Oysters.
Some people love 'em, others hate 'em. They are a delicacy to some, and the seafood last on the list for others.
No matter your stance, one thing is true: they've been considered a natural aphrodisiac for centuries, and it, therefore, remains in the best interest of mankind that when our dates suggest the tiny sea monsters, we go.
And we eat the oysters. Because we care.
But seafood can get pricey in a hurry, too, especially so far from the coast. But the meal doesn't have to be expensive.
Many of Atlanta's best restaurants offer their oysters on special during afternoons and happy hours. Sure you'll be diving into those tasty mollusks a little earlier than anticipated. But, won't you also be happy a little earlier than anticipated, too? Exactly.
3135 Piedmont Road
404-869-2773
2149 Briarcliff Road
404-325-8151
You thought we were just going to talk about seafood places? Hey, Red Pepper is a seafood place. Have some Halibut Ceviche or Mussels a la Diabla with your oysters. Getting back to oysters, they are $7 a dozen from 4-6 p.m. daily.
1026 1/2 North Highland Avenue NE
404-872-0869
It it Tuesday? Are you in Virginia-Highland? Stop what you are doing and go directly to Fontaine's, where you can get oysters on the half shell for half off the regular, markket price. Which is, by my math, probably cheap. The Virginia-Highland institution will also gladly sell you an oyster shot, which as you might surmise, entails a shot of vodka topped with hot sauce and an oyster; a concoction that oyster lovers will love, and drunk friends will regret immediately.
Credit: From Kimball House
Credit: From Kimball House
303 E. Howard Ave., Decatur
404-378-3502
For the true oyster aficionado, Kimball House in Decatur offers the widest selection of oysters in Atlanta, a variety of shuckable little nibbles from around the country, which they sell half-off at Raw Bar Happy Hour, 5 - 7 p.m. on weekdays.
1029 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta
404-525-4479
At Inman Park's One Eared Stag, they get it. Which is why their rotating selection of oysters are not the only $1 deal at happy hour (Monday through Friday from 5 - 7 p.m.); so too are the champagne of beers, Miller High Life. Because they care. And because you deserve it. Happy hour oysters are only available at the bar and outside tables, so dress accordingly.
Credit: Andrew Thomas Lee
Credit: Andrew Thomas Lee
914 Howell Mill Road
404-477-6260
Ford Fry's seafood restaurant on the Westside opens its oyster bar earlier than the rest of the dining room, so that friends of the oyster can come to visit their delicious little friends and feast. It's a notable oyster deal not just for it being Fry's, nor because of the house-made saltines that come alongside the oysters, but for its schedule: The Optimist offers certain oysters (there are other, fancier oysters, too) for $1 from 5 - 6 p.m. on weekdays (like many others) and from 3 - 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (rare, and exceptional).
1380 Atlantic Drive, Suite 14180
404-541-0930
Come for the $1 oysters, stay for the pulled pork. Those oysters are $1 each from 4 to 6 p.m. every darned day, except for the darndest of days, Monday, when they're closed. Darn! If you're not a fan of smoked meat, how about Shrimp & Grits, oor the Southern Vegetable Plate? Heck, they've even got salads.
3400 Around Lenox Rd. NE
404-467-8950
If you visit Buckhead's Seven Lamps restaurant during the week from 5 - 7 p.m., you will find the oysters priced at $1, and you will also find chef Drew Van Leuvan's aged hot sauce waiting to top those dollar oysters. You'll like Seven Lamps; Van Leuvan's modern-rustic restaurant has been gaining praise for its craft cocktails, handmade pastas, artisan cheeses and one of the best (off-menu 50-50) burgers around.
2345 Mansell Road, Alpharetta
(770) 640-0488
Want oysters, but you are OTP? Don't despair. Just head on up to Alpha town. That’s where you’ll find Alpharetta's Atlantic Seafood Company. High-end sea fare flown in daily is the deal at Atlantic, and they have an oyster deal for all the shuckers north of the city to enjoy. Select $1 oysters are available from 2:30 to 6 p.m. weekdays. The daily market oyster list includes choices from many coasts.
About the Author
