My family recently visited The Oyster Bar in Little Rock for the second time, hoping to share a wonderful dining experience with our guests. Initially, everything ordered exceeded our expectations—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. However, the experience turned sour when my daughter ordered a Tito’s Bloody Mary. The drink had a noticeably off taste and sour smell, perhaps due to an expired mixer.
We politely informed our waitress, Amanda a pleasant, soft-spoken young lady to request an exchange for something else similarly priced, like a simple margarita. Surprisingly, Amanda declined, claiming Arkansas law prevented drink exchanges, a claim I’ve found unsupported. Despite another guest at our table confirming the unpleasant taste, Amanda remained dismissive and only offered to add ingredients to improve it.
To our disappointment, the issue became an unsettling spectacle. Amanda openly discussed our concerns with other employees, including someone we identified as possibly the owner or manager. Several staff members glanced our way, laughing and whispering. Amanda’s subsequent attentiveness diminished significantly, particularly compared to other tables, creating an uncomfortable sense of being unwelcome.
When presenting the bill, Amanda made it a point, with a sly grin, to highlight that gratuity was already included. This overall dismissive treatment deeply saddened us, especially given the excitement we initially felt to celebrate a special occasion. The unprofessional conduct, perceived racial undertones, and visibly poor customer service overshadowed what should have been a delightful evening. This should have been a celebration of life a fun, eventful birthday dinner but sadly, it was anything but that.
We hope our experience serves as feedback for improvement and that future visitors won’t face similar disrespect or disappointment.
Victoria Gomes
This place is wonderful , if you really love oyster !!🦪
Betty Box
My complaint is not about the service or the food it is the management and policies. Our waitress was very good and Courteous. We went to the Oyster bar in Little Rock Arkansas to celebrate my daughter 51st birthday one of my granddaughters bought her a birthday cake no one up front stopped her and told her she couldn’t bring a cake into the restaurant, not even our waitress when asked if she could put the cake in the cooler because it was a ice cream cake but she did tell me there would be cake fee if she served us I replied I can serve it is there a fee to use a knife we laughed and she said oh no I’ll get you a knife. I asked if there was a fee for four small plates she said no. Well low and behold when we received our bill we were charged $16.00 for eating our cake in their restaurant. When questioned why the charge the waitress said that is what I told you, I was not going to go back and forth with her so I replied “you live and learn “ she smiled. Now I could have been mean not give her a tip but I did give her one and made sure my granddaughters did also. Will I go back probably not.
Gretchen Cobb
Love the new design! Same delicious food. Also, be prepared for the whole party to arrive if you have a large group.
Jerry
I haven’t been here since they updated The Oyster Bar. I was so delighted to see all of the improvements. It’s so well lighted. It had live music. The food was so scrumptious. I would highly recommend.
Terri Colclasure
Had lunch here recently with a friend of mine. The service was friendly and the food came out fast and fresh! It was delicious as always.
April Champagne
This place never disappoints, the food is always amazing. The oysters are some of the freshest around. The fried okra is great, the prime rib is some of the best I’ve had. You also have to try the mussels on the appetizer menu. Great selection of specialty seafood. The restaurant is always clean and the service is excellent.
Jose Benito
This Place is Amazing!
John N Owens
The Oyster Bar was one of my favorite restaurants. The last few times the service has been disappointing. We went last night at 5:15. We were seated quickly. They had 3 people seating folks.
Once seated we waited 15 minutes and no one came to our table.
Others around us who came in after us were being served.
So we got up and left. I am not going back for a while.
Todd Rigby
Soft shell crab poboy and red beans and rice were awesome. Service was slow mainly due to staff scheduling. Boiled shrimp were under cooked and hard to peel. Typical for IQF or frozen white shrimp. Passing off White Shrimp for Key West Pink…not the same and never cook for over 2-3 minutes. Manager was rude, arrogant and very unprofessional.
I cannot say enough good things about my recent experience at Oyster Bar. Not only is the food consistently amazing every time I visit, but the level of care and hospitality from the staff truly goes above and beyond.
During my last visit, I unfortunately became overheated and fainted on the patio. What could have been a stressful and overwhelming situation was met with nothing but kindness, quick action, and genuine empathy from everyone at the restaurant. Emily, in particular, was an absolute lifesaver—I am beyond grateful she was there that day. From making sure I was okay to offering support in every way possible, her kindness did not go unnoticed.
Our waiter had already provided excellent service before my mishap, ensuring a fantastic dining experience. The entire staff demonstrated what true hospitality looks like, and I am incredibly appreciative of their care and professionalism.
If you’re looking for a place with phenomenal food and a team that truly cares about their guests, look no further than The Oyster Bar. 10/10 recommend!
Gary Smith
I miss the old Oyster bar...mainly because of food. the onion rings tasted weird and the catfish poboy had more tomato and lettuce than catfish. Thank goodness we had a gift certificate...would have objected in spending my own money....
Jake State
The raw oysters were definitely my favorite. I didn’t enjoy the Rockefeller or the wood grill oysters. One of them tasted like pizza and the other like bread sticks. It’s good if you’re not trying to taste the oyster. Also there was too many crunchy shells on the dish that’s what ruined it for me. Great fast service and great prices though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fresh Oysters
Zachary Furgeson
What i love about this place was their food. its very satisfying!
