P.S. I HART This: Where to Eat Oysters in Charleston

Where to eat oysters in Charleston… how groundbreaking! What this round-up lacks in originality, it makes up for in “authenticity” as the buzzy marketers like to say. I am very, very passionate - and picky! - about my oysters. Here’s my list. 

 

First up, a shout-out to Steamboat Creek Oyster Company, which is rejuvenating Lowcountry’s local oyster agriculture in the very river I grew up swimming in. Support our local farmers by enjoying the hell out of our local bivalve bounty. I may be biased, but they’re perfect. A win win. 

Smoked Oysters at The Ordinary are served on buttery, salty Old Bay crackers. My dad, whose opinion I hold very highly, says that the best oysters don’t need any fussing over, but this dish proves him wrong. So very wrong.

Raw Oysters are best enjoyed at The Quinte, which somehow feels simultaneously like a dirty sailor dive, but if he was married to a fabulous decorator. Stay there for dinner, or walk next door for a decadent burger and martini at Lowland’s moody back bar. 

Oyster Shooters at The Darling are a real delight. Be warned this is a varsity move, people. Throw back a shot glass brimming with a fat, juicy raw oyster and spicy bloody mary (yes, with vodka). P.S. Wouldn’t these be so fun to warm-up Thanksgiving feasts?

DIY Shucking at Bowen’s Island seems like it would be a cheesy tourist trap, but it’s not. While I generally try to avoid an ‘all you can eat’ situation, I like to shepherd the kids here for a lowkey outing.