Come early to get a table. I came at 8:30 on a Monday night and they were packed. I came back Tuesday at 5:30 and it was quite
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Fresh Maine Lobster Rolls
Andrew Fallon
Great place. Great winks from the barkeep. Best Oysters in town. Ambience and service is stellar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amy Alexander
I had a great experience. The staff was amazing. 4 hours after I started having severe bloating and cramps and nausea followed by vomiting and diarrhea at hour 6. Still going on. Had oysters and a lobster roll. I've never felt so sick.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Amigurumi Friend
I love the seafood here! The oyster selection is always fun, and everything I have eaten here has been delicious! (Definitely get the bread, the butter is made in house and it's addictive!) The prices are not crazy either. This is a great place for date night or a special celebration.The only thing I didn't like was the lobster bisque, and it was really not bad, just wayyyy too salty. Everything else was so good. I'm looking forward to dining here again!Parking: Parking is a little tricky if you don't know the area. The easiest place I've found is the parking lot next to the train station. There is sometimes street parking for closer spacesKid-friendliness: Not a great place to bring kids. It's very loud and can get crowded. This is a nice establishment that should be visited when you are able to get a babysitter
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Oyster Selection, Raw Oysters on the Half Shell
David Underwood
Great Oysters!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dawn Grzegorczyk
Excellent food and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Raw Oysters on the Half Shell, Mariniere Moules Frites, Key Lime Pie, Crab Cake Sandwich
S “An honest reviewer” G
The food is amazing and people are friendly but the service unfortunately was not good.We walk in and promptly was greeted by the hosts, she told us she will accommodate us outside, while we wait for the table was this young lady (a server) taking a order of oysters to a table and all her hair was touching the oysters, was really gross to see it.With my luck she was our server, when she was taking our order her hair was almost touching my cup and I get really nervous and anxious, hair and my food or drink sound not so fun.I ask if someone else can be our server and the manager was so nice, polite and professional , he give us another server, unfortunately the new server almost never come to check ours needs he bring the food at 8:45 and never come back to check if we need something, I have to ask to another server for ketchup and she brings just a little but because she seems bothered for my request I didn’t ask for more, we ended ours fries with not condiments.Then another server come to pickup the plates, I think she saw our faces with dissatisfaction with all the situation, our server finally show up at 9:15 we ask for check and leave.May we will back because the food was delicious, but I will think twice because of the service.The first server was nice and polite but I don’t understand how someone who is handling food will have all hair over her face that is not sanitary or professional at all, I don’t think anyone want to experience other people hair in food.The second server was nice and polite too, but never come back to check on us, and sometimes patrons need something extra and if it’s not someone available to server your needs what is the point to have a server? better put a self serve restaurant!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
JohnM
My wife and I go to Public Fish & Oyster for nearly all of our special occasions. It never disappoints. The staff always recognizes us and is welcoming. I would and do recommend them to anyone.
Christy F.
Fantastic birthday dinner! Truly unique dishes and delicious craft cocktails. Had a seasonal veggie ravioli and really enjoyed the dish and atmosphere.
I don't know how they do it landlocked, but this is the absolute best place I've been to eat oysters from all over east coast. The other food was fine—but the seafood is awesome.
The only place in Charlottesville where I eat oysters, particularly during happy hour, during which you can also get a lobster roll. I've always appreciated the service, as well as the outdoor seating, which shares a space with Oakhart Social. Indoor seating can feel a bit cramped, but no different than indoor spots in larger cities. Get an Oysterman's Breakfast complete with a Narragansett (Roger Williams will thank you)!
JackM
It was a great night! We showed up on time and were immediately seated. The service was fun and on-time every step of the meal. The food was fantastic and I look forward to dining there again as soon as possible. Jack Masloff - Albemarle County, Va.
Lisa B.
