The Best Spots for Oysters Near Oak Park (Updated 2025)

Summer screams oysters. Whether you’re oyster obsessed or just oyster curious, there’s something undeniably fun about kicking back with a chilled tray of briny beauties and an ice-cold drink in hand. The good news is you don’t have to venture far. Just due west of Chicago, in and near Oak Park, you’ll find some fantastic spots serving fresh-shucked oysters that rival the best coastal raw bars.

 

From lively patios to cozy hideaways with $2 oyster nights, we’re rounding up the top places to satisfy your shellfish cravings—no plane ticket to the coast required.

Poor Phils 1
hemmingways 4-1 (1)
Oysters (1)

 

Oak Park

 

Avenue Ale House | 825 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park


Perched above the buzz of Oak Park Avenue, Avenue Ale House serves up oysters on the half shell with one of the best rooftop views around. This longtime local favorite is more than just a great place to slurp; it's your go-to for elevated bar bites like crispy buffalo cauliflower, ahi tuna crisps, and barbecued pork sliders.

 

If you’re craving something heartier, dive into flatbreads, burgers, wings, or street tacos, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options sprinkled throughout the menu. Visit on a Wednesday night and stick around for trivia because nothing pairs with oysters quite like rooftop views, good company, and a little friendly competition.

 

View the Menu

 

Cajun Boil & Bar | 1109 South Boulevard, Oak Park

 

If you're looking to crank up the flavor and crack some shells, Cajun Boil & Bar brings the heat Southern style. This lively, Louisiana-inspired hot spot is known for bold flavors, finger-licking seafood boils, and a come-as-you-are vibe that makes every visit feel like a celebration. Order up fresh raw oysters by the half dozen or dozen, or go for the crispy fried version served with yum yum sauce.

 

Whether you're here for a Sunday mimosa brunch or settling in with the crew to watch the game, this spot is built for hanging out, digging in, and getting a little messy (in the best way). Don’t be shy—#getdownanddirty is part of the charm.

 

View the Menu

 

Carnivore | 1042 Pleasant Street, Oak Park

 

Planning an oyster date night at home? Carnivore has you covered. This boutique butcher and seafood shop in the heart of Oak Park is the go-to for fresh oysters and other high-quality ingredients that turn dinner into an experience. From responsibly sourced seafood to locally raised meats to seasonal produce, everything here is handpicked for flavor and sustainability. Carnivore works closely with area farmers and foragers, so you can trust you're getting the freshest of the fresh.

 

Pro tip: Walk around the corner to Anfora Wine Merchants and grab the perfect bottle to pair with your oysters. Dinner at home never looked so good.

 

View the Menu

 

Hemmingway’s Bistro | 211 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park

 

If you’re in the mood for oysters with a touch of Parisian charm, Hemmingway’s Bistro is your spot. This beloved Oak Park gem blends classic French cooking with fresh Midwest ingredients, and their blue point oysters—served six to a plate with cocktail sauce—are a standout on the hors d'oeuvres menu. While you're there, don’t skip the chicken liver pâté, escargots, or dreamy baked brie.

 

Come hungry, because the entrées are just as impressive, featuring Dijon crusted lamb rack, Indiana rabbit ragout, or the perfectly pan-roasted Atlantic salmon. And if you're more of a brunch enthusiast, their champagne Sunday brunch, complete with live jazz and elevated classics such as crab cake royale and lobster toast, is a local favorite for a reason.

 

View the Menu

 

Poor Phil’s Bar & Grill | 139 South Marion Street, Oak Park

 

Poor Phil’s is an Oak Park classic, and when it comes to oysters, they don’t mess around. With a rotating selection of fresh oysters on the half shell, plus fried oysters and oyster po'boys when the mood strikes, this casual seafood joint brings Southern flair to the suburbs. They don’t stop at oysters, either.

 

They also love lobster, in the form of lobster bisque, beer-battered lobster bites, a chilled Maine lobster roll, and the over-the-top Lobster’Boy po’boy stacked with langostino and wasabi mayo. The atmosphere is relaxed, the beer list is deep (36 beers on tap!), and the patio is perfect for people watching. Whether you're grabbing a dozen oysters with a cold pint or diving into their other famed seafood options, Poor Phil’s is always a good idea.

 

View the Menu 

 

 

La Grange

 

Marco’s Kitchen | 26 South La Grange Road, La Grange

 

In the heart of downtown La Grange, Marco’s Kitchen pairs neighborhood charm with elevated dining—and if you love oysters, you’re in for a treat. From fresh oysters on the half shell to oyster shooters and oysters Rockefeller, this spot goes all in on all things oysters. It’s a seafood lover’s paradise, with standout dishes including jumbo lump crab cakes, pan-seared scallops, and grilled octopus rounding out the menu.

 

Known for bold, inventive flavors and a cozy, modern space, Marco’s brings downtown Chicago to the suburbs and is perfect for date night, celebrations, or just treating yourself to a really good cocktail and a plate of something special. And don’t miss Marco’s drag brunch, an unforgettable day of food and fun. 

 

View the Menu

 

The Elm | 23 West Harris Avenue, La Grange

 

Modern, sleek, and effortlessly stylish, The Elm is an ideal destination for a special night out. Their oysters come fresh, beautifully presented, and often paired with a curated cocktail or a glass of crisp white wine. The rooftop patio offers lovely views of downtown La Grange, making it the perfect spot to unwind, especially during their Tuesday through Friday happy hour.

 

From 3 to 6 p.m., enjoy $8 appetizers, $5 beers, $10 signature cocktails, and 30% off bottles of wine. During dinner, start with oysters and small plates like pear-and-brie flatbread or pork belly tacos, then dive into wood-grilled steaks or seasonal pasta. With its city-style ambiance and laid-back luxury, The Elm brings big energy to the burbs in the best way.

 

View the Menu

 

Riverside

 

The Chew Chew | 33 East Burlington Street, Riverside

 

Just steps from the Metra in Riverside, The Chew Chew serves up East Coast oysters on the half shell—fresh, briny, and perfectly paired with cocktail sauce and mignonette. Stop in on a Thursday to score $2 oysters. No matter what day you visit, settle in for a meal sure to impress. Don’t leave without trying the chimichurri steak, the seared jumbo scallops, or a slice of their unforgettable key lime pie. With its chef-driven menu and cozy but refined vibe, The Chew Chew is a true hidden gem worth rediscovering again and again.

 

View the Menu

 

Honorable Mention: Irish Times | 8869 Burlington Avenue, Brookfield

 

While Irish Times doesn’t keep oysters on the everyday menu, we’d be remiss not to include it. Why? Because every year, they host Oyster Fest—a legendary local event filled with fresh-shucked oysters, Irish cheer, and a packed patio. They shuck oysters all day long while serving up other seafood favorites too, and you might even get to meet the one and only Oyster Queen herself. It’s seasonal, it’s delicious, and it’s absolutely worth marking your calendar for. Until then, swing by for a pint and a plate of their famous fish and chips—it’s a classic for a reason.

 

Check Their Website for Updates!

 

 

Meet Us for Oysters

 

Whether you're craving a chilled dozen, a crispy bite, or a perfectly sauced shooter, the West Suburbs have no shortage of spots to satisfy your oyster fix. Meet us for oysters, and we’ll save you a seat.

 

Whether you're craving a chilled dozen, a crispy bite, or a perfectly sauced shooter, the west suburbs have no shortage of spots to satisfy your oyster fix. From rooftops to raw bars and everything in between—meet us for oysters. We’ll save you a seat.