After years of waiting, seafood lovers can celebrate – Oyster Bar is back. The long-time downtown star is now open in the Grand Central District, welcoming guests daily at 2245 Central Avenue.
Compared to its previous home on the Jannus Block, Oyster Bar’s new digs are gigantic, allowing them to offer even more great food, surf and turf alike. While we hated going so long without them, it will be worth the wait when fans walk inside the beautiful new space. It’s bright, modern, sleek, and still laid-back. Exactly as it should be.
With all the extra space, Oyster Bar will not only be able to fit more diners and imbibers, but will have more offerings for those who walk in the door (or walk up to the outdoor bar). There will be a new six-seat raw bar inside, and the expanded menu will include dry-aged steaks and more seafood options.
There are several steaks, a half chicken, seafood pasta dishes, salads, and a long list of starters. The herb bay biscuits are sure to be a star, and we’re eyeing the black cherry BBQ ribs and the baked lobster dip for our next visit.
Of course, there are plenty of oysters. Whether you sit at the raw bar or the liquor bar, you’re always covered. House oysters, boutique oysters, baked oysters, or mixed oysters by the dozen – they have it all. Oyster lovers will enjoy the daily Aphrodisiac Hour, 4-5 pm, which includes $1 oysters and two buck chucks.
Owner Josh Cameron tells I Love the Burg the expanded space makes having so many options like that possible.
“We can buy the steak and dry it ourselves and put an amazing product on the plate where people can still get value,” Cameron said. “Things you’d expect in a high-end restaurant, we can do for the masses.”
The big space isn’t the only thing that has the Oyster Bar excited, though. They’re also thrilled about the new location in the constantly growing Grand Central District.
“Grand Central District still feels like old St. Pete,” he said. “All the locals are walking around and supporting businesses. It’s a really good St. Pete vibe. Downtown doesn’t have the local feel it used to 12–13 years ago.”
Oyster Bar will open daily at 4 pm. Follow them on Instagram to see the latest.