My family recently visited The Oyster Bar in Little Rock for the second time, hoping to share a wonderful dining experience with our guests. Initially, everything ordered exceeded our expectations—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. However, the experience turned sour when my daughter ordered a Tito’s Bloody Mary. The drink had a noticeably off taste and sour smell, perhaps due to an expired mixer. We politely informed our waitress, Amanda a pleasant, soft-spoken young lady to request an exchange for something else similarly priced, like a simple margarita. Surprisingly, Amanda declined, claiming Arkansas law prevented drink exchanges, a claim I’ve found unsupported. Despite another guest at our table confirming the unpleasant taste, Amanda remained dismissive and only offered to add ingredients to improve it. To our disappointment, the issue became an unsettling spectacle. Amanda openly discussed our concerns with other employees, including someone we identified as possibly the owner or manager. Several staff members glanced our way, laughing and whispering. Amanda’s subsequent attentiveness diminished significantly, particularly compared to other tables, creating an uncomfortable sense of being unwelcome. When presenting the bill, Amanda made it a point, with a sly grin, to highlight that gratuity was already included. This overall dismissive treatment deeply saddened us, especially given the excitement we initially felt to celebrate a special occasion. The unprofessional conduct, perceived racial undertones, and visibly poor customer service overshadowed what should have been a delightful evening. This should have been a celebration of life a fun, eventful birthday dinner but sadly, it was anything but that. We hope our experience serves as feedback for improvement and that future visitors won’t face similar disrespect or disappointment.
This place is wonderful , if you really love oyster !!🦪
My complaint is not about the service or the food it is the management and policies. Our waitress was very good and Courteous. We went to the Oyster bar in Little Rock Arkansas to celebrate my daughter 51st birthday one of my granddaughters bought her a birthday cake no one up front stopped her and told her she couldn’t bring a cake into the restaurant, not even our waitress when asked if she could put the cake in the cooler because it was a ice cream cake but she did tell me there would be cake fee if she served us I replied I can serve it is there a fee to use a knife we laughed and she said oh no I’ll get you a knife. I asked if there was a fee for four small plates she said no. Well low and behold when we received our bill we were charged $16.00 for eating our cake in their restaurant. When questioned why the charge the waitress said that is what I told you, I was not going to go back and forth with her so I replied “you live and learn “ she smiled. Now I could have been mean not give her a tip but I did give her one and made sure my granddaughters did also. Will I go back probably not.
Love the new design! Same delicious food. Also, be prepared for the whole party to arrive if you have a large group.
I haven’t been here since they updated The Oyster Bar. I was so delighted to see all of the improvements. It’s so well lighted. It had live music. The food was so scrumptious. I would highly recommend.
Had lunch here recently with a friend of mine. The service was friendly and the food came out fast and fresh! It was delicious as always.
This place never disappoints, the food is always amazing. The oysters are some of the freshest around. The fried okra is great, the prime rib is some of the best I’ve had. You also have to try the mussels on the appetizer menu. Great selection of specialty seafood. The restaurant is always clean and the service is excellent.
This Place is Amazing!
The Oyster Bar was one of my favorite restaurants. The last few times the service has been disappointing. We went last night at 5:15. We were seated quickly. They had 3 people seating folks. Once seated we waited 15 minutes and no one came to our table. Others around us who came in after us were being served. So we got up and left. I am not going back for a while.
Soft shell crab poboy and red beans and rice were awesome. Service was slow mainly due to staff scheduling. Boiled shrimp were under cooked and hard to peel. Typical for IQF or frozen white shrimp. Passing off White Shrimp for Key West Pink…not the same and never cook for over 2-3 minutes. Manager was rude, arrogant and very unprofessional.
Restaurantji Recommends
I cannot say enough good things about my recent experience at Oyster Bar. Not only is the food consistently amazing every time I visit, but the level of care and hospitality from the staff truly goes above and beyond. During my last visit, I unfortunately became overheated and fainted on the patio. What could have been a stressful and overwhelming situation was met with nothing but kindness, quick action, and genuine empathy from everyone at the restaurant. Emily, in particular, was an absolute lifesaver—I am beyond grateful she was there that day. From making sure I was okay to offering support in every way possible, her kindness did not go unnoticed. Our waiter had already provided excellent service before my mishap, ensuring a fantastic dining experience. The entire staff demonstrated what true hospitality looks like, and I am incredibly appreciative of their care and professionalism. If you’re looking for a place with phenomenal food and a team that truly cares about their guests, look no further than The Oyster Bar. 10/10 recommend!
I miss the old Oyster bar...mainly because of food. the onion rings tasted weird and the catfish poboy had more tomato and lettuce than catfish. Thank goodness we had a gift certificate...would have objected in spending my own money....
The raw oysters were definitely my favorite. I didn’t enjoy the Rockefeller or the wood grill oysters. One of them tasted like pizza and the other like bread sticks. It’s good if you’re not trying to taste the oyster. Also there was too many crunchy shells on the dish that’s what ruined it for me. Great fast service and great prices though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fresh Oysters
What i love about this place was their food. its very satisfying!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and service were AMAZING!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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