Drago’s Oysters, Drayton Harbor & America’s Most Iconic Oyster Bars

The American oyster scene is richer, bolder, and more diverse than ever. From the smoky, buttery perfection of Drago’s chargrilled oysters to the pristine brine of Drayton Harbor Oyster Company oysters, and from community favorites like Dry Dock Oyster Bar and Dusty’s Oyster Bar to modern destinations like Ella’s Oyster Bar, there has never been a better time to be an oyster lover.

And behind every great oyster bar is one truth: quality begins at the farm.
At Sherwood Island Oysters, our cold-water oysters stand among the cleanest, crispest, and most sustainably grown oysters in the country — perfect for raw, grilled, or chargrilled presentations.

Let's explore the places and plates shaping oyster culture today.

Drago’s Chargrilled Oysters – The Oyster Dish That Changed Everything

How Drago’s Chargrilled Oysters Became Legendary

The moment Drago’s chargrilled oysters hit the New Orleans scene, they became a phenomenon. Their signature preparation — oysters grilled over an open flame with butter, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan — created a flavor that seafood fans describe as smoky, rich, and irresistible.

Why Chargrilling Works

• High heat caramelizes oyster liquor

• Butter and garlic soak into the oyster meat

• Cheese crisps into a savory crust

• The natural brine intensifies, not disappears

How to Make Drago’s-Style Oysters at Home

1. Place oysters cup-side down on a hot grill.

2. Add butter, garlic, parsley & lemon.

3. Sprinkle Parmesan or Romano cheese.

4. Grill until edges bubble & shell caramelizes.

5. Serve with toasted French bread.

Sherwood Island oysters work beautifully for chargrilling thanks to their firm texture and clean brine.

Drago’s Oysters – A New Orleans Icon

What Makes Drago’s Oysters Unique

Drago’s oysters are known for:

• Large size

• High liquor retention

• Ability to withstand high heat

• Deep, natural salinity

A Restaurant That Defined a Category

Drago’s took oysters beyond raw bars and into mainstream culinary fame — inspiring restaurants nationwide to embrace chargrilled oyster menus.

Drayton Harbor Oyster Company – Pacific Northwest Purity

A West Coast Favorite

The Drayton Harbor Oyster Company specializes in oysters cultivated in cold, nutrient-rich northern Washington waters.

Flavor Notes

Expect:

• Crisp brine

• Sweet finish

• Strong mineral depth

• Clean oyster liquor

Why West Coast Oysters Matter

They contrast beautifully with Atlantic oysters like those from Sherwood Island, offering seafood lovers a full-spectrum oyster experience.

Dry Dock Oyster Bar – Gulf Coast Comfort

A Beloved Oyster House

Dry Dock Oyster Bar is a classic example of Gulf Coast oyster culture — casual, communal, and focused on fresh, generously portioned oysters.

Menu Highlights

• Raw oysters on the half shell

• Fried oyster baskets

• Steamed and chargrilled oysters

• Seafood sandwiches & coastal favorites

What Makes Dry Dock Special

It's authentic, unpretentious, and centered around honest, high-quality oysters.

Dusty’s Oyster Bar – Florida Panhandle Flavor

A Vibrant Seafood Icon

Dusty’s Oyster Bar continues to attract locals and travelers with its lively atmosphere and consistently fresh oysters.

Guest Favorites

• Oyster shooters

• Raw oyster platters

• Deep-fried oysters

• Seafood boils & baskets

Why People Love Dusty’s

Its mix of casual dining and serious oyster handling makes it a go-to for raw-bar lovers.

Ella’s Oyster Bar – Chic, Modern & Globally Inspired

A Modern Oyster Destination

Ella’s Oyster Bar showcases how oyster dining has evolved — blending Latin, Asian, and coastal American influences.

Notable Offerings

• Fresh raw oysters

• Citrus-forward ceviches

• Fried oyster bao

• Grilled oyster dishes

Ella’s proves that oysters adapt beautifully to bold, modern flavor profiles.

Epic Oyster – When Oyster Dining Goes Next-Level

What Makes an Oyster “Epic”?

The term epic oyster reflects the modern trend of elevating oyster experiences with:

• Dramatic plating

• Global sauces

• Craft beverage pairings

• Multi-regional tasting flights

How Restaurants Create Epic Oysters

• Using high-quality cold-water oysters

• Layering flavors without overwhelming brine

• Displaying oysters as culinary centerpieces

Sherwood Island oysters are ideal for epic presentations thanks to their consistent size and clean finish.

Choosing the Best Oysters at Any Oyster Bar

Freshness Indicators

A high-quality oyster should:

• Have clear liquor

• Smell clean, never fishy

• Feel cold and firm

• Sit on crushed ice

Ask About Merroir

Knowledgeable servers can explain:

• Harvest location

• Salinity

• Texture expectations

• Flavor notes

Watch the Shucking

Expert shuckers preserve liquor, avoid shell fragments, and enhance the dining experience.

Why Sherwood Island Oysters Deliver Superior Cold-Water Flavor

Clean, Cold Waters

Long Island Sound provides:

• High salinity

• Rich phytoplankton

• Constant tidal movement

All essential for producing firm, crisp, mineral-rich oysters.

Sustainable Farming Practices

We focus on:

• Reef restoration projects

• Water filtration improvements

• Environment-first aquaculture

Freshness You Can Taste

We harvest daily and ship overnight, ensuring oysters reach customers at peak quality.

Conclusion – The Future of Oyster Dining Is Fresh, Flavorful & Sustainable

From Drago’s chargrilled oysters and the pristine sweetness of Drayton Harbor oysters, to the authentic charm of Dry Dock Oyster Bar, Dusty’s Oyster Bar, and Ella’s Oyster Bar, America’s oyster culture is thriving.

And behind every great oyster bar lies a great farm — one that values merroir, sustainability, and ocean purity.
That’s exactly what we deliver at Sherwood Island Oysters.

Taste the coast. Taste the craft. Taste the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Drago’s chargrilled oysters so famous?
   Their buttery, garlicky, cheesy topping and smoky grilled flavor.

2. Are Drayton Harbor oysters good?
   Yes — they are known for crisp brine, mineral depth, and clean Pacific flavor.

3. What’s the difference between Dusty’s and Dry Dock Oyster Bar?
   Dry Dock leans Gulf-traditional, while Dusty’s adds a lively Panhandle atmosphere.

4. What is an “epic oyster”?
   A premium oyster dish elevated with bold flavors, creative plating, and high-end preparations.

5. Can I order high-quality oysters online?
   Absolutely — Sherwood Island Oysters ships fresh cold-water oysters nationwide.