The Oyster Bar

The Oyster Bar is our go to date night location. It’s intimate and had incredible food. First, I’m a huge fan of the oysters. They hold up to any oysters I’ve had in California, Maine, or any major US city. They always have several new specials which I’ve never been disappointed in. One of my favorite features here is the half and half which gives you the ability to split two entrees and pay the price of the more expensive; it’s great when you’re feeling indecisive. I’ve always had exceptional service (with the exception of Valentines Day one year but I’ll give them a get of jail free card). I would recommend the Oyster Bar for any type of celebration or dinner with customers. Last disclaimer the entire place does only sit roughly 40 people so if you’re looking for a large chain with mediocre seafood go to a Red Lobster.

Wonderful food, very fresh seafood. We sat outside and totally enjoyed the atmosphere. Nice drink selection, pretty affordable. Good variety of seafood and steaks.

The best seafood I’ve ever had! Granted, I am new to the seafood world, but my boyfriend isn’t and he agrees that this was the best in Ft. Wayne!
I have had calamari a number of times, but this was the best I have EVER had. No rings and weird tentacle pieces. These were meaty strips of deliciousness.
My boyfriend had the seafood au gratin that was a bowl of cheesy goodness. I had the scallops and they literally melted in my mouth. Soooo delicious! I cant wait to go back!
The cost is a little high, but definitely worth it, imo.
The atmosphere is super cozy and quaint. It almost feels like you’re inside the close quarters of a boat. I have heard the back room is one of the highlights. Our reservations were made for back there, but after waiting 30 minutes for the people to clear out of «our table» we decided to just eat up front.
I would recommend this place over and over. Absolutely delicious!

Visiting from out of town and thoroughly enjoyed dining alone at the oyster bar. Waitress was friendly, attentive and provided excellent recommendations. I sat facing the kitchen so I could watch as it was all prepared. From the Fried Calamari appetizer to the duo entrée of Pistachio-​crusted Diver Scallops and Sea Bass, and the Blue Hipnotiq Martini, it was all very well prepared, presented and served. I hope to be back before my return trip in 3 days.

I had heard Oyster Bar was tight and tables were crammed together, then I witnessed it first hand. Packed around a 6 top like a sardine, I was immediately put off. My attitude completely turned around once I realized what a welcoming and lively atmosphere was at Oyster Bar. We joked with neighboring tables about the space. One nearby table even asked us to pass the bread. I was told the men’s bathroom is nearly impossible to use by the men in our group, due to size. The women’s restroom was an appropriate size.
Our server was fantastic. I feel like service can be hit or miss in FW and our server was great. I wish I could remember her name.
We had the calamari app which was delicious breaded calamari steaks. I chose the beef stew soup du jour, which was my favorite part of the meal. Lastly, I had the blackened grouper. Grouper is one of my favorite fish, but it was very overcooked and bland. I was sad for the fish.
The Oyster Bar has a nice martini and beer list. The martinis were strong enough, but could have been prepared colder.
Overall a nice meal at a Fort Wayne staple.

So stinking small and tight, tight, tight! There’s about 10 seats at the bar with about 10 tables around it. Going to the bathroom was a little sketchy.
Bread is very good. Oysters were a little big for my liking.

Absolutely wonderful!!! The restaurant is on the small, quaint side. We had to walk through the kitchen to get to our table. It was interesting to see the food being made from my seat though. As for the food… Incredible! My husband was so excited he ordered the Oyster Sampler and the snail appetizer. He loved them! I had crab cakes and they were great! Clam chowder is crazy good! Best I’ve ever had! For our entrée he ordered the filet with a side tail and I had the Diver scallops. I could not believe how good the food was! I highly recommend the diver scallops! Can not stress that enough. The food was so good that the small area didn’t bother me at all! Love this place and will be going back!

If you don’t eat here it’s because you aren’t into classy restaurants. Please consider eating here.
Must have a bowl of the chowda.

Very good food, good drinks, friendly service. Only complaint is that’s it’s small and the prices are high but can’t complain much cuz wow it’s good.

