Big Al's Oyster Bar

"I hate to do a negative review. However, this dining experience was downright terrible. If I could give this place negative stars I would. The only reason they got a star is the chef who prepares the main dish is very good. I remember him from years back and he is hard working, friendly and prepares the best dishes. I used to come here years ago before Covid. Back then it was delicious. The food was fresh and the service was top notch. Fast forward 2024…it has taken a nose dive. We requested for bar seating since the wait was supposedly shorter. The hostess said they just need to just wipe the bar counter and took our phone number. This took well over 15 minutes while we waited at the podium only for my husband to look and there were many tables as well as bar seating available. We informed her and she seemed so unaware of what was going on but we finally sat down. I ordered the seafood gumbo and it was downright awful. It was not even edible. It was absolutely disgusting! The soup was so thick and super salty. It seemed as it was cooked days prior. I exchanged it for their clam chowder and that was just as bad. The chowder was super thick as if it’s been sitting for a long time. I couldn’t mange to eat it. I ordered a caesar salad and it was basic. The manager kept looking at his employee behind the counter with disdain. The employee behind the counter was struggling chucking oysters. From my observation there was a disagreement between him and the staff or the manager because he walked off. There was a lot of chatter back and forth between the staff themselves and the manager. The waitresses were in a frenzy trying to figure out whats going on. To order, get a drink, a refill, and our food we had to ask the waitress every time. I mean…every time. We ordered a dozen oysters for $45 which is not bad at all but definitely not quality. At this point I was so disappointed and disgusted by the food we finally left. The manager acknowledged us and was friendly but a little too late. This place has definitely gone down from its days of glory. Don’t believe me? Look at the food photos. We spent a little over $100 and it was money wasted. We love to dine out and have no problem spending money however when the food is bad..there is nothing worse. If you dine here proceed with caution. I would recommend a dish prepared by the head check himself and skip the soups and gumbo and salads."

"When we stay at the Orleans, it is a must to go eat at Big Al's. They use to have to the best Oyster Rockefeller in the country but for some reason with the remodel, they axed that menu item with a lot of other popular favorites. We went there because we were craving it and realized that they do not have it anymore. We were going to leave but were convinced by the staff to try their new BBQ oysters and it had nothing to do with BBQ. It was half a dozen oysters with butter garlic sauce. That might sound good on paper but it was terrible. I really hope they bring back the Oyster Rockefeller."

"Arrived at Big Al’s oyster bar about 45 mins before closing. I knew we weren’t super hungry and if they seated us we would be fast! I promised and they accommodated us. We already knew what we wanted so shortly after we were seated we place our order with the waitress. The Louisiana crab cakes were chock full of crab with each bite and the creole mustard sauce wasn’t overwhelming. We liked it so much we ordered 2! The salad was also full of crab meat with nice crunchy bacon hidden under the mound of crab. We requested ranch for our salad dressing and luckily it was on the side or I think the salad would have been swimming in the ranch. And finally the chowder…I’m reminiscing about the seafood chowder as I write this. You get clams, shrimp, crab and fish in this bowl. It is a hearty, tasty soup and surprisingly not at all salty! I saw the table next to us with the New England chowder and it looked thick and rich so I’m glad we opted for the seafood chowder. Good food and at great prices! The atmosphere is ok. It’s located in the Orleans which is an older, off strip property. Don’t expect the glitz and glamour of the strip properties here. It no frills and showing its age."