Desire Oyster Bar

Name: Desire Oyster Bar
Address: 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA, United States, 70130
Telephone: (504) 553-2281
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.1

4.1

282 Reviews

$30 and under

Oyster Bar

Top tags:

Decorative iron grillwork paired with oversized windows and an antique mirror reveal the fully stocked bar and serve as the backdrop for the Desire bar. Signature features like the tin ceiling and black and white checkered floors give depth to a brand new contemporary bar, highboy tables, and state of the art chargrill station. The color palette and design elements have been carefully curated to complement the existing materials while creating a fresh look for the restaurant.
Desire Oyster Bar is the perfect setting to enjoy a great meal in the center of all the action of the French Quarter.
Once we shuck 'em, we don't just chuck 'em! Desire Oyster Bar is honored to donate all used oyster shells to the Coalition To Restore Coastal Louisiana’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program. These recycled oyster shells are used to restore oyster reefs and shoreline habitat across Coastal Louisiana.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 27, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Oyster Bar, Seafood, Creole
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(504) 553-2281
Website
https://www.sonesta.com/us/louisiana/new-orleans/royal-sonesta-new-orleans/desire-oyster-bar
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress

Location
300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Neighbourhood
French Quarter
Cross Street
Located at the corner of Bourbon and Bienville Streets
Parking Details
Valet Parking is available at the main entrance at 777 Bienville Street.
Public Transit
Canal at Bourbon Street-BusRampart-Conti Streets-Streetcar
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Louisiana Crab CakesUS$18.00
Brussel Slaw, Charred Lemon, Cajun Aioli
New Orleans Shrimp RemouladeUS$16.00
Creole Remoulade, Sliced Tomato, Potato Salad
To Desire for FriesUS$13.00
Smothered Fries, Etouffee Sauce, Cheddar Cheese & Fried Crawfish
Smack Yo' Momma OystersUS$16.00
Garlic French, Buffalo Tossed, Bleu Cheese Crumbles & Dressing
Bourbon Smoked WingsUS$15.00
Tossed in our House Buffalo Sauce. Bleu Cheese Crumbles & Dressing
Cajun Fried AlligatorUS$13.00
Kickin' Pickles, Pepper Jelly Drizzle, Ranch Dipper

Gumbo & Salads

Have it anyway your heart Desires! Here in da south we eat our gumbo with a scoop of rice or with a scoop of potato salad. Take your pick!

Caesar Desired to be Greek Salad
Romaine, Tomatoes, Kalamata, Feta, Croutons & Parmesan
- SideUS$9.00
- FullUS$14.00
Bienville WedgeUS$12.00
Smoked Pancetta, Cajun Hard Boiled Quail Egg, Red Onions, Blue Cheese Crumbles & Dressing
Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
Tender Chicken, Andouille. Rice or Potato Salad
- CupUS$7.00
- BowlUS$10.00
Seafood Gumbo
Crab, Shrimp, Crawfish. Rice or Potato Salad
- CupUS$9.00
- BowlUS$12.00

Po'Boys & Sandwiches

All Po'boys & sandwiches served with fries. Po'boys dressed with tomato, lettuce and pickles

Fried CatfishUS$16.00
Fried ShrimpUS$19.00
Fried OysterUS$20.00
Fried ChickenUS$15.00
The CompromiseUS$20.00
1/2 Fried Shrimp & 1/2 Oysters
The Swamp DaddyUS$18.00
Catfish, Crawfish & Debris Gravy
Angus CheeseburgerUS$16.00
8oz., Cheddar Cheese, Brioche, Fries & Dressed
Blackened Catfish on a BunUS$17.00
Brioche, Creole Cheese Crumbles, Roasted Red Pepper Sauce & Kickin' Pickles
Sticky Chicken on a BunUS$15.00
Brioche, Brussel Slaw, Hot Honey & Red Onions

Oyster Bar

Char Grilled Oysters
Garlic, Butter, Parmesan, Herbs
- ½ DozUS$16.00
- DozUS$26.00
Char Grilled Rockin Oysters
Better than the original Rockefeller! Our Char Grilled topped w/ Creamed Spinach & Herb Saint
- ½ DozUS$18.00
- DozUS$30.00
Oysters on the Half Shell
Lemon, Cocktail, Horseradish, Crackers
- ½ DozUS$12.00
- DozUS$22.00
Boiled Peel & Eat ShrimpUS$16.00
1/2 lb. Boiled in our Cajun Boil. Choice of Hot or Cold

