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Grand Central Oyster Bar

4.3
4.3
6419 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Top Tags:

We are a New York landmark with Guastavino tiled vaulted ceilings located on the lower level of the magnificent Grand Central Terminal.

Our dining hours are from 11:30 AM to our last seating at 9:30 PM Monday through Friday. We are eager to serve you again!



Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 48 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Fri 11:30 am–9:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (212) 490-6650

  • Website

    http://www.oysterbarny.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Kamran Naseem

  • Private party facilities

    Can accommodate parties of up to 600 for a buyout

  • Private party contact

    info@oysterbarny.com: (212) 490-6650

  • Location

    Grand Central Terminal 89 E. 42nd St. New York, NY 10017

  • Neighborhood

    Midtown East

  • Cross street

    Vanderbilt and Lexington

  • Parking details

    There are various parking lots in the neighborhood.

  • Public transit

    Metro North; 4,5,6,7; Times Square Shuttle

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Main Dining Room Seating

    Multiple dates available
    The Main Dining Room is the grandest space in the Oyster Bar & Restaurant. Pass beyond the maitre d’s podium and you are under a sea of Guastavino’s graceful vaults. To your right is a deep alcove; to your left, two smaller alcoves lead to a grand arched window—pair to the one in the oyster bar. Move toward the far wall, and you under a half vault, with an intimate, square alcove to the left. The floors are of square terra cotta tiles, divided by bands of light and dark travertine. Our Main Dining room is set apart from the other dining areas which can comfortably seat up to 250 - 300 guests for a cocktail reception, depending on the setup, perfect for hosting a private or semi-private event for a variety of special occasions.

  • Saloon Dining Room Seating

    Multiple dates available
    At the far end of the Oyster bar, under a sign in the distinctive typeface designed by Hans Küng and through a pair of swinging half doors, is the Saloon. You’ll find the same brown leather chairs and tables covered with red-and-white checked tablecloths, but the feeling in the Saloon is quite different from all the other spaces in the restaurant. We offer private and semi-private accommodations in the Saloon Dining area. We can accommodate up to 80 (100 with bar seating) or up to 120 guests for a cocktail reception

Popular dishes

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 6,419 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

  1. CL

    ChampL

    Birmingham

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    overall2food3service2ambience2

    Not what it used to be. Very expensive for very average.

  2. JL

    JimL

    New Orleans

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food4service2ambience5

    Service was extremely spotty. Nothing 5 star about the experience

  3. R

    Ronk

    New England

    13 reviews

    1.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall1food2service1ambience1

    This was a disgusting experience. The service was non-existant, and the noise level was ridiculous. The food was at best mediocre. The bill was astronomical and it was a terrible experience. We will never go back!

  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall1food3service1ambience4

    Extremely terrible experience! If I can give its service zero star, I would definitely do. The server never came to us to take the order after over 15min seating at the table. He took the order from the table next to us who even seated after us and haven’t gone over the menu yet. In spite of politely calls, waves, even after his colleague tried to help draw his attention to our table, he just completely ignored us for no reason. The only thing I can think about is that we have Asian faces, while the table next to us are all white people. If that’s the reason, that’s extremely racist! We ended up walked out of this place starving and angry. They completely ruined our date. We eventually walked blocks away to Dock’s instead, who also serves decent seafood. This is definitely a NO go place to any colored people like us.

  5. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    all great except oysters. It might out of season.

  6. D

    Daniel

    London

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Always wanted to come here and the place is massive and stunning and so historic Oysters and shrimp/crab salad delicious. Arrived and 8pm and it was empty which is a shame. Loved it

  7. JC

    JCoh

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The shrimp and crab salad tasted incredibly fresh and delicious. Service was efficient and you can't beat the location.

  8. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service1ambience3

    Service was Slow. the glass we received was broken. How to ask for things repeatedly and the staff did not seem to be very experienced I’ve been there many times before but was disappointed by the decline

  9. B

    Benjie

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service1ambience5

    Iconic. Great space. Have to go there at least once. But… food was mediocre, service was truly lousy, overall a drag. But we had a great time and thankfully don’t need to go back. Hint- sit at the bar. Have a beer and 6 oysters.

  10. SW

    ScottW

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Oyster Bar was the perfect place for old friends to gather over great food and drink. It was quiet in the Saloon, and we were able to carry on a conversation without having to raise our voices. The server was terrific, very knowledgeable, and she came around to check on us from time to time without interposing herself too often.

  11. SM

    SarahM

    Manchester

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    Average food

  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food4service2ambience4

    Disappointed cd not get sandwich in the saloon. Also service was very slow and waitstaff seemed like they were doing you a favor . Very snobby and I am a native New Yorker

  13. SG

    StephanieG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Iconic. Amazing service and great seafood! Loved it!

  14. JB

    JBruce

    San Francisco

    34 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience2

    This is a NY institution and I’ve always had it in my list. Finally went. Dismal. Worst oysters Rockefeller I’ve ever had. Food is very pedestrian.

  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    My food was ok. My colleague’s dish was not prepared well despite being on the specials list.

  16. LR

    LarryR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything we had expected! We read many reviews before we went. Most were very complimentary, so our expectations were high. We were not disappointed!

