Oyster Bar bringing seaside fare, sips to Southtown this fall
One of San Antonio’s freshest restaurateurs is bringing seaside to Southtown when she opens a new oyster bar this fall.
Little Em’s Oyster Bar, at 1001 S. Alamo St., is preparing for a fall opening date, co-owner Emily Carpenter says.
Courtesy, Emily Carpenter
The San Antonio native and her husband and co-owner Houston Carpenter have had their hearts set on bringing their ardor for oysters to the Southtown neighborhood since they moved to the area in 2017.
Courtesy, Emily Carpenter
“I’m such a huge foodie and oysters have always been at the top of the list,” Emily Carpenter said. “We’ve traveled all over the world and fallen in love with oysters. We will be tasting them before we give them to our customers to make sure they’re fabulous and high quality.”
Courtesy, Emily Carpenter
The spot, located at the corner of South Alamo and Beauregard streets, is already adding an aesthetically pleasing pastel pop to the area.
Emily Carpenter has transformed the intimate space, which has gone from a filling station to the original Friendly Spot to storage for Madhatters, into a spot that’s as delicate and sophisticated as the oysters on the menu.
She said she’s taken careful consideration into every bit of décor, from the baby blue awnings to the minimalist oyster sign marking the spot as Little Em’s.
Courtesy, Emily Carpenter
She hopes her boutique-style restaurant will become a standout Southtown space for weekend date nights and Sunday brunches.
“It’s going to be very adorable,” Emily Carpenter said. “It’s a place for good food, good drinks and good company. We envision Little Em’s becoming a destination, somewhere you can enjoy a nice glass of champagne with high quality oysters.”
The menu will be consist of oysters, of course, from the East and West coasts and places like Massachussetts and Rhode Island. Emily Carpenter says there will be “something for everyone,” like ceviche, salads, lobster rolls and meat options, like burgers and a filet for the night time menu.
Courtesy, Emily Carpenter
The Carpenters have tapped Ben Crumley, who has 25 years of culinary experience, to be Little Em’s chef.
Little Em’s will be able to fit 50 people inside with additional, al fresco seating. Emily Carpenter says the outdoor space will feature a spacious bar where customers will be able to sip on beer and wine while taking in the sights and sounds of South Alamo.
Emily Carpenter said she’s getting acquainted with her Southtown business neighbors, like the recently opened Eleven Oh Two. She said the community is supportive of her new venture and is working together to bring in more business to help transform South Alamo into what South Congress is to Austin.
