Being a native New Englander, I am not one to mess around with my seafood. If it ain't fresh, I won't eat it. Sadly that means I don't eat much seafood in the Steel City.
Then I heard about Muddy Waters and how their oysters are brought in fresh from East and West Coasts. I was intrigued. I figured these were either going to be delicious or they're going to be a fishy tasting mess... Thank goodness for delicious!
When you arrive, the staff will educate you about the difference between East Coast (briny) and West Coast (silky) oysters. You can have them raw (YES) or char-grilled. As they say - they're "bad ass mother shuckers" - and they're not kidding! Slurp down some oysters plain, with hot sauce, or with their pickling liquid they serve with it (it's incredible).
Looking for something more than oysters? Try their Hot Chicken with creamy collard greens and cheese grits or the BBQ shrimp and grits (yes, whole shrimp). For an app try the cornbread with apple butter (you'll thank me later). Whatever fills your belly, wash it down with a DELICIOUS adult beverage. Try all of their specialty drinks - I am working my way down the list (responsively) and they are tasty. Whether it's freshly muddled berries or shaken with egg whites (it sounds weird, but trust me it's good), they don't mess around with their beverage!
Next time I'm craving a killer cocktail or the taste of home, I'll be heading to Muddy Waters. Oysters here I come!