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OYSTER BAR

Last Updated: 4 days ago

Phone: (212) 490-6650

Address: 0 GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL 10017

TLDR

Iconic NYC seafood institution w/ classic counter seating. Fresh oysters & martinis aplenty.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 65 Reddit comments)

54% Positive40% Neutral3% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 31seafood 18seafood 39oysters 36oyster 6View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Recent Articles

Grand Central Oyster Bar
lean positive

Willa Moore reviews Grand Central Oyster Bar, a historic New York seafood spot. She recommends visiting for the fresh oysters and martinis, highlighting the counter seating as the ideal spot to soak in the classic, bustling atmosphere.

Willa Moore Mar 7, 2025

Details

Step into a timeless New York institution, renowned for its iconic status and exceptional seafood. While the main dining room offers a classic experience, the counter seating is the place to be for soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. It's a historic spot, perfect for seafood lovers seeking fresh oysters and a taste of old New York.

Food Overview

This historic seafood restaurant is celebrated for its incredibly fresh oysters and a selection of classic dishes. While the raw bar, particularly the oysters and oyster pan roast, receives high praise, other cooked dishes can be hit-or-miss. Some reviewers suggest focusing on the oysters and martinis to fully appreciate the experience.

Highlights / Recommended

"The oysters and oyster pan roast are frequently highlighted as must-try items. Other recommendations include the clam chowder and the burger, with a specific mention of the lunch counter being the preferred seating."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • oyster pan roast(3)
  • oysters(3)
  • oyster stew(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally view this restaurant as a highly iconic and historic New York establishment, particularly praised for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere, though some note it can be touristy or that certain dishes are overpriced.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

Multiple users recommend Grand Central Oyster Bar for its excellent oysters and oyster pan roast, highlighting it as a top spot for seafood lovers in NYC. One user specifically calls it the best oyster spot in NYC.
This thread discusses iconic NYC restaurants, with Grand Central Oyster Bar frequently mentioned as a must-visit, representing a special and authentic New York experience. It's described as a place where multiple generations of families have dined.
Discussion highlights the Grand Central Oyster Bar as a classic establishment with a unique charm, despite some opinions that it's dated or a tourist spot. The pan roast dish is specifically called out as a favorite by one commenter.
Grand Central Oyster Bar is recommended as a good option for solo diners, with advice to sit at the bar. It's noted for its oysters and seafood.
Several comments suggest the Grand Central Oyster Bar as a highly recommended dining option, with one user calling it a perennially underrated New York classic.
A commenter specifically recommends returning for the oyster stew at Grand Central Oyster Bar, praising it as a dish worth coming back for.
Discussions mention the Grand Central Oyster Bar, with a user recommending the Caviar Sandwich (though another notes it's no longer served) and another recalling the past value of their seafood tower.
Comments suggest Grand Central Oyster Bar for its iconic status and memorable burger, with a specific recommendation for the lunch counter over the sit-down side. Seafood and oysters are highlighted, including the oyster pan roast.

Recent Mentions

From post: Where To Eat In Midtown For One Lunch And One

"The Oyster Bar in Grand Central is recommended for its lunch counter, suggesting oysters and oyster stew. The reviewer notes the space is fantastic and suitable for solo diners, but advises against fried entrees."

Positive
Nov 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Spot For A Grand Lunchtime Man Date

"This user recommended Grand Central Oyster Bar."

Positive
Nov 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Nonsushi Seafood Forward Restaurant In

"This user noted that caviar doesn't have to be expensive if one visits Brighton Beach."

Neutral
Oct 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Nonsushi Seafood Forward Restaurant In

"Responding to a user's to-do list, this commenter recommended trying the Caviar Sandwich at Grand Central Oyster Bar."

Neutral
Oct 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Nonsushi Seafood Forward Restaurant In

"This user, despite commuting through Grand Central daily, has not yet tried the Oyster Bar but it is high on their to-do list."

Neutral
Oct 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Nonsushi Seafood Forward Restaurant In

"This user recalled when the seafood tower at Grand Central Oyster Bar was $99 and considered it a great deal."

Neutral
Oct 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Put The Nyts 57 Best Nyc Sandwiches Into A

"The commenter mentioned that Grand Central Oyster Bar no longer serves the caviar sandwich."

Neutral
Oct 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Nonsushi Seafood Forward Restaurant In

"This user recommended the Grand Central Oyster Bar, noting it's a destination restaurant in iconic Manhattan, though it's closed on weekends and frequented by tourists. They also suggested Ping's in Chinatown and Balthazar for its seafood tower."

Neutral
Oct 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Solo Birthday Dinner Rec

"The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station is described as legendary and is located near Jacque Torres Chocolatier."

Positive
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Tonight With 12 Year Old

"Suggests the Oyster Bar in Grand Central as a dining option."

Positive
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Restaurants Near Penn Or Grand Central

"This is considered a perennially underrated New York classic."

Positive
Oct 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Restaurants Near Penn Or Grand Central

"This restaurant is a recommended option."

Neutral
Oct 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Restaurants Near Penn Or Grand Central

"This is a dining option located within Grand Central."

Neutral
Sep 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Seafood Recommendations Near 55 5 Vicinity

"The Grand Central Oyster Bar is highlighted as an iconic New York establishment with very fresh fish and a great atmosphere. It's noted that it's not very fancy and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but is a short walk from the specified area."

Positive
Sep 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Restaurants Near Penn Or Grand Central

"This is a highly recommended dining option located in Grand Central."

Positive
Sep 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: New England Food In Nyc

"This user recommends Grand Central Oyster Bar as one of the few places in town to find fried Ipswich whole belly clams."

Positive
Sep 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Quick Bites Between Grand Central And Penn

"The oyster bar in Grand Central Terminal is mentioned as an option."

Neutral
Aug 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: One Dishrestaurant You Had To Go Back To The Next

"The oyster stew at Grand Central Oyster Bar was recommended by a commenter as a dish to return for."

Positive
Aug 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Taking My 6 Year Old To Nyc For The First Time

"The Oyster Bar in Grand Central, despite its name, offers standard fare and has a charming decor with unique steam-powered stew pots, allowing for a child to order from the regular menu."

Positive
Aug 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Short Food Visit Help Please

"The Oyster Bar is a great spot for lunch and offers various seafood options. The commenter also mentions the fun whispering gallery in the same location."

Positive
Jul 23, 2025View Comment →