Oyster Season in St. Augustine, FL

Located in northeast Florida along the Atlantic Ocean coastline, St. Augustine, Florida, is known for its exquisite local seafood. Flounder, cobia, snapper, grouper, shrimp…it’s all just a short boat ride away. Among the treasures of our coastal waters are the Salt Run Oysters, harvested right here in St. Augustine. These local delicacies are known for their medium size and a taste that perfectly balances saltiness with a sweet finish. As the oyster season in St. Augustine is in full swing from November to March, there's still ample time to indulge in the unique taste and experience that our local oysters have to offer. 

Where to Find the Best Local Oysters in St. Augustine

St. Augustine boasts a variety of spots where seafood lovers can enjoy fresh, Salt Run oysters. Here are some of the best places to add to your culinary itinerary from a local’s perspective:

FA Cafe: A cozy spot located in St. Augustine Beach that’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious seafood offerings. FA Cafe hosts weekly oyster happy hour specials during oyster season, so it is a great place to enjoy oysters without breaking the bank.

St. Augustine Fish Camp: Offers a scenic water view to complement their wide array of oyster dishes, featuring local oysters and imported oysters from places like Virginia and Prince Edward Island. St. Augustine Fish Camp is located in the Lincolnville area of the historic downtown district. It’s one of the few downtown restaurants that has ample on-site parking and complimentary valet. 

The Commanders Shellfish Camp: Located in Crescent Beach, Commaners is another laid back local seafood restaurant serving delicious Salt Run oysters and seafood.

Conch House: Offering a unique waterfront dining experience, the Conch House Restaurant specializes in Caribbean style cooking. Sit down under a palm tree on the outside deck or dine in one of the Jamaican style grass huts over the water. Conch House overlooks the beautiful Salt Run waterway where the majority of our local oysters are harvested giving them their namesake. 

St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Company: A newer addition to the local food scene, offering fresh oysters and a variety of other local seafood options. Go on a Wednesday and enjoy $0.75 oysters!

Hosting an Oyster Roast at Home

Oyster roasts are a popular activity among St. Augustine locals and one of my favorite traditions here in St. Augustine during the colder months, usually next to an outdoor fire while football is on. Accompanied by music, libations and a beautiful setting, an oyster roast is a delightful way to gather friends and family for a memorable feast. Here's a beginner’s guide to hosting an oyster roast:

Supplies Needed:

• Cooler with ice for storing oysters before the roast
• Oyster knives
• Cut-resistant gloves for handling
• A large pot for steaming (I use a turkey fryer set)
• Grilling equipment (if grilled oysters are preferred)
• Large table to dump the oysters on
• Saltine crackers, butter, favorite hot sauces, lemons
• Trash can for oyster shells (Oyster shells provide the best surface on which to grow juvenile oysters, so you should recycle your oysters by tossing them back into the Intracoastal; Just make sure that there’s no trash, like paper towels and cups, mixed in with the shells to avoid polluting our waterways)

Where to Buy Local Oysters:

Kyle's Seafood Market: 904-824-4580 │3874 N Ponce De Leon Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32084  

Price’s Oysters:  (904) 824-3773 │1774 Wildwood Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32086

Get Shuckin' Seafood (delivers oysters to your doorstep): (904) 372-3187 │ https://getshuckin.com/

Price’s Oysters is my personal favorite supplier for local Salt Run oysters. They also tend to have the cleanest oysters, but I still recommend spraying the oysters off before your roast. Oysters are harvested from the marsh, so some mud is inevitable. 

Oysters are usually sold in “bushels.” One bushel typically has 100 oysters, which feeds approximately 4 to 6 people. Some suppliers will sell oysters in half bushels. So, take into account the number of people at your oyster roast to make sure you have enough to go around. Prices vary depending on the season and availability, so it's best to check with these suppliers directly for the most current information. 

Pro Tip: Do not overcook your oysters! The Salt Run oyster will still be tasty, but will shrink in size and be slightly tougher if steamed for too long. Typically, it is best to steam the oysters for 5 to 8 minutes. You might have to steam them for longer, depending on the size of the oysters. You will have a better idea of the length of time once you have steamed your first batch. It also depends on people’s preferences (some might prefer a well-done oyster while others like them only slightly steamed - personally, I prefer the latter). You can always throw the oysters back into the pot to cook more after opening a few and feel they need to be steamed longer, so always err on the side of less time. 

Conclusion

Celebrating the oyster season in St. Augustine is a tradition that brings together the best of our local seafood culture. Whether you're enjoying freshly shucked oysters at one of our esteemed local restaurants or hosting your own oyster roast at home, the experience is a testament to the rich culinary and cultural tapestry of our beloved city. So, before the season ends in March, make sure to indulge in this local delicacy and discover why St. Augustine's Salt Run oysters are celebrated far and wide.

P.S. To truly embrace the local flavor, pairing your oysters with Datil Pepper Sauce is a must. The Datil Pepper Sauce, original to St. Augustine, offers a unique blend of heat and sweetness that complements the oysters' natural flavors beautifully. This combination not only enhances the dining experience, but also pays homage to St. Augustine's culinary heritage. My favorite local datil pepper hot sauce is Dat’l Hook Ya!