Grand Central Oyster Bar

Located in New York, New York

Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States

Phone: +1 212-490-6650

Rating: 4.2

Services

Kerbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Fast service
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Bar on site
Toilets
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Casual
Historic
Trendy
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Good for kids
High chairs
Paid street parking
Parking

Photos

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Comments

Review 1 (2024-12-23 - Rating: 4)
Delicious oysters, good food as expected for a place like this— staff were fast, but service was a bit slow, and more so when it got busy, but really enjoyed the morning right as it opened, when the place was still quiet. The crowds build up fast though, so keep that in mind.Cozy atmosphere, plenty of choices for oysters, conveniently situated and easy to find under Grand Central. Great for a lunch meeting situation.

Review 2 (2024-12-11 - Rating: 5)
Slow down and try this place. Excellent food, service and atmosphere. Lively place with great options and patience to waiter who was happy to help. Id always wanted to eat there but never took the time. I took that train every day for 3 years and walked right past. So glad we tried it. Oyster selection was amazing. Lobster Excellent. New England clam chowder perfect without any additional seasoning. Calamari really good. Octopus appetizer with risotto was really special. Linguini with shrimp was great. Loved our waiter. A real professional. Will go back. Thanks.

Review 3 (2024-10-11 - Rating: 5)
Holy Cow! Who knew youd find such an awesome and renowned place. Theres traditional restaurant table seats, bar, and cozy salon. Seafood menu extensive focused on shellfish. Great place to grab a drink and snack with friends or a full-on meal.

Review 4 (2024-10-21 - Rating: 5)
Our photo and video team had the pleasure of being a part of one of the very first weddings at Grand Central Oyster Bar! It was truly one of the most unique weddings we have been a part of, and the venue/restaurant staff were wonderful to work with on the day of! If you are looking for a laid back, intimate, and fun wedding evening, we recommend this space! And, the oysters were a HIT!!!!!!Rêver Weddings

Review 5 (2024-09-05 - Rating: 5)
This would be the place to eat if you had a layover. I love the oysters and seafood. I don’t like the back room. The bar and service side are good. Fun place to eat and worthy stop. If you don’t like oysters or seafood I’d keep looking

Review 6 (2024-10-19 - Rating: 5)
We always stop here in if we are in NYC. This time, we came for the happy hour (Thursday only) and got a couple of drinks and some delicious cherrystone clams! We had a great time and will likely be back again when we are in NYC next.

Review 7 (2024-12-23 - Rating: 5)
Ive been here twice, and both times were awesome. This last time, Tye at the bar was amazing and helped us order a good spread of oysters to follow our bloody Mary oyster shooters. Everything was delicious, Tye was knowledgeable and attentive, and it was an overall wonderful experience for myself and my friend who I brought for her first time there.Highly recommend!

Review 8 (2024-12-03 - Rating: 4)
Had dinner for four on a Friday night. Place was mostly full mainly tourists. Service is really mixed here. Food as expected, good but not spectacular.

Review 9 (2024-07-09 - Rating: 4)
Finally got around to trying this tourist trap, and it wasnt nearly as painful as I feared.We started with a dozen GCOB Bluepoint oysters at $3.50 a pop (RIP $1 oysters, *sob*). They were surprisingly large and juicy, and tasted...dare I say...quite fresh?The famous Oyster Pan-Roast--which confusingly looks like a bisque--was rich and decadent. Two bites is your friend here, unless your palate skews classic French and you can handle much more cream than I can. Then have at it!For the more lactose-intolerant, the Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Scampi over Linguine comes with tons of plump, well-cooked crustaceans served over a light, white wine sauce with just a touch of cream, and all the al dente linguine you could slurp. Throw in a side of the not-bad Garlic Mashed Potatoes (which taste especially great soaked in the Pan-Roast broth), and you could do worse for a meal in the Grand Central area.

Review 10 (2024-06-04 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic vibe, fresh oysters, and classy dirty martinis! My husband and I loved it here. The servers explained everything from a to z about the oysters we got and the rest of the menu. Cheesecake and oyster stew were also great 🦪

Review 11 (2023-03-04 - Rating: 5)
Although our visit to Grand Central oyster bar was not perfect for a couple reasons, the resolution to the issues from the manager makes me give them five stars. After the visit, I emailed the manager just to let them know about the issues only so it didn’t happen to someone else, and he promptly called me and resolved my issue very generously and kindly. Overall, the food here is really great, the building is beautiful, and it’s definitely a must check out when you’re in the city. I order order oysters quite a lot and these are definitely the best oysters I have ever had. Order the Queenscup! And make sure to check out the whispering gallery outside the main entrance! I can’t wait to return in March*edit. Returned and as promised Mohammad, the manager made right. We had a fantastic meal and everything was perfect.

Review 12 (2024-02-27 - Rating: 5)
Stepping into the Grand Central Oyster Bar is like revisiting cherished memories of previous trips to NYC. With each visit, Im greeted with a wave of nostalgia that never fails to bring a smile to my face.The oyster selection here is consistently outstanding, a testament to the restaurants dedication to quality and freshness. From East Coast to West Coast varieties, theres always a diverse array of flavors to explore and enjoy.While the ambiance and layout may not be the fanciest, theres an undeniable charm to the timeless atmosphere of the Oyster Bar. Its a place where history meets culinary excellence, and for me, its always a must-stop when I visit New York City.Whether youre a seasoned oyster enthusiast or simply looking to immerse yourself in the citys rich culinary heritage, the Grand Central Oyster Bar never disappoints. Heres to many more memorable visits and countless oysters shared in this iconic New York institution.

Review 13 (2023-04-11 - Rating: 5)
An absolute must visit while you’re in New York. They have the freshest and best tasting oyster on the island and the selection to choose from is crazy. The server we had was a lady who had worked there for several years and was able to help us pick which oysters to choose to get a good range of flavours and textures. Service was amazing and was such a coincidence that she had served a famous Korean actor in a show I watched to discover the place. I’ve never had such creamy or sweet or briny oyster before. I went to an oyster bar near the Hudson River later while I was in New York and it wasn’t nearly as good.My favourite oyster here was the belon Maine oyster. Perfect balance between sweet and salty. Not to mention you can’t really find them sold anywhere in the UK.I’d recommend you queue before it opens as once it gets busy your oyster order will take longer to arrive as the place is massive.

