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  5. Lawrenceville
Merchant Oyster Co., Pittsburgh, PA

Merchant Oyster Co.

4.5
4.5
98 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
WALKINS ALWAYS WELCOME!!!
Your Neighborhood Oyster Bar and Chowder House -- Merchant Oyster Co, serves the best East and West coast oysters on the half shell, raw clams, Peel N eat shrimp, mussels and more.. alongside a selection of four different chowders. Brown Butter Lobster Rolls and Chef Dennis’ famous crab cakes are house specialties.
Get in vacation mode and grab a cocktail and an oyster shooter. We have a local beer list, Narragansett on draft, wine by the can, draft or glass, along with fun cocktails like our take on the hurricane - the Nor'easter. Come visit us in Lawrenceville!

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Oyster Bar

  • Phone number

    (412) 932-2553

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Resort Casual

  • Executive chef

    Chef Dennis Marron

  • Neighborhood

    Lawrenceville

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

What 98 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.5
4.5 based on all time ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

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Filters

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is fantastic. My wife and I was very happy with everything. Will be back for sure.
  2. KevinK

    Pittsburgh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  3. KevinK

    Pittsburgh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it.Out of this world freshness!
  4. Fab4

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 29, 2020

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    We had a party of four that had been wanting to have dinner at Merchant for awhile. Whether it was an appetizer served without any plates, asking for more bread for our appetizer that took forever to receive, missing silverware for one of us, two drinks ordered that were a repeat of our first drink but the second ones were completely different so we sent them back, the outside of the lobster roll was so greasy, and the heat vents were wide open right beside our table and made the entire meal very uncomfortable. Overall we were completely disappointed.
  5. Grumel

    Pittsburgh

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a fairly large group and showed up early for our reservation to see if they could take us early. They were very accommodating. The oysters were fresh and delicious! And whatever their clam soup of the day was may have been the best thing I've ever tasted in my life!
  6. Ndeiii

    Pittsburgh

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We had a reservation and were able to be seated quickly right when we got there. The server was personable and very good. His recommendations were well thought out. The food arrived at just about the right intervals. The raw bar items were excellent as was the peel-and-eat shrimp. the only weird thing (and it wasn't a big thing) was they were low on plates and could not provide individual appetizer plates. With the raw bar and peel and eat, it really wasn't much of an issue
  7. hartmann44

    Pittsburgh

    86 reviews

    5.0

    86 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great fresh oysters. Exceptional Peel 'n' Eat shrimp. Great service.
  8. ThomasS

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Outstandingly fresh oysters!
  9. TrudyL

    Pittsburgh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful dinner. Love the Merchant Oyster.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 26, 2020

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The food at this establishment is very good if you enjoy seafood. I highly recommend the lobster roll (hot) and a bottle of white wine. The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, which has its benefits and detriments. We ended up at a table right next to the door, which was opened often and resulted in cold air rushing in and hitting my back. However, the food and drinks were so good it was worth a slight discomfort. The restaurant is a bit on the expensive side, but there are ways to make the menu work for you in terms of pricing. I recommend this place to everyone I know who enjoys seafood. If you are going on a Friday or Saturday night, a reservation is a good idea. -Jim
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great East’s amazing service
  12. CharlesH

    Pittsburgh

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2020

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    Saturday evening, out with my wife for dinner She loves oysters Our table, silverware in a bowl, m paper napkins in a holder on the table like Mc Donald’s The food was excellent but the baked oysters were the tiniest we have ever seen Once again great food just not the best ambience for a date with my wife on a Saturday night
  13. PatrickC

    Cleveland

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great oysters and shrimps! Casual ambiance like a seaside restaurant. Excellent service.
  14. DeniseC

    Pittsburgh

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Crab cake sandwich was excellent. Not too much filler so you really tasted the crab.
  15. Jemo

    Las Vegas

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband’s go to place for oysters when we are in Pittsburgh
  16. CCGO

    Pittsburgh

    52 reviews

    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous oysters and lobster rolls!
  17. CarolynF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience. The food was delicious and the service was fast and friendly. We're looking forward to coming back.
  18. Thomas

    Pittsburgh

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Merchant Oyster is just the most amazing ever place! The oysters are fresh and wonderful and the selection broad allowing for the exploration of the nuanced differences in their taste. The crab cakes and lobster rolls and chowders are fabulous, and Oh My Gosh! ... Their house made New England apple cake, is so way something that I make sure that have room for! The wait staff is friendly and always happy to help with questions and menu recommendations. A most incredible place. A most amazing Chef!
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere and service! Food and drinks were spot on. I’ll recommend Merchant Oyster Company to all my friends!
  20. gumbrinus

