The Oyster Riot Was Very Cool Indeed
Words by Dan Rozman
Photos by Mark Raker
The Oyster Riot is one of the coolest food parties in DC, and this past year marked its 27th incredible celebration. Every year, right before Thanksgiving, the Old Ebbitt Grill atrium transforms into one of the most exciting events in the city, hosting an unforgettable feast that food lovers can’t stop talking about.
Ernest Hemingway would have truly appreciated the pairings. He wrote in “A Moveable Feast”: “As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp taste of the wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to make plans.” The Oyster Riot lived up to that description for its 2024 edition on Nov. 22.
In 1995, Tom Meyer and David Moran had a brilliant idea to create a party focusing on oysters and wine. They wanted to create a night where people could taste dozens of different oysters, sip amazing wines, and enjoy live music. What started as a simple concept has become a DC tradition that always sells out quickly.
As always, this year’s Oyster Riot was packed with delicious surprises. Guests could sample 24 different types of shucked oysters and try 10 different wines — and two beers including Guinness. There were also passed oyster appetizers and decadent desserts. The venue hosted three riot sessions, with live bands like Sol Roots, The Yacht Lobsters, and Bad Influence keeping everyone dancing and excited.
The Clydes Group works with the Oyster Recovery Partnership, a group that helps protect the Chesapeake Bay. The oyster shells from the event get recycled to help marine life. The oysters aren’t just randomly chosen, either. A team of experts carefully selects each oyster variety for their flavor profile and then sends them to special labs to ensure they’re safe. People who want to attend have to be quick. Tickets sell out almost instantly, usually within just a few minutes of going on sale. The best way to get a spot is to join the Old Ebbitt Grill’s email list and be ready when tickets are released.
The Oyster Riot is more than just a food event. It’s a celebration of good eating, great music, and community spirit. It brings people together to enjoy something special and support a good cause. As the restaurant’s founders might say, it’s a chance to have fun, enjoy amazing food, and make some incredible memories.
If you love food and music while supporting local environmental efforts, the Oyster Riot is the place to be. It’s not just a party — it’s a DC tradition that gets better every single year.
Certain research and/or drafting aspects for this piece may have had AI assistance.
Here are some photos of Oyster Riot 2024 by Mark Raker!
