If you’re a seafood lover in Jacksonville, Florida, then you know that oysters are a staple of the local cuisine.
Whether you prefer them raw, steamed, or fried, there’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh oysters straight from the ocean.
But where can you go to buy a bushel of these delicious bivalves? Look no further than Jacksonville’s many seafood markets and oyster bars.
From family-owned businesses with generations of experience to trendy new spots with a modern twist, there’s something for everyone when it comes to buying oysters in Jacksonville.
So grab your shucking knife and get ready to discover the best places to buy a bushel of oysters in Jax!
Where To Buy A Bushel Of Oysters In Jacksonville Fl?
1. Fish Markets
If you’re looking for a bushel of oysters to take home and prepare yourself, then your best bet is to head to one of Jacksonville’s many fish markets. These markets offer a wide variety of fresh seafood, including oysters, that you can purchase by the pound or by the bushel. Some popular fish markets in Jacksonville include Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant, The Fisherman’s Dock, and Singleton’s Seafood Shack.
2. Oyster Bars
If you prefer to enjoy your oysters on the half shell at a restaurant or bar, then Jacksonville has plenty of options for you as well. Oyster bars like The Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar, The Fish Company, and The Crab Trap offer a variety of oyster dishes, including raw oysters by the dozen or half dozen. These spots also often have happy hour specials on oysters and other seafood dishes.
3. Farmer’s Markets
For a more unique oyster-buying experience, check out one of Jacksonville’s farmer’s markets. These markets often feature local seafood vendors who sell fresh oysters alongside other locally-sourced produce and products. Some popular farmer’s markets in Jacksonville include the Riverside Arts Market and the Beaches Green Market.
The Importance Of Freshness When Buying Oysters
When it comes to buying oysters, freshness is key. Oysters are highly perishable and can spoil quickly, so it’s important to purchase them from a reputable supplier that specializes in oysters. This means buying from a seafood supplier or fish market, rather than a supermarket or other middleman.
When selecting oysters, it’s important to have the purveyor open one in front of you before buying them. A fresh oyster should be full of clear ocean water and have a neutral mineral smell. If it has a funky, strong, or unpleasant odor, do not even think about consuming it raw.
It’s also important to avoid buying oysters that have been kept in tanks. While this may extend their shelf life, it significantly diminishes their quality as the brine and flavor are washed out of the oyster and replaced with unsanitary tank water.
Once you’ve purchased your oysters, it’s important to consume them within 24 hours for safety reasons. Proper storage is also key – store them in perforated pans at zero degrees with a bit of crushed ice over them. There should be proper elevation and drainage under the perforation so that the oysters do not “swim” in stagnant water.
When it comes to serving oysters, there are many ways to enjoy them – from “naked” with just a touch of lemon juice to traditional condiments like freshly grated horseradish, cocktail sauce, fresh wasabi, or mignonette. Regardless of how you choose to serve them, be sure to prioritize freshness when purchasing your oysters for the best possible taste and quality.
Traditional Seafood Markets In Jacksonville
If you’re looking for a traditional seafood market in Jacksonville, then The Fisherman’s Dock Seafood Markets is a great option. They have three retail locations in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Orange Park, and they pride themselves on providing their customers with the freshest seafood available. The Fisherman’s Dock hand selects and hand cuts portions to the highest standards for their customers. They offer a wide variety of seafood, including oysters, that you can purchase by the pound or by the bushel. You can even pick out a whole fish of your choice and they will clean and fillet it for you, ready for your favorite recipe.
Another traditional seafood market worth checking out is Atlantic Seafood Bait & Tackle located on Amelia Island. This market is one of the top seafood markets in the area and is conveniently located at 10 Ash St. in Fernandina Beach. They offer a wide range of fish and shellfish caught by local fishermen, including oysters. The seafood at this market is acquired straight from the fishermen’s boats, ensuring that it is as fresh as possible. You can even request your shrimp to be peeled and deveined for just $1 per pound and other types of seafood can be cleaned upon request.
Specialty Oyster Bars And Restaurants
If you’re looking for a more specialized oyster experience, Jacksonville has a variety of specialty oyster bars and restaurants to choose from. These spots offer unique and creative takes on traditional oyster dishes, as well as a wider selection of oysters from different regions.
