New York has pizza, Chicago has hot dogs, and Florida has what? Well, we all know Florida has some pretty good seafood, but did you know that our state is home to a town known for harvesting the best oysters in the world? That’s right! Apalachicola oysters are truly delicious, and you’ve got to try them at least once.

Flickr/Ben Lee
"He was a bold man that first ate an oyster," said satirist Jonathan Swift. While they might not be everyone's cup of tea, those who enjoy eating oysters usually appreciate them with a special gusto. Heck, they blow right past warnings printed right on menus and guzzle them down raw by the bucketful.
Flickr/JR P
If you're one of those lifelong lovers of these slippery delicacies, you'll be delighted to discover that the best oysters in the world can be found right here in the Sunshine State, in a little fishing town in Northwest Florida called Apalachicola. In fact, this is the only place in the country where oysters are still hand-harvested with tongs from small boats.

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We're not just tooting our own horn, here. Apalachicola oysters are famously preferred by the world's greatest chefs and gourmands. If you're an oyster lover, you owe it to yourself to check it out. Not only is the town full of great local places to get fresh oysters, it's also a historic yet down-to-earth village that oozes coastal charm.
Flickr/Marilynn Taylor
If you have never tried Apalachicola oysters, you might want to plan a trip soon. The oyster population has become imperiled lately and has become the center of a feud between Florida and Georgia over water rights and usage. Part of the problem is that Georgia redirects water from the Apalachicola River to quench the thirst of ever-growing cities like Atlanta, but Apalachicola depends on the flow of the river to create the unique habitat responsible for its consistently large, clean-tasting, world-famous oysters.
TravelAdvisorIMO/TripAdvisor
If you do decide to visit this charming small town, there are plenty of awesome restaurants that focus on the town's source of culinary pride, including Up The Creek Raw Bar or Hole In The Wall Seafood. Give one of these a try, or, even better, try as many places as you can until you find a personal favorite.

Have you ever visited Apalachicola and/or tried Apalachicola oysters? What’s your favorite food that you can only find in the Sunshine State? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another local business we should feature, nominate them in our online form here!

If you’re looking for more places to get seafood in Florida, visit this delicious clam chowder restaurant.

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Apalachicola oysters

Elisa Regulski | May 02, 2020

What are the best places to get oysters in Florida?

Everyone knows that Apalachicola is one of the best places to get oysters in Florida, but it’s not the only spot you can get these delicious delicacies. Hunt’s Oyster Bar, located in Panama City, also serves up wonderful varieties. Of course, you can get so much more than just oysters. Their gator, catfish, and shrimp dishes also dazzle. And the best part? This isn’t your typical tourist spot. You’ll love dining at this local eatery. You’ll also find delicious oysters at Old Florida Grill & Oyster House. This charming eatery is located in Cocoa, and they’re known for their lovely waterfront views, vibrant live music, and delicious eats.

What are the best small towns in Florida?

Everyone loves Florida’s big towns. Miami, Panama City, and Orlando are full of vibrant bars, exquisite beaches, and exciting attractions. But sometimes it’s the small towns in Florida that really charm us. Get off the beaten path and explore some underrated gems. These 13 sleepy small towns in Florida never seem to change, even in this fast-paced world. You’ll love these wonderful day trip destinations.

Where do Apalachicola oysters come from?

Apalachicola oysters come from Apalachicola Bay along the Florida panhandle. This gorgeous area spans 30 miles and is full of shallow water that’s perfect for these tasty treats. Of course, it’s more difficult to get Apalachicola oysters these days. If you happen to find them on the menu, don’t miss out! It’s easy to see why people think these are the best oysters in the world.

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Apalachicola, FL 32320, USA