Pearl of the Hour
New Orleans is known for its rich food culture, and one of the city’s most iconic culinary delights is oysters. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, indulging in oysters on the half shell is an experience not to be missed. Here, oyster happy hour reaches far and wide. From casual neighborhood spots to upscale establishments, there’s no shortage of opportunities to indulge in this local treat without breaking the bank.
Fun fact: if you’re on the hunt for a low calorie, high protein delicacy, oysters pack just just 140 calories and 16 grams of protein for ½ dozen.
Spanning multiple neighborhoods and areas of the city, from classier establishments and old-timey institutions to local hideaways, as promised these are my tried and true favorite oyster happy hours I regularly frequent.
Basin Seafood Kitchen: The Local’s Hidden Gem with Jumbo Oysters
Location: 3222 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115
One of my all-time favorite hidden neighborhood gems, Basin is as warm and inviting as returning to your hometown bar over college break. The general manager who can be found most days greeting customers and helping out the staff during peak hours, makes it a point to get to know locals and visitors alike. Classy but unassuming with nautical themed decor, Basin offers a simple yet exceptional seafood menu. It’s a great choice for anyone who likes jumbo gulf oysters paired with a laid-back, local vibe.
Happy Hour Special:
- 75¢ Oysters on Mondays
- Food & Drink specials weekdays 4pm – 6pm
- Pro Tip: Also try the crawfish pupusas
If you’re looking for a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere with delicious food, Basin is an ideal place to unwind for happy hour, dinner with friends, or our personal favorite bottomless brunch.
Luke: The Sophisticated Oyster Experience
Location: 333 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130
If you’re in the mood for a more upscale oyster happy hour experience or already Downtown for an event or conference, Luke’s happy hour does not disappoint. Conveniently located in the heart of the Central Business District, Luke is an elegant brasserie known for its fresh oysters and seafood dishes procured daily from the Gulf of Mexico. Their oyster happy hour is a crowd favorite and excellent deal for a more refined experience and ritzy atmosphere.
Happy Hour Special:
- $1.50 Raw Gulf Oysters
- $12 Half dozen Fried Oysters
- Monday to Friday, 3pm – 6pm
- ½ priced specialty cocktails, wines BTG, draft beer and cocktails
Luke combines sophistication with amazing value. Whether you’re entertaining clients, in town for a conference, or grabbing a drink after work with colleagues, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy top-tier oysters in an elegant yet approachable setting.
Seaworthy: An Intimate Oyster Bar Experience
Location: 630 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Tucked away in a charming Creole cottage built in the 1800’s, Seaworthy is a favorite go-to spot whenever we’re planning to be downtown. Named the Best Oyster Happy Hour by Eater and recognized for the Best Raw Oysters in New Orleans by Where Y’at, they feature wild-caught, sustainably harvested oysters from American waters and locally sourced fish and game.
Happy Hour Special:
- Half Price Select Shucks 🦪
- Daily 4pm – 6pm
- Half price cocktails
- Pro Tip: Also try the crab salad
Seaworthy is perfect for those looking for a more intimate experience with high-quality oysters, ideal for happy hours or date nights as their full menu is also fresh and delicious. With their fabulous cocktail menu and extensive wine list, what really sets the spot apart is its intimate, enchanting ambiance that feels decidedly picturesque New Orleans.
Salted Pearl at St. Roch: The Trendy Food Hall
Location: 2381 St. Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
The Salted Pearl offers a seafood focused menu including fresh oysters with great happy hour specials. Located inside a vibrant community hub, the historic public market dates back to the 19th century and has served the surrounding residents with critical services from an open-air market, to housing services for individuals experiencing homelessness, a school, and bustling corner store before its transformation after Hurricane Katrina to the modern culinary scene it offers today. One of my favorite examples of adaptive reuse I’ve seen yet in the city, the building also features beautiful column infrastructure saved from the demolition of a neighboring “Free Market” off Canal Street that provided free goods to families in need during economic depression and widespread hunger at the start of the Civil War.
Happy Hour Special:
- Raw Oysters $8 half dozen / $14 dozen
- Daily 3pm – 5pm
- Mon – Thurs 4-6pm $4 drafts and select well shots, $7 cocktails and wines BTG
The market’s chic yet casual vibe makes it the perfect spot to unwind and indulge in a quintessential Gulf Coast experience. Don’t miss this budget-friendly treat and the change to taste a piece of history in historic neighborhood architecture.
Sidecar Patio: Chill Vibes with Lush Greenery
Location: 1114 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Sidecar Patio is always a must-do when we are hosting friends and family visiting. An aptly self-proclaimed urban hideaway in the Warehouse District, Sidecar offers a laid-back atmosphere paired with high quality cocktails and fresh seafood. Their award-winning patio is even dog friendly, and multiple big screen TV’s make the perfect outdoor viewing spot for football season.
Happy Hour Special:
- 1/2 Off Shucker’s Dozen Oysters
- Monday to Friday, 4pm – 6pm
- $7 select wine BTG, $5 frozen margaritas
- Pro Tip: Also try the lobster roll
Not only are the oysters at Sidecar Patio incredibly fresh, but the happy hour deals extend to their well-crafted drinks. You can sip on refreshing cocktails or enjoy a local beer while slurping down oysters. The oysters are plump, salty, and perfectly chilled, served with all the traditional accompaniments, such as mignonette, cocktail sauce, and lemon. Whether you’re visiting after work or on the weekend, Sidecar offers a casual yet quality seafood experience that won’t break the bank.
Superior Seafood: A Classic New Orleans Experience
Location: 4338 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115
Located in the historic Uptown neighborhood and conveniently right off the St. Charles streetcar line, Superior Seafood offers a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere where you can enjoy lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Featuring authentic Louisiana cuisine and signature cocktails and frozen drinks, the restaurant’s happy hour is not to be missed.
Happy Hour Special:
- $1.25 Oysters on the Half Shell
- Monday to Friday, 4pm – 6:30pm
- Plus wine, beer, and frozen drink specials
Superior Seafood combines an amazing oyster deal with a fantastic ambiance. The interior has an elegant charm, but the vibe is relaxed enough to feel at home. Whether you’re there for a casual date night or a gathering with friends, Superior Seafood offers a classic New Orleans seafood experience.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to enjoy a traditional New Orleans culinary dish without breaking the bank, these spots offer great happy hour deals without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual, neighborhood experience or an upscale dining adventure, each selection on this thoughtfully curated list delivers fresh, flavorful oysters at unbeatable prices.
Grab your friends and experience some of the freshest seafood New Orleans has to offer. Happy slurping!