Review 14 (2024-12-22 - Rating: 5)
Iconic stop in Grand Central Terminal. Love the old school feel and the seafood is awesome.

Review 15 (2023-02-20 - Rating: 4)
Well, what can I say- the food was good, but not sure for the price. The oyster Rockefeller was tasty, but clearly just their creamed spinach added on top of the oyster along with a bit of cheese. Still good though. Giving it 4 stars because the service was extremely slow. Took 20 minutes just to get bread, another 20 for appetizers, and another 30 for entre.

Review 16 (2025-01-02 - Rating: 5)
If you are in NY you have to have been here. A unique atmosphere in the Central Station and super delicious food. We were served very politely and will definitely come back

Review 17 (2022-12-27 - Rating: 4)
Nice to enjoy oysters while at the historic Grand Central Station. Prepare for extremely high prices! They have a great atmosphere with live lobsters, expansive areas of dining, beautiful bar area and many kinds of oysters, shell fish, meaty fish and non-fish items. Service was good. Overall it was a nice experience but I cant get beyond the prices.

Review 18 (2023-10-04 - Rating: 5)
Essential New York experience. Manhattan Clam Chowder was delicious, Crab Cake was crab-filled and fluffy, and the oysters were fresh. The best seating area is to the left where the bar and circular white tables are.

Review 19 (2024-12-30 - Rating: 5)
A New York Classic! Started with chowder, then oysters on the half shell and the Dover sole. Whole menu was amazing - and the food and drink are over the top. A quintessential NY spot.

Review 20 (2024-06-05 - Rating: 4)
It was a delight to be at oyster bar for the first time ever. A classic indeed.The octopus from starter menu is really good.

Review 21 (2024-09-13 - Rating: 4)
September 2024:Several years ago we had an incredible dinner here, but for some reason it did not quite live up to the memories. The New England clam chowder was good but not great. Last time I loved the Washington State oysters. They had three varieties of them here on this visit, they definitely had a distinct flavor from New England oysters but not quite the blow away flavor I remembered from last time. The service was fast and efficient, but the bench seats were so worn out that they were uncomfortable. The chairs were much better.

Review 22 (2023-07-02 - Rating: 4)
This is not a pretentious snooty type of restaurant. This is a beautiful historic landmark underneath another historic landmark. It seems like a wonderfully maintained facility that serves up fresh quality seafood. Lobster, oysters, fish, clams, shrimp, etc, is all available to diners delight.We tried an array of east coast oyster varieties and enjoyed every bite. Additionally, my wife got a lobster roll and I ordered a oyster poboy sandwich. If youve never had a lobster roll from Maine, this is the best lobster roll youll ever have.

Review 23 (2024-10-20 - Rating: 5)
We had lunch here on our last day in New York. Hubby loves seafood, I dont, however I did have Old Fashioned fish and chips, which were delicious. Hubby had oysters and a seafood soup, which was recommended by our waiter, who was really friendly and chatty. A great end to our vacation. A true New York institution. We sat in the salon.

Review 24 (2023-06-19 - Rating: 5)
The Grand Central Oyster Bar is epic! If you are in Gran Central Station then this restaurant is a must-go place to have lunch/dinner. The seafood is so fresh and the atmosphere is so unique. Not sure the history but this place feels like it’s been around for many, many decades. I loved it here.

Review 25 (2021-12-10 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic food and service. The place was packed when there on a Tues early December 21. Had the fried clams appetizer and blackened grouper. Terrific! Our server was able to seat us relatively quickly without a reservation and a full house. Always great seafood. Thumbs way up.

Review 26 (2018-01-12 - Rating: 4)
You can’t miss it!It’s one of the iconic restaurants in Grand Central Terminal, with that low, arching ceiling. Really enjoy looking at that ceiling :)My family and I keep coming here after our trip around the city or before taking the subways. We bring along our friends as well and they love it.Love the seafood menu here.A great variety of seafood menu to choose from. Calamari is fresh and crispy, oysters are fresh, and the soups are nice. We tried the crab cake, salmon, fish and chips as well as the shrimps and love them. The scallops stew is good but a bit too salty. We tried the steak but it was not as yummy as I think and the creamy spinach is off. So I guess the tasty ones are the seafood menu. The cheesecake is also nice! My kids’ favorite.The price is NYC standard, so it’s not so expensive but not that cheap either.The seats are abundant so I never line up here.Happy to be back.

Review 27 (2024-10-21 - Rating: 5)
Located inside Grand CentralStation, the gateway to Manhattan, the legendary oyster bar Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant boasts over 100 years of history. Although there is a branch in Japan, I finally made it to the original. From opening to closing, the place is always bustling with energy. As for the oysters, no words are needed. They were absolutely delicious!! We even tried raw clams for the first time, and they were incredible!The interior, with its extensive use of tiles, exudes the charm of old-school America. To top it off, the spaghetti alle vongole was amazing too. I left with a full stomach and total satisfaction.

Review 28 (2020-10-09 - Rating: 5)
This place is FINALLY open! The opus yet option is not as much but this place is rocking again! Delicious oysters for sure!!! Definitely highly visit now!!Who knew that there was more than one kind of oysters! If you love oysters you have to come to this place. They have so many to choose from. I preferably like to start with their New England Clamchowder which is just ok but not bad followed by a variety of West Coast oysters. I prefer West Coast oysters they’re creamier and less salty in my opinion. The staff is a NYC experience you’re definitely not getting the southern charm. The space is amazing as you can see in the pictures. Almost reminds me of the Sydney Opera house roof. The entrance to the restaurant is right in front of the whispering gallery in Grand Central Station

Review 29 (2023-11-04 - Rating: 5)
One of the coolest places in all of Manhattan. Fantastic oyster and seafood bar hidden under a grand Central Station with a menu that changes every day to highlight the fresh deliveries. Choose between a super casual counter seating area, a saloon or a fancy section. Tons of choice and honestly rather cheap for NYC.