I love this place. Martinis are awesome. Oysters are phenomenal. Entrees are superb. Setting is intimate and fun. Definitely a place to go for a great night out.

The Oyster Bar has one of the coolest rooms to eat dinner in Fort Wayne! The back dining room (which only has five tables) is super cozy. You walk through the main dining room, through the kitchen, and boom you are there… staring at every other person dining that night & listening to their conversations. Some who feel uncomfortable in tight dining situations would probably prefer their front dining area. They also feature a few tables outside. Don’t worry too much about the tight quarters– it seems the noise from the kitchen and the room being so small still makes it impossible to literally hear every word the table next to you is saying.
The atmosphere is kickin’. I felt like I was on a house boat when sitting in the back room. Truly a special find in Fort Wayne.
My boyfriend and I started off with our favs– extra dirty martinis. These martinis were excellent. Perfect amount of dirty and very strong! Neither of us had tried oysters and took the plunge, being at The Oyster Bar and all. Their menu features oysters of any kind– black n bleu and rockefeller to name a few I can remember. Since it was our first time we went for the Oyster Bar Oysters– raw with their house-​made cocktail sauce and horseradish. DELICIOUS. We had only ordered 6 and immediately regretted not getting the 12.
Next up I did their special of mixing two entrees together. I had the diver scallops– omgosh they are heaven on earth. Pistachio crusted and soooo rich. It was served with a creamy bacon, vanilla risotto. I then sampled the mahi mahi special. My meal was to die for. I ended dinner with a glass of Malbec. Since it was our anniversary we got a complimentary dessert. Being stuffed– I left my boyfriend to destroy the Ho-​Ho cake. Him being a huge sweet and ho-​ho fan found it amazing and met me in heaven– his being chocolate heaven.
Our server was great– and props to her for working around the small back room. Menu knowledge was on point! Which it should be when the average dinner for two runs about $ 100 or more with drinks. Wish the presentation of the food was better but it didn’t affect the taste so I was happy! Looking forward to checking out their patio this coming summer.

Great food. Crab legs, oysters, crab cakes and salmon were amazing. Very small establishment but the food makes up for the closeness. This is a must try when in Ft. Wayne! Friggin worth every penny!

The Oyster Bar gives you the tight, historic feel of an established urban restaurant near roomy downtown Fort Wayne.
Similar to others who entered, I found my presence unalarming to the cooks or waitress. Once I approached them, they asked if I’d like to dine and suggested I take any of the four seat tables. I was one of two mid-​afternoon diners, but I could hear the manager occasionally taking reservation calls. The place does have some history and the menu will explore establishment in the late 1800s up to the venue for today.
Seeing as I was between major meals, but knew my flight and drive home would eclipse any opportunity for dinner, I decided on two appetizers: raw oysters & sautéed clams & mussels. The oysters were HUGE and were served with crackers, horseradish, cocktail sauce, and a plethora of lemons (see picture). I had hoped for a nice mignonette sauce, but dove in with the provided accouterment. Delicious!
My follow-​up accompanied by a glass of wine was the steamed mussels & clams (see picture). For $ 12.95 it seemed like a meager portion at first (about 6 of each), but I reminded myself I was in the midwest and this was an appetizer. The saving grace was the sliced round of bread and butter that followed shortly after.
I would have scored the Oyster Bar a solid 4 s, but I had two snafus holding me back. First, all but one fresh oyster had bits of shell in ‘em which made shooting and chewing unpleasant. Secondly, as much as I love fresh garlic (and I do), the cook was a little heavy handed when creating my mussels and clams. It was pungent enough for me that I ended up not moping the sauce with bread (as I typically love to do).
That being said, service was solid and I would definitely come back to try more hearty dishes!

Grew up in New England and go back multiple times a year. This looks and feels like an old NE restaurant — small and ‘cozy.’ It SHOULD be that way. I believe there are 2 and the one downtown is the one I go to. It’s fun to enter through the back cause you have to go through the kitchen. The food is excellent, but YES it’s pricey. GOOD SEAFOOD is pricey in New England, so getting quality seafood in INDIANA is not gonna be easy. Well worth it.

