Rappahannock Oyster Bar - Charleston

Nestled casually in the corner off East Bay Street, Rappahannock Oyster Bar is a surprising treat. The building was previously a cigar factory, so imagine historic brick and metal industrial softened by beautiful lighting, cozy tables, and a romantic history. Inside, there is a stunning copper bar area, restaurant seating, and even a market (or pantry as they call it) where you'll find seasonally local fish and shellfish, their own oysters, sauces, wines and just all around friendly guidance. It's quite a treasure! We sat outside under the patio lights ✨️ to enjoy our evening. It was easy to have an intimate conversation with fans blowing the evening heat away. Our waiter guided us to an excellent beer 🍺 selection to begin with, plus an Oyster Shooter, which was so much fun! Basically, it's a shot of Bloody Mary with a raw oyster. Light, slightly spicy & a fun treat to start the night. Grilled Oysters (for my Mr.) and a dozen Raw Oysters for myself. We added the Lump Crab 🦀 Dip & the soup of the day - Clam & Corn Chowder. Yall, they didn't miss a step & everything was delicious. Each plate was expertly created by the chefs the presentation was excellent. On another visit to Charleston, I would love to try their jumbo lump crabcake, or shrimp 🍤 + grits, and even the Smoked Tuna Roe on egg salad and chips would be a fun choice. For our non-seafood eaters, don't worry. You won't be left out. They have beautiful fresh veggie side dishes, the Rapp Burger 🍔 and a CharGrilled Steak with new potato's and confit tomato's. I'm sure there's more if you ask, plus the menu appears to change based on seasonal availability. Another piece of the business that may be less discussed is the service. From the hostesses to the bartenders to our waiter and the runners... it was perfect. The staff seemingly worked in harmony effortlessly with one another, attentively catering to each tables needs. They appear to have a style of casual elegance seamlessly working as a team to provide exceptional service. For business meetings, wedding rehearsal dinners, date nights, proposals, or just a delicious meal... I don't think you can go wrong here. Definitely check out Rappahannocks!

Had an amazing time eating some incredible grilled oysters at the oyster bar. We had Jalepeno Butter, BBQ, and Garlic. Ended up eating 30 oysters. Great service by Chase and he was very informative about the oysters. We would say these are some of the best we have ever had. Terrific experience!

Rappahannock Oyster Bar is a nice seafood restaurant with a good selection of oysters. Even though the restaurant was crowded, we were able to secure a reservation at the bar and watch them shucks the oysters while you eat. The oyster shuckers were very knowledgeable and were able to recommend the best oysters based on your flavor profile, which was very helpful. We ordered two dozen oysters and a whole grilled fish, both were amazing. The service was great too, with friendly and attentive staff making sure that everything was just right.

First time in Charleston so seafood was the choice and Rappahannock was amazing. Everything I ordered was fresh and delicious. The mussels were perfect and large, the crisp was fresh and the sauce to go along with it was something you want to dip everything in. Must get the scallops, reminded me of a Coquille St. Jaques from France, the curry shrimp was very flavorful, crab cake was all meat no filler. Overall the food was top notch. They have shaded outdoor dining which was great although one of the tiki torches fell over onto my chair from behind. Otherwise fully recommend trying this restaurant if you are in the area.

My husband and I went here during our stay in Charleston to celebrate our 1st anniversary. This place was phenomenal. The restaurant was very chill and can be a casual dining experience but the food was unreal. We had the raw (buttery ones from VA are our favorite) and 2 different flavors of the grilled oysters (garlic herb and jalapeño) and they were insanely good. We also had some of the peel and eat shrimp and they were very good too! And for our main course, we had the short rib to share as our entree and it was out of this world. We were stuffed. Kailee, our server, was so helpful and very nice! The chef and staff also made sure to make us feel welcome and were so kind! I cannot say enough good things about this meal. We were so happy with our choice to eat here. We will absolutely be back!

You’re in luck if either Taryn and Jay are serving you… amazing service! They’re so knowledgeable, friendly and have great recommendations. I had such an amazing time with them! The oysters here are phenomenal, tried the two house and one guest and my favorite were the olde salt because I like more of a bit salty brine. Tried the aviation cocktail for the first time ( a must try if you like gin( and the bloody oyster shooter with the old Salome was my favorite shot of the shooters I tried. The shrimp po boy was really yummy and I was surprised!! A great addition to oysters and clams (lots of onions and rosemary)

Great food, great atmosphere, and great service! The cocktails were just right, food was very tasty, and had an awesome time talking with the staff. Go see Drew the bartender - he will take care of you!

food was great. we got the burger, grilled oysters, crab cake, and shrimp po boy. crab cake was my favorite; tender meat, tart sauce to go along with it, and crunchy slaw to balance it out. would recommend raw over grilled oysters if you want the taste of fresh seafood. service could have been better. our server was rude when we asked for clarification on the menu and seemed incredibly inconvenienced when we asked to swap out one of the sides.

