
Capitol Oyster Bar
A hidden gem on the Alabama River, Capitol Oyster Bar offers a unique seafood experience with live music and scenic views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Capitol Oyster Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem on the Alabama River, Capitol Oyster Bar offers a unique seafood experience with live music and scenic views.
Party Seating
Ensure your whole party is present before being seated to guarantee you can sit together.
Parking Caution
Navigate the parking lot carefully due to potholes; drive slowly to avoid issues.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waterfront Dining with Live Music
Savor fresh seafood with stunning views of the Alabama River, often accompanied by live blues or jazz music.

Fresh Oysters and Seafood Platters
Enjoy a variety of fresh oysters and generous seafood platters, including popular options like Royal Red shrimp.

Unique, Relaxed Atmosphere
Experience a laid-back, 'beachfront' vibe, perfect for casual gatherings and enjoying the river breeze.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Party Seating
Ensure your whole party is present before being seated to guarantee you can sit together.
Parking Caution
Navigate the parking lot carefully due to potholes; drive slowly to avoid issues.
GPS Detour
Avoid questionable GPS directions through trailer parks; continue straight on the main road.
Pay as you go
Consider paying for drinks as you order to avoid potential billing errors.
Tips
from all over the internet
Party Seating
Ensure your whole party is present before being seated to guarantee you can sit together.
Parking Caution
Navigate the parking lot carefully due to potholes; drive slowly to avoid issues.
GPS Detour
Avoid questionable GPS directions through trailer parks; continue straight on the main road.
Pay as you go
Consider paying for drinks as you order to avoid potential billing errors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Capitol Oyster Bar offers a relaxed waterfront dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood, particularly oysters and shrimp. While many praise the delicious food and the scenic river views, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality and occasional slow or problematic service. The live music adds to the appealing, casual atmosphere, making it a unique spot despite its quirks.
"It was awesome. The best burger I have had in a very long time and the seafood lunch platter was incredible"
William Smith
"Cute place but would only return for the water front seating. The food was either super good or left on the plate due to flavor or cooking style. The okra has pokey stuff in it that got stuck in my throat and the rice pilaf left a lot to be desired. The gator bites and the corn balls were a standout though.
Notes:
You cannot be seated until your whole party is there.
Huge parking lot but lots of pot holes so slow down as you come towards it.
Google will try to send you through a trailer park, instead keep driving straight when it wants to to turn in. It will reroute you."
Jennifer White
"$14 gets you SIX pieces of shrimp. The fried shrimp platter came with two sides (I got double fries) and two (small) hush puppies.
The food itself wasn’t bad, though I didn’t care for the batter on the shrimp. I just can’t get over the fact that a $14 platter gets you six small to medium shrimps.
I definitely left hungry."
Samantha Bass
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular choices include fresh oysters on the half shell, Royal Red shrimp, gator bites, corn balls, and various seafood platters.
Yes, the restaurant often features live music, especially blues and jazz, with Sundays being a regular performance day.
Yes, there is a large parking lot, but be cautious of potholes.
The restaurant policy is that your entire party must be present to be seated.
It's described as a casual, relaxed 'beachfront' vibe, perfect for enjoying the river views.
Avoid GPS routes that suggest turning through a trailer park; continue straight on the main road.
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15 Best Restaurants In Montgomery AL You Must Try
Located on the Alabama River the Capitol Oyster Bar is the perfect place to dine when looking for restaurants in Montgomery with ambience. With outdoor dining on the deck, live Blues music and some of the best seafood in Montgomery this is the perfect place to head for an afternoon or evening!. They even offer pontoon boat rentals for before or after your meal for you to explore the river.
15 Best Things To Do In Montgomery, Alabama
To truly be transported outside the city, follow locals to hidden gem Capitol Oyster Bar. Overlooking the Alabama River, this classic seafood shack has all the makings of a favorite beachfront restaurant—just minus the ocean. Order a dozen oysters on the half shell or a pound of Cajun-seasoned Royal Red shrimp, and enjoy the view (and frequent live music) from the expansive back deck.
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Sit down to order fresh and delicious Montgomery seafood like Argentina Shrimp, Alaskan Snow Crab Legs, or a Scallop Po-Boy Sandwich at Capitol Oyster Bar. Enjoy the tastes of Central America with the Coctel de Camaron, Puerco Verde, or Alambre de Bistec at Sol Restaurante. Get some Southern comfort with Fried Chicken, Oxtail, and Catfish at Mrs B’s Home Cooking.
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Capitol Oyster Bar was probably my favorite place (or at least one of my favorite places). Overlooking the Alabama River, Capitol Oyster Bar definitely has the freshest and best seafood in the area. We started with raw oysters (I did not have any, but Ian said they were amazing!) and then ordered the combination platter and frog legs for our main entrees.
Best Romantic Restaurants in Montgomery, AL – The Checkers Montgomery
Enjoy the best seafood in the city while overlooking down-town Montgomery, AL and the Alabama River. The City Oyster Bar is considered the best kept secret of all restaurants in town. For a romantic meal, choose the shrimp sampler, in which you have a choice of seasoned shrimp, Argentina shrimp, or red royal shrimp weighing in a 2 pounds, enough for two.
Live music, bar plans and dine-in restaurants in works for River Region under relaxing coronavirus rules
Another place for music this coming weekend is Lewis Mashburn's Capitol Oyster Bar, 617 Shady St. Mashburn's beautiful spot along the Alabama River in Montgomery, opened up for a busy Mother's Day Weekend, and now they're ready to bring more music and dine-in customers. They'll have Montgomery band Sabadas playing Sunday from 5-8 p.m.
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Service here can be ridiculously slow and they get your order wrong sometimes but you aren't going to get closer to the oyster house beach vibe than this place when the band is kicking on the back porch, and you have a mess of roys in front of you. I like aw shucks a little better for quality- but this place will do in a pinch.
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Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum Capitol Oyster Bar 07-17-2022. Conveniently located near downtown Montgomery, our hotel provides easy access to numerous attractions and businesses. This initial event grew to become an annual event and even take on a new name: Zoo Weekend.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Montgomery, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (163 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 617 Shady St, Montgomery, AL 36104-2338- Read more on Tripadvisor
Where to Eat and Drink in Montgomery, Alabama
Get to Capitol Oyster Bar by car, by boat, or on horseback–just get here, because on a Sunday afternoon, this is the place to be. Locals come in droves to enjoy live music, the setting sun, and even the occasional riverboat passing by.
Montgomery, Alabama Weekend Getaway
Capitol Oyster Bar – If you’re looking for deep South ambiance, look no further than Capitol Oyster Bar. Overlooking downtown Montgomery as well as the Alabama River, Capitol Oyster Bar is usually full of locals.
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Seafood, live music and a view of the Alabama river, what more could you ask for?. With clear patio enclosures and warmers, this is the ideal spot to grab some authentic southern seafood.
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As you drive up to the Capitol Oyster Bar, you may wonder if you are lost and will certainly question if you have made the right decision to eat at this restaurant.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit