Yesterday I had the opportunity to experience brunch at Opal's Oyster Bar and everything was beautifully done. The setup and atmosphere looked like something straight out of a magazine. The crab cake Benedict was amazing, the wedge salad was fresh and delicious, and the shrimp from the seawall was full of flavor. And of course, the lobster mac and cheese was absolutely yummy. Great food, beautiful presentation, and an overall wonderful experience. read more

Opal’s Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Waco, Texas

Unfortunately, Opal's is one of the most poorly run restaurants I've experienced in a long time. We made reservations months in advance, and they still managed to completely botch it by giving away and relocating our table to accommodate someone else. Apparently reservations here are meaningless. What really took it to another level was watching the staff actually ask the people sitting at the table they stole from us to move. It was unbelievably awkward, unprofessional, and honestly pathetic to watch unfold in real time. Total chaos. I stayed polite the entire time -- holding doors for guests and staff, trying to be understanding -- and then a waiter carrying dirty dishes tried sneaking through behind me when I let the door go and absolutely ate it. Glass shattered everywhere, drinks spilled all over the place, and instead of acting professionally or apologizing, the staff just stood there looking confused. No ownership. No urgency. No class. The whole place feels like it's being run by people completely in over their heads. Disorganized management, clueless staff, zero communication, and customer service that borders on nonexistent. For a place trying to present itself as upscale, the operation felt amateur hour from start to finish. Honestly, if this is how they handle guests who planned ahead for months, I'd hate to see how they handle a busy night. Save yourself the frustration, the wasted time, and the secondhand embarrassment. Good luck staying open, Opal's. With management and service like this, you're going to need a miracle. PS...Bring your bug spray if you don't want extra protein with dinner. read more

My mom and I spent a beautiful spring evening on the patio, and it was such a lovely experience. The staff was amazing--attentive, thoughtful, and genuinely welcoming. Our food arrived quickly, but we never felt rushed at all, which made the evening feel relaxed and special. The oysters were great, and I ordered the lobster roll, which was a 10/10. It also came with some of the best fries I've ever had. My mom got the red snapper with a side of broccoli, and she really enjoyed her meal as well. We almost never order dessert, but since it was the last night of our vacation, we thought... why not? We shared strawberry and chocolate ice cream served with the cutest, yummiest little tea cookies, and it was absolutely worth it. Everything about the meal was phenomenal, and we left super satisfied. read more

Everything was perfect! Four of us stopped for lunch and were pleasantly surprised. The restaurant itself had a very relaxed but sophisticated vibe. Our server was attentive and helpful, The food was delicious - everything cooked to perfection! A great choice when visiting Waco Texas . They also offer a gluten free and vegan options. read more

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Opals is what Waco needed. A gorgeous, aesthetic and, delicious place. Everything from the decor, service, and food was incredible. The crab fried rice and the muscles are must try dishes. Both full of flavor and phenomenal. The crab cake and the shrimp cocktail are fabulous appetizers, but don't compare to the muscles or fried rice. We also had the scallops and the sea bass. Both excellently done and was more than enough food for three of us. read more

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The strawberry Bundt cake was fantastic! It was moist, not toasty sweet, the icing was creamy and whipped, and the sliced strawberries with a drizzle. I could eat 5 slices. Now to the food, I liked the lobster roll, it just seemed a bit small. Also, the fries were crispy like I enjoy. The crab fried rice is good, but a bit different flavor. There was bit of vinegar or something - can't place it. The decor was nice and the service was pleasant. It's a nice afternoon place. read more

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This is now our absolute favorite place in Waco. Neigh the world. It is so quaint and fancy at the same time. The service was fantastic. Not snooty given the white tablecloths and fancy water pitcher, but down to earth friendly. We had the lobster bisque and it was close to the best I've ever had. She had the shrimp cocktail and I the oysters. Both very fresh. The Maine and Nova Scotia oysters were briney yet sweet. The horseradish and the mignonette were top notch. The truffle deviled eggs were astounding. So creamy, so good with a light truffle taste. The Salt and Stone cocktail was very light with oyster infused vodka they make in house. Such subtle flavors. Finally I had the "frenchie" oysters. I can sincerely report that this dish is among the best I've EVER eaten. Bacon and onion jam with gruyere cheese atop broiled oysters. It was almost a religious experience. Knowing this place exists, we will gladly drive several hours there to dine. Magnifique! read more

