Oysters - Grand Central Oyster Bar, New York, NY

Smoked Norwegian Smoked Salmon - Grand Central Oyster Bar, New York, NY

Grilled Tuna - Grand Central Oyster Bar, New York, NY

Grand Central Oyster Bar

Name: Grand Central Oyster Bar
Address: Grand Central Terminal 89 E. 42nd St., New York, NY, United States, 10017
Telephone: (212) 490-6650
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.1

4.1

7350 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 9, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 152 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
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
Juan Lopez
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

Popular dishes

What 7,350 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
3.9Service
4.1Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

7,350 Reviews

J
Jimlikesfood
Charleston
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful classic oyster bar. Loved the food. It is loud but fun .
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M
Mnmomma
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So amazing. Beautiful venue and great service with kind staff. A must in NYC!!
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BK
BethK
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
1.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
My experience was so poor, we walked out. We arrived on time for our reservation, which I had requested be in the Saloon. (There is no option on Open Table to reserve directly in the Oyster Bar's Saloon.) We approached the main check in desk to check in, but had walked through the Saloon to get there, and saw a table for 4 (the number in our party) being set up. At the main check in station in the main part of the restaurant, we were forced to wait on line behind others who did not have a reservation and saw those parties being escorted to table. I left the line and went to speak with one of the three staff members stationed at the check in station, and said I had a 7:15 reservation and had requested the Saloon, and did we need to stand on line. I was told by two of them that I should go directly to the Saloon. We walked back to the Saloon (I had two 84 year old members of my party with me, and it was difficult for them to walk back there). When we got to the Saloon, we spoke to the manager, who said they had no reservation for us in the Saloon. I explained that there was no option to reserve int the Saloon directly and so I had requested it, and the main station staff said my reservation would be with the manager of the Saloon. He said "nope--I don't have it." I noted the empty table for 4 and he said that was not for us. No apology, no effort to help. We walked back to the main station. Spoke to the person who seemed to be in charge, who found our 7:15 reservation, and said to give him another 15-20 minutes. It was already 7:30 by this point, and the people approaching him did not appear to have reservations. I mentioned having requested the Saloon (again) and said I wanted a table somewhere in the restaurant, and did not want to wait any longer. He said there was nothing he could do. We said we were going to cancel and go elsewhere. At that point he said he would get us into the Saloon, but by then my group had had it and we left.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Nonostante la prenotazione abbiamo atteso 20 minuti per il tavolo. Dopo l’ordinazione abbiamo atteso più di un’ora per avere i piatto principale
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dublin
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
The place was loud, lacked windows, costly, unclean, and bustling. It took an hour and 35 minutes to receive our main courses, and overall, it felt like a tourist trap. Considering the amount we spent, we expected a much better experience.
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DA
DeniseA
Chicago
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
First time visitor. We had mussels, manhattan clam chowder, black cod and swordfish. All were very good and came with a nice vegetable side and potato. The veggies were crisp which I like, and very tasty. If you have any hearing issues this is probably not a good choice, as it was bustling all evening and very loud. We really enjoyed it and would definitely visit again.
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T
halT
New York Area
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Quality food, great attentive service...a bit noisy but a classic restaurant...enjoyed it all!
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UI
UninyI
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Under any reasonable standard of comfort and service for a restaurant, it’s embarrassing seeing that such an historical place is left without any refurbishment in the last 30 years.
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e
eqvet4life
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The oysters here are legit! Service is great, location is great, but can get a bit too loud.
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SM
SusanaM
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful NYC location with a great bustling vibe & service was great- however the food was mediocre at best. Other than the oysters, everything else we ordered was very underwhelming- lobster roll was dry & the bread wasn’t fresh. The fish & chips lacked flavor, the grilled shrimp & rice was bland & mushy. And the grilled branzino fillet was just OK, slightly overcooked. Our group really wanted to love it, but sadly it just didn’t deliver.
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S
Suzanne
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food. Attentive service. Wonderful ambience - vaulted ceiling. Definitely going again.
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DM
DeeMarie
London
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This was my first time. And I’ll be back for sure. Great food!! And so convenient.
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SJ
SarahJ
Exclusive
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
A really mixed experience - service was great. Raw oysters amazing but the reminder of the food was very average. Calamari was overcooked and salad was poor for $10. Glad we experienced such an iconic restaurant but I think they get away with average food because of who / where they are.
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IR
IRG1641
New York Area
85 reviews
vip
2.0
85 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Service was very slow and my bluepoint fried oysters were just ok.
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b
bdph2
London
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Superb seafood in the most unlikely of settings .
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S
Sanderling
Baltimore
86 reviews
vip
4.0
86 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went for lunch at opening time so it was not crowded and service was quick. We hadn’t been there before, including our daughter who has lived in NYC for 12 years. We all loved the “Old NYC” sort of vibes, the curved counter where someone could drop in to dine, the atmospheric saloon area. The food was all good if sort of expensive. We enjoyed a variety of oysters, oyster stew, lobster, calamari, eggs Benedict made with smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail. We like more horseradish in our cocktail sauce but no other issues with the food. The waitstaff exuded the same old New York vibe. My daughter said she’d definitely bring friends to enjoy the experience and I would be a happy return customer as well.
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C
Chasman
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
2.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
The clams {raw} were very fresh and delicious. The ordered broiled lobster came without clarified butter - when we asked for it we never saw the server again. The wait staff seemed harassed. Have eaten here before -this was a disappointment.
