It's officially winter time in the Magic City and you know what that means....it's oyster season! An oyster lover once said, "Anybody that loves oysters loves them raw." And we whole-heartedly agree. If you are a big oyster fan like we are, then you know it's the perfect time of year to host an oyster roast (socially distanced, of course). Birmingham has some of the best oyster bars around and we gathered our top 10 favorite spots. Plus, even if you don't like oysters, many of these places have a variety of delicious food for you to try!
The Fish Market
There are two locations, one on 280, 31 and one in Birmingham's Southside. This restaurant brings a Greek twist to seafood. The owners not only grew up in the kitchen but know what it means to serve the Birmingham community and all the Bham food lovers. If you are looking for some good seafood, especially raw oysters, then head over to The Fish Market restaurant and be sure to browse their expansive seafood market!
Address:
- 612 22nd Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233
- 5407 Highway 280 Hoover, AL 35242
- 1681 Highway 31 Hoover, AL 35216
Hours:
- Temporary Restaurant Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11am - 8pm Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Temporary Seafood Market Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Price: $20 for a dozen
Half Shell Oyster House
Half Shell brings their original New Orleans-inspired cuisine to the table with some southern hospitality. The atmosphere offers a relaxed yet classy vibe reminiscent of the French Quarter. The exposed brick, wrought iron railing, stained glass, and antique doors are complemented by the sound of jazz that weaves through the air. They only have fried oysters for lunch but offer a wider selection to choose from for dinner.
Provider Deer Island Oyster Company strives to contribute to Coastal Mississippi’s budding oyster industry. They use an off-bottom aquaculture technology that produces an oyster with a sweet, buttery, and smooth texture. Deer Island Oyster Company offers the Southern Pearl oysters (when available) EXCLUSIVELY to Half Shell Oyster House in addition to Gulf Coast oysters harvested from other Gulf Coast states.
Address: 616 29th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233
Hours:
- Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday - 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Brunch every Sunday - 11 a.m - 2 p.m.
Price: $22-24 for a dozen
5 Points Public House Oyster Bar
Located in the heart of Birmingham's Southside, 5 Points Public House Oyster Bar is a combination of a pub and an oyster house. Stemming from the pub half, the establishment offers over 30 craft beers, including several local Alabama brews. Additionally, this oyster house is the creation of Magic City chef, George Reis, owner of the award-winning seafood restaurant Ocean.
Address: 1210 20th St S Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours: Wednesday - Saturday : 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Price: $1.25-2.00 on the 1/2
Automatic Seafood and Oysters
Automatic Seafood has quickly earned billing as one of the best seafood spots in town. Located in Lakeview, their comfortable, elegant, and classic space is an ode to Americana and lends itself to a coastal setting. They've not only been highlighted in many publications such as Birmingham Business Journal, Food & Wine, and Eater Atlanta, but have also been named the 8th Best New Restaurant in America by Esquire!
Address: 2824 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Hours:
- Nightly 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. for dinner
- Happy Hour 4-5 p.m.
- Weekend Brunch 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Price: $15 for a dozen
Cajun Seafood House
Get a taste of Louisiana when you visit Cajun Seafood House. Since opening in 2014 they've made a name for themselves and are even expanding from all the love of the Birmingham seafood enthusiasts. Order today and taste what everyone's talking about!
Address: 2531 Rocky Ridge Rd. Vestavia, AL 35243
Hours:
- Mon - Thu - 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Fri - Sat - 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday - 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: $12 for a dozen
The Seafood King
Welcome to the "ultimate dining experience" as The Seafood King likes to say. They serve up all kinds of seafood in a Cajun style. Located in Homewood for the past 15 years, The Seafood King has dedicated themselves to making great seafood for everyone because "good seafood can transform any meal into a moment to remember." Plus, you get more bang for your buck with their larger portion sizes compared to other seafood restaurants.
Address: 180 State Farm Pkwy. Birmingham, AL 35209
Hours:
- Sun. - Thurs. - 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Fri. - Sat. - 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price: $19 for a dozen
Ocean
Another staple of Birmingham's Southside is none other than Ocean, established in 2002. Voted Best Restaurant, Best Chef, and the recipient of AAA's Four Diamond Award for the past twelve years, Ocean offers fresh seafood in an exciting and contemporary atmosphere. Set a date and see for yourself why Ocean has received so many awards!
Address: 1218 20th St S Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours:
- Wednesday-Saturday: 5:30-10:30 p.m.
- Wednesday-Saturday: Curbside Pickup
- Sunday-Tuesday: Closed
Price: $14-16 for a dozen
Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill
Want a more relaxed atmosphere? You'll want to check out Cajun Steamer. What started as a humble roadside stand selling crawfish has turned into an all-around party, proclaiming "Let the Good Times Roll!" Get a load of those bold Louisiana flavors blended beautifully with the best elements of traditional Creole cooking. Can't get to the restaurant or want some Cajun seafood at your next gathering? The Cajun Steamer Food Truck is "Rolling the Good Times to You!" Stop by Cajun Steamer to dine in/pick up or have them come to your next socially-distanced get together!
Address: 180 Main Street, Suite 200, Hoover, AL 35244
Hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Price: $20/market price for a dozen
Satterfield's *Temporarily Closed until January 19th*
Welcome to the one and only Satterfield's Restaurant. Located in the heart of Cahaba Heights, Satterfield's brings fine dining to the family dinner table. Becky Satterfield, named best female Chef in Alabama by USA Today, opened the restaurant in 2005 with the idea that fine dining doesn’t have to be pretentious, but can be relaxing and comfortable. From rabbit to quail to seafood and more, Satterfield's is truly one-of-a-kind and should definitely be on your bucket list!
Address: 3161 Cahaba Heights Road, Suite 113 Vestavia, Alabama 35243
Hours:
- Mon. - Fri. - 4:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Sat. - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Sun. CLOSED
Price: $34 for a dozen
Highlands Bar & Grill *Temporarily Closed*
Feeling fancy and want to go somewhere classy for lunch or dinner then Highlands Bar & Grill is your restaurant. The menu is rooted in classic French techniques featuring the best from each harvest. Garden & Gun named Highlands "The Godfather of Southern Cuisine." Additionally, everyone raves about owner Frank Stitt and his wife, Pardis. Together they bring class and sophistication to the distinguished art of not only seafood, but to every dish served. Stitt has earned many awards for his craft over the years, including the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southeast, a nomination for Outstanding Chef and a listing in the James Beard Foundation's "Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America" by Esquire Magazine. When they reopen, definitely book a reservation to see what all the hype is about!
Address: 2011 Eleventh Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35205
Hours:
- Tuesday - Saturday
- Dinner: 5:30 - 10:00 p.m.
- Bar: 4:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. Saturday)
Price: N/A but very expensive
*And, as always, another great idea is buying the pints of raw oysters from The Pig or Snapper Grabbers on Highway 31. While the quality is usually good enough to eat raw, we recommend steaming, roasting, baking or grilling them. The price is around $17 and there is usually about 20-24 in a pint depending on size.*
*Price and hours vary by location*
Address: 521 Montgomery Hwy. Suite 101 & 109 Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Seafood Market & Butcher Shop Hours:
- Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Sunday-Monday CLOSED
