- © 2025 Annapolis Home Magazine
- All Rights Reserved
By AHM Staff
Photo of Sailor Oyster Bar by AHM
You can’t get much better than a freshly shucked oyster glistening upon a bed of salty ice. And Annapolis has some of the finest in the region. However, shucking an oyster is a true art, and our standards are high for restaurants that serve them up. The oyster must lift easily from its shell, its liquid must be clear with zero flecks of grit or shell, and, importantly, they must be served no more than 15 minutes after opening. Raw oysters that sit out or are refrigerated too long become less silky.
While there are many places you can order oysters, here are six of our favorites:
1. Sailor Oyster Bar
www.sailoroysterbar.com • 196 West Street #2824, Annapolis
After the Sailor Oyster Bar was devastated by a fire, it reopened in 2024 and is even better than before. With its neatly labeled variety of fresh oysters and intimate bar setting, the Sailor Oyster Bar has a following for good reason.
2. Boatyard Bar & Grill
www.boatyardbarandgrill.com • 400 Fourth Street, Annapolis
This classic Eastport restaurant has consistently perfect oysters and is worth a visit just for a dozen to share or to savor for yourself.
3. McGarvey’s
www.mcgarveysannapolis.com • 8 Market Space, Annapolis
Downtown Annapolis’ place to go for their excellent raw bar. They are home to the $1 oyster, a rare and wonderful price.
4. Severn Inn
www.severninn.com • 1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Annapolis
Sit outside overlooking the Severn River and order a plate of a dozen oysters served on a big bed of ice, just like we like them!
5. Middleton Tavern
www.middletontavern.com • 2 Market Space, Annapolis
Middleton’s raw bar has oysters on the half shell or steamed with a cocktail or raspberry mignonette. For something bolder, try an oyster shooter.
6. Harris Crab House
www.harriscrabhouse.com • 433 Kent Narrow Way N, Grasonville
On Kent Island, Harris’ is a trustworthy place to sit and look out over the water while you enjoy oysters on the half shell.
© Annapolis Home Magazine
Vol. 16, No. 3 2025