Voyager dropped anchor in Ferndale in the spring of 2017 with the goal of bringing the freshest possible oysters and seafood to the area. Just in time for summer, metro Detroiters are bound to fall in love with the concept, being able to enjoy the bounties of the sea without hopping on a plane. Voyager touts that their oysters are harvested and served to you in less than 24-hours, so you know you’re getting a high-quality product.
In true oyster bar fashion, the Voyager staff shucks oysters right in front of your eyes. From briny East Coast to sweeter West Coast, they’re all incredibly slurpable. Enjoy them fresh out of the shell or served in one of three styles: dressed, fried, or grilled. Being oyster purists, we enjoy ours freshly shucked and served in the shell with cocktail sauce and mignonette (a classic oyster accompaniment).
The Voyager crew shucked $1 oysters like it was going out of style when we arrived on a Wednesday, shortly after happy hour began. Be forewarned: this small restaurant will fill up fast. As we waited for our initial lot of oysters to wash up on shore, we set sail with a delightfully refreshing cocktail called Fiddler’s Green, featuring tequila, vermouth, lime, cucumber, cilantro, and volcanic salt tincture. We could see ourselves sipping many of these over the course of the summer.
Voyager doesn’t stop at oysters. They have dishes with seafood lovers in mind, ranging from a Whitefish Sandwich to Chowder to Peel n’ Eat Shrimp. We fancied their Seafood Cocktail, featuring pickled shrimp, mussels, and more. The Hush Puppies added a hearty bite to our meal, providing a satisfying counterpoint to the seafood. Let’s not forget how warm, delicious, and decadent they were as butter melted down their sides.
The service at Voyager was top-notch. An overview of the menu was appreciated as we dined for the first time. Don’t be afraid to ask your server or bartender for food and beverage suggestions. There is a formidable selection of oysters to choose from, so the staff will be happy to help you navigate your way to deliciousness.
Voyager is located at 600 Vester St., Ferndale, MI 48220.
