Oyster Roasts a Seasonal Myrtle Beach Tradition
By Becky Billingsley
If you've never tasted fresh local oysters from the South Carolina coast, you're missing a savory, salty treat that's served by the bucket or in blue speckled roasting pans at Myrtle Beach area restaurants.
In either case, you get about two to three-and-a-half dozen oysters in a typical batch. Many people share a roast as an appetizer, or order a whole one as an entree.
Local South Carolina oysters do not look like the single select oysters such as you'd get if you ordered Oysters Rockefeller. The local variety is Cluster Oysters, and the name comes from how the oysters clump together in clusters. Some look like oyster condos with a big one in the middle and several small oysters stuck around it.
When you're shucking a Cluster Oyster, don't stop until you're sure you've reached the middle, because often the biggest and juiciest prize is tucked away at the cluster's core. Cluster oysters have notoriously jagged edges, so placing a rag of some sort in the hand that holds the oyster during shucking is a good precaution against cuts.
Your server might ask you how you want your oysters cooked. Some diners like them cooked dry, so the oysters are firm and there is no "oyster liquor," or juice, left in the shells. Others prefer them juicy and jiggly and savor every drop of the oyster liquor. If you're not sure what you'd prefer, order them medium.
Normal condiments that come with a roast are hot sauce, lemon and cocktail sauce. Some people like to put the oyster on a Saltine cracker and add a couple drops of hot sauce before relishing the treat. Melted butter is also nice to dip your oysters in before popping the salty morsels in your mouth.
Note: The oyster market fluctuates, so prices may have changed since this article was published in January 2012.
Big E's Seafood & Barbeque, 1250 S.C. 9 E., Longs, 843-399-3399.
Locals who live west of the waterway swear by the oysters at Big E's, where an Oyster Roast is $23.
Bimini's Oyster Bar & Seafood Cafe, 930 Lake Arrowhead Rd., Myrtle Beach, 843-449-5549.
Much great seafood and finger foods are on the menu at Bimini's, but they're known for Oyster Roasts. You get about 3 1/2 dozen, served with slaw and hushpuppies, for $29.
Blue Crab Raw Bar, 9448 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, 843-979-2722.
The rustic fish camp ambiance is well-heeled, and the seafood is tasty. They called an Oyster Roast a "Bake" and charge $8 for a Fourth Bake, $15 for a Half Bake or $25 for a Full Bake.
Boom Boom's Raw Bar, 1407 13th Ave. N., North Myrtle Beach, 843-427-7304.
An Oyster Roast goes for $17, and it's easily enough for three people to share as an appetizer. The kitchen cooks the delectable clusters just right. Boom Boom's is a great spend-the-evening party spot with its deck overlooking Vereen's Marina and the Intracoastal Waterway, and they have live music.
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Crab Catcher's on the Waterfront, 4474 Waterfront Ave., Little River, 843-280-2025.
The restaurant is on the second story of this ramshackle building overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, and the seafood sandwiches are yummy. A Half Roast is $16, and a Full Roast is $23.
Creek Ratz, 4065 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, 843-357-2891.
If the weather is temperate, most people enjoy sitting on the waterfront patio to enjoy sandwiches and raw bar seafood. Steamed oysters are $19 per bucket.
Dirty Don's Oyster Bar, 408 21st Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, 843-448-4881; or on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, 843-213-1632.
In addition to steamed oysters, the Salsa Oyster appetizer is highly recommended. Normally an Oyster Roast is $16, but at both locations, from noon-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, a Roast is $6. The Boardwalk location is a terrific place to people-watch.
Gulfstream Cafe, 1536 S. Waccamaw Dr., Garden City, 843-651-8808.
There is hardly a better place to catch a sunset in the entire Grand Strand, because this beautiful and spacious restaurant is at the south end of Waccamaw Drive on Garden City Beach and faces the inlet, toward the west. The setting sun over the inlet is magical. Oyster Roasts are not on the menu, but here's an insider's tip: Call ahead before you visit, and they'll steam a batch for you for $15.
Hanser House, 14360 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, 843-235-3021.
This family-friendly restaurant is where people tuck in for seafood feasts, from Crabcakes to Creek Shrimp. An Oyster Roast goes for $13.
Hog Heaven BBQ and Raw Bar, 7147 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, 843-37-7444.
Don't let the sprawling, ramshackle building out in the middle of nowhere prevent you from checking out this locally owned gem where the barbecue is authentic and the fried chicken is legendary. They're no slouches on oysters, either, and they serve them steamed for $7-$12.
Hot Fish Club, 4911 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, 843-357-9175.
The Hot Fish Club has a gorgeous setting on the west bank of Murrells Inlet with a large lawn, children's playground and incredible view. A nicely appointed restaurant and bar are in the main building, and outside is a roomy gazebo where some legendary parties have taken place. You can eat inside or at the gazebo, where after 9 p.m. there's often live music. Steamed oysters are $9 per dozen, and a bucketful contains two dozen.
J&J Cafeteria, 1301 4th Ave., Conway, 843-248-6281.
This home-spun restaurant in downtown Conway serves a lot of great food from a popular lunch buffet to salads and seafood baskets. An Oyster Roast is $19.
Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant, 3401 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, 843-492-3474.
Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Mr. Fish (Ted Hammerman) and his daughter, Sheina Hammerman, serve a variety of seafood, including sushi. An Oyster Roast is $20.
Nance's Creekfront Restaurant, 4883 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, 843-651-2696.
Located on the waterfront in picturesque Murrells Inlet, Nance's has its own oyster beds. An Oyster Roast is $19.
Original Shucker's Raw Bar, 1320 Celebrity Circle, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach, 843-626-9535; or 300 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, 843-448-6162.
As the name implies, these sister restaurants specialize in oysters. At the Broadway at the Beach location, a half-roast is $11, and a full roast is $19. At the Kings Highway restaurant, from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, you can have all the roasted oysters you can eat for $11.
Russell's Seafood Grill and Raw Bar, 4906 U.S. 17 Business S., Murrells Inlet, 843-651-0553.
Across the street from the waterfront, Russell's has a nice view from its second-story restaurant and deck. A local's favorite hangout, Russell's closes each year during January. When it reopens for the season in February, an Oyster Roast of delectable local oysters harvested from the inlet is $22.
Steven's Oyster Roast, 3912 Sea Mountain Highway, Little River, 843-399-3508.
Those looking for an authentic rustic oyster-eating experience should check out Steven's, which is all about the food instead of the decor. They're known for Calabash-style (fried and crispy) seafood and their oysters. Depending if you want South Carolina or North Carolina oysters, a roast is $23-$24.
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