Oysters are the attraction of these 6 restaurants in Baltimore

Baltimore is an oyster lover’s paradise. Gems like True Chesapeake Oyster Co., Thames Street Oyster House, Dylan’s Oyster Cellar and Woodberry Tavern all offer a wide variety of delicious shellfish dishes. Whether raw or roasted, each spot has its own twist, making Baltimore a must-visit for anyone craving creative and fresh shellfish.

True Chesapeake Oyster Co.

3300 Clipper Mill Road, Suite 400, Baltimore

At True Chesapeake, oysters are more than just a treat: They’re a true opulence out of the shell. Harvested directly from the restaurant’s own farm on St. Jerome Creek (home to over 5 million oysters), the restaurant’s mollusks come in all forms. Try them raw, fried, in a hearty stew alongside bacon and potatoes, or even fried as croutons on a Caesar salad. Want something really special? Try them French onion-style with Gruyère cheese and black truffle.

#18 of 21 places to eat in Thames Street

1728 Thames St., Baltimore

Thames Street Oyster House is my personal favorite and a must-visit for oyster fans in Baltimore. With one of the most extensive raw fish selections in the city, both in terms of the species offered and where it is harvested, they live up to their name as a true oyster stronghold. Whether you prefer salty, sweet, or buttery flavors, their knowledgeable staff can match your taste perfectly. And while oysters are a specialty, you can’t help but order their famous lobster roll, too.

Dylan’s Oyster Cellar

3601 Chestnut Ave., Baltimore

Dylan’s Oyster Cellar is a pop-up restaurant that just celebrated its 10th anniversary. The daily rotating selection of raw oysters is sourced from Virginia and New Brunswick, giving you a coastal tour on your plate. The seasonal menu features local delicacies like cod and soft-shell crab (when available) as well as classics like cheeseburgers and fish and chips. After seven years in their brick-and-mortar location in Hampden, Dylan’s isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Watershed

1065 S. Charles St., Suite 101, Baltimore

Watershed, which anchors the Cross Street Market, is a shellfish lover’s paradise. Enjoy an oyster before or after the game al fresco at Federal Hill’s only rooftop bar and sample a variety of oysters including “Atlas Salts,” their own variety, perfectly balanced in a medium-sized cup with high salinity and a clean, mellow finish. With live music every weekend and fantastic views of Charles Street, Watershed makes every visit a great experience.

The urban oyster

914 W. 36th St., Baltimore

After closing its McHenry Row location during the pandemic, The Urban Oyster returned to business in February, this time in Hampden. The hotspot is already famous for its grilled oysters, which come in a variety of flavors: Cheese Louise, Bacon Barbecue and Cheddar, Volcano and Teriyaki. The raw bar is also a must-try. But don’t let the restaurant’s name fool you, because oysters aren’t the only thing they do well. The menu also includes delicious main dishes like grilled branzino and lobster cavatelli.

Woodberry Tavern

2010 Clipper Park Road, Suite 126, Baltimore

Woodberry Tavern, the newest chapter of Woodberry Kitchen, is a haven for oyster lovers with a taste for variety. Enjoy oysters roasted with garlic, butter, cheese and homemade snake oil sauce, raw with black vinegar and chili crisp, or fried with tartar sauce. For the ultimate experience, opt for “The Oyster Works” and enjoy them all. Enjoy the outdoor fire pit and live acoustic music featured every Wednesday night.

Chris Franzoni is a Baltimore native, Baltimore resident, foodie, and Eater-in-Chief of @EatMoreBeMore, which he launched nine years ago with two goals: to eat his way across the city and to shine a positive light on the Baltimore-area restaurant and hospitality scene.