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I really loved the decor at Opal's, and the outdoor seating was very pleasant and beautiful. Definitely felt like I'd been transported away - it reminded me of a bar I went to in NYC. I ordered light fare during my visit and some drinks. The Pears & Agave was fine but probably wouldn't order again. The chocolate martini was good but also not something I'd want to come back for. The lemon tart dessert was affordable and tasty. I had the truffle polenta and cauliflower (sides!) and they were also very good - just not *wow*. If I were to go back I'd definitely want to try it when I have more of an appetite so I could try more of the regular menu. Service was fine - the server assistant was more personable than my actual server. Overall a very pretty place and I'd be willing to try again but I wasn't blown out of the water by this first visit read more

Opal’s Oysters - Lemon Tarts Chocolate Martini - Seafood Near Me - Waco, Texas

When we walked up to opal's there was a couple of parties ahead of us that just checked in. I had to greet the hostess first and tell her we had a reservation. The restaurant was already in full swing. Once seated we reviewed the menu and our waiter came by to bring water and take our drink orders. I ordered the Hot Tea Service and started the meal with oysters (pink moon and well fleet, I really enjoyed the pink moon - just the right amount of brininess) and the Crudo (snapper, hamachi, tuna & salmon - the vinaigrette was yummy... unfortunately, I found pieces of fish scales). Then tried the Seaside Hotcakes (nice & fluffy, the combination of the butter, roe & honey... delicious) and Lobster Roll with fries (the roll is small but the flavor is mighty and the fries were crispy). The meal was finished with the Belgian Chocolate Cake (the cake was a little dry but the warm fudge and drunken blackberries saved the cake). This place is great for general dining, family and dates. Service was good, the wait person answered all the questions, was friendly and checked on us regularly. When making a reservation, the only option was Oyster Bar seating. At first, I was a little disappointed but if you like watching cooking shows these are the action seats. Make a reservation. read more

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A seafood lovers dream. Ambiance is outstanding. Chic and clean. I recommend sitting on the patio which is covered. Great options on the menu such as Chilean Sea Bass, lobster and oysters from PEI. All the food was fantastic. If you like a thicker, steaky fish, go with the Texas Redfish. If you want a rich, buttery fish, go with the Sea Bass. The sea bass filet was thinner than typical. If you're a fan of capers, go with the Crudo Plate which came with salmon, hamachi, snapper, and tuna. The hotcakes were a great side dish to share. They are thick and the perfect amount of sweetness. Soups are made in house. Excellent wine list and beautiful stemware. We went with a bottle of Sancerre which pared perfectly from start to finish. Service was very attentive. There are several server assistants around ready to clear your plates and refill your wine and water. Excited to go back and try more of the menu! read more

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Walked in on a Sunday night for a table for two. My friend wanted to use her gift card that wasn't loading properly and the hostess was super friendly and helpful and figured it out for us. We ordered a lobster roll and drinks. Lobster roll had good flavor and the pickle on the side tasted homemade. The drinks took a little while to come out but were very good. I really loved the fancy, quiet vibe inside; perfect for date night. I need to come back for oysters! read more

Opal’s Oysters - Fig fashioned and espresso martini - Seafood Near Me - Waco, Texas

Went for the first time to celebrate my son's birthday brunch and his re-Baptism, and it was such a great experience. I ordered the citrus ceviche and the tanginess was spot on. The chips that came with it were honestly the best chips I've ever had! For dessert we had the chocolate cake with drunken blackberries, which was the perfect way to end the meal. Definitely looking forward to going back! read more

Amazing restaurant!! Beautifully decorated and the vibes were so cozy and fun. The food was delicious. And the drinks were great! We also got the crudo plate and tuna tartare and they were wonderful. Highly recommend this as a great date night spot! read more

Opal’s Oysters - Waygu cheeseburger and fries - Seafood Near Me - Waco, Texas

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3.5 stars! For seafood lovers, this is the place to find oysters, scallops, fish, and more. We ordered: Oysters on the half shell (two types) Butternut squash soup Roasted cauliflower Herb salad on the side Chilean sea bass Scallops Lobster roll Cheesy polenta Crab fried rice My friends enjoyed the wine selections and libations while we waited for our meal, watching enviously as the tables to our left and right were served before us despite the couples arriving after us. Other than the serving snafu, the food was delicious and plated prettily. My soup was a bit lukewarm while the cauliflower dish was a bit liberal on the salt. The side herb salad was just that ... a few pieces of basil and chives dressed with lemon. No salad greens, lol, so imagine my surprise. Since our meal came late to the table, we were the last remaining foursome in the section of the restaurant and turns out that makes for a quieter dining experience. Just be careful of the real candle that served as table lighting -- lovely romantic glow but our graduate felt the flame a couple of times reaching for the shared dishes. Street parking only. Check them out. read more

