My husband & I love raw oysters, shucked freshly. Any recommendations on a raw bar in the Orlando area? Our favorites in Florida are Fudpucker's in Ft. Pierce and O.J.'s in Zephyr Hills.

Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar has been around forever about six miles west of downtown Orlando. It's on Old Winter Garden Road just east of Kirkman Road, a six laner (it used to be two lanes, but that's the story all over Orlando) that runs by the main entrance of Universal Studios.

There's no water nearby, but Lee and Rick's looks like a boat on the outside, dark but full of tasty oysters on the inside.

You can reach it by traveling north on Kirkman (Rt 435) from Universal/I-4 and turning right on Old Winter Garden Road (about a mile past Super Walmart), where there is a traffic light. Get into the left lane immediately as Lee and Rick's is on the left within 100 yards.

Coming from downtown Orlando, take East West Expressway (now called 408) west to Kirkman Road, turn left, go to Old Winter Garden (traffic light) and turn left, Lee and Rick's is on the left.

I have to second the recommendation for Lee and Ricks. It is THE place in orlando for oysters. They have been in business for almost 50 years and are an institution. Sit at the bar and get em by the bucket.

I love Lee and Ricks. It is an oyster dive and an antidote to the artificial restaurants that define Orlando, or at least tourist Orlando.

Go in and sit at the concrete bar and have them shuck the oysters in front of you. They are perfect Appalachicola oysters and with an icy beer (the wine unfortunately is decidedly low end.), a sleeve of saltines and a side of smoked fish spread...you are in oyster heaven.

LMF

Thanks to everyone for the excellent suggestion of Lee & Rick's - it was fantastic - ate at the bar - got a free half bucket of raw oysters that another customer couldn't finish. It is the best!