Acme Oyster House — Restaurant in New Orleans

Acme Oyster House is where you go when you need to remind yourself that food isn’t supposed to be a science experiment, it’s supposed to be good. It’s the kind of place where the smell of briny, sizzling seafood hits you before you even get through the door, and yeah, there’s probably a line, but don’t let that spook you. It moves, because folks come here knowing exactly what they want, and they don’t waste time pretending otherwise. The oysters—some of the best in the whole country—get shucked, slurped, and sent on their way with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine,

Now you don’t come to Acme Oyster House for delicate plating or some chef’s creative interpretation of a thing that’s been perfect since long before he was born. You come here for the honest, unvarnished truth of the sea—cold, briny, sliding straight down your throat like a baptism in saltwater and sin. At Acme there’s a right way to eat an oyster on the half shell.The old fashion way. You lift that shell like it holds something sacred—because it does—and you let the oyster and all its perfect, raw, ocean-born defiance slide straight down your throat.

Acme’s been here since 1910, through fire and flood and all the other natural disasters Louisiana throws at a thing to see if it’s tough enough to survive. And Acme is. Time couldn’t touch it, fancy white-tablecloth places couldn’t outshine it, and all the folks trying to turn eating oysters into a fussy affair couldn’t change it.

You come here for the real deal, for something raw and real in a world that’s often too polished. And if you don’t get it, if you sit there trying to figure out how to eat something that’s been eaten the same way for a hundred years, well—there’s a Hard Rock Café up the street that’d be happy to have you.

But if you do get it—if you shuck one back and taste the wild, perfect thing that it is, if you let the salt and cold and heat and history of this place run through you like a current—then you’ll understand.

Acme ain’t just a restaurant. It’s a living, breathing thing, older than most of us and tougher than all of us, and every oyster you eat here makes...

Acme Oyster House is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. The combination of expertly prepared dishes, a welcoming atmosphere, and top-notch service earns it a resounding A++. Whether you're a long-time lover of seafood or exploring these flavors for the first time, this restaurant is sure to provide a memorable culinary journey.

Charbroiled Oysters: The experience of trying charbroiled oysters for the first time at Acme Oyster House was nothing short of a culinary revelation. The oysters were expertly grilled, resulting in a smoky flavor that complemented their natural brininess. The addition of butter and herbs in the charbroiling process introduced a delightful richness, elevating the oysters from merely fresh seafood to a gourmet delicacy.

Gumbo: The gumbo served was a testament to authentic Creole cooking. It boasted a perfect balance of spices, offering a warm, comforting heat without overpowering the other flavors. The roux was cooked to a deep, rich color, serving as a hearty base for the well-seasoned seafood and sausage. The gumbo's texture was thick and satisfying, indicative of a recipe honed over generations.

Softshell Crab Platter: The softshell crab platter was another highlight. The crabs were cooked to a golden crispness, maintaining a tender interior. The batter was light, allowing the subtle flavors of the crab to shine through. Accompanied by fresh lemon and a dipping sauce that provided a tangy counterpoint to the crab's sweetness, the dish was a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Service: The service at Acme Oyster House was exceptional. The staff were knowledgeable, offering recommendations and insights into the menu with a friendly demeanor. The attentiveness and efficiency of the service contributed significantly to the dining experience, making it a place...

I returned to Acme on Sat 5 Apr at around 2pm after a 29-year hiatus - the first time was at Mardi Gras in 1996! This time I brought 5 friends in tow, and we went to town on a wide variety of delicious dishes (see photo). Oysters were huge and phenomenal, both raw and baked, and the rest of the fare was excellent, including the Bloody Marys. Our waitress Meghan was excellent (to be crystal clear given my later service comments and the rating above - she was an unreserved 5 stars) - attentive and patient with a slightly rowdy bunch! The only downer was the wait to get in, or should I say how the line was managed by the staff. Having neglected to take down our name when we got into line, the employee then basically accused us of cutting in line, as this was clearly the only explanation for us not being on the list. When I complained, the manager came out and basically doubled down on their "the customer is always WRONG" approach. It ended up taking us much longer to be seated than necessary and we are lucky that the food and Meghan put us back in a festive mood! But later, after we had probably already dropped $500+ on food and drink, another friend showed up and wanted to join us (we were at a table for 8 and there were 2 places free). The staff at the front door flat out refused to admit him, even when Meghan went out front to explain the seating situation and the fact we were planning to continue ordering food and drinks. Instead they seated 2 moms of 10-year old cheerleaders next to us and away from their kids - makes total sense, right?!?!? When you have a great reputation and with my fond memories, it was very disappointing to experience such non-customer focused and petty service at the front door. I appreciate they were busy but that's no excuse. Here's hoping they get it...