Plates & Bowls

Fried Oyster PlateUS$31.00
Southern Cornmeal Breaded, Fries, Corn Fritters
Fried Shrimp PlateUS$29.00
Southern Cornmeal Breaded, Fries, Corn Fritters
Fried Catfish PlateUS$22.00
Southern Cornmeal Breaded, Fries, Corn Fritters
The Big Fried Catch PlateUS$35.00
Southern Cornmeal Breaded Shrimp, Catfish, Oysters. Fries, Corn Fritters
JambalayaUS$18.00
Local Spices, Sausage, Chicken & Rice
Red Beans & RiceUS$17.00
Slow Cooked, Grilled Sausage
Etouffee Yo WayUS$26.00
Choice of one: Shrimp, Chicken or Crawfish. Rice
The Creole TrioUS$25.00
Red Beans N Rice, Jambalaya & Cup of Gumbo
Shrimp N GritsUS$25.00
Stone Ground Southern Grits, Tasso, Blackened Shrimp & Roasted Red Pepper Cream
Fried Chicken & WaffleUS$19.00
Southern Fried, Hot Honey, Cane Syrup
Blackened CatfishUS$23.00
Tasso Cheese Grits &Southern Greens
Cajun RibeyeUS$32.00
10 oz. Cut, Lightly Cajun Dusted, Cajun Butter, Skillet Potatoes
The Pasta 3 Step
Step 1: Pick Yo Sauce. Step 2: Pick Yo Topping. Step 3: Enjoy! Sauce: Cajun Alfredo, Roasted Red Pepper Cream, Pesto Cream. Topping:
- Grilled ChickenUS$19.00
- Fried OystersUS$24.00
- Grilled ShrimpUS$23.00

Extras

Fries (Regular or Sweet)US$6.00
Southern GreensUS$6.00
Red BeansUS$7.00
Tasso Cheese GritsUS$5.00
Vegetable of the DayUS$6.00
Southern Style Potato SaladUS$6.00

Sweet Endings

Bread PuddingUS$8.00
Whiskey Sauce
Bourbon Pecan PieUS$8.00
Salty Caramel, Whip
Old Fashioned Chocolate CakeUS$8.00
Triple: Milk, Simi & Dark

Beverages

Iced TeaUS$4.00
Fountain DrinksUS$4.00
CoffeeUS$4.00
Bottled Water (Sparkling)
- SmallUS$4.00
- LargeUS$6.00
Bottled Water (Still)
- SmallUS$4.00
- LargeUS$6.00

Local Sodas

Bottled Abita Root BeerUS$5.00
Swamp PopUS$5.00
Satsuma Fizz, Praline Cream, Ponchatoula Pop

What 282 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.2Service
4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Energetic

