The Jolly Oyster

Picture this: your toes in the sand, the Pacific Ocean breeze in your hair, and a dozen pristine oysters waiting to be shucked right in front of you. That’s exactly what awaits at The Jolly Oyster Shuck Shack, a weekend pop-up truck that sets up shop at San Buenaventura State Beach Park in Ventura every Saturday and Sunday. This isn’t your typical food truck experience—it’s a full-on coastal adventure.

What sets The Jolly Oyster apart is their commitment to quality and freshness. They farm their own Kumamoto oysters down in Baja California, then haul them north to serve directly to beach-goers. You can grab an oyster knife from the truck and go full DIY with your shucking, or simply order them already prepared on the half shell with a bright cucumber mignonette that perfectly complements the briny sweetness of the oysters.

Beyond the signature oysters, the truck offers an impressive array of prepared seafood dishes. The fried oyster tacos are a crowd favorite, while the bay scallop ceviche and sea urchin tostadas showcase the kitchen’s range. Bring a cooler, pack your favorite beverages, and set up a proper beach picnic—this is casual, BYOB dining at its finest.

If you’re looking to impress visitors with a uniquely Southern California experience, or simply want to spend a weekend afternoon enjoying some of the freshest seafood around, The Jolly Oyster delivers. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why eating by the ocean is one of life’s simple pleasures.