167 Raw Oyster Bar sits at 193 King Street serving New England style oyster bar food in the heart of historic downtown Charleston.
The restaurant sources seafood from New Brunswick, Canada to McClellanville and Charleston creating the kind of East Coast seafood mecca that earns #21 of 719 restaurant ranking in Charleston.
Jesse Sandole branched off from his father Bill’s Nantucket seafood market to create this raw bar that’s been packing tables since 2014.
What Makes 167 Raw Oyster Bar Special
The fresh oysters on the half shell arrive from all over Canada, New England, and beyond showcasing varieties most Charleston spots don’t bother sourcing.
The lobster roll – available warm or cold – gets called a “crowd favorite” with meaty portions that aren’t solely laden with claw meat addressing a pet peeve many seafood lovers share. The tuna burger represents another signature item that pairs perfectly with rosé or any of the curated wines from their carefully selected list.
Hour-long waits on Saturday nights come with the territory when you’re serving exceptional seafood at a seafood counter where you can watch everything happen, though they have a rooftop bar around the corner for comfortable waiting.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Bill Sandole opened East Coast Seafood at 167 Hummock Pond Rd in Nantucket in the 70s creating the island’s go-to seafood market.
Thirty years later his son Jesse branched off to create 167 Raw as a raw bar catering company before opening this Charleston location in 2014. The 167 Hospitality Group now operates multiple locations including Nantucket alongside sister concepts like 167 Sushi Bar.
The family’s wholesale seafood roots from 1978 inform the sourcing that separates this from restaurants relying on distributors rather than direct relationships with docks.
Food Highlights
- Fresh Oysters on Half Shell: The oysters from Canada, New England, and Charleston waters arrive fresh daily with varieties that showcase the East Coast seafood sourcing that defines this operation. 🦪
- Lobster Roll: The crowd favorite arrives warm or cold with meaty portions that include more than just claw meat creating the kind of lobster roll that backs up its reputation. 🦞
- Tuna Burger: The signature preparation pairs perfectly with rosé from the curated wine list earning crowd favorite status alongside the lobster roll. 🍔
- Fish Tacos: The tacos inspired by travels around the world bring global influences to the New England oyster bar concept with excellent execution. 🌮
- Lobster and Scallops Ceviche: The outstanding starter combines fresh lobster and scallops in bright ceviche preparation showcasing the quality of seafood this kitchen sources. 🍋
- Caviar: The wonderful caviar offerings add luxury touch to the raw bar experience without pretense that would feel out of place in Charleston. 🥚
Atmosphere
The 193 King Street location creates a swanky, well-heeled environment that’s beautifully styled without feeling overdone or pretentious.
The seafood counter becomes a focal point where you can watch preparations while waiting for your table during peak hours. The warm, inviting space combined with first-come, first-served policy (no reservations) creates energy that comes from packed dining rooms.
Bar167 rooftop location around the corner provides comfortable waiting space during Saturday night hour-long waits, while the elegant atmosphere makes this equally appropriate for date nights or special occasions.
Bottom Line
Visit 167 Raw Oyster Bar for New England style oyster bar where Jesse Sandole’s family seafood roots from 1978 Nantucket create sourcing that brings oysters from Canada to Charleston waters.
The fresh oysters, lobster roll, and tuna burger prove this seafood counter respects both quality and preparation. The fish tacos, lobster and scallops ceviche, and caviar show the range from casual to luxurious and maintains consistent excellence.
Since 2014, this King Street spot has earned #21 of 719 restaurant ranking in Charleston with swanky atmosphere, no reservations, and hour-long Saturday waits that prove exceptional seafood creates its own demand. 🌟
Address: 167 Raw Oyster Bar
193 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 579-4997
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM | Sun: Closed | No reservations
Features: New England oyster bar | Sourcing from Canada to Charleston | Seafood counter seating | Rooftop bar nearby | Sister restaurant 167 Sushi Bar | Nantucket location
Links: Website | Instagram | Bar167 Charleston | 167 Hospitality