Review 30 (2022-12-05 - Rating: 5)
We love to come here for oysters and a drink whenever we can! My Grammy and Grandad brought us here when we were young and it’s a been a NYC tradition since. Both have passed away so keeping the tradition is all the more special, I got to share it with the newest generation in March bringing my sister and niece in! I also brought my husband in October and we had an exceptional experience at the bar with Ty, we came after a show (a strange loop, which we also highly recommend) so it was on the later side and they were within 30 minutes of closing. We promised to be quick knowing we were just doing a sparkling rose and six raw oysters each, and pay out directly after ordering; Ty insisted we enjoy ourselves and helped us order a variety of oysters to sample. He took the time to explain where they came from and even shared the story behind the “naked cowboy” oysters. He made our experience so memorable. Thank you for capping off our evening in such a special way! :)our oyster ratings from that trip are also posted- a little difficult to read but sampling these six types is recommended for a really great variety if they still have all of them!

Review 31 (2024-01-17 - Rating: 4)
One of famous restaurants in NYC. I usually sit in the dining area but I sat around the counter for the first time. Staff were very nice and friendly. Fresh and fried Oysters were great. Calamari was just ok.Fun place to dine in

Review 32 (2023-12-10 - Rating: 4)
Update: we returned to grab lunch on a Friday. The place filled up pretty quickly. The oysters were enormous and very tasty. The Ceasar salad with shrimp and crab was great as was the Manhattan clam chowder.We wanted oysters for lunch and this place has it. The restaurant is huge but we got seated in a back room that was dark and a bit cramped. The service was decent though. The fresh oysters were good and the waiter was fairly helpful in explaining what each was like. I highly recommend the Clevendon Cove oysters from New Zealand. The fried seafood was too bready for me but the rest of the family enjoyed it, especially the fried clams. I’d recommend this place just because Grand Central Station should not be missed.

Review 33 (2023-06-28 - Rating: 5)
One outstanding dish at this iconic restaurant is the Gazpacho with lobster. The soup has a nice kick to it and the lobster makes it special. The rest of our dinner was good solid seafood. Not inexpensive, but worth it for a special seafood dinner.

Review 34 (2021-10-04 - Rating: 5)
A wonderful dinner in a beautiful setting. We had 2 different types of oysters, West coast and east coast. Both were very good but we decided that west coast was a little bit better. Linda and I both had the shrimp scampi with linguini and Julie had the pan fried lemon sole with truffle sauce. Delicious!!

Review 35 (2024-09-09 - Rating: 4)
2019: This was our best meal in New York, we loved it so much that we ate here twice.2024: We loved this place five years ago. This time we were disappointed. We had the New England clam chowder which while excellent, wasnt as remembered. Last time it reminded me of Bookbinders soup, maybe because it had sherry in it then, not now. The oysters were also disappointing.

Review 36 (2023-10-20 - Rating: 5)
Great place for oysters and drinks. Fun old school ambiance.Crab was delish. Soups tasty. Calamari good. Ceasar salad solid.

Review 37 (2023-10-05 - Rating: 5)
This place is massive. If you get sat at the far end, the trip to the restrooms is a lengthy one, but you get to see how cool it is with all the different sections and types of seating. The food was really good! Well worth going in!

Review 38 (2024-11-13 - Rating: 4)
Excellent vintage place. All NY history is there. The oysters are so fresh and tasty. It doesn’t make any sense to have oysters in NYC, anywhere else!

Review 39 (2022-08-22 - Rating: 5)
Excellent food snd service. The oysters were deliciously fresh. Fried calamari was amazing and so was the new England clam chowder. But the star of the meal was the sole filet. This is highly recommended. Unfortunately the shrimp cocktail was not worth the price.

Review 40 (2024-03-12 - Rating: 5)
Very nice atmosphere and beautiful restaurant in an iconic building. The oysters were delicious.

Review 41 (2024-07-15 - Rating: 5)
I used to work in Grand Central years ago and never dined here. Well, I finally tried the famous Grand Central Oyster Bar today and was impressed with the overall experience. I will say that lunch felt more like what youd see at a higher-end diner, so dont visit here thinking youre going to a super fancy place. With that being said, the food and service were great, the place is historical, and Id definitely return.

Review 42 (2024-06-28 - Rating: 5)
A must for me each time I visit New York. Fantastic atmosphere and great variety of oysters.

Review 43 (2022-05-28 - Rating: 5)
I don’t have a ton of experience with oysters so I can’t speak with that context but I loved everything I had!The seafood platter was great and a good size for two (although I could’ve eaten it by myself tbh). The chef chose 4 (two East Coast, two West Coast) types of raw oysters for it. It also came with two shrimp that were super thicc 🤌🏽 The steamed and buttered potatoes were tied for my fav, with perfect salted skins. My other fav was the Oyster Rockefeller, which was with creamed spinach and cheese, I think? I honestly have no idea but it was perfection ✨ The calamari was cute, the coleslaw was giving a little something, and the cosmo was super strong for no reason.

Review 44 (2018-12-29 - Rating: 5)
From 1913 To Today. A New york Institution. For over 100 years the Grand Central Oyster Bar has been serving the freshest oysters and seafood in New York City.That place is popular for its large variety of oysters. The menu is online available to , take look!Its located on the ;1 floor on Grand Central Station.You can either sit at the bar or wait to be seated at the restaurant for a full meal.The bar and had some oysters and a crab salad roll.Simple but very fresh.WiFi is working and nice bathrooms very close to Metro North travels or Subway Station, Shuttle

Review 45 (2024-09-11 - Rating: 5)
The Oyster Bar will always be a favorite seafood restaurant of mine. I’m so glad my old supervisor introduced me to this place. Even my mom had eaten here and loved it as much as I do. I’m still dreaming of those fried oysters I ate a couple of weeks ago!