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tasty brunch (lobster scramble!), attentive service, happy hour beer/oysters, and a cool Steelers pregame playlist. One happy yinzer!
  21. RussellB

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place, one of the better restaurants in Lawrenceville. Good food, good service
  22. TrudyL

    Pittsburgh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Third time for brunch - always a great experience! Looking forward to returning!
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I had a great time here! We will definitely be back. Food n Service was very good!
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and great food. Would definitely eat there again!
  25. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great drinks and excellent food made for an experience that will definitely bring us back!
  26. hartmann44

    Pittsburgh

    86 reviews

    5.0

    86 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    one of my wife's and my favorite restaurants. A pound each of peel 'n' eat shrimp and a margarita. It doesn't get much better.
  27. TenthWard

    Western NC

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2019

    overall2food4service1ambience4
    Service was absolutely horrible . I was embarrassed . At one point in the middle of ordering , my server literally walked away , began multiple other tasks , and returned ten minutes later like nothing ever happened . Also, when asked simple questions about the menu , my server had absolutely no information and said “ he didn’t know .” It was very unprofessional and embarrassing . The food was good, but it really didn’t matter at that point.
  28. HannahB

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat down right away and our server offered us the happy hour special even though it was ending in 5 minutes. It was a great way to start the night! And it only went up from there. Such a great evening with amazing food!
  29. Bestview

    Chicago

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a must try! The service was amazing. All the staff was so attentive. The food was phenomenal. I can't wait to go back for the clam boil. My husband loved his lobster roll as well. Kids enjoyed their hot dog. And, my non-pescatarian brother-in-law loved his burger and the spinach artichoke dish. We tried all their fresh oysters and it was a wonderful experience tasting through them. My new fave restaurant!
  30. BillC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 29, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Very Good. Have to go back for a Taylor Pork Roll sandwich.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the beer to the crab BLT, my food and overall experience was a 10/10. I’ll be going back to the Merchant Oyster, for sure!
  32. chelsea18

    Pittsburgh

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect, as usual! This place is a true gem in our neighborhood! The food, drinks, and service are always exceptional and the atmosphere is just awesome. Couldn’t recommend Merchant Oyster more!
  33. xparxy

    Pittsburgh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent menu very nicely rendered by the kitchen, and served by a very pleasant and engaging front of house team. We will look forward to returning!
  34. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2019

    overall1food4service1ambience4
    15 mins - for the waitress to come to my table 20 mins - to have my drink brought to me 70 mins - for my entree to arrive Overall - service was painful and slow... take WAY LONGER than it needed to do. Food was good though.
  35. MarieB

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2019

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    The oysters here a joke unfortunately. I know that Pittsburgh is landlocked but I've been to other restaurants (for example, Muddy Waters, where the oysters are large and tasty). Here, the oysters were pathetically small and tasteless. The owners attempted to make us feel comfortable (although the A/C was blasting and we were freezing - so they had to open the windows to let in some warm air). The waitress was totally disinterested and had nothing of interest to tell us. Sorry to say - we won't be back. We've been here several times and we keep hoping it'll get better and it hasn't. It's a shame because the ambience is great but the food is simply inferior compared to Pittsburgh standards today. Sorry for the bad review - not something I do at all - but this was simply a very bad experience when we had guests in town and were embarrassed by the experience.
  36. JohnSilver

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best seafood I’ve had in pittsburgh, at a better price than the high end restaurants.
  37. TrudyL

    Pittsburgh

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome! Merchant Oyster is a favorite - it was the first Brunch experience though and it did not disappoint. Can't wait to go back!
  38. SeamasPadraig

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 26, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything and everyone was wonderful. Wish we could have thanked the chef personally, but we were having such a great experience that we lost track of time and had to hurry to make it to our next stop. The oyster shooters were transcendental.
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Thought server was very good and knowledgeable, and overall service was great. Crab cake a little salty but other dishes well seasoned. Oysters awesome and fresh.
  40. burghfoodie

    Pittsburgh

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Relaxed atmosphere. Nice selection of oysters. Definitely a place to return to with a group of friends.

FAQs

Merchant Oyster Co. offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (412) 932-2553.

Merchant Oyster Co. is rated 4.5 stars by 98 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Lawrenceville

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Oyster Bar

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Resort Casual

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Chef Dennis Marron

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

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