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Oyster House Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
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Oyster House Philadelphia

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$50 and over
Seafood
1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 55 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Lively
  • Good for special occasions
Philadelphia’s premier destination for seafood lovers since 1976. With a menu that is as traditional as it is innovative, this family-owned business run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink has been a community cornerstone for almost 50 years. Cherished by Philly locals and visitors alike for its decadent lobster rolls, signature crab cakes and crispy fried oysters, Oyster House continues to honor the region’s culinary roots while constantly cooking up tasty, new favorites. Oyster House’s robust seafood menu curated by executive chef Joe Campoli, promises high quality cuisine along with an excellent dining experience. Enjoy a seat at Philadelphia’s most famed oyster bar while enjoying a show by Philly’s most legendary oyster shuckers. The weekday Happy Hour is always abuzz with a lively mix of coworkers and friends.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Joseph Campoli

From the OpenTable editors: This seafood institution in Center City dates back to 1947. Restaurateur Sam Mink is the third generation behind the beloved oyster bar, and locals and tourists alike keep coming back for super-fresh seafood towers, lobster rolls, and crab cakes. Belly up to the raw bar in the center of the space to watch the pros shuck oysters in seconds. Cocktails include a mini menu of oyster shooters and an impressively deep selection of gin.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Center City
  • Cross street
    15th & Sansom Street (between 15th and 16th on Sansom Street)
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Walnut-Locust BSL stop is two blocks away
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wine

What 297 people are saying

Oyster House Philadelphia reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia County

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Oyster House Philadelphia is a vibrant seafood haven offering "fresh and delicious oysters" in a lively atmosphere. Known for its "wonderful food and great service," it's a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The "lobster rolls" and "scallops" are highly recommended. Though a bit noisy, the "attentive staff" ensures a memorable dining experience.
297 Reviews
  1. jeannine

    Baltimore / Maryland7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I’ve been severely times and it’s always great. The pan seared halibut was the best thing I’ve eaten out in a looong time. Just perfection. And our lovely server was kind and helpful in many ways.

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  2. Paul VIP

    Baltimore / Maryland134 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We ate very fresh oysters, and loved how the lobster roll was served cold. On a humid day, the coolness helped. The service also ensured that things could be eaten or not eaten, based on allergies.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Ben

    Philadelphia County3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service were excellent. Raw Oysters and clams tasted fresh. Average value for the money.

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  4. James VIP

    Philadelphia County119 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Very enjoyable experience. Food excellent and service excellent. All good.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Adenike VIP

    Philadelphia County22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food & service were excellent. Noise level by the front door/bar was high. Take note if you plan to have a conversation. I’m looking forward to returning!

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  6. Donna

    Chicago / Illinois16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Came on a Friday night in June 6:30 saw room at the bar! Never happens at other times of the year. We had a lovely dinner for birthday for husband Dessert came with a candle! Cute ! Very attentive waitress Just love the food here. Not cheap but excellent quality

    Is this helpful?

  7. Erin

    Philadelphia County3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    It’s all hard surfaces so it’s pretty loud. But the food is tasty. You just don’t get a lot of it for the price you pay. Good vibes though!

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  8. Martin

    Philadelphia County7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Always have great food and service at Oyster House. Enjoy dining there whenever possible.

    Is this helpful?

  9. ricardo

    Puebla1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Muy bueno todo y muy bonito el lugar . Buen servicio

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  10. Gretchen

    Philadelphia County6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful seafood, drinks and service. Definitely will recommend this place to family and friends.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Oyster House Philadelphia is rated 4.8 stars by 297 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Philadelphia County
  4. Philadelphia
  5. Center City

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 55 times today
Google Map for Oyster House Philadelphia

1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    15th & Sansom Street (between 15th and 16th on Sansom Street)
  • Neighborhood
    Center City
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Oyster Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Walnut-Locust BSL stop is two blocks away
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wine
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