The food was to die for. We are foodies and travel a lot , eating and trying different cuisines, we were very impressed with the fresh food also are waiter was amazing and helpful . The shrimp and grits were not your ordinary which was a good thing they were an A+, are daughter had the whole fried snapper and she loved it, we also slurped down on some oysters some of the best I ever had! Must try it's also a local favorite 😍

I usually don’t write reviews for businesses outside of Atlanta, where I live. But, after originally going in for just a half dozen oysters with my wife, everything was SO SPECTACULAR we made a meal out of it. First, Rappahannock Oyster Bar is not your standard seafood restaurant. Expect beautiful artistry and presentation in the delicious and innovative dishes, as my photos show. The cubes, pictured, are a scrumptious sauced fried hummus appetizer with all kinds of different sensations going on simultaneously. The other appetizer was like a salmon mousse, equally complex in its presentation and taste profile. Although, I’m from land-lock Atlanta and my oyster 🦪 opinion may not matter to some of you, they were the best fresh oysters I had ever had. In fact, this was the very first time that I ate oysters with nothing on them and put the accompaniments on my crackers, instead. Haha.🤣 Our server, Jancy, was delightful, knowledgeable, attentive, and a fine gentleman. Jancy told us he doubles as the pastry chef and he prepared the day’s desserts. So upon his recommendation, we split a chocolate mousse pie slice that was to die for. We sat outside with our dogs. But, I had to check out the inside. The huge wrap-around copper bar was beautiful and magnificent and, in a previous life, I would definitely choose to spend a lot of time at it. The seating area was equally as interesting, with an up-close view of the open kitchen and the “fish market” iced display case. In a Charleston, dominated with visitor-attracting tourist traps, run 🏃‍♂️ to this gem of an oyster bar. Rappahannock Oyster Bar is nothing short of SPECTACULAR. 👏

Absolutely Amazing! The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I already love raw oysters, but had never tried raw clams. They were described perfectly, because when I tried them I wasn't surprised by the flavor. I will order raw clams again. Yum. The lambs and clams dish was divine. The layered flavors, the crispy bread to dip in the broth. It all went together like a dream. My cocktail - the Jesse's Girl was perfection, so I had two. A must go to when in Charleston.

We have eaten here a few times. Usually great service and food. Lobster roll is a smaller than I remember and the Rappahannock oysters were sandy. So I average out my stars and still a great place

True confession: I've never been to an oyster bar before and frankly never had an oyster on a half shell, though I grew up in SC with one foot in the water. This was a great chance to make up for all that and give it a try... not sorry I did! Oyster half shell appetizers, oyster stew, rice pudding. Very Low Country, very Old Charleston. Saturday evening is one our party of eight will cherish.

Last night I made a meal off of the fish bites and lump crab dip. Pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Perfect way to spend a friday evening with a friend.

Ask for Andrew the manager. The oysters are incredible and as fresh as can be. The shrimp salad was grilled to perfection. Cool drinks and a cosy outside and out. Fried catfish and chips were fresh and crispy. Super service and wonderful food.

Every dish at Rappahannock is phenomenal and they all have a unique twist. I love a spicy bloody mary and they delivered! This restaurant also has a perfect atmosphere, convenient parking, and a super friendly staff.

Every single thing about this place is 5 stars. Convenient parking ✅ Energetic vibe ✅ Ambiance (perfect lighting) ✅ Service and Management ✅ Cocktails ✅ Oysters ✅ Every menu item ✅ You simply can not go wrong at Rappahannock. Perfect spot for date night, girls night, family, business, or solo dining. Great outdoor space and lively indoor seating. Get dressed up…or dress down….anything goes here. Pro tip: order a French 75 and just start sampling menu items.

OMG, our server Dianna led us on an amazing food journey of fresh, delicious seafood and wonderful cocktails. The oyster are fresh and tasty, the best crab cake ever, if you are in Charleston.