I love this place! Great service, amazing food! Reservations are recommended because it's ALWAYS busy. Fantastic selection of COLD water, northern oysters.
gregory melcher
Wife and I drive almost 2 hours for best .dining experience near us. LOVE THEM...WORTH the drive...Scallops best I've ever eaten..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Raw Oysters on the Half Shell, Fish
LINDA
We selected this restaurant because my husband loved the wide selection of oysters we had read about and our hotel suggested this restaurant; it did not disappoint. My mussels in a green curry broth were FABULOUS. The lobster bisque had a few too many potatoes for our liking and we will try their crab bisque next time. Our server was wonderful and her suggestions were much appreciated as was the perfect local wine. A definite dining choice next time we are in Charlotteville
Come early to get a table. I came at 8:30 on a Monday night and they were packed. I came back Tuesday at 5:30 and it was quite
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts, Fresh Maine Lobster Rolls
Great place. Great winks from the barkeep. Best Oysters in town. Ambience and service is stellar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had a great experience. The staff was amazing. 4 hours after I started having severe bloating and cramps and nausea followed by vomiting and diarrhea at hour 6. Still going on. Had oysters and a lobster roll. I've never felt so sick.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
I love the seafood here! The oyster selection is always fun, and everything I have eaten here has been delicious! (Definitely get the bread, the butter is made in house and it's addictive!) The prices are not crazy either. This is a great place for date night or a special celebration.The only thing I didn't like was the lobster bisque, and it was really not bad, just wayyyy too salty. Everything else was so good. I'm looking forward to dining here again!Parking: Parking is a little tricky if you don't know the area. The easiest place I've found is the parking lot next to the train station. There is sometimes street parking for closer spacesKid-friendliness: Not a great place to bring kids. It's very loud and can get crowded. This is a nice establishment that should be visited when you are able to get a babysitter
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Oyster Selection, Raw Oysters on the Half Shell
Great Oysters!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Raw Oysters on the Half Shell, Mariniere Moules Frites, Key Lime Pie, Crab Cake Sandwich
The food is amazing and people are friendly but the service unfortunately was not good.We walk in and promptly was greeted by the hosts, she told us she will accommodate us outside, while we wait for the table was this young lady (a server) taking a order of oysters to a table and all her hair was touching the oysters, was really gross to see it.With my luck she was our server, when she was taking our order her hair was almost touching my cup and I get really nervous and anxious, hair and my food or drink sound not so fun.I ask if someone else can be our server and the manager was so nice, polite and professional , he give us another server, unfortunately the new server almost never come to check ours needs he bring the food at 8:45 and never come back to check if we need something, I have to ask to another server for ketchup and she brings just a little but because she seems bothered for my request I didn’t ask for more, we ended ours fries with not condiments.Then another server come to pickup the plates, I think she saw our faces with dissatisfaction with all the situation, our server finally show up at 9:15 we ask for check and leave.May we will back because the food was delicious, but I will think twice because of the service.The first server was nice and polite but I don’t understand how someone who is handling food will have all hair over her face that is not sanitary or professional at all, I don’t think anyone want to experience other people hair in food.The second server was nice and polite too, but never come back to check on us, and sometimes patrons need something extra and if it’s not someone available to server your needs what is the point to have a server? better put a self serve restaurant!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
My wife and I go to Public Fish & Oyster for nearly all of our special occasions. It never disappoints. The staff always recognizes us and is welcoming. I would and do recommend them to anyone.
Fantastic birthday dinner! Truly unique dishes and delicious craft cocktails. Had a seasonal veggie ravioli and really enjoyed the dish and atmosphere.
I don't know how they do it landlocked, but this is the absolute best place I've been to eat oysters from all over east coast. The other food was fine—but the seafood is awesome.
Restaurantji Recommends
The only place in Charlottesville where I eat oysters, particularly during happy hour, during which you can also get a lobster roll. I've always appreciated the service, as well as the outdoor seating, which shares a space with Oakhart Social. Indoor seating can feel a bit cramped, but no different than indoor spots in larger cities. Get an Oysterman's Breakfast complete with a Narragansett (Roger Williams will thank you)!
It was a great night! We showed up on time and were immediately seated. The service was fun and on-time every step of the meal. The food was fantastic and I look forward to dining there again as soon as possible. Jack Masloff - Albemarle County, Va.
I love this place! Great service, amazing food! Reservations are recommended because it's ALWAYS busy. Fantastic selection of COLD water, northern oysters.
Wife and I drive almost 2 hours for best .dining experience near us. LOVE THEM...WORTH the drive...Scallops best I've ever eaten..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Raw Oysters on the Half Shell, Fish
We selected this restaurant because my husband loved the wide selection of oysters we had read about and our hotel suggested this restaurant; it did not disappoint. My mussels in a green curry broth were FABULOUS. The lobster bisque had a few too many potatoes for our liking and we will try their crab bisque next time. Our server was wonderful and her suggestions were much appreciated as was the perfect local wine. A definite dining choice next time we are in Charlotteville