Opal’s Oysters Is The New Restaurant From Terry Black’s BBQ (And It’s Awesome)

By Kelsey Kennedy | February 7, 2025

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I’ve shared many times the desperate need that Waco has for more fine dining restaurants, especially in the downtown area. There are a handful of good ones, but for a city that is experiencing this much growth and tourism, there’s definitely a need for more really cool, upscale restaurants that make a statement. Luckily, Opal’s Oysters just opened in downtown Waco, and it’s a home run.

About me: I’m Kelsey, a bestselling travel book author and the creator of 3 Texas travel websites. As a native Texan, I spend my own time and money exploring this state to help millions of readers find the best food, things to do, places to stay in Austin and beyond. Check out my other sites: TheSanAntonioThings.com and TheAustinThings.com!

Opal’s Oysters Is Terry Black’s First Non-BBQ Spot

Anyone who lives in Austin, Dallas, or Waco knows about Terry Black’s BBQ. It’s a hot spot from two twin brothers of the Black Barbecue family, and after opening on Barton Springs Road in Austin it immediately became known as one of the best barbecue restaurants in Austin...and in Texas in general. (Which explains its quick expansion around the state.)

Well, the Terry Black’s BBQ team has officially expanded their restaurant empire to include something that’s not a smokehouse, and they chose to serve oysters and coastal food. Or, in their words, it’s “coastal cuisine, cocktails, and the spirit of balmy summer good times in Waco, TX.”

Opal’s Oysters is adjacent to the new location of Terry Black’s BBQ in downtown Waco.

A True Oyster Bar Experience In Waco

I was so pumped to experience this restaurant for the first time! A few tips I learned from my first visit:

Make reservations. I was dining solo (and I’m a very early eater) so I was able to get a table, but by the time I left around 7:30 pm, every table and bar stool was taken, and customers were waiting in a queue on the sidewalk patio area. It’s a popular spot! If you’re dining with a group at Opal’s Oysters, make a rest.

There’s free street parking everywhere in Waco. God bless Waco Texas and its small town feel…at least for now! There’s still free street parking in downtown Waco.

The cocktails are good and strong! If you love a cocktail with your dinner, you’ll love Opal’s Oysters. But pace yourself - these cocktails are strong.

Multiple dining locations in the restaurant. This part is fun, I think. If you want an oyster bar experience, you can ask to be seated at the counter where they shuck the oysters. There are high top tables for a “cocktail and appetizer” experience, or 2-top and 4-top tables inside for a more formal dining experience. And then there’s the adorable indoor bar, which would be a fun place to stop by for a martini before your dinner, and an entire outdoor patio. Lots of choices!

The Menu At Opal’s Oysters

It’s a fairly traditional coastal seafood restaurant menu. They offer a rotating selection of raw oysters (mostly from the east coast, but a few gulf options and even one west coast oyster when I was there), small plates like crudo, tartare, and salads, and larger seafood dishes like clams linguine, blue crab cakes, and lobster rolls.

If you're ready to splurge a bit, opt for the caviar service, and for a more decadent entrée you can get their grilled dishes like Chilean sea bass, New York strip steak, or seared scallops.

The Dining Experience Is Exceptional

Every bit of my dining experience at Opal’s Oysters was top-notch. From the lovely humans at the host stand to the server who attended to me during the meal to the runners who brought waters and cocktails and oyster platters, it seems that Opal’s Oysters is really looking to elevate the dining experience in Waco.

The small outdoor patio was set up for a winter evening (I dined on a cold January night) and the fireplace was roaring, propane heaters were keeping the space cozy, and there were even individual blankets draped over the back of chairs in case diners got cold. It was such a lovely experience!