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Meal started with a delicious so yummy lobster bisque. Wine & Cosmo so good. Entrees were crab cake, lobster Mac & Cheese, crab fried rice and filet. I recommend all because all were so amazing. Our waitress was very nice and helpful. Many places to choose from for sitting. We chose the inside for a very quiet intimate dinner. I also loved the patio area. If we return to Waco we will definitely return. read more

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Shut the front door and take all my money. Excuse me, but food porn in your mouth. The flavor, especially with the oyster! Holy cow! My husband will make the 3 hour drive just for the "Frenchie" oysters. It's an explosion of flavor like you've never experienced. You've been warned. Everything else was delicious. Also, sign me up for more deviled eggs. Holy sheet! Ok, ok...come for the food but enjoy the customer service. Stevie! You nailed it. She provided us with excellent customer service and being your genuine self was appreciated. Recommendation, trick more customers with your sister! Ha! We will be back ANYTIME we are in Waco. This is a MUST on your Waco bucket list. P.S. the ambiance is perfecto. read more

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Three stars for excellent service and ambience. I really wanted to love this place, but almost $40 for four small scallops (with no side dish included) it was definitely disappointing. My friend enjoyed her lobster roll. We split the ceviche which was very bland (and again, tiny portion). I wasn't impressed with the food considering what I spent. read more

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Waco is not known for high quality fine dining, but it has been evolving with Terry Blacks and new 1928 Hotel. Opals is a new spot that just opened right behind Terry Blacks and it should not be missed! Best parking is at Terry Blacks and walking over or street parking. | F O O D | Smoked Salmon 6/10 - well balanced and big app NY Strip 8/10 - incredibly moist and tender Cheesy Polenta 8/10- truffle and cheese YES PLEASE! Caramelized Cauliflower 6/10- kinda bland wanted more herbs and salt Belgian Chocolate Cake 7.5/10- warmed up slice! | A T M O S P H E R E | Quaint and small indoor space making it intimate elevating the fine dining experience. The round bar perfect for just going to get a drink and outside area is full of greenery to make it enchanting in its own way. | O V E R A L L | Opals is a breathe of fresh air as overall the food and atmosphere fit the tone of the place. The prices are higher, but so is the quality and service as each dish was well balanced. Newly opened and perfect for a special date night. Will be back 8/10 read more

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We had a lovely table outdoors for Mother's Day brunch. The buffet was expansive, though items were of mixed quality and temperature. Most astounded to get the bill and realize that it was $75 per person not including any beverages - not even coffee or juice. I don't know any mom that could eat enough to make that worthwhile. Definitely not worth the price. read more

We arrived at about 3pm and asked if we were walk-ins. When I said yes the hostess offered outside dining on a cold day. I pointed to two seats at the kitchen counter and she let us sit there. We immediately noticed there was a table for two nearby and an hour and a half later it still sat vacant. Not sure why at 3pm we could not have been seated at that table in the dining area. We were dressed up and polite. Our server Leslie was very friendly and helpful. She brought our drinks (coke in a bottle $4 and a mocktail for $11) quickly. The server continued to check on us and again was very nice. But, since we were sitting at the counter with the entire kitchen staff in front of us it was hard not to notice six men and women in street clothes walking around each prep area as managers. Maybe a few less managers and they could afford to serve a satisfying portion. I mean the food was tasty but far from a meal at that price point. We could have spent the same amount at Olaf's in Clifton and been happy with the entree portion size plus a salad, bread and a beer. We selected a dozen oysters ($45) and we asked to have an assortment from the four types listed on the gulf menu. After a delay we received the oysters. The oysters were of various sizes and fresh. The horseradish was amazing! Since we don't know our oysters by name we thought a variety would be a good way to see what type was meatier. Unfortunately, without warning we were charged the individual price, so the dozen oyster total was $48. Not a big deal but the menu listed a dozen oysters as a set price. My wife ordered the red snapper and it was delicious, but it was just about a 6 ounce piece of fish for $31. I guess it would have been too much expense to slip a couple veggies or a scoop of rice into the plate at this price. Must have been expensive lemon that was in the side. I ordered the clam linguine ($30) which was pasta and a half dozen clams in the shell. The pasta was good, clams were dried out but still had flavor. I would imagine the pasta was about a half cup serving. In the bowl was plenty of good leftover sauce after eating the pasta, again slipping a piece of crusty bread on the side would have gone a long way to satisfy the meal. My wife and I share the same birthday on this day and enjoy celebrating it with fine dining each year. This year's meal was a bit pretentious and skimpy. Simply satisfying meal even at that price could have had us returning since we only live about 45 minutes away. If in Florida, try Boshamps for oysters and entrees and experience fine dining with a focus on satisfied. Again, Leslie was very friendly. read more

As always, you can never go wrong at Opals for any occasion. Every dish is perfect, the vibe both inside and on the patio are perfect and our waiters never fail to be so kind. Our favorite spot in waco! read more

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Was so excited to finally try out Opals! We sat outside, was a beautiful day and service was excellent. Still dreaming about the hot cakes!

