The Drunken Oyster - The Best Cajun Food in Amarillo, Texas

The Drunken Oyster is a concept brought to life by Chef Rory Schepisi and her team at Shuck it LLC. Addressing the long-standing lack of venues offering fresh fish and shellfish in Amarillo, Chef Schepisi developed The Drunken Oyster to evoke the early days of the French Quarter in New Orleans. This restaurant's atmosphere immerses guests in the heart of the French Quarter, complete with street sounds, gas lanterns, heavy drapes, aged brick, and a library laddered bar. The menu features a blend of Cajun-inspired dishes, daily flown-in seafood, oysters, and aged certified Angus beef cuts, ensuring there is something for everyone—from salads and burgers to po'boys, gator, and crawfish.

At The Drunken Oyster, the ambiance feels as though it's been carved straight out of New Orleans. The restaurant offers Bluepoint oysters so fresh they're practically still shivering from the Atlantic waters. The rest of the menu leans heavily on Cajun cuisine, with a laid-back vibe that mirrors the Big Easy. Guests can start with a dozen oysters and snapper cakes before choosing between seafood boils, shrimp and grits, blackened salmon, and fried oyster po'boys.

My first experience at The Drunken Oyster was exceptional. I had heard about this place for a long time and finally tried it, absolutely loving it. The high-end atmosphere makes you feel like you're dining in Chicago or New York rather than Amarillo. The food, especially the shrimp and grits, was outstanding and among the best I've ever had. While the prices are higher than typical Amarillo restaurants, they are justified by the quality. This venue is ideal for a date night or a first date, offering a classy night out. We dressed up for the occasion and enjoyed the attentive service, upscale ambiance, and unique drink menu, with dishes like scallops, risotto, blackened salmon, and crawfish etouffee.

During my second visit, the experience was equally delightful. The hostess and waitress were superb, and the atmosphere remained consistently excellent and clean. The food has always been top-notch, making this our favorite stop when visiting Amarillo. Sharing meals with friends, we particularly enjoyed the blackened salmon with risotto, although the KC strip was only average. Given the price point, I would recommend focusing on the seafood entrées due to their superior quality. The cozy patio setting, delicious jambalaya rice, chili, and alligator appetizer, combined with a good beer selection, made it a perfect spot for a date night.

For a restaurant named "Drunken Oyster," the place is beautifully designed. Our food was fantastic, especially the fried oyster appetizer and a spicy seafood dish with shrimp, squid, and clams over noodles. Despite not having a reservation for Sunday lunch, we got a table and enjoyed live music by Mila Harris. The experience was wonderful, and the live music added a charming touch to our meal.

On my third visit, I was back in Amarillo for work and found The Drunken Oyster to be outstanding. The food and service were fantastic, and the live music was a nice addition. My only complaint was the presence of TVs, which made it feel somewhat like a sports bar. For special occasions, I would request seating in a smaller room without TV visibility. The market price items were reasonably priced, and the staff was professional and knowledgeable about the menu and bar offerings. Overall, it was a great experience for a fun night out, combining style and elegance with a Texas/Southern pub vibe—a must-visit for anyone in Amarillo.

Great intimate dining with quiet and low lighting makes it perfect for a couples evening. I wouldn't recommend bringing young children here, as it caters more to adults seeking a sophisticated night out. The service was superb, and the food was fabulous. With a full bar offering local brews and unique drinks, there is a great variety of food options to choose from. The char-grilled oysters come highly recommended, and overall, The Drunken Oyster delivers an exceptional dining experience that won't disappoint.

7606 SW 45th Ave #100, Amarillo, TX 79119

(806) 418-6668

www.drunkenoysteramarillo.com