North Carolina has a funny way of hiding great oysters in places you might not expect, from strip-mall corners in Wilmington to a brewery in the mountains. Some of these spots sit near the water, while others are hours inland and still pull a loyal crowd.
This list covers eight oyster bars across the state, each with its own reason to put a few miles on the odometer. Grab a friend with a big appetite and start planning your next shellfish road trip.
1. Tidewater Oyster Bar, Wilmington, NC
Lagniappe is a Creole word for a little something extra, and Tidewater Oyster Bar builds its whole menu around that idea. The kitchen pairs North Carolina seafood with bold Cajun and Creole cooking, led by a chef with more than 30 years of experience in that style.
Oysters come from North Carolina growers and are shucked to order at the raw bar. If you like yours dressed up, the menu offers Oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Bienville…