Living here in the pacific northwest I have tried and love all types of seafood.  As you could probably tell from my Maui eats sushi is a top favorite.  But on the blog today we are going to be talking about oyster bars.  I know this isn’t specific to the pacific northwest, but we do have several amazing oyster farms, so the quality is out of this world.  Although not all oyster bars are created equal and there are really only two that my husband and I go to on the regular.  We’re always looking for new places, but they can never stack up to these two.  One is on the island where we live Whidbey, and the other has several locations around Washington state.

First, I’ll start with Taylor Shellfish.  They are local oyster farmers who source right from their beaches to each location and do it sustainably!  The location that we frequent the most is the one in Pioneer Square, it is a block or two from the stadium, so it is always a must before any sporting event.  They have six other locations including downtown Bellevue and one on Samish bay where the oysters are; I really want to visit this location to see the farm.  One of the reasons I like this oyster bar so much is the variety of raw oysters that they serve as well as cooked oyster options.  Typically, we go for small raw oysters, and our favorite varieties are Kumamoto, Shigoku, and extra small Pacific oyster.  I would also recommend getting the shuckers dozen if you don’t know what type or size oyster you like.  For cooked oysters the fried oysters are to die for, they are lightly breaded, so you still get the taste of the oyster.  To top it off they have amazing craft cocktails as well!  Thinking about trying one of their Po’boys next time we’re in Seattle for a Sounders game.

Our other favorite oyster bar is on Whidbey Island, Saltwater fish house, and oyster bar. Located in Langley right on the water.  At this bar, they have oysters from Penn Cove, which is located farther north on the island.  One reason we like going here besides the proximity to our house is that there is a rotating menu of oysters.  This way we can try some new varieties and learn more about oysters as well.  We will get the varieties listed above, but we also like the Kusshi, Compass Point, and Mirada.  All small with a crisp finish.  They also serve cooked food as well; the Rainer beer muscles and the halibut and chips are our favorites.   Get extra tartar sauce it’s homemade and the best I’ve ever had. The happy hour here is really good with oysters and great local beer.  Being so close to the ocean there is always a fresh fish option as well.

Both of these restaurants are small but with a fantastic craft cocktail and fresh oyster selection.  The atmosphere at both restaurants is quaint and very cozy.   At some of Taylor shellfish locations, you can make reservations on Open Table which I highly recommend.  Saltwater does not take reservations, and on the weekends and in the summer when we get a lot of tourists to the island, it can be a long wait so get there early.