This Heights hangout is a solid go-to for seafood-heavy dishes and freshly shucked oysters. Start with a dozen raw Gulf gems, followed by fried oysters and shaved Brussels sprouts with sambal aioli and a Caesar salad topped with cornmeal-crusted flash-fried oysters.  

Don’t be fooled by the nondescript location in a Heights area retail — this chic eatery boasts some of the finest seafood eats in town, including a revolving selection of Gulf and Atlantic oysters. The Texas wood-grilled oysters pack a hearty bite with andouille sausage, Cajun butter, and grand cru gruyere, while the caviar oyster topped with Baeri caviar offers a luxurious snack.

A new addition among the choice counters within Bravery Chef Hall, Margaux’s offers prime raw bar seating with oysters from coasts near and far. Platters are presented traditionally with mignonette, fresh horseradish, and cocktail sauce, with chargrilled choices flavored with garlic and fennel. Oyster enthusiasts, take heed, the restaurant has plans to launch an oyster omakase soon.

Have your oyster and shoot it, too, at Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine in Montrose. In addition to raw oysters, oysters Rockefeller, and oysters Montrose — topped with parmesan and lump crab — this family-owned seafood restaurant crafts oyster shooters as a festive alternative. The Buffalo Bayou features a freshly shucked oyster with cocktail sauce, horseradish, Tabasco, and Tito’s vodka.

With locations in River Oaks and Memorial, Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette puts a spotlight on coastal cuisine, including its bites like its oysters on the half shell. Find Gulf Coast oysters from both Texas and Louisiana and East Coast offerings that vary seasonally. For those wary of eating raw oysters, try the chargrilled Gulf oysters in two decadent varieties — Parmesan-herb butter and bacon jam and butter.

Hugo Ortega’s Uptown restaurant Caracol is like an escape within the city, with coastal-inspired cuisine to match. The wood-roasted Gulf oysters topped with cheese and chipotle butter are among the best in town and are available by the half and full dozen. Prefer ‘em raw? Here, raw oysters on the half shell are presented with salsa bruja and lime. 

At this iconic Midtown restaurant, bold Creole flavor is pumped into dishes like Jimmy’s Grilled Oysters, topped with jalapeños cornbread crumbs and the Gulf fish Pontchartrain, topped with crispy Louisiana oysters. Care to venture beyond the Gulf? Raw East Coast oysters can be sampled in one of two seafood towers. 

This buzzy River Oaks restaurant boasts its own oyster room designed with premier oyster bar seating near all of the shucking action. Diners can choose between a hefty list of raw oysters from the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and Canada, or opt for roasted oysters with garlic and seaweed butter.

This Houston institution has been shelling out seafood favorites for more than 100 years, making it a foolproof destination for oysters. Pair cheesy oysters thermidor with oyster stew, and follow it up with a stacked oyster BLT po’ boy.

This time-honored destination run by the Mandola family should be on any oyster-eating bucket list. On top of raw and chargrilled options, the fried Gulf oyster po’ boy built on a traditional French baguette is a must-try.

It’s worth the trek to San Leon for a taste of some of the freshest Gulf oysters around. Run by Raz Halili, a second-generation oysterman whose family owns and operates Prestige Oysters, the restaurant offers multiple ways to indulge in the briny, buttery treat. In addition to raw oysters, Pier 6 offers oysters Rockefeller, crab gratin stuffed oysters, fiery oysters cooked with Sriracha and habanero butter, and cornmeal fried oyster baskets with coleslaw. Hungry for more? Spring for the velvety Prestige Oyster chowder.