Dirty Don’s Isn’t Far From The Caravelle

Did you know that oysters have been around for over 180 million years? The Guinness Book of World Records has the most oysters eaten in three minutes at 187. Think you can beat it?

Caravelle guests love their VMB card, especially for the food discounts at the wonderful restaurants and bars around town. A favorite place of mine that I like to tell the resort’s visitors about is Dirty Don’s Oyster Bar & Grill. They are one of the Caravelle’s partners, so you can get a free half dozen raw oysters or a shrimp appetizer when you order an entrée there.

Just because they are an oyster bar, don’t think that’s all that patrons order.

“The fried pickles were great, and our waitress Meridith was very sweet and knowledgeable about the menu,” says Paul Hauck, recent a satisfied customer at Dirty Don’s. “The catfish appetizer was also great. We’ll be back.”

The pickles appetizer Paul is talking about is breaded pickles deep-fried golden brown, with a spicy horseradish dip. I like “Pat’s Potato Skins” myself. They’re loaded with cheese, bacon, and scallions, and served with sour cream.

Lynn Mahoney has been bartending at the famous local bar and grill for five years. “We have a large menu, but being an oyster bar that’s what folks usually look forward to,” she told me. “Our blacked oysters, in my opinion, is one of the most requested appetizers.”

Also one of my favorites, “Bev’s Blacked Oysters” is a half dozen plump gulf-coast oysters blackened, served with garlic bread.

“We’re also famous for our happy hour specials, like $.50 shrimp, oysters, and wings,” Lynn says, “along with our reduced drink prices, of course.”

Dirty Don’s is a short drive down Ocean Blvd from the Caravelle Resort. Just turn on 21st Ave. North and they’ll be one block ahead on the right.