Absolutely amazing experience . I took my mom for her 81st birthday and I wanted it to be an experience and it was ! I don't think Waco has anything close to this level of talent service . Amazing food read more

Tried Opal's this weekend. Had a reservation for 9:30 and they bumped us up to 9:09 when we kindly asked. Was a good move because we didn't know they close at 10! We unknowingly shut the place down and they were just as kind and patient with us as ever. Our server was very kind, attentive, and informative, and the food was tasty, beautiful, and thoughtful. We ordered zero gulf oysters, two of the west coast, and two east coast (great white). The great white was our favorite-- such a great balance of clean and bright flavor. Looking forward to returning and trying the other east coast options; I believed there were two other options. We also ordered the peach burrata as we love ourselves some burrata. While we wish the peach flavor was more present, we loved the brûlée on it and the other flavors meshed so well. The burrata was perfectly salty and went perfectly with the sweet sauce, greens, and salty burrata. Only wish they would include a crostini to add a crispy texture to the plate. For entrees, we ordered: I ordered the Clam Linguine-- this was such a pretty dish. The pasta and clams were cooked perfectly, and the sauce was creamy and bright. Everything I want out of a seafood pasta dish. My husband ordered the Cheeseburger for variety and because it looked special. All about trying a good looking burger. It had an egg on top that we ordered medium. T'was yummy but we wish the bacon was a bit thicker and the seasoning on the hamburger patty were more present. Still worth trying if you like a classic cheeseburger with a twist, but I think we'll try the Red Snapper (as recommended) next time. The decor and ambiance inside was on point. We spent quite a bit of time taking everything in and commenting on the aesthetic. Sides: There was a good variety of sides though they could use one more veggie or two. Sides were large and enough to feed 2-3 people. We ordered the Parmesan Fries- perfectly crispy and the Parmesan brought some nice, salty flavor. Nice to pair with the burger or have a nice crispy side for contrast to much of the menu. Glazed Carrots-- I am not usually a big fan of cooked carrots but if all cooked carrots tasted like this, I could be a convert. Wish I had more room in my stomach to eat more of these! Will definitely be ordering again. Dessert: Strawberry Bundt Cake was recommended by our server and the perfect end to our meal. Not too sweet and flavors balanced well. Reminded us a little of a strawberry shortcake. Sitting inside Opal's we found ourselves saying, "This doesn't feel like Waco!" Much more like a spot you'd find in a bigger city. So glad they're here. Waco needs more spots like this-- places with good, creative food, and stellar aesthetic. Found out they are owned by the Terry Black's folks. Would be fun to see a collab! Hope they do well! read more

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This restaurant has it going on! From the moment we walked in, the front-of-house staff was friendly and attentive--special thanks to Sierra for making our visit so welcoming. The restaurant is decorated in exquisite taste and creates a cozy, inviting ambiance that makes you want to linger. We started with oysters, and our server Leslie gave fabulous recommendations that did not disappoint. For dinner, my husband enjoyed the Texas Red Fish with brown garlic butter sauce--absolutely delicious. I had the seared scallops in truffled yuzu butter, and they were cooked to perfection--truly amazing! We also shared the crab fried rice, which was packed with flavor. To top off an incredible meal, we indulged in the Burnt Basque Cheesecake with brown butter crumble and guava coulis--pure bliss. Opal's Oysters is a must-try when in Waco--outstanding food, friendly service, and a warm, elegant atmosphere that ties it all together. read more

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Oysters were hands down delicious and a great variety, we ended up ordering more! The prawns/grits were a little to salty and dry for my liking but overall good dining experience and I would come back for more read more

Opal’s Oysters - Prawn with cheesy grits - Seafood Near Me - Waco, Texas

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Amazing service and the food was out of this world! We went for brunch and sat on the patio and it was amazing!

