Wintzell's Oyster House — Restaurant in Mobile

Wintzell's Oyster House, born from the humble vision of J. Oliver Wintzell, started as a six-stool oyster bar in the heart of Mobile, Alabama. Dauphin Street, the very ground where it first opened its doors, now sees this institution celebrating 85 years of grit and perseverance. Through the tides of economic boom and bust, Wintzell's has remained a steadfast fixture. Though the family parted with it in the 1970s, the spirit of Oliver's homespun wisdom still whispers from the walls. When Bob and Buffy Donlon took the helm in 1999, they didn't just buy a restaurant—they became the torchbearers of a legacy, expanding Wintzell's from its historic roots to a beacon of culinary delight stretching across the Gulf Coast and into the heart of Alabama.

Wintzell’s is a multi-room establishment, teeming with tables where you can always find a seat to relish your meal. The walls, lined with trophy catches from bygone fishermen, echo the storied past, while the wit and wisdom of founder J. Oliver Wintzell add a touch of homespun charm. The atmosphere is casual and lively, a vibrant testament to the unmistakable Southern spirit that permeates every corner. Here, you don’t just dine—you soak in the essence of the South, as warm and welcoming as a sunny day on the bay.

We walked in and were met with a warm smile from our friendly hostess, who promptly seated us. Our waitress, a true professional, was as knowledgeable about the menu as she was charming. I started with the Oyster Bienville, and let me tell you, they served up six oysters that were a sight to behold. Each one was generously topped with shrimp, crabmeat, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. The briny flavor of the oysters was a delightful match for the rich cream sauce. These oysters were no ordinary fare—plump, juicy, and of impressive size, served warm right off the grill. It was a feast for the senses, pure and simple.

No one quite knows how the West Indies salad became a staple in Mobile, but it has earned its place on the menus of all the finest seafood joints, and every visitor should give it a try. This dish is as simple as it is decadent, with hunks of crabmeat marinated in oil and vinegar, mixed with grated onions. Its rich and sweet flavor is so irresistible that folks often skip its usual role as an appetizer and dive right in, making it their main course. When my bowl arrived, it came with finely chopped onions, a slice of melon, a pickle, and a grape tomato. At first glance, it looked like a fancy coleslaw, but one taste revealed its true nature—like pickled crab meat, but leagues better. The lump crabmeat was exceptionally fresh, served slightly chilled, making it a perfect light dinner after a hearty serving of oysters.

As we departed Wintzell's, the setting sun bathed Dauphin Street in a golden light, casting long shadows that seemed to echo the legacy of this venerable institution. Wintzell's Oyster House stands as more than a mere dining establishment; it is a vibrant tapestry woven with the rich threads of Mobile's heritage. This is a place where tradition perseveres through time, where the flavors of the Gulf Coast meld with the spirit of the South.

Wintzell's embodies the soul of Mobile, a testament to the resilience and pride of its people. It's a beacon of culinary artistry, a lighthouse guiding both locals and visitors through the fog of mediocrity toward a haven of excellence. This establishment is a living chronicle of the past, present, and future, inviting all who enter to partake in its storied magic and to become part of its ever-growing legend.

In every bite, in every laugh shared within its walls, Wintzell's calls forth the enduring spirit of J. Oliver Wintzell and the generations that followed. It’s a place where the heart of Mobile beats strong, where the simple act of dining becomes a celebration of life, history,...

My girlfriend and I wanted to spend our Valentine’s Day in Mobile from Biloxi; being Catholic and it being Ash Wednesday, I had to abstain from eating red meat and poultry. I searched for the best seafood joints in the Mobile area, and this was one of the top recommendations. We decided to give this place a shot.

When we walked in, we were greeted by the host who honestly didn’t seem like he wanted to be there because while he did welcome us, he just walked off without saying anything after seating us (he could’ve been new on the job or just wasn’t having a great day). That’s really the only negative thing I can say. We were shortly greeted by our server (I forget her name) who was professional and attentive through our whole visit.

Now for the food- I can totally see why this is one of the, if not, THE BEST rated seafood restaurants in Mobile! As we waited for our food, which did not take long, we were given complementary crackers and toasted French bread which was a nice touch. I can’t speak for the oysters because I don’t like to eat them, but I ordered the shrimp and grits, and my girlfriend had the seafood pasta. Both dishes were fantastic! It blows any shrimp and grits I’ve ever had out of the water. The shrimp was beautifully seasoned and the grits were just the right consistency and full of flavor with the crawfish sauce added on. As for the seafood pasta, the pasta was cooked perfectly; the sauce was rich and creamy and very flavorful and, just the like shrimp and grits, was beautifully seasoned as well. We both also had a side of hush puppies, which were crispy on the outside and nice and soft in the inside. And the portions, my Lord, were massive! I usually polish my plate when I go out to eat, but I just had to get to-go containers. Our total before the tip was $46 and some change, and for the quality and quantity of food that you get, is certainly justified. We’ll definitely stop by again when we...

First off, I am a very picky and I usually hate something about the service each time I go out to eat but this was the best experience I have had in a long time. Kassondra is one of the best servers in the building! I had friends at another table and there experienced horrible service! Their server was huddled in groups on their phones. I would have had the same experience due to wait times for seating and food if it was not for my server!

The way it stared of almost made me want to turn around and leave because we were placed on a 45 minute wait for two people and there were over 10 open tables in my view, but my wife wanted to eat here so we waited, but the wait was worth meeting the best server ever Kassondra! She was amazing! Our drink orders were taken and brought back so fast I thought she had super powers. Everything we ordered that she could deliver quick she did. I had my gumbo, salad, and bread within 5 minutes of ordering! This has never happened! The food took over 40 minutes to come out but the wait was worth it because Kassandra engaged us with humor and she was very genuine! She even had the manager stop by to let me know our food was top priority. My experience was would have been a disappointed if I did not receive the service I did. Our drinks stayed full, she kept our table clean, and she engaged with us! I even saw how she interacted with her or their tables and it was amazing!

I am giving this a five star review because of Kassondra! The wait to be seated was long as well as the food but good service made up for it all!

I mean she should get recognition because this could have been very disappointing review if I had the server my friend had on top of...