Jettie Rae’s Oyster House

Located on Charlotte Street in Asheville, North Carolina, is Jettie Rae’s Oyster House. Described as a location created by Asheville locals for Asheville locals, this casual eatery is a celebration of coastal culinary heritage. Here, you can find traditional coastal fare cleverly combined with classic details and even an elegant oyster bar.

Jettie Rae’s Oyster House proudly embraces the seafood traditions from Maine to New Orleans. As a result, their seafood dishes are inspired by Spanish, Native American, French, and Gullah Geechee culinary traditions. In addition, Jettie Rae’s is ever conscious of their source and promotes sustainability in the seafood industry. They proudly support the individuals and families who make their living from the coastal waters.

Interestingly enough, the renovated site that now houses Jettie Rae’s Oyster House was previously the Gulf Gas Station that was opened by Steamer Edmonds. This location is well known in north Asheville and has been a fixture of the area for nearly 70 years. Jettie Rae is proud to carry on the legacy of taking care of both Asheville natives and visitors in this iconic location, which was first established by Steamer many years ago.

Consider Jettie Rae’s American seafood restaurant the place to stop for fresh seafood including Po’ Boys, raw oysters, tin fish selections, shrimp, lobster rolls, and more. Known as the source of the freshest fish and finest oysters in the area, Jettie Rae offers both indoor and patio dining (heated seasonally), ideal for friends and family to gather.

This casual, relaxed environment that also has a full bar is welcoming to locals as well as out-of-town guests. Reviewers rave about the locale’s great vibe and the excellent service, thanks to the knowledge of the well-trained entire staff. Jettie Rae’s Oyster House is no doubt part of what helped Asheville make the list of Best Food Cities to Travel to from Eater’s. In fact, many claim it is the “the place” to get the best seafood in the entire Asheville area.

In addition to the casual dining establishment, Jettie Rae’s Oyster House is also home to “The Pearl,” a 17-foot Airstream painted nautical white-on-blue. This airstream features a pop-up window and patio and is often open alongside the restaurant offering half a dozen or so types of oysters and other items. The idea is to create a neighborhood gathering spot or a place within a place according to Jettie Rae’s owner. Jettie Rae’s Oyster House earned the 2022 Traveler’s Choice award from TripAdvisor, as well as being mentioned and highlighted in The South’s Best Oysters, Taste of the South, WNC, Capital at Play publications, and more.

While your choices of fare on the menu are substantial when visiting Jettie Rae’s, you have to try the following signature dishes… 

Oysters Bienville
This dish includes baked oysters, pecorino, shrimp, and crimini mushrooms.

Tin Fish Selections
This dish comes with bread and condiments and includes your choice of mussels, razor clams, scallops, tuna, octopus, razor clams, and octopus.

Caviar Service
You can choose white sturgeon or Siberian caviar. It comes with traditional accompaniments and potato chips.

Peel & Eat Shrimp
Available in either ½ lb or 1 lb serving, this dish is served with Old Bay and cocktail sauce.

Bread Service
OWL bakery ciabatta, sea salt trout roe, whipped butter. You can also add black anchovies.

Fisherman’s Stew
This dish includes shellfish, fish, tomato, and fennel broth and bread.

New Orleans Shrimp Salad
This light dish includes creole shrimp remoulade, fresh herbs, and bibb lettuce. You can also add crab cake, shrimp, or fish to any salad.

Blue Cheese Potato Chips
Although it’s technically a side, you must try this signature item, considered a must-have favorite. It includes chives, buttermilk, and Danish blue.