Whoever reading this right now...this is your sign to come to this place and enjoy the freshest food, deliciously cooked and just be happy...I mean, HAPPY! Memorable flavorful dishes, that Tuna Tataki is in my top 10 of the best food I ever had in my lifetime...

Amazing Christmas Eve dinner at Rappahannock! Can't believe I live here in Charleston & haven't been. Kailee was our exceptional, knowledgeable server!!! The crab dip & grilled shrimp were yummy. I had the shrimp & grits, Kailee let me know that it wasn't going to have the typical look. Wow was she right - but it was holy goodness! My son & his fiancée enjoyed the Single Lady's & Steamboat Creek oysters & Mussels in Sofrito. Ended our meals with a shared Basque Cheesecake. We'll defintely be back!!

Our favorite restaurant in all of Charleston!!!!!! Absolutely outstanding customer service. Crazy delicious food! Best place for oysters and amazing Bloody Marys! Pat is the best and most genuine mother shucker you will ever meet!

UPDATE 03/2022: Great experience again! UPDATE 10/2021: Had another great experience here last Sunday. Our server was great and our food was delicious. Some of the best whole grilled fish in town (it was a b-line snapper that day). For dessert I had a cheesecake with blackberry compote and suggested pairing was perfect. Highly recommend this place! 2020: I've been to this place right when the lockdown in 2020 was lifted and inside dining was allowed. And I had a great experience. Everything from food to service and the atmosphere were awesome.

Went to the bar for the happy hour oysters and was blown away. The oysters were fantastic and perfectly shucked. Decided on getting the shrimp and grits and the burrata with peaches. Everything was perfect, and Sean the bartender clearly knows his stuff. He was professional and knowledgeable. He ended up taking care of a few things from the bill, very generous. Not only will I be returning, but I will tell everyone I meet about this place. Thank you Sean and everyone else for an unforgettable experience.

Best oysters I've had in Charleston, but my search will continue. Nice space inside an old cigar factory. I really enjoy the many repurposed old structures in this city. Had a wonderful waitress.

this place is a hidden gem. I can't believe I waited this long to give it a try. The service, the vibe in ambiance, and most importantly the food we're all on point I was almost shocked it was not good lol. I always kind of joked at a Virginia oyster place in Charleston since we have our own oysters, but the jokes on me as this place is phenomenal. And I was just there for lunch I can only imagine at dinner probably would good that is as well.

Fast service, fantastic food, and great atmosphere. I'll be coming back. We had the BBQ paprika fried oysters and they were very savory. We also tried shrimp (lemon garlic, maybe) and it was very good. I had the fish milanese and my wife had fish-of-the-day, wreckfish in this case, and really enjoyed it. Also, if the customers tell you anything about a place, the other patrons were jovial, relaxed, and enjoying themselves. Overall, it was great experience.

Service and ambiance were great. Oysters were amazing (although couldn't taste any jalapeno on the jalapeno oysters). Ceviche was good. Mussels and fish were solid but probably will try something different next time.

Good quality seafood and other bites in an attractive semi cosi setting. The tuna poke bowl was good with fresh tuna. The steak Tartare was very good, though a bit small. Ceviche was well seasoned, and the hot crab dip was also very good. We were at the bar for appetizers and drinks at happy hour.

Excellent service and a laid-back vibe in historic Charleston, South Carolina. I sat at the bar and received quick service. I chose the shrimp and grits, which had a unique twist on the classic dish. I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere captured Charleston's rustic charm. There was ample seating and parking, and the surrounding area was very walkable.

Came for dinner. Loved the location and design of this restored complex. I also like the design and layout of the restaurant. The overall experience was better than ok but it definitely could have been better. Food was good but not great. Don’t order the steak. Now, the Oysters actually where excellent and the presentation. Loved the Shrimp and Grits as well. I would need to return and give it a second chance. Unfortunately we visited midweek after New Year on a rainy night so the restaurant was slow so their was no ambiance. But the most important is the food. I will return on my next trip and try other things that we where recommended. The best thing about this evening was our server. She was excellent and very engaging and had a great personality. I think this place is more fit for an afternoon late lunch or a happy hour for seafood and Oysters rather than a dinner.

Wide variety of oysters, sweet local shrimp, blue crab cake but not lump meat! Great mezcal margarita, OK selection of beers on draft. A bit pricey at $9 for side salad and $7 for bread, so best to go during 4-6pm happy hour.

The food was amazing! The grits are the best I’ve ever had anywhere. The service was SLOW. I’m not sure where the disconnect happened but our drinks did not get up the table until we were just about finished eating. We had to ask another server to check on our food and drinks because the service was so slow. I would visit again but would request to be seated elsewhere.

