Welcome to an overview of one of our favorite things about the South Carolina Coast… oyster roasts in Charleston. This time-honored tradition is a local favorite that visitors are encouraged to experience. If you love to immerse yourself in local culture and taste your way through a vacation, an oyster roast is a must.
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Please keep reading for our favorite oyster roasts. If you can’t make it to a roast, be sure to visit one of Charleston’s popular oyster restaurants (featured below).
Oyster Roasts in Charleston
Friends of Hunley Annual Oyster Roast | October
This popular event offers a great time, good music, and delicious food in Downton Charleston at the Visitor Center Bus Shed. All proceeds from the oyster roast support historic maritime preservation and education. This is a wonderful, family-friendly event that includes all-you-can-eat BBQ, oysters, and traditional sides. There is also live music and raffles.
General Admission: $60
The Drayton Hall, Deck the Hall Oyster Roast | December
This annual oyster roast is an excellent way to celebrate the holiday season in Charleston! It sells out every year, so be sure to register early! The Drayton Hall Oyster Roast offers all-you-can-eat oysters, a chili bar, and beverages. Please note that this is an outdoor event. Pets and coolers are prohibited, but you are invited to bring a lawn chair.
Tickets: Starting at $85
Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall | February
This is the world’s largest oyster festival, featuring 80,000 pounds of oysters. The Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall is a highly anticipated social gathering in Charleston. Visitors and locals can enjoy oyster shucking and oyster eating contests, live music, wine and beer, and food vendors.
Oysters on the Point | December, January, February, & March
This popular series is held monthly each winter at the beautiful Charleston Harbor Resort in Mount Pleasant. Participants can purchase a bucket of steamed oysters and a cold beer while listening to live music.
Oyster Restaurants in Charleston
Bowens Island
1870 Bowens Island Rd, Charleston, SC
Open for Lunch & Dinner
Bowens Island is a favorite local restaurant where visitors can enjoy oysters year-round. They offer a wide variety of seafood, from Frogmore Stew to Crab Cakes. Their menu also has various oyster options in a casual southern atmosphere.
Delaney Oyster House
115 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC
Open for Lunch (Select Days) & Dinner
Join this cozy local restaurant located in a historic home. They serve seafood specialties and feature a raw bar, an excellent wine selection, and a great cocktail menu. Oysters Delaney, a house specialty with caviar, cream, and champagne, is very popular.
Leon’s Oyster Shop
698 King St, Charleston, SC
Open for Lunch & Dinner
Stop by this cool, relaxed restaurant serving oysters, Southern-style seafood, and fried chicken. Guests love its famous char-grilled oysters with lemon, parsley, butter, and parmesan cheese. The restaurant also has a raw bar and a fantastic selection of beer and champagne.
The Darling Oyster Bar
513 King St, Charleston, SC
Open for Lunch on Sunday & Dinner Nightly
This sleek and stylish establishment offers a vintage oyster bar experience. From oyster shoots to popular fry baskets, this is a great place to taste local seafood. Be sure to indulge in one of their delicious craft cocktails.
167 Raw
193 King St, Charleston, SC
Open for Lunch & Dinner (Closed Sunday)
Check out this cozy, contemporary seafood eatery with a delightful patio. This New England-style oyster bar serves oysters, lobster rolls, fish tacos, and more. Sample oysters from various regions and discover which you like best.
Book the Perfect Vacation Rental
The Isle of Palms, located just a few miles from Charleston, give you the best of beach living while being near all your favorite local attractions and eateries. Whether you are planning a trip for the entire family or a romantic getaway for two, East Islands Rentals can help. Browse our selection of vacation rental homes, and find one that is right for your vacation needs. An Isle of Palms rental is the ideal home base for all your SC coast foodie adventures! From the best oyster roasts in Charleston to incredible oyster restaurants, there is always a culinary journey to experience.