Acme Oyster House is a New Orleans institution, renowned for its fresh Louisiana seafood and lively, casual atmosphere. It has become a must-visit dining destination in the French Quarter.
Unique Qualities
- Oyster Bar Experience: Acme is famous for its raw oysters shucked by lightning-fast, personable shuckers right in front of the customers at the bar.
- Charbroiled Oysters: They are widely known for popularizing the Charbroiled Oysters, which are grilled over an open flame and topped with a savory sauce of butter, garlic, and Parmesan and Romano cheeses.
- Lively Atmosphere: The restaurant maintains a fun, vintage, and often bustling ambiance, reflecting the spirit of New Orleans dining. The famous neon sign, “Waitress Available Sometimes,” is a nod to a staffing situation in the 1980s and adds to its unique character.
- “Poets’ Corner”: This traditional gathering spot at the bar, imported to every Acme location, is a place where locals and visitors are treated with the “same unbiased irreverence,” offering a place for conversation on any topic.
History
- 1910: The original establishment, then called Acme Café, opened on Royal Street in the French Quarter.
- 1924: After a fire destroyed the original location, it was re-established as Acme Oyster House at its current address, 724 Iberville Street.
- 1985: New Orleanian Mike Rodrigue and his managing partner, Mike Guilbault, purchased the restaurant and began to revitalize the historic establishment.
- Post-Katrina: In 2005, the flagship store sustained major damage from Hurricane Katrina and was shut down until February 2006, demonstrating the city’s resilience by bouncing back stronger.
- Expansion: Acme has expanded beyond New Orleans to several other locations.
Highlight Menu Items
While oysters are the main draw, the menu features classic Cajun and Creole dishes:
- Oysters on the Half Shell: Fresh, cold, and salty raw Gulf Coast oysters.
- Charbroiled Oysters: The signature dish—hot, smoky, buttery, and cheesy.
- New Orleans-style Gumbo: A hearty soup, often made with seafood or chicken and andouille sausage.
- Po’boys: Classic Louisiana sandwiches served on French bread, with fillings like fried shrimp, oysters, or the famous “10 Napkin Roast Beef Po’Boy” (a “debris-style” sandwich with gravy).
- New Orleans Medley: A platter featuring small servings of iconic dishes like Red Beans and Rice, Jambalaya, and Gumbo.
Customer Feedback
Customers frequently praise the freshness of the seafood, especially the raw and charbroiled oysters. The lively, fun atmosphere and the friendly, attentive staff are often highlighted as contributing to an unforgettable experience. However, be prepared for a long line, especially during peak dining times, though many reviewers state the food is “worth the wait.”
Significant Events
- Post-Hurricane Katrina Reopening: The closure and determined reopening of the flagship store in 2006, serving first responders and workers, was a testament to its role in the community.
- BP Oil Spill (2010): The restaurant successfully adapted its operations by importing seafood from other coasts to maintain service during the catastrophic environmental disaster.
- Oyster Eating Championships: Acme Oyster House has sponsored and hosted the Acme Oyster Eating World Championship at the annual French Quarter Festival, becoming a fixture in the world of competitive eating. Notable events include records set by competitive eaters like Sonya Thomas and Pat Bertoletti.
Contact Information
For the original French Quarter location:
- Address: 724 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Phone: (504) 522-5973
Online Presence
- Website: https://acmeoyster.com/
