Outstanding oyster bars in Vancouver
Vancouverites love their oysters and there’s no shortage of spots to sip something tasty and slurp back a dozen slippery morsels. Good oyster bars must have a nice selection of marvellous bivalves, a cool atmosphere and friendly service, and a great wine, beer or cocktail list. Here are a few spots where the oyster shucking is the best in town.
Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar Co
150-1055 Hastings St W, Vancouver BC V6E 2E9Steamed, Stewed or Nude is the motto at Chewies Steam and Oyster Bar. There are two locations to get your oyster fix on – one in Kitsilano and one in Coal Harbour – making it even more convenient to indulge. Their brunches are also superb; don’t miss the chicken and waffles and the Bloody Caesar (made with bacon-infused vodka) along with a plate of Kusshis or West Coast Beach oysters. They also barbeque and smoke their oysters and make a wicked Oyster po‘ boy or a classic oysters Rockefeller.
Rodney's Oyster House
405-1228 Hamilton St, Vancouver BC V6B 6L2A classic Vancouver oyster bar, Rodney’s Oyster House is always abuzz with locations in Yaletown and Gastown. Prawn-garnished Caesars are the drink of choice in this busy spot. They’ve got a rotating list of oysters that changes daily, and plenty of sauces to complete your feast. Fresh bread and chowders, along with steaming pots of mussel and fresh clams, are a must. Enjoy your oysters cold or try the pan-fried and baked version. There’s even a rib eye on the menu if you start craving some turf to have alongside your surf.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
777 Thurlow St, Vancouver BC V6E 3V5This downtown icon just celebrated 30 years of shucking, grilling and pouring. Head here for incredible Happy Hour deals, when oysters are a buck a shuck, and the lobster rolls, prawn tacos, steamed clams and oysters Rockefeller are all vastly reduced. Service here is superb and their award winning wine list is sure to please. This is a special place to come for a business lunch, a celebratory brunch or a romantic dinner. In the summer the patio is the place to be seen.
Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar
1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver BC V6B 5T4Chef Frank Pabst focuses on unique sustainable seafood at this Yaletown fine dining spot. Sit at the raw bar and watch the sushi chefs show off their talents or check out your fellow patrons for some great people watching. There’s always a terrific selection of oysters, along with various tasty dipping sauces, great ceviche, immaculate service and an impressive wine and cocktail menu.
Oyster Express
296 Keefer St, Vancouver BC V6A 1X5On the edge of Chinatown, this little corner spot has some of the most interesting oysters in town. The culinary team often sources outside the Pacific Northwest, even to as far away as New Zealand when the time is right. On Tuesdays during the winter months, Happy Hour is on until 9:00 pm and there’s always an oyster special daily. In addition to the wide selection of cleanly shucked oysters, I recommend sampling the mussels, soups and the oh-so-comforting grilled cheese sandwich.
Bao Down Snack Bar
221 Carrall St, Vancouver BC V6B 2J2Gastown is home to Merchant’s sister restaurant, Cork and Fin. The neighbourhood favourite is an ideal spot for Happy Hour, with freshly shucked oysters at $17 a dozen, a snacks menu with three for $14, and $4 beer, $5 cocktails and $6 wine. Seafood Sundays are the day to come for their impressive seafood tower as it’s on for only $49 (regularly $89). A basin full of bubbles and seafood friendly wines are the perfect pairing for menu highlights such as the salmon tartare, tuna tacos and shrimp po’ boy.
Mon Site Web
Mon Twitter
Mon Facebook
Mon instagram
Mon Pinterest