Review 46 (2021-11-14 - Rating: 4)
Definitely an authentic place. Seems to be a true New Yorker hanging out spot. Quite a selection of various oysters and fish. I would not say it is a wow experience in terms of the taste and presentation, it is quite average. I had higher expectations. But hey, probably worth checking out for yourself once.

Review 47 (2022-07-26 - Rating: 5)
The service was great and staff were attentive. The proportions were large, a bit too much for 1 person, but definitely worth the price and tasty. I would come here with my family. You would not regret going.

Review 48 (2024-07-16 - Rating: 5)
This stop is a must, whether you enjoy seafood or not. They have a small selection of Non seafood for more picky eaters like my son. He had a steak and said it too was delicious. For myself I had the blackened tuna on a bed of rice with tomatoes and mango chopped on top. It was delicious!!

Review 49 (2024-12-20 - Rating: 5)
A New York classic. Visit Grand Central and go down to the ground floor. Youll find every Oyster on the planet, nice staff and fresh fish galore. Get the chowdah both ways.

Review 50 (2024-08-08 - Rating: 5)
Located in the basement of Grand Central Station, this jewel of a restaurant provided a tasty meal and had ample seating that allowed us to navigate with many suitcases in tow. The bar and dining areas were very busy with great seating for people watching .

Review 51 (2022-03-05 - Rating: 5)
Wide variety of oysters with excellent taste. Asked to order a sampler pladder and received a wide variety of oysters that was given a description by the waiter. Great cocktails and homemade cheesecake topped off the night.

Review 52 (2024-10-30 - Rating: 4)
If you are in NYC, and especially in Grand Central, you owe it to yourself to come in and at least get a bowl of soup. The lobster bisque and the New England clam chowder were good, the room is spectacular and its just a great cap to a tour of the terminal or just to get in from the cold.

Review 53 (2023-06-12 - Rating: 4)
Such a grand setting for a fitting oyster bar, prices are a bit steep but it’s the stunning setting you’re paying for! They have a great selection of oysters and drinks, service is on point, and quick!

Review 54 (2021-11-04 - Rating: 5)
Had a wonderful late lunch at the Oyster bar and restaurant. I had the fish and chips which reminded me of my trip to London a few years ago. Love the ambiance, the service was great. Would definitely recommend it. The fish was fresh, the New England chowder and the coleslaw all delicious 💖👍

Review 55 (2023-02-01 - Rating: 4)
This oyster 🦪 bar is right in the middle of the city. However, its not a tourist trap. The oysters are surprisingly fresh and the food in general is well prepared. Its pricey but its because where is located. A must try for locals and tourists alike.

Review 56 (2020-03-07 - Rating: 4)
First of all, Id like to start off with how hilarious and interesting my experience was at this restaurant. I am a tourist visiting from Ontario, Canada. We went in as a group of 6. It is our first time there because someone had told us about their wonderful happy hour and how lovely the restaurant is. I was greeted by this lovely host at first and I told him that we needed a table of 6. My in-law then told me that we had to inform them about happy hour because they might have a different area for seating. So I walked back up to this dark haired hostess, and said Sorry, its actually for happy hour. She gave me a dirty look, turned around and said to the gentleman they actually want happy hour and rolled her eyes and freely showed extreme disgust. She made no attempt to show us where to go or even acknowledge me. I explained that it was our first time here and that we dont know the rules. She immediately rolled her eyes again and ignored me. I think if her eyes werent attached to her head, they would have ended up in the ceiling. The gentleman who was also hosting knew there was tension and he started rubbing her back to calm her down. (unsure why she was so upset). We then sat down and spent about an hour at the restaurant. For the first 15 minutes after we sat down, she continued to stare me down from the front with a mix of aggression and contempt. We ended up having a staring contest for about 15 minutes. At this point, I had to stop and try to enjoy my meal with my family. I ignored her, but could still see her spend the rest of our meal staring me down from the front. I am the only Chinese person in our group and the only one who she decided to target, Ill leave you to draw your own conclusions about her motivations. However, her complete lack of respect was the total opposite of the rest of our experience, the restaurant was magnificent, the oysters and cocktail were amazing and our server did an amazing job too. I do recommend this restaurant but sadden that the hostess is a tumor growing in their restaurant. Thats why I had to take 1 star away, but otherwise I could have given them a 5 star. 😔

Review 57 (2023-02-17 - Rating: 4)
If youre looking for a bit of time travel with your dinner this is a very cool, one of a kind spot. Oysters were not bad, food was good if a bit over priced. Wine and beer selection is great, which is a plus as their mixed drinks are a bit disappointing.

Review 58 (2023-01-16 - Rating: 5)
We stopped here for a platter of oysters and some appetizers as we were going around New York during all the touristy things. Obviously we stopped at Grand Central station and somebody had recommended this place this place. Super cool environment, we had great service, and the food was delicious. I would definitely recommend.

Review 59 (2023-12-29 - Rating: 4)
Great experience with the live lobster 🦞. It’s fresh and tasty; however, the price is a bit high due to the restaurant’s luxury status.

Review 60 (2024-07-31 - Rating: 4)
I love this place, I have to admit. It’s really a part of New York history. When I used to live three blocks away and went through Grand Central Station a few times a day, I’d often stop in for a quick bite. Now I’m on the UWS, but still come here regularly. The draw? The oysters of course! So many types, all with distinctive flavor profiles. On this occasion we had an oyster platter that was excellent. Heaven on earth! This truly is a great place to let your oyster fetish run wild! We also ordered clam chowder (both New England and Manhattan), which were very good and quite filling. We also ordered shrimp cocktail, a clam dish, and an order of fries. All were perfectly prepared.If you’re looking for a quaint and quiet little hideaway restaurant, then this ain’t the place. It’s loud, the tables are much too close, the servers constantly mix up orders and seem to be in a perpetual state of confusion, and it’s way too pricey. But, somehow it works. I’ve been coming here for as long as I can remember, and no doubt I’ll continue. If you go I am very sure you’ll enjoy the experience; the food, the atmosphere and everything else. Give it a go and enjoy!I Hope this was a little helpful.