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P
Philly
Philadelphia
66 reviews
vip
5.0
66 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A must visit if you like oysters and other fresh seafood, and want to visit Grand Central Station.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Kansas City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great mussels to start the meal. Had the Florida red grouper with pineapple salsa and it was amazing! Would recommend 10/10.
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FU
FUSFEY
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Prices a little steep, but it is a good value because of the portions and the food is tasty and well prepared.
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CM
ChrisM
Chicago
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
We were disappointed that our oysters came after the clam chowder.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 29, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Longed for this but almost 1 hour to wait for the food then my fish was not done, raw half of it. Had not time to wait for new food so ate half of it.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Munich
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Good Food and nice Ambiente. Waiters are very friendly and nice - we really haveto highlight this! But: we also made a very bad experience when we arrived. We booked a table at 16:45 pm and arrived at 16:38pm. The young Lady at the reception told us, that we booked for 16:45 and that we have to wait for our table. Important to know: just 3 Tables were used at this Moment. Nearly the whole restaurant was empty. Never experienced something unpolite like this before.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 29, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Received food and were half way done before waiter brought the wine we ordered. Inattentive waiter,never asked if everything was ok . used to always get great service there.
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HM
HenrysMom
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
It's always an experience dining at the iconic GC Oyster Bar! We love it. The menu offers seafood selections you won't find elsewhere; oyster varieties galore; architecture spectacular. The service can be spotty, particularly in the bar area where it seems they are understaffed. I waited almost 25 minutes to order and receive a drink, but I could see the waiter had his hands full so it wasn't neglect - just capacity. Our dinner waiter seemed to leave mid-dinner - but there were several other staff that were available to us. So - go, don't be in a hurry, and enjoy a unique and delicious, very New York experience!!
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BB
BruceB
Orange County
47 reviews
vip
4.0
47 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Good food, Good service, Great history. Look forward to next visit.
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Z
Zigzag
New York Area
91 reviews
vip
5.0
91 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always reliable, if a bit pricey. Great oysters and chowders. Service is surprisingly pleasant.
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PL
PeterL
New York Area
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
There is a charge for changing your order. They don’t tell you; they just do it.
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RH
RalphH
New York Area
451 reviews
vip
5.0
451 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food extra friendly service. Lively atmosphere.
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MB
MindyB
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
Please dim the lighting and change the red check tablecloths
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c
cealie
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The oysters and cherrystones were fresh and delicious. Our other food was conmendable also. The waiters are very attentive and respectful. The food takes a while but the ambiance makes it worth it.
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LG
LisaG
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Really disappointing We have been here a lot and the whole experience was way below standard Food came out cold twice Understaffed front and back of house it seems. Sad to see an old faithful establishment go off the boil so badly. Not sure we will be braving it again.
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M
Mike
New York Area
47 reviews
vip
4.0
47 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
A New York City classic. Fresh seafood, many choices and styles of cooking. If you are a seafood lover and in the Grand Central Station area, then you can't go wrong dining at the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Yes expensive, no good seafood restaurant isn't going to be. Finally even though one member of our party was late, we were not rushed.
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SR
SteveR
San Francisco
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Most things were ok. But, slow service and unfulfilled requests. Check never came. Had to go to podium. Could dobetter even on Thanksgiving.
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CH
ChristopherH
New York Area
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
My friend who came in from FL wanted oysters I love them. The food was OK I ordered and Fried Oyster Appetizer got maybe 8 oysters they were OK for $22 dollars a bloody Mary Drink for $16 it was just OK. My friend got the Sea Bass it was good but nothing special. Total meal was almost 70$ plus tip of course. As a New Yorker I won’t go back but it’s for sure a tourist joint.
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f
foodie222
New York Area
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Refilling of water was overly attentive bordering excessive Waiter did not place the order correctly. We ordered 2 different glasses of white wine and the server did not know which one was which. We all enjoyed our meals despite the above
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Was very excited to eat here. But pretty disappointed in the end. Oysters were good, and fried Ipswich clams were good. Shrimp scampi not so good. 2 of us got monkfish. Probably would have been good if it wasn’t so overcooked. Won’t go again.
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CB
CorinaB
Miami
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
Esperaba más de los platos……………………………………………………………..
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of my favorite places to visit in NY! The oysters are fresh and delicious. Other foods are just as good and cocktails are made to perfection. However, the restaurant is located in the amazing Grand Central Station Terminal and that is the best part! What an experience, the best!
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SP
SarahP
New York Area
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Disappointed. Did not have original option of food. Food was average to say the least. Then - approached by waiter to question the gratuity given.
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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

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

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 4.1 stars by 7350 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 9, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 152 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
Price
$31 to $50
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
Juan Lopez
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

Grand Central Oyster Bar

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Oyster

Lobster

Fried Oysters

Menu

What 7,350 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Grand Central Oyster Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Grand Central Oyster Bar restaurant rated?

Is Grand Central Oyster Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information