282 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall1food1service1ambience3
I am very sad to report that my beloved Desire has gone very far down in quality and service. I have enjoyed more than 15 meals here over the years. The shrimp and grits is my go to and last night the shrimp was barely ok and then sauce was devoid of taso ham and the grits were closer to wood putty than food. Service was slow, forgettable and it was clear she did not want to be there. That was my last visit
Is this helpful?
SA
SAMUELS
Tallahassee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and environment. Service was exceptional.
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b
bryonl
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I came here for shrimp and grits on the recommendation of a local. Best thing I ever had!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience2
Food subpar, convenient location if visiting bourbon street, staff nice
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Yorkshire
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazingly food and beautiful setting. Can highly recommended
Is this helpful?
A
Alyse
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Went for Coolinary Lunch and it was fantastic. Exceeded expectations and we had a ton of food left over. Also had some great cocktails.
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c
charlesw
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
The food overpriced and just ok ,didn't live up to the hype.
Is this helpful?
A
Atmosphere
New Orleans
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The oysters were wonderful. Bar staff was amazing.
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
New York Area
16 reviews
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Raw oysters were just ok. Other food was good. Service was in need of improvement. Hot day and no one came around for water refills until towards the end of dinner.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on June 22, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
truly a tourist trap!don’t go here!!!!!!! everything is so salty and not good. overpriced badness.
Is this helpful?
TA
TimA
Atlanta Metro
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience3
Service was ok. Once the meal came our server never checked up on us until we asked for the bill. Food was hot but bland. Main meal came out before Appetizer. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Chicago
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent! Would definitely recommend!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went here for lunch. Mum had a burger and I had fried shrimp. Very tasty and a nice size portion. Service was awesome! Would eat here again
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B
Brandon
Philadelphia
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall3food4service5ambience3
Good food but a bit overpriced. Service was good but the ambiance is just okay. It's a hotel restaurant so all of that is kind of expected. But a decent place for a meal overall.
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SB
SusanB
Greater Boston
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall1food1service4ambience3
Oysters were not served in their brine. Very disappointing.
Is this helpful?
EB
EllenB
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
The hostess initially was friendly when we met in person to change our seating time by 30 minutes. When we arrived she was rather curt and rude when brining us to our table. I have had better customer service at Olive Garden and expected more from an establishment that is connected the the Sonesta group. However, the waitress was pleasant and friendly.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2023
overall1food2service2ambience1
Just… not good. Nothing about this place was impressive. Menus were sticky, food was overpriced and mediocre. Would not recommend.
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JW
JeffreyW
Denver
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was outstanding, and the food fresh and scrumptious. We had the Po' boys (one chicken and one oyster; outstanding bread) and the Creole trio--everything was good. Thanks and we'll be back on our next visit!
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MH
MickealaH
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Folks please stay away, me and my fiancee, and another couple drove down from Baton Rouge to give this place a try . By the time we got our drinks and appetizers ,almost 45mins had passed. The quality was poor, the service was slow, there was plenty of staff, the building was maybe at 40% capacity. Nothing to really explain why the service was so poor. We ended up having to quickly find another restaurant to try. I never write reviews but, this had to be addressed
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E
Eugene
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 27, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
The server was very sweet and attentive without overdoing it. Most of the raw oysters were delicious but a few were bland but I'm not sure how the restaurant could control that. The chargrilled oysters were disappointing.
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TB
TimBeaufort
Charleston
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great food and location. The roof is worth the wait.
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FY
FatimaY
Dallas
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
The food was good, service could be more elevated.
Is this helpful?
JB
JBoy
Atlanta Metro
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My favorite oyster bar in New Orleans! Have been dropping by for many years while on business or vacation. Was pleased to see the ambience and food was better than ever this past week when my wife and I were in NOLA for 5 days. Interior has had an upgrade since last visit several years ago but retains the original flavor of when I first visited as a Tulane graduate student many years ago. Great New Orleans feel to the place and the service and food were outstanding as always.
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RG
ReedG
Portland
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We went to Desire for fresh oysters and classic New Orleans seafood and were absolutely not disappointed, Add in wonderful service and we had a tremendous evening, in fact we went back a few days later and had an equally great experience. Very moderately priced for the Quarter, we highly recommend!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
It was ok . Food and ambience was good . Oysters were a hit !
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SN
SamofNatchez
New Orleans
14 reviews
2.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience1
overall it was very slow service would’ve drank 3 x as much but the bartenders were Sooooo Slow, and the Oysters, were absolutely the smallest I have ever seen, they should be ashamed serving such small things. To many options down there to deal with this.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best oysters in NOLA! I have tried over a dozen or more places, and nobody beats their grilled oysters. I stop by up to twice a day while visiting just to grab them.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing! We come here every time we visit New Orleans! Consistently tasty food and excellent service.
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KA
KAGacke
Little Rock
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The shrimp and grits are amazing as well as the char grilled oysters and fried alligator. Quick turnaround on food and noise level permitted comfortable chatting amongst our group. Great location and people watching. Service was attentive. Wonderful French 75.
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CW
ChrisW
New York Area
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Right on Bourbon Street, this place seemed like to place to be. The food was good, but not as good as some of the other places we dined in New Orleans. We liked the buffalo oysters, but the char grilled were not up to par. People watching was fun, but the windows were not very clean.
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LP
LoriP
Denver
40 reviews
vip
3.0
40 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
This place was noisy. More like a diner. Server was wonderful. Food mediocre compared to other NOLA restaurants.
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SB
ShirleenB
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 4, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience2
The wings were very good as an appetizer but our main courses were so salty several in our party could not eat them.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Mississippi
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 21, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience2
We don’t come to New Orleans much anymore, so I was really disappointed to come and get awful food. The gumbo was so salty and had no flavor otherwise, the jambalaya was dry and mushy, and the cocktails were not good. I was very sad about our dining experience.
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MC
MichaelC
Philadelphia
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great breakfast! Our service was sweet and very attentive! The food was just great!!
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TM
TreciaM
Atlanta Metro
33 reviews
vip
4.0
33 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Went on o this restaurant for my birthday. It he waiter was wonderful. We shared some barbecue oysters. Very good! Th sandwich came and again the food was very good and tasty. Our waiter was quick and kept checking with us. Surprised us with some bread pudding. I liked it. I would go back to this place again.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience2
Tourist trap. Food was meh, service was slow. Don’t bother.
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JM
JayMack
Vancouver
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Reservations (almost) necessary from what we saw over a few days and the day of our reso. Overall very good, the charbroiled oysters weren’t overcooked, and the raw oysters were very fresh - no mignonette, and seemed to be prepared horseradish so not very strong, but those are personal preference things.
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G
Grandee
Chicago
85 reviews
vip
5.0
85 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had just arrived to New Orleans the day we went to Desire. We had set up a reservation for dinner for just the 2 of us. When we arrived there was a wait, so like many restaurants on Bourbon St., there is often a wait here. The wait wasn't bad and we got the table we really wanted. Food was great, service was great....loved my shrimp & grits. Good welcome to NoLa
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TR
TedR
New Orleans
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
Wonderful food and great oysters! Always a great experience
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J
Jenb
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
2.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience3
Oysters rockefeller and chicken wings were overcooked. Oysters raw were sitting open for a long time as they were served without any juice left in them. Was disappointed as this was supposed to be highly rated.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Desire Oyster Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (504) 553-2281.

