Oyster season is upon us and if there’s one thing Houston restaurateur Ben Berg knows how to do – it’s eat oysters. With 16 concepts now across Texas, oysters remain a staple on many of Berg’s menus, serving as an homage to his New York upbringing.

According to the prolific restauranteur, East Coast, cold water oysters are the only ones to eat raw. Ben’s personal favorite accompaniments include horseradish, Tabasco AND mignonette sauce (of which, Chef Tommy’s at B&B Butchers are the best), slurped with no cocktail fork.

In honor of oyster season, here are some of the best ways to enjoy oysters in Houston from various Berg Hospitality Group concepts:

B&B Butchers:

BB Butchers Carpet Bagger on the Half Shell Kirsten Gilliam
Photo credit: Kirsten Gilliam

Indulge in Carpetbaggers on the Half Shell ($27) served with freshly grilled sirloin steak and thick-cut bacon, topped with a fried oyster, blue cheese, freshly made hot sauce and horseradish. For a meal, opt for the one-of-a-kind Carpet Bagger Burger ($33) or Carpet Bagger Po’ Boy ($27).

Prime 131:

Chilled Eastern Oysters Brian Kennedy 1
Photo credit: Brian Kennedy

Enjoy oysters two ways at Berg’s live-fire concept, Prime 131: Chilled Eastern Oysters ($18) with fresh shallots, wasabi and ponzu or Roasted Oysters with coconut, chili, cilantro and lime.

Turner’s Cut:

At Houston’s most opulent steakhouse, raw, East Coast oysters ($4) can be chosen from the concept’s gilded raw bar cart and served with a choice of Mary Rose with Pink Peppercorns & Citrus, Truffle Sauce, Yuzu Soy Remoulade, or Spicy Ponzu sauce.

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The Annie Café and Bar:

The Annie Oysters on the Half Shell JennDuncan
Photo credit: Jenn Duncan

Berg’s infamous The Annie Café and Bar gives oysters a Texas twist with ½ dozen East Coast Oysters on the Half Shell ($22), served with freshly made guacamole, mignonette sauce and hot sauce.