Review 61 (2020-01-12 - Rating: 5)
Gorgeous Restauration, Selection of Oysters is realy large, staff is very attentive and courteous, the atmosphere is fantastic. Oysters as Starter, second course a Lobster, together with whitewine. Perfect. We highly recommend this Bar and wll be back

Review 62 (2024-04-16 - Rating: 4)
Amazing architecture at grand central. Food and service just ok.

Review 63 (2024-12-10 - Rating: 5)
A unique dining experience in the city! Will return soon!

Review 64 (2023-06-30 - Rating: 5)
Beautiful room. Old school ambience and service. Delicious food! Youve got to go and its easy to walk past it with the lack of obvious signage.

Review 65 (2020-01-03 - Rating: 5)
Timeless type of spot for timeless food. Eating slimy sea snot in nyc dont get any better. Beautiful space, the choices of sea snot are amazing, and the chowdah is amazing too. The staff runs fast and efficient here, youre getting a very memorable experience for the money.

Review 66 (2023-04-14 - Rating: 4)
Great seafood in a timeless New York ambience! You wont easily just stroll by this place and pop in but you wont regret trying it out thanks to its rich menu built out of high quality product and to its warm atmosphere. Service is not always super prompt and the bill will end up being a bit heavy but you will eat well. Worth a shot!

Review 67 (2023-10-25 - Rating: 5)
The nostalgia of the restaurant is awesome. The service was great and so was the food. Drinks were great too. The oysters were so fresh

Review 68 (2024-12-15 - Rating: 5)
Timeless. A must when in NYC

Review 69 (2023-02-25 - Rating: 5)
Go, go, goWhat a fantastic place, great staff and fab food. I’d go again many times over.We got oysters and let the waiter choose. Great choice.Also in a beautiful historic building!

Review 70 (2024-07-07 - Rating: 5)
Been coming here for decades. Best oysters!

Review 71 (2024-07-21 - Rating: 5)
High quality oysters with an excellent selection. Note: if theyre out of what you order, theyll swap it out for something similar.Our waiter seemed frustrated that we wanted to order a dozen or so oysters at a time instead of everything at once.

Review 72 (2024-10-27 - Rating: 5)
Simply the best. Also cool and a total nyc experience that feels somewhat underground. Oyster Bat is hiding in plain site. Dont miss it.

Review 73 (2022-05-30 - Rating: 5)
Friends: let me tell you: I don’t even really care about oysters. But these ones sang me a song reminiscent of that weird scene in the original Alice in Wonderland. They were very fresh. AND I got the RED Manhattan clam chowder…. So good a small tear fell from my eye into the soup which affected the perfect harmony of flavours…. Please enjoy….

Review 74 (2019-04-27 - Rating: 4)
Great happy hour, though you have to sit in the lounge or bar area (so limited seating). The raw oysters ($1.35 each) and clams ($1 each) were great, so were the fried pursuers and calamari. The server has a lot of tables so service was a little slow. Without happy hour, the bill can add up quickly, though.

Review 75 (2024-09-05 - Rating: 5)
One of my favourite places to eat oysters in the world. No fuss service. Focus is on the product. Amazing architecture and history. Entering and emerging thru grand central terminal adds to the xp. Always come here with the Supp crew and will be back soon

Review 76 (2018-08-17 - Rating: 5)
If you love oysters and other seafood, youll love the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Wide selection of Oysters from both the US and overseas, served fresh and well shucked. Other items on the menu include soft shell crab burgers, popcorn shrimp and many freshly caught fish options

Review 77 (2018-10-03 - Rating: 4)
An old favourite - vast range of seafood with a good raw bar served in a period setting. Service is quick and, with the room being a tiled vault, it can get noisy when its busy. The scallops I had for my entree were excellent - perfectly cooked and melt-in-the-mouth fresh. Creamed spinach was a bit heavy, though extra side dishes are not really necessary as portions are generous.

Review 78 (2024-10-23 - Rating: 5)
Excellent oysters and chowder. Got to try manhattan style chowder the first time next to New England style. The oysters were fabulous and there’s a nice selection. You can try many different kinds. We shared a dozen. Of course the ambience at the Grand Central is amazing.

Review 79 (2018-03-25 - Rating: 4)
The atmosphere is so great, because it’s historical building ,over a hundred years old.They have not only oysters, but also fish dishes, like cooked with butter source.The counter seats would be highly recommended, you can be like a NewYorker.

Review 80 (2024-06-05 - Rating: 4)
A huge, beautiful space. Good simple food. I would stick to beer and wine and forgo the cocktails next time. Portion sizes were very large. My clams had sand in them. The mignonette for the oysters was a bit overpowering. Overall, glad we tried this classic spot.

Review 81 (2018-08-05 - Rating: 5)
Its a beautiful restaurant. I was a little overwhelmed at first with how many daily options for oysters there are to choose from, but our server was great at helping us select the best ones! He was very patient with our indecisiveness, and we will definitely stop in again the next time we are in Grand Central!

Review 82 (2022-05-10 - Rating: 5)
You must visit to eat fresh oysters!! The oysters randomly recommended by the server were very satisfying. Beer is also a must!

Review 83 (2024-03-07 - Rating: 5)
One of the oldest restaurants in New York City. I have been going here for many years. The food is great but my favorite dish is the fried clams. Ive made it a personal mission to find a version I like better. From Maine to Florida, I have yet to do so.The Pan stews are also unique and signature dish. Youll be glad you tried them. Plan to bring home a doggie bag.

Review 84 (2022-09-23 - Rating: 5)
The place is very nice and huge area under the subway. We went for celebration for my husband’s birthday dinner and quite satisfied with foods especially oysters but there were variety of oysters to choose. Today’s special courses are a-bit expensive and there were many live lobsters in the tank which you can choose to eat. Luckily we chose naked cowboy oysters and bluepoint oysters which are really good. Recently New England Chowder is one of my favorites.We will go again and try for others.

Review 85 (2018-06-25 - Rating: 5)
Great service, as we had a friendly bartender. We got a couple of drinks and apps as we waited for our train. A bit pricey but beautiful atmosphere.

