if you have a question the answer is probably here

When are you open?
Friday through Sunday from 9 am - 5 pm. Monday through Thursday from 9 am - 4 pm.
Rain or shine, If the weather is stormy, call to check in as we might close early.

Do You Accept Credit Cards?
Yes. We also accept cash, and local checks and we have an ATM on site.

Do I need to call ahead?
No need to call and place an order, we have plenty of oysters most days.

Do you sell shucking knives and condiments?
Yes, we do as well as gloves and coolers. Help the environment and bring your own cooler. 

Do you have restrooms?
Just Porta-Potties for now, change is coming soon, and you will need to use the public facilities at the State Park next door to us.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, as long as they are friendly with people and other dogs. We have 3 farm dogs at TBOC. Please pick up after your dog.

What Should I Bring With Me?
Bring a cooler and cash with you.

Do you shuck the oysters for us?
No

How do I shuck an oyster?
Here is a helpful video.

Do you do a shucking demo?
We will try if we are not super busy.

Do you ship?
No

How long can we hang out at TBOC?
We are a working farm with retail to-go sales only. So stay long enough to get your oysters only, please.

Can we picnic at TBOC?
No

Where can I picnic?
Download this helpful map with suggestions for places to picnic in the area.

Can I leave my car there and go for a bike ride or jump into my friend's car and pick mine up later?
No. We have limited parking spaces and retail parking is for 10 mins only.

What is the weather like?
Dress for the coast, it can be warm and sunny or cool and foggy.

TBOCfaq-200.jpg
TBOCfaq-202.jpg
TBOCfaq-203.jpg
1212701-R1-E034_1.jpg

How do I transport my oysters?
We do not provide plastic bags in our effort to reduce plastic waste. Please bring your own cooler or purchase one of our IGLOO RECOOL biodegradable compostable coolers or a handy TBOC logo bucket. We provide ice.

Can I keep oysters on ice?
Oysters can be kept for 3-4 days on the ice, but it is essential to drain the water from the ice regularly as shellfish submerged in freshwater for long will die.  We recommend dumping water morning and night. Do not store shellfish in airtight containers. Keep chilled oysters cup side down to conserve liquid.

How should I keep oysters fresh?
Keep oysters for several days by placing them in a bowl with a damp cloth to cover and place in a fridge with temperatures ideally 37°- 45° F (1.7°- 7.2° C). 

Warning signs
Live clams, oysters, and mussels should have tightly closed shells. Shellfish that will not close tightly when tapped should be discarded. If you have any questions please call. We are happy to help.

IMG_2526.jpg
IMG_2512.jpg
IMG_4958.jpg
IMG_9869.jpg

When is the best season for oysters? 
You can eat oysters all year round but they taste best in late Fall through Spring when they are sweeter, firm and chewy. In summer they have a more creamy texture.



What kind of oysters do you sell?
We sell Pacific oysters grown in Tomales bay. Our Pacific oysters are known as Tomasini and Preston Points because of the location they are grown in on the Bay. Our most unique oyster is called a Golden Nugget because of how it is grown. We also sell Kumamotos which are extra small oysters, manila clams, and Tomales Bay mussels. 

When the weather is bad or there are Bay closures we have trouble harvesting and we bring in oysters from our friends in the Pacific Northwest to ensure we have enough supply for our customers.

What do oysters taste like?
Oysters vary by season and have taste profiles like wine. In a drought, oysters will be very salty.