Great quaint upscale dining with a casual feel. The servers stay busy. The selection of food choices are plentiful. If you're an oyster lover or just curious to try, this place is definitely worth a visit. Great vibes and they even have an outdoor seating area if you prefer fresh air during your dining experience. read more

What a magical food experience! I can't even begin to express how delicious everything was . From the drinks, to the crudo , main entrees and desserts. It was absolutely amazing! Stevie was so patient and went above and beyond for us and had great recommendations . We loved our experience here ! Thank you so much Stevie read more

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Just leaving Opal's. Excellent service by Tyra! We had the Blue Point, Goldilocks, and Permaquid oysters. Small but delicious. Recommend. So very fresh! The bread and butter is so, so good. The Chico-Chiller is deceptive. Thinking they didn't put enough alcohol in it. Then bam. So beware if you're a light weight. Between the 5 of us, we had brown butter scallops, mussels, hoe cakes, and clam linguine with lobster mac with crab fried rice. Recommend all!! We also tried the strawberry pound cake and lemon tarts. Perfect if you want dessert but don't want anything too sweet. 5 stars is really 4.5 because I feel like the portions could be a little bigger for the price. Call ahead if you have a party bigger than 4 and want to sit inside during the hottest months in TX. Loved the decor inside and out. read more

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A MUST! Incredible food you won't find anywhere else. Amazing! Food, Atmosphere, Staff! 5+ Stars! Our kids were reluctant to go because of the name. However this was the place they compared all the other food to on our trip. Burger Pancakes Steak & Eggs Prawn & Pallenta Allie took great care of us and the whole time! ‍ read more

Opal’s Oysters - Shoot & Sip - Seafood Near Me - Waco, Texas

This was truly one of the most wonderful dining experiences I've had in a long time. The food was absolutely incredible -- every bite was delicious. The oysters were fresh and perfect, and the lobster roll was to die for. The strawberry Bundt cake even brought tears to my eyes; it tasted just like the strawberry cake my great-grandma used to make when I was growing up. The atmosphere is beautiful -- such a fun, welcoming vibe -- and the service was just as amazing. Our server, Ali T, was so kind and even took our photo for us. We don't live in Waco, but this meal was without a doubt the highlight of our trip. If you love seafood, especially oysters, you must visit Opal's. It's a gem in every way. read more

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Great ambiance, feels as though I'm not in Waco anymore. Knowledgable staff and excellent food. I definitely recommend Opal's! read more

Opal's Oyster Bar is a gem! Super fresh oysters, great drinks, and such a fun vibe. The staff was friendly and made the experience even better. Definitely coming back! read more

Our favorite place to eat in Waco. We haven't had anything bad, but get the Sea Bass and ceviche!

Love the atmosphere, service and drinks are top notch. Everything I've eaten here is delish, the oysters are just too tiny for $4 ea. they have several varieties to choose from and we tried 3 but all too small. Still love everything else about opals and will keep returning. read more

This was our second time to Opal's and it was fantastic. We sat outside on the patio in the evening and it was lovely. Our server was friendly, attentive, and gave great recommendations. In this trip we had the lobster roll, salmon, and broccolini. And a side of the spicy crackers because we loved them so much from last time. read more

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Tried Opal's for lunch. Service was excellent. Love the ambience. Way overpriced however. $28 hamburger is the most expensive hamburger I have had in the world, and this is Waco! It was good, but no hamburger is that good!! Disappointed in the two best selling type oysters that were recommended. East coast - Very briny, small, and not a lot of flavor. Crab bisque, with a puff pastry, was pretty good but a bit too much tarragon. read more

Made reservations for four for lunch on the patio. We were sat on the sidewalk, in March, and it was so hot! They didn't have umbrellas out, but hopefully they put some out for the summer. They do have a covered patio, so be specific when asking for seating when you make reservations for outside. The ambiance was bougie in a small town. I had the lobster roll and it was delicious! The french fries were good. The restaurant is VERY expensive, especially for eating in Waco. The food was great, but due to the prices, I would not visit here often. If $$ is not an issue, then go for it. It was delicious! read more

Opal’s Oysters - Lobster - Seafood Near Me - Waco, Texas

The restaurant was amazing! We sat at the oyster bar so we watched the chefs preparing everything coming out of the kitchen. Was very impressive to see. There were three of us. We tried the lobster bisque and clam chowder. Lobster bisque was delicious! It had a puff pastry on top of the soup and large lobster pieces throughout. Two of us had the lobster roll. It came with fries. The roll was great! It had extra seasonings I've not had on a regular lobster roll. It was very good! One of us had the snapper. Beautifully cooked and very good as well. The restaurant's exterior and interior is beautiful. Staff was great! The server was attentive and helpful with questions. If you happen to be in Waco give this place a try! read more