I am European, well Italian and I have lived in New York city before moving to Indiana, so Fort Wayne it’s a big adjustment, well The Oyster Bar makes you feel like you are in a big city. Authentic is what I look for and this is it: great place, great food and excellent service. A must go if you are in the Fort.

Came with friend and had a relaxing lunch. Started with smoked salmon yum! Then had grilled fish tacos. Done just right. Top off with a glass of wine and what more do you need?
Interior is quaint and service is pleasant and good

Well lit and signed, but when I walked in, no real greeting — or host stand –everyone just stared at me for a few moments, including staff — and then went on their (other business)
Just to make sure I did not miss the host — I walked out, re-​reviewed outside, and then came back in.
Same response as before … (I was dressed in button down shirt and slacks)
And I then walked among the diners, back and forth — very small room! — still no greeting…
After another few mins, one of the folks at the bar asked if I would like to dine, (Paul?)
which I said yes and was seated.
Ordered the oyster sampler, sea bass, ahi tuna, Caesar salad, broccoli.
Ahi was a bit chewy,
Oysters were good.
Salad was a bit poor; soggish, room temp, and somewhat bitter– you can see they were just prior– pre-​prepared and not chilled, merely by the bar in a dish closet.
Sea bass was pretty tasty w capers.

I took my girlfriend to the Oyster Bar to propose. The food was great, the staff helped me and we’re all so excited when she said yes.
This is a great place, great food with interesting twists, but not pretentious.

.Waitress was a little slow. She kept taking forever. Horrible tables. Very wobbly. The waitresses waited till we got comfortable then she came and was like let me put a little something to level the table. :
Expensive $$$.
Oh and omg the one thing that got me going crazy was having to walk threw the kitchen in order to get to our seats in the back since we had a child. It was So dangerous with everything being so hot. And the workers kept coming in and out threw the back door with was distracting.
Pros: good lamb. Liked the decoration. Made me feel like I was in a pirate ship.

I have had better, far better.
Twice a year, my husband and I visit Fort Wayne to visit families. This trip was my 5^th and his… well he’s been visiting since he was a child.
By now, we have frequented every restaurant on and off Unilocal in Fort Wayne. And The Oyster Bar is now officially the worst restaurants, two times in a row.
Last year, my husband ordered the escargot and it came out awful: the escargot was rubbery and over cooked while the sauce (some type of cream sauce) was undercooked and we could taste the flour. Eh, we forgave that because maybe, we were being too New York and our taste buds have been spoiled by the plethora of exceptional restaurants.
This year, not only has their cooking remained subpar and uninspired, the portion has gone way done and price gone up. We ordered the following dishes:
Scallops with spinach: While the scallops were tasty, however there were only four measly scallops that are small-​medium sized. And I could count the number of spinach leaves as a side, 10 leaves. Really?! It just looked pathetic on that huge plate.
½ and ½ of scallops and walleye. While the scallops were delicious again, however the serving size was ridiculous… two pieces of small/​medium sized scallops. The walleye was coated in his heavy crust that detracted from the meat of the fish. Again, messily servings of spinach and overall pathetic looking on the plate.
½ rack of lamb special. They had a lamb special that was coated in espresso, with onions and mushrooms marinated in some espresso beer or what not. While the concept sounded delicious the execution was poor. The espresso was overwhelming the flavor of the lamb and the whole dish tasted like a chocolaty mess. Also, the serving size was more like ¼ of a lamb rack (unless the lamb in Fort Wayne is far smaller than the average lamb in America). The whole dish was so bad that I took one bite of the 4 measly pieces of lamb and gave it to the server to pack up so I can give it to my cousin’s dog at home.
All in all. WE WILL NOT BE BACK. If you want to charge almost $ 30 bucks for four scallops, that’s fine but there better be some exceptional cooking or inspired creativity to back it up. The Oyster Bar does not… it is an old and insipid restaurant resting on its laurels.
Citizens of Fort Wayne, you deserve better!!!