Taylor Oyster Bars
A seagoing version of farm-to-table dining, three Taylor Oyster Bars are supplied by Shelton-based Taylor Shellfish’s oyster beds, ranging from British Columbia to California. Oysters are slurped raw here, but are also available baked and stewed, along with other regional shellfish, including geoduck, clams and mussels. Capitol Hill, 1521 Melrose Ave., 206.501.4321; Pioneer Square, 410 Occidental Ave. S, 206.501.4060; Queen Anne, 124 Republican St., 206.501.4442; tayloroysterbars.com

The Walrus and the Carpenter
The northwest of France (Brittany and Normandy, lush oyster-growing regions) meets the Pacific Northwest at Renee Erickson’s spot, where you’ll find an outstanding oyster experience that continues to garner national attention. Enjoy decadent fried oysters, seasonal salads and even cheese to cap things off. Ballard, 4743 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.395.9227; thewalrusbar.com

Bar Melusine
A new sibling to Walrus, this colorful addition brings the same finesse in oyster service (complete with those classic wire baskets and a chalkboard menu of the day’s offerings) to Capitol Hill’s ongoing restaurant boom, alongside Bateau and General Porpoise, which are also all in the family. The well-rounded menu has some adventurous options that might include periwinkles (tiny sea snails), fried fish skin, even gizzard confit. Capitol Hill, 1060 E Union St.; 206.900.8808; barmelusine.com

Ballard Annex Oyster House
You can grab a stool at the casual bar, with its nautical motif, to have a peek at the selection of regional oysters on ice that day. The menu covers a range of American favorites, including smoked whitefish, oysters Rockefeller and East Coast lobster.
Ballard, 5410 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.783.5410; ballardannex.com

Taylor Shellfish’s spots immerse you in the oyster experience; Photos by Andrea Coan

Elliott’s
Sure, sure, travelers flock here after hitting the waterfront (construction and all), this time of year. But this spot has long taken oysters very seriously, from quality shucking to providing details down to the growing method for ostreaphiles. A good 20-plus varieties may be available on any visit. For its “progressive oyster happy hour,” the earlier you go, the less expensive the oysters are. Waterfront, 1201 Alaskan Way, Pier 56; 206.623.4340; elliottsoysterhouse.com

Westward
It’s on the water, but not on the high-profile waterfront, which is part of its appeal. Lake Union views, complete with Adirondack chairs and a fire pit, make slurping oysters here feel more low-key and local. Great oysters, stylish presentation (which includes colorful tags indicating the oyster varieties). Wallingford, 2501 N Northlake Way; 206.552.8215; westwardseattle.com

Shuckers
It might be overlooked by locals, tucked into the Fairmont Hotel as it is, but this wood-paneled, old-school oyster bar serves oysters from throughout the Northwest with panache. You can slurp the seasonal selections raw, or choose from cooked options. Downtown, 411 University St.; 206.621.1984; fairmont.com

The Brooklyn
The ’50s–’60s vibe here brings to mind martini-fueled business lunches and steak Oscar, but the centerpiece oyster bar provides a great option in the business district. Good species served on the half shell, with details on tasting notes and growing methods. Downtown, 1212 Second Ave.; 206.224.7000; thebrooklyn.com

Emmett Watson’s
Although it doesn’t serve the kind of elevated oyster experience that’s increasingly available around town, this nook in Pike Place Market remains a local favorite, offering a dose of Seattle nostalgia, fully unfussy, down to the caricature of namesake Emmett Watson on the brown-paper-bag menu. Pike Place Market, 1916 Pike Place, Suite 16; 206.448.7721