Desire Oyster Bar is rated 4.1 stars by 282 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 27, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Additional information

Cross Street
Located at the corner of Bourbon and Bienville Streets
Neighbourhood
French Quarter
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Oyster Bar, Seafood, Creole
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Valet Parking is available at the main entrance at 777 Bienville Street.
Public Transit
Canal at Bourbon Street-BusRampart-Conti Streets-Streetcar
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.sonesta.com/us/louisiana/new-orleans/royal-sonesta-new-orleans/desire-oyster-bar
Phone number
(504) 553-2281

Desire Oyster Bar

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Shrimp N Grits

Char Grilled Rockin Oysters

Bread Pudding

Starters

Louisiana Crab CakesUS$18.00

New Orleans Shrimp RemouladeUS$16.00

To Desire for FriesUS$13.00

Smack Yo' Momma OystersUS$16.00

Bourbon Smoked WingsUS$15.00

Cajun Fried AlligatorUS$13.00

Gumbo & Salads

Caesar Desired to be Greek Salad

Bienville WedgeUS$12.00

Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

Seafood Gumbo

Po'Boys & Sandwiches

Fried CatfishUS$16.00

Fried ShrimpUS$19.00

Fried OysterUS$20.00

Fried ChickenUS$15.00

The CompromiseUS$20.00

The Swamp DaddyUS$18.00

Angus CheeseburgerUS$16.00

Blackened Catfish on a BunUS$17.00

Sticky Chicken on a BunUS$15.00

Oyster Bar

Char Grilled Oysters

Char Grilled Rockin Oysters

Oysters on the Half Shell

Boiled Peel & Eat ShrimpUS$16.00

Plates & Bowls

Fried Oyster PlateUS$31.00

Fried Shrimp PlateUS$29.00

Fried Catfish PlateUS$22.00

The Big Fried Catch PlateUS$35.00

JambalayaUS$18.00

Red Beans & RiceUS$17.00

Etouffee Yo WayUS$26.00

The Creole TrioUS$25.00

Shrimp N GritsUS$25.00

Fried Chicken & WaffleUS$19.00

Blackened CatfishUS$23.00

Cajun RibeyeUS$32.00

The Pasta 3 Step

Extras

Fries (Regular or Sweet)US$6.00

Southern GreensUS$6.00

Red BeansUS$7.00

Tasso Cheese GritsUS$5.00

Vegetable of the DayUS$6.00

Southern Style Potato SaladUS$6.00

Sweet Endings

Bread PuddingUS$8.00

Bourbon Pecan PieUS$8.00

Old Fashioned Chocolate CakeUS$8.00

Beverages

Iced TeaUS$4.00

Fountain DrinksUS$4.00

CoffeeUS$4.00

Bottled Water (Sparkling)

Bottled Water (Still)

Local Sodas

Bottled Abita Root BeerUS$5.00

Swamp PopUS$5.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitising

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Desire Oyster Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Desire Oyster Bar restaurant rated?

Is Desire Oyster Bar currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information