser than a Baton Rouge original. In addition to the yummy food, you’ll also love the fun and quirky atmosphere, and we think this is a spot you’ll remember long after your first visit.
Just a few of the oyster dishes you’ll find gracing the menu at Roux 61 include oysters Diablo —chargrilled oysters garnished with bacon and jalapenos — and oysters on the half-shell. You’ll also see oysters popping up as ingredients in a variety of other dishes in creative ways, including the Creole spinach salad, the Peacemaker po’boy and the Roux 61 seafood platter.
5. The Gregory
Any tour of the finest restaurants in Baton Rouge would be incomplete without stopping in at The Gregory, one of the city’s best spots for classic Southern cooking. Here at the Gregory, we’re proud to use only the very freshest and finest locally-sourced ingredients, as we think this is the best way to showcase our particular variety of Southern Cajun-style cooking. And while we serve up plenty of Baton Rouge classics, don’t be so sure that these are all favorites you’ve had before. We’ve added our own spin to every dish to make for an experience unlike you’ll find anywhere else. Whether you’re an oyster aficionado or just looking to sample some delicious Cajun cooking, you won’t be disappointed.
We serve lunch, brunch and dinner — as well as a happy hour — so that no matter what time of day you choose to visit us, the kitchen is always cooking up something delicious. Enjoy pork and oysters, fresh-shucked gulf oysters with your choice of topping or our signature charred oysters, all in the comfort of our elegant dining room in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge.
6. Stinky’s Fish Camp Baton Rouge
If you’re thinking a restaurant with a name like Stinky’s Fish Camp sounds unappealing, then don’t be fooled. This fun restaurant has an upbeat and exciting vibe and is located just minutes from LSU, making it a great spot for college students. Driven by a desire to use only the freshest local ingredients and chef-driven recipes, Stinky’s Fish Camp is a truly original experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else in Baton Rouge.
One of the best things about Stinky’s is their long hours. They offer hours ranging from early breakfast to late night snacking every day of the week. No matter the day or the hour, you’ll always be welcome at Stinky’s. And while their menu offers up an incredible range of different dishes, their oysters are a particular treat that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy oysters in garlic butter for brunch, raw oysters on the half shell for lunch, and a crisp oyster and corn salad for dinner.
7. Phil’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant
If you’re looking for a fun and casual atmosphere, there’s no place better than Phil’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant. Here, you’ll find walls lined with sports memorabilia, a cozy bar and a menu that’s positively overflowing with delicious seafood of every type. Enjoy oyster po’boys, chargrilled or raw oysters and the delicious fried seafood salad. There’s also plenty of other tempting seafood on the menu — as well as non-seafood-based options and a full kids menu in case you’ve got the little ones in tow.
Phil’s is open for lunch and dinner starting at 11 am, although they close at 9 or 10 in the evening, so if you’re looking for a place for late night drinks with friends, this might not be the spot for you. For delicious oysters, friendly service and a casual hang-out atmosphere during the day and evening, however, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someplace better than this.
8. The Bullfish Bar + Kitchen
At The Bullfish Bar + Kitchen, you’ll find a celebration of all things Creole. From the menu and the ingredients to the atmosphere of the dining room itself, you’ll find enthusiasm for and a celebration of the dynamic fusion of Louisiana and the Caribbean in an explosion of flavors, ingredients and culture. They’re only open from 5 to 10 on Tuesday through Saturday, so you’ll need to plan your trip carefully, but if you love the taste of Creole food in general and oysters in particular, then we think it’s well worth the effort.
Enjoy some of the best chargrilled oysters in Baton Rouge with their garlic parmesan oysters or grab oysters on the half shell as a starter for your table. There’s plenty to love here that isn’t oysters as well, such as duck and andouille gumbo, the mahi-mahi sandwich and their delicious pork bleu. And for dessert? We think the key lime pie is an absolute must-try.
9. Chimes Restaurant & Tap Room
When it comes to Baton Rouge traditions, it’s impossible to compose any list that doesn’t include Chimes Restaurant & Tap Room. This restaurant is a mainstay in Baton Rouge culture, serving patrons and dishing up delicious treats and fine beers for over a quarter of a century. Their menu items are made entirely from scratch, and above all else, their goal is to provide a homey and cozy atmosphere where everyone from young families to college students can feel at home. They also have two different Baton Rouge locations, so that whenever you find yourself in the city, there’s sure to be one near you.
Just a few of the delicious ways to enjoy oysters at Chimes Restaurant include their half-price raw oyster specials, fried seafood plates and the quintessential oyster poboy. And of course, it wouldn’t be a visit to Chimes without checking out their fantastic beer and liquor selection — one of the most extensive in the city. So gather up the whole crew and head on over to Chimes. Whether you’re looking for oysters, a fun environment or a few drinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
10. City Cafe
If you’re on a hunt for the best charbroiled oysters in Baton Rouge, then you’ll want to head over to City Café in the southeast corner of the city. And while this restaurant hasn’t always been located here in our beautiful city, it had existed in some form under the ownership of the same family for a century — plenty of time perfect the recipes and traditions that today make City Café a mainstay in the Baton Rouge food scene.
While the charbroiled oysters are truly a wonder to behold, there’s plenty of other ways to enjoy your oysters here as well. Grab an oyster poboy, try an oyster platter or mix and match your oysters with a second seafood of your choice, such as catfish, shrimp or stuffed crabs. They also open at 11 am, making them a great spot whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner.
11. The Baton Rouge Oyster Festival
Why stick to just one restaurant when instead, you could enjoy an incredible variety of different oysters prepared in new and creative ways from many different chefs and restaurants all in the same day? In our city, this is what we call the Baton Rouge Oyster Festival. If you live in the city or if you happen to be visiting during late spring, then we invite you to spend a few days hanging out in the beautiful and historic neighborhood of downtown Baton Rouge while we celebrate all things oyster.
The entire event is free and open to the public, thanks to the support of local sponsors. Grab your friends or family and enjoy an afternoon of wandering around the festival ground enjoying the food and art markets. Don’t forget to pay close attention to the schedule of events too, as these include things like oyster cookoffs, oyster-eating competitions, live music performances and presentations on the oyster industry itself.
Visit The Gregory for Authentic Southern Cooking Today
We know you love oysters just as much as we do, and that’s why we serve them in plenty of different ways here at The Gregory. Worried that not everyone in your party is quite as enthusiastic about oysters? Don’t worry, our menu has plenty more options to make sure everyone gets something delicious on their plate. And with our handy location in downtown Baton Rouge, there’s no reason not to stop in and visit us the next time you’re in town. Check out our menus today and start planning for your next trip.