We enjoyed the beautiful sunshine outdoors on their patio. However, it seemed there might have been a shortage of staff or some other issue affecting our service, as it was notably slow. We ate family style and our dishes arrived sporadically at the beginning of the meal, then all at once towards the end. Nonetheless, the food was exquisite overall. I must particularly endorse the scallops; served on two half shells with a delectably balanced sweet and savory sauce, they were truly outstanding. Overall had a lovely time.

Great for happy hour! $2 oysters and a good selection of drinks and small plate appetizers. Loved that the patio is dog friendly. There is limited free parking in the adjacent lot but note that it is LIMITED.

I have genuinely loved eating here however, on 14 Feb 26, my husband eat dinner here and I ordered the shrimp and grits like I had done twice before. I was shocked at the portion size that was brought to the table which caused me to ask the hostess if my fish was the normal portion. In the past I received a full plate of shrimp and grits however on this visit, the portion was considerably less for $32. This felt like a ripoff. I’m very disappointed that a smaller proportion actually cost more money that the full plate I am accustomed to receiving.

I was excited to come to this place for Valentine's Day with my wife and the experience that we had was not great. The service specifically. Joey our waiter was not so pleasant or present we ordered appetizers and drinks alcoholic beverages everything was fine until he took our food order 20 minutes later and had the nerve to tell us what we wanted to order was not available. You should have explained that first before you took our appetizer order you would think. My wife ordered the short rib and I ordered the red snapper which both meals were out I really didn't have a problem with that so we ordered something else. Joey, our waiter did not come back to our table to offer us another round of drinks. I had to ask him multiple times for water. He didn't explain to us why our food was taking so long. I had to ask him. He explained it will be out soon. My food never came. I had to go to the manager and asked what was going on. The manager came out and explained to me that the food was coming and there would be no charge. I had reservations at forte jazz. We didn't have no more time to wait so I told them bring me the check .I appreciate the manager for comping my food but I wasn't there to get a free meal. I offered to pay for our drinks and appetizers and the waiter said that the Manager said not to worry about it so I don't even know what the food tastes like. Well I did try the clams on the half shell which were good.

I wanted to give more credit to this restaurant because it was Mother’s Day when I went. I have been considering how to review for months now and I have made the determination that there were too many glaring issues to rate any higher than a 3 star rating. Ultimately I decided that with how expensive the food is I would expect better food and service. We were a larger group and we had horribly slow service. Multiple people had cold food, our appetizers came out way later than our main dishes. Someone in my group ended up having to speak to a manager about all the issues we had. The experience was truly lack luster in every capacity. The only credit I could give is that the ambiance was on par with a lively raw bar. I would not recommend.

Salad lack personality in flavor not an onion not an olive and a bunch nothing a lemon marinade sauce fish flounder was pretty good but could have had some Old Bay for a kick. Oysters were great catfish was okay fried . coleslaw lacking french fries were awesome. What recommend but keep it simple.

Had an amazing last day in Charleston until I ordered the scallop imperial. We ordered a dozen oysters and the BBQ oysters. Both were good. But when I got my scallops I did not enjoy it. I don't EVER expect a refund or anything when I order a dish I don't enjoy so I didn't bother saying anything. I kept on eating in order to not waste it. When the manager came over to clear our plates she noticed I did not finish and asked if I liked it. I told her no and she graciously offered to take it off the bill. This was not something I asked for or expected. But there wasn't any communication with our waitress Janet. So when we got the check it wasn't taken off. I told Janet the situation and she immediately acted as if I was trying to get one over on her or something. She got the manager and they fixed the situation but don't really appreciate the attitude I received when just telling her what was offered to me. It just soured the earlier service and food.

It’s sad to say, but this place has really gone downhill over the past year, and last night was a clear reminder of that. The fish Milanese was absolutely awful. It was supposed to be grouper, but the filet was cut so thin thinner than a pancake and completely soaked in grease. It was inedible. Even our waitress agreed she’d never seen it served that way before. The rest of the table’s food was slightly better, but still not worth the price. Unfortunately, I’ll be going elsewhere for my oysters and fish from now on. I also noticed that Kyle, the longtime manager, is no longer there, which is a shame he was a real staple since the opening. This place used to be packed, but after last night’s experience and seeing so many empty seats, I can’t say I’m surprised. At this rate, I’m not sure how much longer they’ll last.