New to Bodega Bay, Rocker Oysterfeller’s at the Wharf is the perfect spot to have a delicious bite to eat, while overlooking the glistening waters on the bay. The restaurant offers an impressive menu with a variety of surf and turf – definitely a must-visit when in Bodega Bay.
The name Rocker Oysterfeller’s is a play on a famous dish, “Oysters Rockefeller.” They source all of their seafood and steaks locally, as well as some cheeses from Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery.
When my mom and I arrived, business wasn’t too busy for a Friday at 2 p.m. We sat on the patio overlooking the fishing dock and the bay. The sun shone perfectly, twinkling on the surface of the calm ocean water. Fishermen appeared to be bringing in loads of fish and cleaning up the dock area.
The fishing dock at Lucas Wharf has been active since 1973, and it was impressive to see in action. We even had a seal friend swimming around right in front of us.
Rocker Oysterfeller’s menu has quite an array of options to choose from. As part of restaurant week, the restaurant showcased two lunch options, each offering two courses. The first option was a classic iceberg wedge salad with gorgonzola cheese from Valley Ford and New Orleans BBQ Gulf shrimp over grilled bread.
The wedge salad was vibrant and the iceberg lettuce was crisp. The dish was well-balanced – refreshing, creamy and rich from the gorgonzola cheese. The only note was the bacon bits, which were so tiny I hardly noticed them.
The BBQ shrimp was amazing – grilled to perfection, juicy and oozing with flavor from the worcestershire marinade – the perfect balance of tang, salt and a hint of sweetness. The grilled bread soaked up all the sauce, making the meal filling and well-rounded.
The second option was clam chowder and blackened Gulf shrimp with Carolina grits. This portion was much larger than the other, but I’m not complaining. The clam chowder was satisfactory, with a well-developed flavor, but different from your classic clam chowder.
The base of the soup was thick and tan in color, rather than the classic silky, cream base. The soup reminded me of a cheesy potato chowder with bacon. The flavor of the clams seemed to be lost, but I definitely noticed the bacon in this dish.
It wasn’t labeled on the menu, but there had to be cheese in the chowder. The chowder also came with garlic bread which had the most crunchy crust and softcenter – a must for garlic lovers.
The Carolina grits were the showstopper for me. The Gulf shrimp, blackened and smothered in creole sauce, were served over the creamiest grits I’ve ever had. This dish was also beautifully balanced with slight acidity and mild spice from the creole sauce, blackened shrimp and the rich, creamy grits.
Rocker Oysterfeller’s is dog-friendly with easy outdoor access to the uncovered patio. The patio is well spaced out with room for large parties. Shade umbrellas are offered in case the sun is glaring, but I would also recommend bringing a hat and sunglasses. The atmosphere inside was very cozy with plants and great natural light. The decor may seem dated but it stays true to the nautical theme.
Next time you’re in Bodega Bay, definitely think of Rocker Oystefeller’s when you’re trying to find a bite to eat that won’t disappoint! Instead of having just the classics, they add their own fun southern twist, offering something new to the area.
Rocker Oysterfeller’s is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant has a prime location, with a decent amount of parking. It is located at 595 Highway 1 in Bodega Bay adjacent to Doran beach. With a little exploring you can find a trail that leads all the way to the sandy beaches of Doran beach – a gorgeous walk and perfect after a nice meal.
