Dan & Louis Oyster Bar

Dan & Louis Oyster Bar: Seafood and Family Tradition in Portland Since 1907

Dan & Louis Oyster Bar is a seafood restaurant located in downtown Portland, Oregon, that has been serving oysters, seafood, cocktails, and local beer for more than 119 years. Opened by Louis C. Wachsmuth in 1907, the establishment has been run by five generations of the same family. Its offering combines authentic family recipes with an atmosphere that evokes the city's maritime history.

A History Tied to the Sea and to Portland

The restaurant's history dates back to 1907, when Louis C. Wachsmuth opened a seafood business on Ankeny Street. Louis came from a family dedicated to oyster farming: his father, Meinert Wachsmuth, had worked on maritime routes between San Francisco and the oyster bays of Oregon and Washington. Louis learned to shuck oysters at the age of five and, after working as a delivery driver, cook, and shucker, founded Oregon Oyster, a wholesale and retail seafood business. In 1919, with the arrival of Prohibition, he acquired the food bar of the famous Merchant's Saloon and changed the name to Louis' Oyster Bar. The establishment was later expanded with several dining rooms, including the main dining room with a sailing ship interior in 1937 and the Reserve dining room with the ship-shaped kitchen Star of Oregon in 1940. In 2017, the fourth generation renovated the Reserve, renaming it the Galley and adding windows and a larger kitchen.

The Wachsmuth Family and the Evolution of the Business

Louis married Elizabeth Sauer in 1908, and their children grew up connected to the business. In 1938, the family suffered the loss of Dan, the second son, at the age of 27, and his name was added to Louis' Oyster Bar in his memory. The eldest son, Louis Arthur, and the youngest, Chester, continued the business after their father's death in 1957. In 1977 it passed into the hands of their sons Louis John and Doug. In 1991, Doug became the sole owner and ran it with his wife Joyce, his brother Tuck, and his son Theodore. In 1997, his other son, Meinert (Keoni), and his wife Michelle joined. The fifth generation remains at the helm of the restaurant.

Oysters, Seafood, and House Classics

The menu focuses on fresh seafood and family recipes. Specialties include freshly shucked oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, steamed clams or mussels, prawn cocktail, Louie salad, seafood gumbo, sautéed prawns, fish & chips, fried smoked salmon, and oyster stew. The full bar offers a variety of cocktails and Oregon craft beers. On Mondays, Oyster Monday is celebrated with all-day happy hour: half a dozen oysters for $12 and a dozen for $24, according to the site's catalog.

A Space for Celebrations and Events

The restaurant has spaces for intimate dinners and parties, and accepts reservations for groups and events. It also offers catering services. The experience aims to be relaxed and welcoming, with service that has been highlighted in customer reviews. The venue has an atmosphere that combines family history —with treasures from five generations on the walls— and the classic charm of Portland.

Commitment to the Community

The restaurant has expressed its support for the local community. Starting November 1st, according to the site's information, it offers free clam chowder to those who have lost their SNAP benefits, and accepts donations to sustain this initiative. It also invites people to support the business directly through Venmo.

Location and Contact

208 Southwest Ankeny Street, Portland, OR 97204 · Phone: (503)-227-5906 · Email: oysterbarportland@hotmail.com · Hours: Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Sunday, Monday, and Thursday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM