TASTE OUR COAST AT TIDEWATER

At Tidewater Oyster Bar, the oyster experience is built on respect, for the water, the farmers, and the ritual of gathering around a great plate of seafood. Each preparation, from briny raw oysters to soulful Southern classics, reflects a balance of tradition and creativity rooted in North Carolina’s coast. Add a perfectly chilled martini, a knowledgeable team, and a room buzzing with holiday-season energy, and Tidewater becomes a place where oysters are not only enjoyed, but truly celebrated—one shell at a time. We caught up with Owner, Robert Pickens to learn more.

Photography by Matt Ray

Tidewater Oyster Bar

Tell us about the signature oyster dishes at Tidewater.

We celebrate oysters in an array of thoughtful preparations, from pristine raw selections to stewed, steamed, and perfectly fried, as well as roasted variations topped with classics like Rockefeller and Bienville or finished with house-made compound butters—Herbed, Bar BQ, and Kimchee. Our fried oyster po’ boys pay homage to Southern roots and are joined by a menu rich in Cajun and Creole influences, including gumbo, Creole dishes, and our much-loved oyster shooters.

For the true seafood devotee, our customizable seafood towers offer an abundant spread featuring raw oysters, clams, peel-and-eat shrimp, and ceviche. Purists, meanwhile, often choose to let the oysters speak for themselves—served raw on the half shell or simply accented with classic mignonette, cocktail sauce, or our house-made Pineapple Habanero hot sauce. To make the experience even more inviting, we offer steamed oyster platter specials on Sundays, $1.50 oysters on the half shell all day Tuesdays, and happy hour oyster pricing from 3–5 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

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

Most of our oysters are sourced from the North Carolina coast, where we take pride in showcasing the region’s exceptional aquaculture and the unique “merroir” that gives each oyster its distinctive flavor. The interplay of coastal tides, salinity, and vegetation, combined with the meticulous care of local farmers, produces oysters that are truly unparalleled. We are fortunate to partner with an array of outstanding local farms, including Ghost Fleet Oyster Co., Middle Sound Mariculture, Hold Fast, Anchored Life, Falling Tide, Three Little Spats, N Sea Oyster, and Carolina Beach Oyster Co.

Beyond their remarkable taste, these oysters play a vital role in the local ecosystem—filtering water, creating habitats for fish, and protecting shorelines. Remarkably, a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day. Oyster aquaculture in North Carolina continues to have a positive impact on both the environment and the coastal economy, while delighting oyster enthusiasts across the region.

We are also proud to be a stop on the NC Oyster Trail, a curated network of shellfish farms, restaurants, and markets that celebrate NC oysters year-round. This initiative, supported by NC Sea Grant, the North Carolina Coastal Federation, and the NC Shellfish Growers Association, offers an excellent way to learn about statewide efforts to restore oyster populations and protect our coastal waters.

Do you have a signature cocktail or drink to sip alongside? 

We prefer pairing oysters with a classic gin or vodka martini. It is a popular pairing for oysters, as its crisp, botanical, and dry profile complements the oyster's natural salinity without overwhelming it. We also have a rotating variety of local ice-cold beers on tap that make a nice accompaniment. As far as wine pairing, Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand or French whites such as Chablis, Muscadet or Sancerre complement and balance the oyster’s salinity with bright citrus and high acidity. Earlier in my career, while working in Lyon, France, Saturday mornings involve memories of savoring raw oysters at the market stalls of Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse with a crisp chilled glass of Chablis. We aim to create similar memorable moments highlighting NC Oysters and hospitality that will keep our patrons coming back week after week. 

Anything you would like our readers to know about around Holiday season at Tidewater? 

Come celebrate with us, the season is in full swing, we have a phenomenal staff "family" who are passionate about oysters, knowledgeable and love providing excellent experiences for our guests. Stop by and grab some merch for your favorite "seafoodie" for the perfect gift this holiday season.