Mac’s Raw Bar Bucket List: Must-Try Dishes and Drinks for Seafood Lovers

If seafood is your love language, Mac’s Raw Bar & Market might just be your new favorite destination. One of the best seafood restaurants Marietta has to offer, located on Marietta Square, Mac’s brings a taste of the coast to the heart of Georgia with a menu that celebrates freshness, craft, and community.

Every dish tells a story, from oysters shucked to order at the raw bar to hand-crafted cocktails made to match the mood. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a seasoned regular, there are certain plates and pours that belong on every seafood lover’s bucket list.

The Oyster Experience

It’s impossible to talk about Mac’s without starting at the raw bar. The oysters are the heart of the restaurant and the reason many guests come back again and again.

Selections change frequently, featuring East Coast, Gulf, and Pacific oysters, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The briny cold of a Maine oyster contrasts beautifully with the buttery finish of a Gulf variety, while West Coast oysters offer a hint of sweetness that rounds out the trio.

Served on crushed ice with classic mignonette, cocktail sauce, and lemon, they’re simple, elegant, and endlessly satisfying. Guests who love to explore often order a dozen mixed to taste the nuances of different waters.

If you’re new to oysters, don’t worry, the staff at Mac’s is experts at guiding guests through flavor profiles, pairing recommendations, and even the art of the perfect first shuck.

The Seacuterie Board

One of the most creative dishes on the menu, the Seacuterie Board takes the concept of a charcuterie spread and gives it a coastal twist.

The presentation is stunning, a chilled board arranged with smoked fish, shrimp cocktail, crudo, and other seasonal seafood bites. It’s ideal for sharing, pairing beautifully with a crisp glass of white wine or one of Mac’s signature cocktails.

This dish captures the essence of Mac’s approach to dining: familiar in spirit, elevated in execution, and filled with details that make every bite feel special.

Low Country Boil

A Southern classic gets a refined upgrade at Mac’s. The Low Country Boil features shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, simmered together and served with rich, flavorful broth. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with the kind of coastal flavor that feels right at home on a winter evening.

Guests love to order it as a shareable dish, especially for group dinners or casual celebrations. It’s both rustic and elegant, embodying the balance Mac’s strikes between tradition and creativity.

Pair it with a bold bourbon cocktail or one of the restaurant’s featured chardonnays for a complete flavor experience.

Broiled Market Platter

For diners who want a little bit of everything, the Broiled Market Platter is a must. It brings together a selection of the day’s freshest seafood, shrimp, fish, scallops, and crab, broiled to perfection with garlic butter and herbs.

Each component shines on its own, but together they create a balance of texture and flavor that makes the dish truly memorable. It’s the kind of plate that makes you pause between bites just to take in the aroma.

The Broiled Market Platter pairs beautifully with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a classic gin martini. It’s indulgent yet balanced, an ideal choice for seafood lovers looking to sample the best of the coast.

Louisiana Po’ Boy

Sometimes the best dishes are the simplest. The Louisiana Po’ Boy is proof of that. Served on toasted French bread with crisp lettuce, tomato, and house-made remoulade, it’s everything you want in a sandwich, fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.

Guests can choose shrimp or oyster, both fried to golden perfection and seasoned just right. It’s a lunchtime favorite, but regulars know it’s just as good for dinner with a side of fries and a cold beer.

This dish reflects the laid-back heart of Mac’s Raw Bar: casual, coastal, and undeniably good.

Shrimp and Grits

Few dishes capture Southern comfort like Shrimp and Grits, and at Mac’s, it’s one of the most talked-about plates.

The shrimp are plump and perfectly seared, served over creamy, stone-ground grits that melt into every bite. The flavors are layered: smoky bacon, rich broth, and a touch of spice that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another forkful.

It’s the perfect winter comfort dish and a standout for brunch or dinner. Pair it with a Bloody Mary or a glass of Pinot Noir to complete the experience.

Signature Cocktails to Pair With Your Plate

At Mac’s, the cocktail program is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. The bartenders treat each drink like a craft, balancing freshness, creativity, and coastal flair.

The Smoked Old Fashioned is a guest favorite, a classic drink reimagined with a smoky finish that complements the richness of the seafood. For something lighter, the Coastal Spritz offers a refreshing blend of citrus and bubbles, perfect for oysters or the Seacuterie Board.

Wine enthusiasts can explore the Captain’s List, which features both local and international selections. The sommelier team is always ready to help guests choose the right bottle to match their meal.

And for brunch lovers, Mac’s mimosa flight adds a playful touch to lazy weekend mornings; each pour is a little taste of celebration.

Sweet Endings

After a seafood feast, dessert might seem like an afterthought, but at Mac’s, it’s worth saving room.

Favorites like the Warm White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée offer a perfect finish to any meal. Each dessert feels handcrafted and comforting, served with just the right touch of sweetness.

Pair dessert with a rich espresso or a pour of after-dinner bourbon, and you’ll find the perfect closing note to your seafood journey.

Your Coastal Bucket List Awaits

Whether you’re an oyster enthusiast, a shrimp lover, or someone who just appreciates a good cocktail, Mac’s Raw Bar is a destination worth adding to your culinary bucket list.

It’s more than a restaurant, it’s an experience that celebrates flavor, craft, and connection. Every plate tells a story, every pour adds to the mood, and every visit leaves you with a new favorite to remember.

So bring your appetite, your friends, and your sense of adventure. Because at Mac’s, seafood isn’t just food, it’s a way to celebrate life.