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Annie Bailey’s is bringing the bay to Lancaster City with their 11th Annual Oysterfest on Saturday, September 29 starting at 11am.
The Irish pub known for popular cuisine like Shepherd’s Pie, Waterford Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, Irish Curry, Central Market Pasta, and more, loves to bring the history and legacy of an oyster fest to Lancaster.
Check out the details below (and on the Facebook event page) about the ‘fest. Not an oyster fan? Explore other menu spotlights below for a delicious assortment of creative dishes.
Photos from the 2017 Oysterfest.
Oysters from last year's event.
Keep On Shuckin’ – The History Of Oysterfest
This year marks the 11th annual running of the Annie Bailey’s Oysterfest, which first made its debut in 2008 at Annie Bailey’s. But the pairing of Guinness pints and freshly-shucked oysters goes back further than that; the internationally renowned Galway Oyster Festival in Ireland–recognized as the originator of the oyster-and-beer tradition–is now in its 64th year.
Ironically, that oyster fest is the same weekend as the one at Annie Bailey’s—so it’s a perfect time to share in the local Irish tradition here at home in Lancaster City.
The shucking of the oysters takes time, practice, and precision. Jacob Funk, Co-Owner of Annie Bailey’s, demonstrated the process and will be helping to coordinate the logistics of the upcoming celebration.
The Oyster Po' Boy.
The process of oyster shucking is meticulous and specific.
Oyster Shooter, anyone?
Of course Guinness will be on tap!
The Menu Is Fried, Fresh, and Full
Last year, the 10th annual Oysterfest broke records with the number of oysters that were served; the team at Annie Bailey’s even had to resort to ordering more fresh oysters to continue the menu that day!
This year, there will be a delicious assortment of oyster options for the oyster connoisseur.
- Grilled Oysters – One dozen fresh Delaware bay oysters grilled over an open flame just until they pop open. Served with horseradish cocktail sauce.
- Oysters Rockefeller – Four freshly-shucked Delaware bay oysters topped with crabmeat, fresh baby spinach, cream, aged parmesan, feta & a hint of anise.
- BBQ Oysters – Half-dozen grilled Delaware bay oysters topped with lime butter, house-made smoky bbq sauce, and mango pico de gallo.
- Oyster Po’ Boy – Plump Delaware bay oysters soaked with buttermilk, dusted with cajun flour, and flash-fried. Served on a crispy baguette with cajun slaw, fresh tomato and remoulade sauce, and served with fries.
- Fried Oyster Platter – Twelve flash-fried plump Delaware bay oysters served with coleslaw, fries, lemon, cocktail sauce, and remoulade sauce.
There will also be a variety of featured drinks, including the Oyster Shooter, Irish Beer Flight, and a Build-A-Bloody Mary bar.
Check out the full Oysterfest menu online to discover more options and prepare for the big day.
Other Menu Favorites
Oysters not your thing? Annie Bailey’s Oysterfest menu has more in store than its namesake mollusk.
Fans of the pub’s lunch and dinner menus will recognize favorites like the Blackened Hickory Chicken, King Street Burger, Chipotle Chicken Salad, and the Asian Brisket Sandwich. Or you can stick with the seafood and try the lightly-blackened Swordfish, Pasta Jambalaya (with shrimp), Ahi Tuna Tacos or Crab Cake Sandwich.
“We try to embody the spirit of Lancaster county,” said Josh Funk, Co-Owner of Annie Bailey’s. “We love having the fresh food from local vendors. We are always looking for opportunities to incorporate local products—from flowers on our tables to the ingredients in our dishes. We, as much as we can, want to align ourselves with the local markets.”
The Fig team enjoys the menu.
Other Annie Bailey's menu favorites.
Plan Your Visit
11th Annal Oysterfest Details:
When: Saturday, September 29 starting at 11am.
Menu: Check out the feature menu online!
Live music: Todd Umstead from Noon-2pm, Fire in the Glen from 3-5pm.
Please Note: No reservations are taken for Oysterfest, and menu items are subject to change.
Other Annie Bailey’s Details:
Where: 28 East King Street, Lancaster PA. 17602
Menu: From hearty Irish pub favorites to small & shared plates; savory meat dishes to flavorful vegetarian (and even a few vegan!) options; breakfast & brunch bites to decadent desserts—the food menus feature seasonal specialties as well as year-round standbys that are sure to please every palate.
More info: Check out the full Annie Bailey’s website
