Charleston’s proximity to Florida, New England, and Gulf Coast creates a rare opportunity – a raw bar that serves stone crab claws, Gulf oysters, and New Brunswick oysters on the same menu where most regions limit themselves geographically.
167 Raw operates at 193 King Street where New England-style oyster bar format highlights East Coast seafood mecca through daily selections from Canada, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Opened on historic King Street with no reservations policy (first-come-first-serve only), this spot earned #41 on Yelp’s 2023 Top 100 Burger Spots while building a reputation for lobster rolls and raw bar excellence.
What Makes 167 Raw Special
The oyster selection rotates daily with seven varieties showcasing different regions and brininess levels, with menu boards cleverly displaying origin and salinity for each.
167 Raw Oyster Bar operates with white tablecloth service standards in a casual coastal atmosphere where knowledgeable bartenders discuss wine pairings and create elevated classic cocktails with riffs.
The geographic advantage shows in raw bar offerings – stone crab claws from local waters, Gulf oysters rarely found in New England, and Virginia oysters missing from West Coast menus all available simultaneously.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
167 Raw launched at 193 King Street bringing New England oyster bar tradition to Charleston with focus on highlighting East Coast seafood diversity through daily rotating selections.
The menu philosophy stayed simple – showcase outstanding seafood from Canada to Charleston docks through fresh preparations that let quality ingredients define dishes.
The expansion to multiple locations (BAR167, 167 Raw Nantucket, 167 Sushi Bar) validated the approach while maintaining King Street original’s first-come-first-serve policy and casual-elegant balance.
Food Highlights
- Lobster Roll: This signature sandwich showcases fresh lobster with optional Old Bay dusting creating New England classic with Southern touch. The preparation stays true to tradition.
- Tuna Burger: Featured on Yelp’s Top 100 Burger Spots, this burger demonstrates how raw bar expertise applies to creative preparations. The tuna treatment creates a burger format that earned national recognition.
- Pastrami Swordfish Sandwich: This creative preparation transforms swordfish into pastrami-style sandwiches showing the kitchen’s inventive approach. The technique bridges deli tradition with seafood.
- Oyster Sampler: Four oysters, four clams, and four shrimp create introduction to raw bar variety at accessible price point. The sampler format lets diners explore selections.
- Tuna Tataki: Seared tuna preparation demonstrates raw bar’s range beyond cold seafood through proper technique. The tataki format showcases quality fish.
- Stone Crab Claws: Local caught stone crab claws show Charleston’s proximity advantage bringing Florida specialty to South Carolina raw bar. The local sourcing creates fresh availability.
Atmosphere
167 Raw sits at 193 King Street in historic downtown Charleston, where a casual atmosphere with moderate noise and sexy scene creates space for groups seeking elevated coastal dining.
The restaurant operates first-come-first-serve with no reservations, leading to 15-30 minute waits during busy periods while bar seating provides quicker access.
Operating Monday-Saturday 11am-11pm (closed Sundays) provides lunch through late dinner service with enclosed patio and outdoor seating accommodating different preferences.
167 Raw Oyster Bar – Charleston
Bottom Line
Visit 167 Raw Oyster Bar because Charleston’s geographic position creates a rare raw bar serving entire East Coast lineup from Canada to the Gulf simultaneously.
The lobster roll and daily rotating oyster selection demonstrate how New England oyster bar tradition applied to Charleston location creates seafood diversity unmatched by regional competitors.
The #41 Yelp Top 100 Burger Spots recognition, white tablecloth service in casual setting, elevated cocktail program, and commitment to East Coast seafood showcase prove this King Street spot serves exceptional raw bar dining.
Address: 167 Raw Oyster Bar 193 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401
📞 (843) 579-4997
🕐 Mon-Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Closed Sunday)
Yelp Top 100 Burger #41 | New England-style | First-come-first-serve | Daily oyster rotation | 167 Hospitality group | East Coast seafood