Bouillabaisse at Santa Fe Oyster Bar

Bouillabaisse at Santa Fe Oyster Bar

It’s a familiar sight at the tiny Oyster Bar at Palace Station (702.367.2411): Lines of hungry patrons, sometimes 30 deep, waiting for seats to become available so they can begin digging into oysters, clams, gumbos and pan roasts. What’s most notable is that the eatery is open 24 hours a day and still has an almost constant line. But such is the power of the oyster bar in Las Vegas—promising the freshest seafood possible in the desert, and lots of it. And while you may have trouble getting a place to sit at Palace Station’s Oyster Bar, don’t sweat it—luckily, there are great oyster bars all over Las Vegas: Here are just a few.

Palace Station isn’t the only one of the locals-oriented Station Casinos with options for oyster lovers. Find what you’re looking for—from seafood jambalaya and oysters on the half shell to fish and chips, gumbo and Alaskan king crab legs—at Texas Station Star Oyster Bar (702.631.1000), the Oyster Bar at Sunset Station (702.547.7777) and the newly opened Oyster Bar at Santa Fe Station (702.658.4900). Like Palace Station’s eatery, Santa Fe’s offers limited seating at the bar (25 people), which wraps around the open kitchen. You’ll find a few tables, too, as well as lobster rolls and tail-on bass.

Brigg's Oyster Co.

Brigg's Oyster Co.

Another recently opened oyster bar, Brigg’s Oyster Co. at the locals-oriented Suncoast (702.636.7111), has all your favorites as well as a few twists on old classics. In addition to oysters and mussels (order a half-dozen or a dozen), enjoy ahi tuna tacos on wonton shells, seafood gumbo and lobster mac and cheese. And there’s an extensive sushi menu as well, featuring eel-topped rice bowls and spicy tuna hand rolls. The black-and-white décor at the intimate restaurant pops in its surroundings, really standing out, with a bar wrapping around the open kitchen, and banquette seating on the sides.

Big Al’s Oyster Bar at The Orleans (702.365.7111) doesn’t just serve up oysters, clams and mussels—with its brick décor and atmospheric lighting, it’s a fun place to hang out, featuring both booth and stool seating. Best of all, its portions do not disappoint. Bring a big appetite, and be sure to save some room for the restaurant’s Boston clam chowder.

Charred octopus at RM Seafood

Charred octopus at RM Seafood

If you want to satisfy your oyster craving while shopping, check out Oyster Bay Seafood & Wine Bar at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort (702.794.2929), where you get not only a wide selection of oysters but also Italian specialties like shrimp linguini and rigatoni Bolognese. Take advantage of the weather and dine on the patio. The Oyster Bar at Harrah’s (702.369.5000) is another small place with big appeal where you can find a variety of seafood, such as the eponymous oysters and tasty cioppino.

Sometimes you just want oysters as the beginning to a great meal. RM Seafood at Mandalay Place (702.632.9300) has an enormous menu that reflects Rick Moonen’s commitment to sustainability. Start things off with steamed clams, caviar and shellfish platters from the raw bar. Then move onto the world-class Rick’s Seafood Gumbo or the crab ménage a trois, featuring a daily selection of crab, Alaskan king crab and Rick’s Signature Crab Cake.