Is every native Charlestonian born with a taste for oysters? They seem to have an innate ability to shuck, appropriately dress and slurp them down with ease. The whole process can be intimidating for those who do not own a personalized shucking knife or monogrammed oyster glove. Charleston’s oyster roast season (better known as any month that ends in an ‘R’) is lurking around the corner. Now is the time to reign in your oyster-eating skills so you’ll be free from awkward oyster roast experiences this fall.
Come to Amen Street and practice your skills in a non-threatening atmosphere. They offer oyster samplers by the half dozen, dozen, or singles. Amen always serves Gulf Oysters and Littleneck Clams from the Raw Bar but also offers a rotating variety of unique oysters from across the Eastern seaboard- even from the Pacific Northwest. (You can see an always updated list here.)
Amen Street got the hardest part out of the way and shucked the oysters for you. If you’d like a lesson in shucking too, grab a seat at the bar and watch the resident Oyster Shucker go to work.
The oysters are served on the half shell with a lemon on hand to squeeze on before eating. You also have a choice of super delicious, house made condiments: mignonette sauce to add a peppery taste, horseradish for some kick, and of course, cocktail sauce. (They’re not necessary to enjoy Amen’s oysters, but definitely add some excitement.) After you’ve decided what to add, throw your table manners to the wind and slurp it on down. You can chew it or swallow it whole. By the end of your sampler, you’ll have an oyster-eating style to call your own.
It’s not as nearly as complicated as it seems, but if you need a visual, here is a great video with an even better narrator. Stop by our raw bar and try ’em out!