Boathouse Oyster Bar is where locals head when they want oysters, and you can usually find at least a few of the area’s residents here hanging out. The place gets more crowded once a band starts playing.
Oysters are the headline act here no matter who’s up on stage. Served raw, steamed, baked, and chargrilled, the oysters are fresh and tasty. Most customers stick with the standard options of plain or served with butter, but more exotic recipes are also available. Oyster nachos, anyone?
Not to be outdone, the other seafood options more than hold their own with the house oysters. The gumbo is always a popular option, but there’s also snow crab, crab claws, shrimp, and fresh-caught fish.
For those who prefer foods that don’t swim, a selection of appetizers, sandwiches, and dinners adds variety to the menu at Boathouse Oyster Bar. From nachos and chicken wings to barbecue sandwiches and prime rib, there’s something for everyone.
The drink selection is sufficient, but it’s more a complement to the food than an individual stand-out. Adult beverages include several beers, mixed drinks, and champagne.
In addition to the great seafood, locals also come for the live music that’s offered daily. At least one band plays every day of the week, and many days (especially weekends) feature several musical selections.
Boathouse Oyster Bar is a local place where out-of-towners are welcome. Anyone who loves oysters and appreciates having a good time will find the seafood delightful and the atmosphere relaxing. On a pleasant day, there’s nothing quite like shucked oysters, good tunes, and a view overlooking the boats docked in the harbor.
A few of our favorite menu items at Boathouse Oyster Bar include:
Dozen Raw
The oysters are a must-try, and there’s no better way to have them than au naturel. Shucked to order and served on the half-shell, you just have to throw them back and slurp. The half-dozen is just as tasty, but you’re likely going to want 12 (or more).
Steamed Oysters
If you prefer your oysters cooked, simply ask for them to be steamed. They’ll be done to perfection and served with drawn butter on the side. While some prefer the oysters with toppings, butter alone really lets the shellfish’s flavor shine.
Bowl of Gumbo
Ms. Wanda’s gumbo recipe has won awards and deserves attention from everyone who visits Boathouse Oyster Bar. It’s full of crab claw meat and shrimp, and all the flavors meld together in perfection. As with the raw oysters, you can try a smaller order of only a cup. You’ll probably want the full bowl, though. If a bowl isn’t enough, order a pint or more to go.
Alaskan Snow Crab
Florida’s waters are full of delicious seafood, but sometimes you can’t beat cold-water crab. If this is a personal favorite, the Alaskan Snow Crab dinner comes with two clusters and sides. It’s palate-pleasing and stomach-filling, leaving you satisfied.
Boathouse Bucket
Available in various sizes that serve two to ten, the Boathouse Buckets combine all the best items on the menu. Crab clusters, crab claws, shrimp, mussels, and — naturally — oysters are included, and you also get some beers or champagne. Perfect for a nice night out or a major celebration, this is one pail everyone can share.
Insider Tip:
Boathouse Oyster Bar has a family-friendly atmosphere during the day, but be prepared to answer a few questions if you have young children. The boats outside will hold children’s attention for a while, but they’ll eventually notice the bras and underwear interspersed with hats on the ceiling.