Review 86 (2024-12-25 - Rating: 5)
Love the all the food !

Review 87 (2024-11-10 - Rating: 4)
Its a great place to discover in Grand Central.Oysters, soups, seafood.I believe the vibe is slightly weaker since their slight makeover, but still a good place to visit.

Review 88 (2022-04-20 - Rating: 5)
Best iysters and largest selection in NYC. Always fresh, sitting at the bar is an epic New York experience.Must try the stews ,each bowl crafted to order, the oyster stew is the greatest.The staff is friendly and the ambiance is quintessential Old Manhattan.

Review 89 (2023-07-27 - Rating: 5)
Well kept secret oyster bar in the middle of NYC. We asked for 3 to try and they all hit the mark! The three: mystic river, nisqually, and raspberry point.

Review 90 (2023-03-20 - Rating: 4)
I had the grilled shrimp with coconut rice - pretty decent sized portion, but overall the prices definitely reflect the prime location. Oysters on the half shell were priced at over $4 PER oyster.

Review 91 (2019-05-06 - Rating: 5)
Amazing fresh seafood and the clam chowder is to die for and only $8.95 for a gigantic bowl. Ask for Mindy! She is really sweet. Even mixed my horse radish and cocktail sauce by hand to make me the perfect amount of spice for my oysters and clams Yum!! Tell her the Blonde sent ya! Leaving good Karma everywhere I go!

Review 92 (2024-07-01 - Rating: 5)
A New York City classic. The menu is huge so it may take you a while to choose, but dont let that discourage you. Its worth the visit for the amazingly fresh fish and seafood. The prices are not small but it is NYC after all.

Review 93 (2022-08-16 - Rating: 4)
Wonderful experience. The food is executed well. Chilled, juicy seafood platter. Excellent NE clam chowder.

Review 94 (2024-06-03 - Rating: 5)
How can you go wrong here? The seafood is fresh, cooked to perfection, and staff are happiest lifers Ive ever met. Friendly & fun. A must-eat/drink/experience for any NYC trip!

Review 95 (2024-04-29 - Rating: 5)
Decided to have a bite here after meeting my aunt who came in on a train. Ordered a bloody Mary with an oyster shooter in it, and we each had a bowl of chowder. Pretty yummy. They were busy but, after taking our order the waiter never returned to our table. The soup took forever, and nobody ever came back to check on us or ask if we needed anything else. It is disappointing that this highly recommended place had such awful service and very high prices. I reccomend to go to the diner/bar side (on the right). Less crowed and same food with better service.

Review 96 (2018-05-27 - Rating: 4)
Very nice seafood, a bit expensive but very good service and atmosphere. If you have room for dessert the keylime pie was incredible!

Review 97 (2018-12-15 - Rating: 5)
One of Americas iconic restaurants, the oyster bar at grand central has been serving customers for longer than Ive been alive in fact my father used to come to the oyster bar when he traveled to new york city in the fifties. Its an extraordinary experience dazzling to the eyes and satisfying to the palate the hustle and bustle are part of the fun and of course in the cafeteria part there are dozens of daily oyster catches that are available in addition to the soups bouillabaisse chowders and all the other wonderful fish dishes. If I were you Id get straight off the plane and come directly to the oyster bar. Its New York.

Review 98 (2019-01-06 - Rating: 5)
It was a great dinner. Food was so fresh and delectably prepared. The ambience was cozy and the architecture was beautiful. If youre staying at the Grand Hyatt its a great short walk, so cheers! Our waiter completed the night.

Review 99 (2024-06-21 - Rating: 5)
If you’re seeking a quintessential New York dining experience, Grand Central Oyster Bar is a destination that promises not just a meal, but a journey through some of the finest seafood offerings. On a recent visit, my experience was nothing short of delightful, characterized by both the quality of the food and the unique ambiance of this historic venue nestled in the heart of Grand Central Terminal.The meal started with an impeccable selection of oysters, each variety fresh, briny, and served perfectly chilled. The experience of tasting different oysters from various coasts was an exquisite way to kick off the meal, paired beautifully with a crisp glass of wine, enhancing the fresh flavors of the sea.The Maine Lobster was the star of the show—succulent, perfectly cooked, and seasoned in a way that highlighted its natural sweetness and delicate texture. It’s a must-try for lobster aficionados.The Clam Chowder was rich and comforting, with a creamy texture and generous pieces of clam. It provided a hearty balance to the lighter, more delicate oysters.No visit to an oyster bar is complete without a Bloody Mary, and Grand Central’s rendition was robust and zesty, with just the right kick to complement the seafood.Overall, Grand Central Oyster Bar not only delivers top-notch seafood in a setting that’s loaded with charm and history, but it also offers a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a standout in New York’s culinary scene. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this place is a gastronomic landmark that truly lives up to its reputation.

Review 100 (2024-06-01 - Rating: 4)
The overall atmosphere is bustling and noisy due to the large crowd, but it’s a great restaurant to enjoy a variety of oysters at reasonable prices. The only drawbacks are the lack of a good wine list and the other dishes that dont match the quality of the oysters. However, its definitely worth visiting at least once, especially for the delicious Belon Wild oysters. 🦪🍷

Review 101 (2018-08-09 - Rating: 4)
Great ambience. Institution. Good seafood & fresh oysters. Vast selection, huge menu. Big place. Bit pricey!

Review 102 (2019-02-14 - Rating: 5)
Im not sure what else to say that many other reviewers havent already said. This place is awesome and on point. The oysters where outstanding, my wifes meal was delicious, and the service was flawless. Just outstanding.

Review 103 (2024-01-12 - Rating: 4)
Alwas have been a fanatic of this place, so much history and very well earned reputation for the food quality.Last time l went there, the changed layout was not the best idea, l have to say, may be l am a romantic for the classic original table layout, but the person who take care of me at the common bar was really grumpy and complaining that...l need to take care of this whole island alone...just as the other people in the other islands but they were all happy and interacting with the customers as the real professionals that they are, the interesting part when l placed my order, Rockefeller Oysters, his answer was:THAT TAKES TOO MUCH TIME...l believe some re-training is required here...Quality of food excellent as usual.Prices absolutely fair for the quality of food you will get.I am and will keep been a regular there, dont miss it!!!

