The Gwinnett Food Critic: Oyster Bay Seafood Café
By Stephanie Hunt
Directly across from the historic courthouse comfortably sits the county seat’s newest seafood spot – Oyster Bay Seafood Café. Boasting daily specials, to-go orders, delivery to local businesses and catering services, Oyster Bay serves old favorites such as “U Peel ‘Em Shrimp”, as well as exciting new dishes like the “Grouper Reuben Sandwich”.
Oyster Bay Seafood Café’s décor is inviting, making diners feel as if they have traveled hundreds of miles to the nearest beach-town. Nautical scenes and signs play off the dark wall to create a relaxing yet upbeat atmosphere welcoming to patrons of all ages.
Visiting on Monday around lunchtime, I started my savory seafood supper with a longtime favorite of mine – conch fritters. Oyster Bay’s “Key West Conch Fritters”, served with their signature spicy remoulade, were the perfect start to my meal. The bites, large enough to share, are an amazing combination of conch and spices – each bite with a little more “kick” than the last. The accompanying remoulade is a sure hit for fans of spicy.
For my lunch I chose a signature in the “Grouper Reuben Sandwich”. With the fish generously engulfing the crispy pumpernickel-rye bread, the sandwich is a delicious sight. Upon first bite the wondrous flavors of sauerkraut, 1000 Island dressing, Swiss cheese and grouper delight your taste buds. Each bite is a focus on the sauerkraut, the most dominant flavor. The grouper is a little underplayed and almost overpowered by the strong flavors of the sandwich’s other components.
As my side, I kept with the seafood shack theme and settled with the Oyster Bay’s appetizing fries. Thin and crunchy, the lightly battered potatoes were the perfect addition to the hearty flavors of the sandwich.
Overall, it’s a great place for family or friends to gather and enjoy a delicious variety of seafood right here at home! Oyster Bay Seafood Café is open seven days a week. For more information visit them online at www.oysterbaylawrenceville.com.
Stephanie's Savvy Samples 