Outstanding oyster bars in Vancouver

Vancouverites love their oysters and there’s no shortage of spots to sip something tasty and slurp back a dozen slippery morsels. Good oyster bars must have a nice selection of marvellous bivalves, a cool atmosphere and friendly service, and a great wine, beer or cocktail list. Here are a few spots where the oyster shucking is the best in town.

Outstanding oyster bars in Vancouver
Cassandra Anderton By

Chewies Steam & Oyster Bar Co

1
150-1055 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC V6E 2E9

Steamed, Stewed or Nude is the motto at Chewies Steam and Oyster Bar. There are two locations to get your oyster fix on – one in Kitsilano and one in Coal Harbour – making it even more convenient to indulge. Their brunches are also superb; don’t miss the chicken and waffles and the Bloody Caesar (made with bacon-infused vodka) along with a plate of Kusshis or West Coast Beach oysters. They also barbeque and smoke their oysters and make a wicked Oyster po‘ boy or a classic oysters Rockefeller.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Rodney's Oyster House

2
405-1228 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6L2

A classic Vancouver oyster bar, Rodney’s Oyster House is always abuzz with locations in Yaletown and Gastown. Prawn-garnished Caesars are the drink of choice in this busy spot. They’ve got a rotating list of oysters that changes daily, and plenty of sauces to complete your feast. Fresh bread and chowders, along with steaming pots of mussel and fresh clams, are a must. Enjoy your oysters cold or try the pan-fried and baked version. There’s even a rib eye on the menu if you start craving some turf to have alongside your surf.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

3
777 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V5

This downtown icon just celebrated 30 years of shucking, grilling and pouring. Head here for incredible Happy Hour deals, when oysters are a buck a shuck, and the lobster rolls, prawn tacos, steamed clams and oysters Rockefeller are all vastly reduced. Service here is superb and their award winning wine list is sure to please. This is a special place to come for a business lunch, a celebratory brunch or a romantic dinner. In the summer the patio is the place to be seen.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar

4
1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5T4

Chef Frank Pabst focuses on unique sustainable seafood at this Yaletown fine dining spot. Sit at the raw bar and watch the sushi chefs show off their talents or check out your fellow patrons for some great people watching. There’s always a terrific selection of oysters, along with various tasty dipping sauces, great ceviche, immaculate service and an impressive wine and cocktail menu.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Oyster Express

5
296 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X5

On the edge of Chinatown, this little corner spot has some of the most interesting oysters in town. The culinary team often sources outside the Pacific Northwest, even to as far away as New Zealand when the time is right. On Tuesdays during the winter months, Happy Hour is on until 9:00 pm and there’s always an oyster special daily. In addition to the wide selection of cleanly shucked oysters, I recommend sampling the mussels, soups and the oh-so-comforting grilled cheese sandwich.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Bao Down Snack Bar

6
221 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2

Gastown is home to Merchant’s sister restaurant, Cork and Fin. The neighbourhood favourite is an ideal spot for Happy Hour, with freshly shucked oysters at $17 a dozen, a snacks menu with three for $14, and $4 beer, $5 cocktails and $6 wine. Seafood Sundays are the day to come for their impressive seafood tower as it’s on for only $49 (regularly $89). A basin full of bubbles and seafood friendly wines are the perfect pairing for menu highlights such as the salmon tartare, tuna tacos and shrimp po’ boy.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Cassandra Anderton Cassandra Anderton
Cassandra Anderton is a lover of all good things, specifically great food, wine, beer and spas! She’s the publisher and editor of GoodLifeVancouver.com and is living the good life in Vancouver where she’s seeking out the good and even better in and around town and often far from, and reporting back.
Happy Hour hotspots in Vancouver

Happy Hour hotspots for great food and drink deals

During the joyous hours where food and drink can be had for less, indulging in an early dinner (or at least pre-dinner drinks) doesn’t mean you have to shell out big bucks. In Vancouver, the Happy Hour deals are plentiful. I’ve rounded up some of my favourites for when you can get out a little bit earlier. [Image courtesy of Medina Cafe]
Where to sip craft spirits from the source in Vancouver

Where to sip craft spirits from the source

Once upon a time you’d have to head out to a hidden warehouse in an industrial park if you wanted to get a behind-the-scenes look at how a distillery crafted their liquids. Today, there are many local spots in Vancouver where you can get a peek at the distilling process and sip handcrafted small-batch spirits.
Close menu