Review 104 (2023-09-15 - Rating: 5)
Best oysters in NYC. Excellent aphrodisiac food. Lobster chowder is outstanding.

Review 105 (2024-07-26 - Rating: 5)
One of the Best oysters in the City. Real landmark feel of New York. Never had a bad oyster over 30 years of dining.

Review 106 (2021-12-20 - Rating: 5)
Craving classic Manhattan clam chowder, I had no reservation but open seating at the counter. Mary took care of me and she was so so nice. The soup was delicious. Wonderful time!!!

Review 107 (2024-09-21 - Rating: 5)
Excellent seafood in Manhattan. All is good

Review 108 (2024-07-12 - Rating: 4)
Really great food, and surprisingly not that expensive! Its loud though. And you lose a star for being out of key lime pie.

Review 109 (2023-11-02 - Rating: 4)
I always like to visit it when I’m in NY to try 1-2 oysters. The atmosphere is special

Review 110 (2023-05-09 - Rating: 5)
Excellent place for seafood and a really extensive variety of oysters to choose from. Had calamari that was not greasy at all.

Review 111 (2020-02-19 - Rating: 4)
Largest ever lobster I have seen yet. The food was great, service was pretty good and the historicity of the place adds up. May be bit pricey, but in NYC its acceptable. Highly recommended. A must place while in NYC.

Review 112 (2024-02-22 - Rating: 5)
I promise next time; I will not forget to snap a photo. The food is explicitly delicious. My appetizer was: Clams casino and let me tell you, it was so amazing. My platter was: Jumbo coconut shrimps with coconut rice and pineapples, omg..!!! Great everything. 👍👍👍💕🤗 You will not go wrong at Oyster Restaurant Bar…

Review 113 (2024-10-10 - Rating: 5)
Good: Coconut shrimp and shrimp scampi were wonderful. Apple pie was AMAZING. Atmosphere great. Bad: The Paloma was terrible. And the lobster cocktail was $25 for 1 small half lobster claw so that definitely was not worth it. Thoughts: Made a reservation and was seated immediately. Service was quick. Overall, had a great experience!

Review 114 (2019-01-03 - Rating: 4)
There’s something nostalgic about this place, it feels like you’re in a movie in the 90s whenever I go there. The oysters are fabulous and the wine goes very well. Also, if you’re feeling under the weather the Manhattan chowder is a great picker upper.

Review 115 (2022-10-20 - Rating: 5)
Excellent food - raw oysters, jumbo shrimp, and scallops all fabulous. Nice atmosphere overall although temperature wise a bit on the cool side. Prices are high but the food did not disappoint.

Review 116 (2018-07-26 - Rating: 5)
The fresh and delicious oyster and the soft, big chickens that are tasted with sauce, and the crab chews on the shell are very delicious.

Review 117 (2019-05-02 - Rating: 5)
Timeless, must do experience when in New York. Ordered Fresh Oysters with a Bloody Marys. Loved it. Some many different varieties to choose from, very fresh.

Review 118 (2019-12-03 - Rating: 5)
I do love this classic NYC gem. Can it be touristy? Definitely. But you can’t argue that eating at the Grand Central Oyster Bar is like sitting in a piece of history. It ain’t cheap, but you can have a satisfying lunch with a frosty beer for a very reasonable price —lunch sandwiches are great as is my favorite, the oyster pan roast.

Review 119 (2024-05-31 - Rating: 5)
Served by Carlos, just starting his 34th year. He chose my beer, I chose the smoked rainbow trout and the grilled sea bream. All followed by a crisp Chenin Blanc. Grand Central is iconic, the oyster bar even more so. A must do.

Review 120 (2018-09-05 - Rating: 5)
Very nice tuna, 100% fresh oyster, fast and kind service. Must see and taste in Grand central station ;).

Review 121 (2018-12-15 - Rating: 5)
Great place to eat at Grand Central Station. The seafood was terrific. Loved the ambiance.

Review 122 (2023-07-25 - Rating: 4)
Passing through GC this is a good pitstop. The clams were the winner in this visit. Oysters good too.

Review 123 (2024-09-01 - Rating: 5)
The fish was great. Service was fantastic. Price reasonable. Id come back,

Review 124 (2023-08-13 - Rating: 5)
This is a true gem. Its a large place with interesting architecture under the entrance to the grand station. I loved the large selection of oysters. So fresh. Yummm.The kitchen is open and I was sitting on the bar so I have seen the cook prepare their signature soup right in front of me. The soul was creamy, rich and full of sea food. Absolutely loved it.I also had the crab cake which was soft and full of flavor.The waiters serving the bar were nice but I wanted more of their attentionI would go there any time I am near.

Review 125 (2023-03-25 - Rating: 5)
Excellent seafood and service. Will definitely go back.

Review 126 (2024-08-16 - Rating: 4)
In my opinion this is one of the best places to have fresh seafood while in NYC! Love the ambience!

Review 127 (2023-08-10 - Rating: 4)
Delicious! Had some killer fried oysters— could still taste the ocean on them. Also got a lobster roll, but that was fairly mid considering the price. Was kind of surprised since the lobsters are right there in the tank when you walk in. But even so, the oysters, vibe, and friendly service is enough to keep me coming back for a very long time. My family has been eating here for generations, and I just got to try it for the first time last month now that I’m in NY! Also, they filmed a scene from the OA here— that show is such a vibe, just like this restaurant. Definitely make sure you go here. Can’t go wrong with the fried oysters and I’m hoping to try the clam chowder next time I’m there.

Review 128 (2024-10-06 - Rating: 5)
Great spot for oysters and drinks while waiting for the train.

Review 129 (2024-12-10 - Rating: 5)
Creator for the first time today I had a great experience. The seafood was amazing. We were just in Maine this past summer and this was everybody is good. Definitely will come back to here.