  17. w

    weeksster

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very Authentic experience! You not had oysters but there was so much more I plan to try next time I’m in town.

  18. b

    billg

    New England

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    Our waiter didn’t have a lot of knowledge about the oysters. We asked some questions about the Massachusetts oysters and he didn’t know where they came from in MA.

  19. BW

    BenW

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience4

    It is a very cool place to eat, but the food is not that good and overpriced.

  20. IC

    IsabelCervantes

    Mexico City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Es un lugar icónico muy recomendable. Servicio y comida excelentes.

  21. P

    Peterr1

    London

    103 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    103 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    This restaurant never ever disappoints. Wonderful seafood and great service.

  22. A

    Amin

    New York Area

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience4

    Perfect place for a business lunch or quick bite before a commute. The food is excellent with fresh daily special. The staff is friendly and works gracefully under pressure... they are used to serving meals to commuters rushing to catch their train.

  23. BG

    BenG

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience4

    We were so happy to come back to the Oyster back after two years of Covid. Nothing has changed in the decor, which is nice in a nostalgic way, although the year of closure could have been used to upgrade a few things... And the food was quite disappointing. Oysters are still great with an amazing variety, and the fried calamari and fries were OK, but the octopus was a complete failure : boiled instead of being grilled, which made it chewy and tasteless.

  24. P

    Princess

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Rudy was an amazing waiter. Very personable and funny.

  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We ate at the bar. Seamus provided great recommendations and service. He is very knowledgeable and entertaining.

  26. JR

    JulieR

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall2food4service1ambience4

    Waiter forgot to put our entree order in - we waited over 45 minutes between courses and weren't able to have dessert for our son's birthday. When asked about our order, the waiter said it would be right out and then can back to tell us that the kitchen never recieved it. Very disappointed as we been there many times before.

  27. JF

    JeremiahF

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A great restaurant. Unique to NY. Always look forward to my plates of oysters. Don’t be in a hurry. Enjoy the ambience. JFog. Eugene.

  28. FN

    FredN

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall3food4service1ambience3

    Table service was poor throughout our meal. Waiter was difficult to understand and inattentive.

  29. TB

    TerryB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    great oyster selection. If you can not decide let the waiter/staff decide for you. I also recommend dining in the Saloon if noise level bothers you ( or if one of you may have a hard time hearing in normal conditions.

  30. L

    Lobij

    Denver

    64 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Everyone visiting New York must at least have a cocktail at this iconic Grand Central eatery.

  31. S

    Sasha

    Kent

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic choice of oysters, it’s an iconic place with lots of ambiance. Best crab cake we have ever tasted. I would definitely recommend.

  32. PS

    PierreS

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience3

    Very good food. Service so so. Gets very loud when crowded.

  33. L

    Lala1dines

    New York Area

    253 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    253 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Good food but slower service as the restaurant started to fill and became very busy.

  34. EW

    EdwardW

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience2

    Service was aggressive and slow. The food was just not what it should be with such an amazing venue.

  35. JF

    JFJr

    New York Area

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious, fresh fish and seafood in a historic setting. Love the Guastavino tiles!

  36. JC

    JeffreyC

    Naples

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    The food was great. Beautiful clams, shrimp cocktail preceded a cooked to perfection lobster. The waiter was great but was sooo busy

  37. S

    Sabroso

    Houston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Food quality was ok and service was adequate. A little pricey for the quality you get. Crab cakes were good and selection of oysters extensive. Filet of sole and sides were meh.

  38. NY

    NewYorker1

    New York Area

    65 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience4

    The Oyster Bar is an iconic spot located in Grand Central Station. It's a beautiful spot to dine. However,my lunch was not very good. I ordered. Poached salmon medium and got a very rare piece of salmon. Plus the taste and look of the fish looked boring. The waiter was extremely distracted and we had to ask for cocktail sauce 3 times. I'm not impressed.

  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Manchester

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Awesome service

  40. l

    leflerpet

    San Francisco

    82 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    82 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    I had the smoked trout that was spectacular. My husband was not as thrilled with his meal. Even though there were very few tables seated, they sat us right next to the serving station, which I always think should be one of the last tables as it is always congested. This evening as they were combining trays of used dishes in this area, a glass was dropped and glass shattered under all of the nearby tables.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Diner temperature check required
    • Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors
    • Staff temperature check required
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Grand Central Oyster Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 490-6650.

Grand Central Oyster Bar is rated 4.3 stars by 6419 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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7:00 PM
Booked 48 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Grand Central Oyster Bar

Grand Central Terminal 89 E. 42nd St. New York, NY 10017

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Vanderbilt and Lexington

  • Neighborhood

    Midtown East

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Fri 11:30 am–9:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    There are various parking lots in the neighborhood.

  • Public transit

    Metro North; 4,5,6,7; Times Square Shuttle

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Kamran Naseem

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.oysterbarny.com/

  • Phone number

    (212) 490-6650

  • Private party facilities

    Can accommodate parties of up to 600 for a buyout

  • Private party contact

    info@oysterbarny.com: (212) 490-6650

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