It's a known fact that the food scene in Pittsburgh is constantly growing. Take note of a new dish you can find throughout the city: Oysters. These tiny ocean delicacies have built up such a following that restaurants all over Pittsburgh are putting their custom spin on oyster dishes.
From oyster happy hours to oyster-themed events, raw bars and custom sauces, oysters are a must-try in our ever-evolving food scene.
Merchant Oyster instantly made a splash in the hipster haven of Lawrenceville with the sheer variety of fresh oysters available daily. Their raw half shell oysters are sold by the piece and as shooters, or can be served baked. Try them paired with their amazing barrel aged hot sauce.
They even host a Shuck N' Suck event the first Monday of each month, where four teams of two people (one shucker, one sucker) have two minutes to open and eat as many oysters as possible.
If rich mahogany and ornate marble is more your style, head over to the Grand Concourse in Station Square, a restored railroad station that's the height of luxury.
For this guide, skip the main dining room and head into the Gandy Dancer Saloon for unmatched ambiance and an incredible cocktail menu that pairs perfectly with their raw oysters on the half shell and Oysters Rockefeller.
You can't walk anywhere in the Strip District without seeing the Wholey family's name, from the fresh seafood market that's a must-stop for my family to Luke Wholey's inspired seafood menu just a few doors down.
The fried oysters and their one-of-a-kind white cocktail sauce are one of my favorite bites in the Burgh, but you'll find plenty of reasons for a return visit as you explore this fun, flavorful stop.
Perhaps the most versatile menu for oysters in Pittsburgh, Muddy Waters has more than 10 types of oysters to choose from (including west and east coast favorites), as well as chef's choice options, oyster shooters and more. Their specialty is cajun food and shellfish of all kinds. They also have a seafood tower that can add shrimp, lobster and crab to your oyster feast.
One of the oldest restaurants in Pittsburgh, Original Oyster House (OOH) opened in 1870 and is a historic landmark. It's located in the heart of downtown in Market Square. They order their fish from North Atlantic fisherman who flash freeze and send to OOH, and guarantee their fish is the freshest in town. Order oysters raw or their famous "Original" style served lightly breaded with Italian bread crumbs.
If you are hungry for oysters, these are just a small selection of the wonderful options you have in Pittsburgh's restaurants. Check them out and find your favorite!
