SHUCK, SLURP, REPEAT: Inside the Coastal Classics That Define Shuckin’ Shack

At Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, oysters aren’t just a menu item — they’re the heart of the experience. The restaurant is known for serving high-quality, locally sourced North Carolina oysters that capture the bright brine, clean finish, and unmistakable character of the state’s coastline. From bubbling, flavor-packed creations coming straight off the grill to chilled, pristine raw selections that taste as if they were pulled from the tide only moments before, Shuckin’ Shack’s signature dishes celebrate the very best of North Carolina waters. Below, the team highlights two standout offerings — one hot, one raw — along with the local farms, signature cocktails, and year-round oyster traditions that make their coastal kitchen truly special.

Tell us about your signature oyster dishes at Shuckin' Shack.

At Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality and local oysters that feature the fresh taste of our North Carolina coastline.  

Our featured, straight from the grill Jalapeno Cheddar, Garlic Parmesan, and Seasonal Chargrilled Oysters are fan favorites year-round. Our current seasonal Chargrilled Oyster selection is topped with a Herb Butter and Roasted Red Peppers. 

In the mood for the best of our raw bar? Dive into our featured Seafood Plateau. A raw sampler with 6 Oysters on the Half Shell, 6 Clams on the Half Shell, Tuna Tartare, Crab Salad, and Shrimp Cocktail. 

Where do you source your oysters, and what makes them unique?

All of our oysters are locally and responsibly sourced from our North Carolina coastline. We receive oysters within 2 days of harvest, so they're the freshest of the fresh. Some of our featured local farmers are Little Spats Oyster Co. (Sneads Ferry, Pamlico Sound), Carolina Beach Oyster Co. (Stump Sound), RNR Shellfish (New River), Holdfast Oyster Co. (New River), and Little Star Oyster Co. (Pamlico Sound). All these farms are family-owned and operated. Stump Sound oysters are the saltiest, and oysters from New River are a bit on the milder side as far as salinity. 

Do you have a signature cocktail to sip alongside the oysters?

If you want to double down on the oyster love, you have to try our "Shucktini" - A dirty Tito's Martini with Olives and a Steamed Oyster.

Anything you would like our readers to know about during Oyster season at Shuckin' Shack?

It's ALWAYS Oyster Season at Shuckin' Shack year-round. We offer local NC Oyster Happy Hour Monday-Thursday from 4pm-7pm. This includes $1.25 local NC raw oysters, $1.75 local NC chargrilled oysters, and $1.50 whole hand-tossed wings. Every Monday, all day, we feature $.75 "You Shuck" Steamed Oysters. 

Follow our social media for announcements of upcoming oyster roasts on our back patio.

Facebook: @shuckinshackdowntownwilmington Instagram: @shuckinshackwilmington

Become a member of the Shuckin' Shack Oyster Club to earn free stuff for eating oysters.