Two years later, The Oyster Bar returns to St. Pete

After a two-year hiatus, The Oyster Bar has returned to downtown St. Petersburg — this time with a new home in the city’s Grand Central District.

The Oyster Bar had been a long-time staple downtown, known for serving up fresh seafood and rare bourbons since opening its doors in 1999. But after 24 years in its home on the Jannus Block of Central Avenue, the restaurant faced a series of setbacks post-pandemic that forced owner Josh Cameron to shut down operations in August 2023.

Initially, Cameron thought the restaurant would only be closed for two months, he says in an announcement. But then came a destructive hurricane season in 2024, followed by permitting issues and contracting delays, turning two months into two years, he adds.

Earlier this month, The Oyster Bar returned — still in the heart of downtown but now in a much larger space in the Grand Central District, at 2245 Central Ave.

“Being a downtown institution, we wanted to keep that local small town feel that everyone loves about St Pete,” Cameron says in the announcement. “The Grand Central district has that atmosphere and then some. Great energy, perfect mixture of small businesses and great local neighborhood. It all comes together in Grand Central.”

The new location is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4-10:30 p.m. and maintains The Oyster Bar’s signature cozy ambiance despite its larger footprint, Cameron says, serving upscale yet approachable offerings from a fully refreshed menu and cocktail program. 

With its reopening this month, The Oyster Bar has now shucked more than one million oysters in downtown St. Pete, says Cameron, who took over the restaurant in 2013. His Craft Hospitality Group also operates The Crafty Squirrel and Where’s Jubes. 

“With the elevation of restaurants and hospitality in the Tampa market, we have kept our principles of sourcing the best products and cultivated those relationships with suppliers and vendors to provide upscale dining in a casual environment for everyone to enjoy,” Cameron says in the announcement. 

Fans of The Oyster Bar will still find a few favorites on the menu, such as Oysters Rockefeller, OB’s Sweet and Spicy Buffalo Shrimp, Bacon-Parmesan Crusted Grouper, Shrimp and Crawfish Pasta and the classic Ribeye steak. 

But along with the familiar favorites, Cameron says he is most excited to introduce St. Petersburg to new creations from Chef Joshua Bury, who leads the restaurant along with General Manager Jessica Sellett. 

Just a few of Bury’s new additions: “Oysters Lighthouse” offers freshly shucked oysters baked with asiago, roasted garlic butter and smoked sea salt while “OB Surf and Turf” tops the shellfish with shaved ribeye, garlic butter, and blue cheese crumbles.

“Chef Joshua brings his culinary creativity and passion for fresh, locally inspired dishes, while Jessica’s warm leadership and commitment to exceptional service will ensure every guest enjoys an unforgettable experience,” Cameron says in the announcement. “Together, they’re dedicated to continuing what makes the Oyster Bar a true local favorite — great food, genuine hospitality, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere for our community.”