Review 130 (2023-12-17 - Rating: 5)
Oyster diner/cafeteria basically, but the vibe is amazing!

Review 131 (2024-06-13 - Rating: 5)
Loved the atmosphere, being in grand central station with a beer!

Review 132 (2023-05-10 - Rating: 5)
A must visit while in Grand Central! Best oysters anywhere...huge selection. Historic resturant!

Review 133 (2023-08-19 - Rating: 4)
I used to make a pilgrimage here on my annual layovers through the city, and have wanted to get back here since moving here a couple years ago. Sadly they were closed during the pandemic and now only open during weekdays, making it difficult. Happily I was finally able get over here last week though. The oysters are good and they have a nice variety though prices have gone up a lot since my last visit. The clam chowder is also a must. It was nice for the nostalgia though and the architecture is iconic. A good place to bring any out of town guests that are oyster lovers.

Review 134 (2023-12-22 - Rating: 4)
Has all the old school NYC charm you could want

Review 135 (2023-12-28 - Rating: 4)
Food is consistently good and its become a tradition for my kids and I to stop in for dinner when we have tickets to a Broadway show.This visit, first time I had to sit first seat in front of kitchen window where servers pick up meals. I was bumped into several times and heard our server curse several times. He seemed to handle his bad mood well. Didnt treat us badly, just wasnt warm and fuzzy lol.Pro tip: sit in the dining area or if sitting at the counters.....not near the kitchen window.

Review 136 (2018-01-23 - Rating: 5)
Great oysters , dont come here for service , dont come here for fish , dont come here for any other food , come here if you want to understand and taste Oysters , the place is really the best for these creatures , I loved them before but here i truly developed taste buds for this magnificent food .No where else you will find variety and regions as you will find them in Grand Central Oyster Bar .Posting menu , prints daily too , check it out .Best

Review 137 (2019-07-02 - Rating: 5)
You just can’t go wrong here. The cocktails, the ambiance, the soft-shell crabs... and, of course, the oysters all add up to a timeless trip back to the early 1910’s.

Review 138 (2022-06-11 - Rating: 5)
The best place for Oyster I have ever tried in NY! Try the platter, instead of buying the oysters in pieces. Totally worth it!

Review 139 (2023-12-16 - Rating: 5)
Iconic! This visit, we had the Seafood platter with oysters, clams, shrimp and lobster. Delish! Also: grilled octopus, lump crabmeat, and cerviche. Everything was super fresh and delicious. The Oyster Bar never disappoints!!

Review 140 (2023-09-12 - Rating: 4)
Grand Central Oyster Bar is a legend. I have not visited for years and my recent visit proves that the food is still a good, solid place for fresh seafood. But the vibe is lacking - mostly tourists.The dining area while grandiose, it definitely shows its age. Could use a face lift. Service was good but a bit overbearing..I hope to see Grand Central Oyster Bar return to its glorious day soon.PS. Come here cuz the location was convenient to meet up - I live downtown, my friend up down. This is in the middle.

Review 141 (2023-07-24 - Rating: 5)
What a really cool place. Most people would not even know its there. My friend has eaten here several times and she insisted we had to go, now I see why!She wanted some clam chowder and since it was an oyster bar, I needed to try the Oyster Rockefeller. It was so good.We sat at the bar and the bartender was so nice. They almost ran out of chowder, but he made sure she got her fix. We had some drinks and met some nice people passing through town.

Review 142 (2023-07-30 - Rating: 5)
A MUST experience! We ate in the saloon and had a fun experience. Husband had a variety plate of Oysters and a bloody mary and loved it all. As a shellfish allergy sufferer, I ended up with a salad that was very fresh and tasty. Its not cheap, but what do you expect from long-time tradition in Grand Central!

Review 143 (2024-05-25 - Rating: 5)
I wanted to to go to Manhattan to have Manhattan clam chowder. It was delicious! I also ordered oysters Rockefeller that was yummy also. The ceaser not the best. Missing the rimmed glass. Definitely one of the highlights of my visit though.😉

Review 144 (2023-09-30 - Rating: 4)
Definitely a bit of a touristy spot but it is worth trying out. Already it is meaningful that we can grab a glass of wine and seafood in the historical restaurant. Dont expect great service, amazing foods or anything, but if we could enjoy the hustling bustling atmosphere and beautiful architecture of the space, then thatd be enough.

Review 145 (2024-02-12 - Rating: 5)
A very interesting place in the ground or underground level of Grand Central Station. Tried to go for cocktails at another place, but it was full. Oysters were great, went with chefs choice. Many to select from. Had a listing of cocktail options but we went with a general Negroni. Service was just OK. But would recommend, really cool looking place.

Review 146 (2023-10-27 - Rating: 4)
Nice ambience, great service. @live2njoy

Review 147 (2019-02-18 - Rating: 5)
Amazing food! Had oysters and a stew. The whole fish was the best looking dish our table ordered.

Review 148 (2018-05-30 - Rating: 5)
Came here for a late dinner. My friend and I started off with Bloody Marys and split the following: six oysters; marinated squid with avocado, green beans and shredded carrots; and kale lollipops. Everything was tasty. The portions are huge so we couldnt eat everything we ordered. Were definitely coming back for happy hour.

Review 149 (2024-04-15 - Rating: 4)
Suggest maine oyster ✅

Review 150 (2018-09-25 - Rating: 5)
Phenomenal selection of oysters. Delicious drinks and a bartender (Ty) who is one of the greats! We had a blast here and will definitely come visit from Massachusetts again soon!

Review 151 (2023-12-22 - Rating: 5)
An institution inside Gran Central Station!Great Oysters

Review 152 (2024-03-13 - Rating: 5)
The Grand Central Oyster Bar is magically nostalgic. Old school New York. History that you can experience today.The fantastic oyster selection showcases the restaurants commitment to diversity as well as quality. From East to West Coast varieties, a wide array of flavors invites exploration.If you love oysters and feeling like you’re stepping into worlds past, the Grand Central Oyster Bar is a must!