Sliders Oyster Bar is a popular spot for oyster lovers, offering a variety of oyster dishes such as oysters Rockefeller, oyster po’boys, and raw oysters on the half shell. The restaurant also boasts a waterfront view and a full bar.
For a more upscale oyster experience, check out The Fish Company. This restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including an extensive selection of oysters from different regions. The restaurant also has a raw bar where you can watch your oysters being shucked right in front of you.
If you’re looking for a more casual atmosphere, head to The Crab Trap. This spot offers a variety of oyster dishes, including fried oysters and oyster shooters. The restaurant also has a happy hour special on oysters and other seafood dishes.
No matter what type of oyster experience you’re looking for, Jacksonville has something to offer. From fish markets to specialty oyster bars and restaurants, there’s no shortage of fresh and delicious oysters in this coastal city.
Online Ordering And Delivery Options
If you’re looking for a more convenient way to purchase oysters, then online ordering and delivery options are a great choice. Uber Eats and Postmates are two popular apps that offer oyster delivery from various restaurants in Jacksonville. Simply browse the app, select the restaurant that offers oysters, place your order, and track your delivery’s ETA while you wait.
However, it’s important to note that not all restaurants may offer raw oysters for delivery due to food safety concerns. It’s always best to check with the restaurant beforehand or opt for cooked oyster dishes if you’re unsure.
In addition to delivery apps, some fish markets like Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant also offer online ordering for pickup. Simply visit their website, select the items you want to purchase, and schedule a pickup time that works for you.
Tips For Shucking And Preparing Oysters At Home
If you’re planning on shucking and preparing oysters at home, there are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind to make the process as easy and safe as possible. Here are some expert tips for shucking and preparing oysters at home:
1. Use the right tools: To shuck oysters, you’ll need a clean dish towel and a good oyster knife. It’s best to use a knife with an easy-to-grip plastic handle. If you don’t have an oyster knife, you can try using a flathead screwdriver or another sturdy, thin blade.
2. Rinse and purge the oysters: Before shucking, rinse the oysters in cold water and remove any barnacles, dirt, or sand. Then, prepare an ice-cold saltwater bath (1/4 cup of salt per 4 cups of water) and plunge the oysters into the bath. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the oysters to filter the cold water and purge any sand.
3. Hold the oyster securely: When shucking, hold the oyster securely with a folded dish towel in your non-dominant hand. Use your dominant hand to grip the knife firmly and insert it into the hinge of the oyster shells.
4. Twist gently: Once you’ve inserted the knife into the hinge, twist it gently like a key until you hear a pop. Then, run the knife along the edges of the opened shell and remove the top.
5. Remove any loose shell: Finally, run the knife under the flesh of the oyster to disconnect it from the bottom shell. Inspect the oyster and remove any loose shell. Place the oyster in half shell on a tray lined with crushed ice.
6. Be safe: To minimize the risk of injury while shucking, always look at where you’re shucking and don’t look away from your hands. Don’t use too much force all at once; apply it gradually. Protect your hand with a towel or glove.
By following these tips, you can shuck and prepare fresh, delicious oysters at home like a pro!
Supporting Local Businesses: Why Buying Local Matters
Supporting local businesses is crucial to the economic health and vitality of a community. When you buy from locally-owned businesses, you’re investing in your community and supporting the people who live and work there. This helps to create jobs, boost the local economy, and build a stronger sense of community.
Large chain stores and corporations often take their profits out of the community, leaving little behind. In contrast, local businesses tend to re-invest their profits back into the community through wages, taxes, and purchases from other local businesses. According to a study by the Indie Impact Study Series, local retailers return a total of 52 percent of their revenue to the local economy, compared to just 14 percent for national chain retailers. Similarly, local restaurants recirculate an average of 79 percent of their revenue locally, compared to 30 percent for chain eateries.
Buying locally also helps to reduce our carbon footprint by reducing transportation costs and emissions associated with shipping products long distances. Local businesses often source their products from nearby farms or suppliers, which means that the food you buy is fresher and has traveled fewer miles to get to your plate.
In addition, buying locally-produced seafood supports sustainable fishing practices and helps to ensure that we have healthy oceans and waterways for generations to come. By purchasing seafood from local fishermen and farmers who use sustainable practices, we can help to protect our environment while also supporting local jobs and businesses.