Yes, it’s true. Despite being landlocked here in KC, there are some very good oysters to be had. Here are our top picks. →
Living far from an ocean can steer some restaurantgoers away from eating raw seafood—for good reason. We’ve all heard those horror stories of gas station sushi and smelly fish. So having quality seafood in the metro is always quite impressive. We’ve become accustomed to seeing a market fish of the day or a just-made sushi roll, but fresh oysters are still a bit exotic.
These mollusks are somewhat of an acquired taste. Maybe even more accurately, they can be described as a brave conquest. But after getting past the initial frightening appearance, there is plenty to appreciate. The late Anthony Bourdain credits the first oyster he ever had for his life dedication to fine cuisine. Just like wine, the region oysters are grown in becomes a major factor in their flavor, texture and appearance. The ocean provides a canvas for oysters to develop, so living in clean water is ideal, and cooler temperatures can decrease the risk of unwanted bacteria. A good rule of thumb is to eat raw oysters in the milder or colder months. The saying is, if the month has an “R” in it, go for the raw oyster.
Even though we’re far from the sea, there are plenty of metro restaurants providing fresh and high-quality oysters. A few work with individual farms. Others work with a supplier that has relationships with farmers. Still others work with large distributors. If you ask, servers and managers will definitely give you more information as to where their oysters come from.
Earl’s Premier
This cute but mighty restaurant has made a huge splash since it opened in May of 2022. Earl’s prides itself on having the freshest oysters in the city. Every day, they get a fresh oyster shipment.
You’ll find the intimate restaurant nestled in a quieter part of the Brookside neighborhood. Park on the curb and enter through the front door. At first glance, it feels like an old fishing ship, with dark oak finishings and oysters resting on fresh ice behind the bar. If the weather is nice, the covered patio has a great view of the neighborhood. The servers love to gossip about their fresh oysters of the day and where they come from. Earl’s works with a couple farmers around the East and West coasts who provide them with the freshest options. They also make sure the everyday menu supplies a variety of oysters in terms of flavor, texture and size. The oysters come with a special horseradish ice and a miniature bottle of mignonette (red wine vinegar and shallots). You might be surprised to still taste the salty ocean water when tossing your oysters back.
Farina
James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Smith, owner of Extra Virgin, opened his second restaurant, Farina, back in February 2019. It offers a fresh look with expansive windows overlooking Southwest Boulevard. This is definitely our most elevated oyster recommendation. Sit at the oyster bar and have the professional shuckers (try saying that fast) serve you. Do you like oysters from Prince Edward Island? Or how about from New Brunswick on the East Coast? They got ’em. Farina does a great job at stocking crowd favorites. Don’t be afraid to order an antipasto or insalata to pair nicely. Get there around sunset and watch the sun paint the Crossroads buildings while you enjoy an elegant affair.
Pearl Tavern
1672 N.W. Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit
If you’re looking for one of the best happy hour oyster spots in KC (3 to 6 pm every day), drive to Lee’s Summit and visit Pearl Tavern. Owned by the Molloy and Lock family, who also own other restaurants, such as Summit Grill and Third Street Social, this place is between casual and upscale. Need a last-minute date night spot or a night out with friends? Pearl Tavern is the place. Let the neon oyster bar sign lead you to one of their high tops so you can view the stainless steel oyster bar in full force. Consistency is their song. Pearl Tavern’s oysters always have a fresh palate, a beautiful earl gray tint and plenty of variety from the East and West coasts. Service is above and beyond, with servers making sure you get your rounds-worth of oysters before 6 pm hits. Pearl Tavern is a restaurant that cultivates its customers and therefore has built a nice clientele of regulars.
Jarocho
A long-standing authentic Mexican seafood joint in KC, this low-key but high-quality restaurant has a history for serving some of the best oysters in the city. What sets them apart from the rest? Their oysters are from Ensenada, Mexico, just south of California, and their creamy, sweet profile comes from the Pacific’s up-swelling currents. Add a splash of lime and experiment with one of Jarocho’s curated hot sauces, and you have a near-perfect oyster experience.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they have oysters for $1.50, so plan on coming with an appetite. For a nice change of pace, they also have some wonderful grilled oysters in a chili butter. While Northern Pacific and Atlantic regions steal the hearts of many oyster lovers, Mexico’s selection also offers an impressive oyster spread, and Jarocho knows how to serve them.
Aqua Penny’s
Another high-caliber oyster spot outside Kansas City proper is in Leawood’s Park Place Shopping District. Penny Mufuka has over 30 years of experience cooking, and she’s had huge success with restaurants here in the KC suburbs. She most recently opened Aqua Penny’s across the street from another restaurant she owns, Bamboo Penny’s.
With hanging ferns above suede seats, the vibe is relaxed and cool, and if you weren’t already looking for oysters, you might be convinced that it’s time to try a few. Aqua Penny’s most popular oysters come from Massachusetts’ Chesapeake Bay. These oysters’ delicate flavor derive from the converging fresh water of the local rivers and the Atlantic’s salty ocean water. Aqua Penny’s offers unique oyster dishes and condiments. Try some oysters “Aqua Penny style”—they come with chili paste and tiger cry sauce and are garnished with mint and crispy onions.
