Caroline’s Oyster Bar
Growing up in Maryland, and living in Virginia Beach for seven years, I had nearly endless options for fresh seafood. While the seafood scene isn’t quite as vast in Charlotte, I love finding restaurants that will satisfy my shellfish cravings.
I had an offer through Offline Charlotte to try Caroline’s Oyster Bar, attached to the JW Marriott in Uptown. I met a friend for dinner to try this chic restaurant serving coastal cuisine. Click here to join Offline Charlotte with my referral code.
In contrast to the beachy casual, wharf-style restaurants you’d find on the coast, Caroline’s Oyster Bar boasts modern décor that complements Uptown Charlotte. This is a great spot to grab dinner with friends before an event or night out, or for date night. Seating is available on the covered outdoor patio, inside the dining room and at the raw bar, where you can get an up-close look at the selection of oysters available that day.
Caroline’s Oyster Bar Menu
Since it was right after work, I was certainly due a cocktail. While seafood is the star of Caroline’s menu, the craft cocktails are not to be missed. My friend ordered the Siesta or Spritz, a gin-based spritz made with strawberry oleo. This is a great alternative if you need a break from the summertime favorite Aperol Spritz. I sipped on the Honey, I Just Can’t Elope. I feel like I don’t often see cantaloupe used in cocktail recipes. This gin drink had sweetness from the cantaloupe and honey syrup that balanced well with the grapefruit liqueur. Bonus points for the punny name.
Caroline’s cocktail menu also includes staples like an Old Fashioned and Espresso Martini. I’ve heard the Watermelon Sugar Margarita is also a fan favorite. The drink menu also features craft beer, wine and two zero-proof cocktails, including the Spicy OBX, a non-alcoholic selection with habanero syrup and grapefruit soda.
Of course, at a restaurant with the name “oyster bar” in it, we had to order some raw oysters. Caroline’s raw bar menu is incredibly descriptive, with the region the oysters come from as well as tasting notes. These oysters range in flavor from sweet to briny, so I went with a familiar favorite from Virginia’s Rappahannock River.
In addition to our Offline Charlotte offer, my friend also signed up for Caroline’s emails and received a free appetizer. Appetizers include hot options, like BBQ shrimp with crispy grit cakes, calamari and New England Clam Chowder, as well as cold apps, including shrimp cocktail, scallop ceviche and spicy tuna tartare.
Our server recommended the crab hush puppies, which was an excellent choice. These were perfectly fried on the outside, while maintaining a fluffy inside. The hush puppies had a slight sweetness that went well with the lemon aioli dipping sauce on the side.
The entrée options showcase a mix of land and sea, with dishes like a wagyu burger, shrimp and grits, halibut fish and chips, seafood pasta, seared scallops and chicken schnitzel. Based on another recommendation from our server, my friend and I both went with the shrimp and lobster roll.
This is a Maine-style roll – my favorite type – which means it has a mayo base. There’s a decent amount of lobster and shrimp pieces, but they got a bit overpowered by how thick the bun was. I think a thinner, more butter-toasted bun would make this roll perfect.
While we didn’t order them, I have to mention Caroline’s Seafood Plateaus. For a showstopping meal, order one of these seafood platters: Petite, Grand and Caroline’s. The largest option, Caroline’s, comes with 12 oysters, eight jumbo gulf shrimp and a 16-ounce King Crab for $175. Indulge in an ultimate feast when you build your own seafood tower, at market price.
Caroline’s Oyster Bar High Tide Happy Hour
I want to come back to Caroline’s for their High Tide Happy Hour. Monday through Wednesday, from 4-6 p.m., the restaurant offers $2 oysters and $8 select plates. Once I do, I’ll give you a full break down right here.