All About Outer Banks Oyster Season

One of the best things about colder weather on the coast is the availability of fresh, yummy oysters. The Outer Banks oyster season lasts from mid-October through early April. For generations, oysters have been harvested, farmed, and enjoyed on the Outer Banks. These special local delicacies are succulent, briny, and scrumptious. If slurping them down raw is not for you, although we recommend giving it a go, there are many ways to enjoy Outer Banks oysters. One of the favorite local preparations is barrel-roasted, preferably on a crisp, cold night. When roasting oysters, you want to cook them only until they open up enough to get a knife in. This way, they are not raw, but they retain the juice that makes them so appetizing.

Outer Banks Oyster List

If you're looking to have an oyster roasting party, there are a few key items you want to make sure you have ahead of time to maximize your experience:

 - Protective gloves
 - Oyster knives
 - Hand towels
 - Hot vinegar or vinegar + hot sauce
 - Ketchup
 - Cornbread

And remember to recycle your oyster shells. Eastern oysters are on the rise again, due in part to oyster-shell recycling and reef-building programs. 

Best Restaurants for Outer Banks Oysters

Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar is a must-visit restaurant for seafood lovers looking for the best Outer Banks oysters. With a prime location in the heart of the Outer Banks, this restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience with its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere. Awful Arthur's is particularly famous for its raw oyster bar, where you can indulge in a variety of oysters freshly shucked to order. The menu also features a selection of mouth-watering oyster dishes, including Oyster Rockefeller and Fried Oyster Baskets. Pair your meal with a refreshing drink from their extensive beverage menu, which includes a wide variety of beer, wine, and signature cocktails. With excellent service, reasonable prices, and a lively atmosphere, Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy Outer Banks Oysters with friends and family.

If you're looking for a casual and fun atmosphere to enjoy some of the freshest seafood on the Outer Banks, look no further than I Got Your Crabs. This popular seafood restaurant specializes in crab dishes but is also an excellent choice for Outer Banks oysters. Their oysters are locally sourced and freshly shucked, making them the perfect starter to any meal. If you're looking for something more substantial, try their Oyster Po' Boy sandwich, a local favorite that's packed with juicy oysters and served on a toasted bun. The restaurant also offers a variety of other seafood dishes, including shrimp, scallops, and crab cakes. With friendly service, reasonable prices, and a casual dining atmosphere, I Got Your Crabs is a top choice for seafood lovers on the Outer Banks.

For a unique and upscale dining experience featuring some of the freshest seafood in the Outer Banks, Village Table & Tavern is the perfect choice. Their menu features a selection of locally sourced oysters, which are freshly shucked and served on the half-shell with a variety of delicious accompaniments. The restaurant's elegant atmosphere and waterfront location make it an ideal spot for a romantic date night or a special occasion. In addition to their oysters, the menu at Village Table & Tavern also features an extensive selection of seafood dishes, including seared scallops, shrimp and grits, and grilled fish. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or a craft cocktail from their impressive beverage menu, and you're in for a truly unforgettable dining experience. With its impeccable service, beautiful ambiance, and exceptional seafood, Village Table & Tavern is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in Outer Banks Oysters.

Facts About Oysters

• - Oysters can live up to 20 years.
• - They may change gender several times throughout their lifetime.
• - A single oyster filters about 50 gallons of water each day, helping to improve the quality and clarity of the ocean
• - Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food. Four or five medium-sized oysters supply the recommended daily allowance of iron, copper, iodine, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese, and phosphorus.
• - Oysters close their shells to rest and follow a very strict circadian rhythm according to sun and moon positions.
• - The best time to eat wild Outer Banks oysters are during months with "r" in them. This is because they taste the best this time of year. 
• - Farmed oysters are good all year round.

Looking for Oysters During your Outer Banks Vacation?

Let the local experts help you find the perfect rental during your oyster season trip to our area. Village Realty offers many properties with ample covered porches, perfect for your outdoor oyster opening session!

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