Oysters have a long history on Cape Cod. Native Americans in the region regularly feasted on the bivalves, and colonists followed suit after their arrival. Today, no trip to Cape Cod is complete without indulging in this raw bar staple.

Here are our favorite spots up and down the Cape to slurp them from the shell or devour them fried.

The Naked Oyster & Raw Bar in Hyannis specializes in local seafood with a raw bar menu that's nearly as large as the dinner selection. Oysters are delivered daily from their own farm in Barnstable Harbor and then plated up in dozens of different ways. Choose from the classic raw oyster with mignonette or the gimlet oysters with gin, cucumber and lime. Or, try them baked and dressed!

The Wicked Oyster in Wellfleet puts the spotlight on local oysters from the tidal flats of Wellfleet—located only a few miles from the restaurant. They let their oysters shine and keep the toppings minimal. Sample them raw on the half shell or dip your spoon into a hearty oyster stew. Their buttermilk fried oysters are a dinner favorite.

In summer, the patio at Wellfleet Bookstore & Restaurant buzzes with people feasting on the fruits of the sea that are pulled from Wellfleet Bay, just a few yards away. Come for the waterfront views and stay for the seafood, including oysters on the half shell, oyster stew, or oysters Rockefeller. For non-oyster offerings, the generous portion of spicy Portuguese stew is one of their most beloved dishes.

Nestled on historic Route 6A in Dennis is the charming Scargo Cafe. Choose one of Scargo’s 20+ wines by the glass to complement your locally farmed oysters on the half shell, or truly indulge with the restaurant's delectable Oysters Scargo appetizer, baked stuffed with artichoke, spinach and cheese. and bacon.

Bleu in Mashpee Commons brings a little bit of France to the Upper Cape, putting a New England spin on classic French dishes. Start off with seasonal oysters for one, or order the fruit de mer platter—full of crab legs, tuna, oysters, and clams—to split with the table.

The Canteen in Provincetown pairs its casual seafood shack vibe with slightly more upscale versions of summer comfort food. Indulge in fried oysters as an appetizer or paired with a brioche bun for a filling oyster roll. There's beer and wine on the menu, too.

You'll also eat well in Provincetown at Mac’s Fish House, a boisterous restaurant with a long local tradition, but a thoroughly modern interior. Sit at the bar and savor a few oysters on the half shell classically prepared, or Russian-style with vodka, sour cream, and caviar. In the summer, sit on the patio and feast on everything from seafood platters and sushi, to gourmet mac and cheese.

For a classic New England seafood experience,, take a seat at The Flying Bridge—a Falmouth tradition. In addition to oysters on the half shell, snack on such fresh seafood as steamers, whole lobsters, shucked clams and mussels at this local waterfront staple overlooking Falmouth Harbor.

Yes, the Beachcomber is one of the Cape's favorite beach bars, but they offer a whole lot more than Cape Codders on ice. The raw bar is extensive. Watch as they shuck fresh oysters and clams right in front of you, or opt for tuna sashimi, shrimp, lobster, or oyster shooters. If you prefer your oysters hot, the fried oyster po' boy is a treat.

The Lobster Pot in Provincetown is a gathering spot for residents and a destination for summer visitors. For more than 40 years, this landmark has been serving local seafood and meals with a Portuguese influence. The raw bar lives up to its reputation, with some of the quickest oyster shuckers on the Cape. You can even build your own oyster and appetizer platter. Just leave room for a mug of their famous clam chowder!