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Oyster House Philadelphia

Name: Oyster House Philadelphia
Address: 1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19102
Telephone: (215) 567-7683
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.8

Visa Dining Collection

$50 and over

Seafood

1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Make a reservation

2 people

May 1, 2025

10:00 PM

Booked 48 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Lively

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
(215) 567-7683
Website
http://www.oysterhousephilly.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
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

BETSY CAPE SALT $4.50
Cape May Peninsula, NJ
AQUIDNECK $4.00
Sakonnet River, RI
WELLFLEET$4.00
Wellfleet Harbor, Cape Cod
PEMAQUID$4.50
Damariscotta River, ME
EEL LAKE $4.00
Eel Lake, Nova Scotia
ROYAL MIYAGI $4.50
Wilipa Bay, WA
LITTLENECK CLAM $2.75
Barnegat Bay, NJ
CHERRYSTONE CLAM $3.00
Jersey Shore
SHRIMP COCKTAIL $17.00
SPLIT CHILLED 2# LOBSTER $56.00

OYSTER HOUSE SEA F OOD TOWER

featuring:

oysters, clams, chilled lobster, shrimp cocktail, seafood salad, crab dip, scallop crudo$135.00

SOUPS

MANHATTAN CLAM CHOWDER $12.00
NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER w/ bacon$12.00
SNAPPER TURTLE SOUP$13.00

CRUDOS

SCALLOP $21.00
sesame chili crunch, scallions
FLUKE $18.00
lemon olive oil, serrano, smoked sea salt
TUNA $19.00
wasabi, green apple, ginger-scallion vinaigrette

ROASTED

OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER $18.00
spinach, pernod
GRILLED OYSTERS $18.00
garlic butter, parmesan
OYSTERS XO $18.00
sun-dried tomato, scallion, lime

SIDES

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS $9.00
hazelnuts, lemon ricotta, aleppo
BUTTER BRAISED & GRILLED CABBAGE $9.00
horseradish, mustard cream
COLE SLAW$8.00
HAND CUT FRIES $9.00
long hot aioli

STARTERS

PEAR & FIG SALAD $14.00
goat cheese, pistachios, cider vinaigrette
GRILLED BROCCOLI CAESAR $16.00
boquerones, parmesan
CRAB TOAST $19.00
apricot & bell pepper mostarda, fennel, whipped feta
GRILLED SARDINES $14.00
yuzu kosho aioli, crispy black rice, pickled shallots
FRIED CALAMARI $15.00
shishito peppers, spicy aioli
SAUTEED MUSSELS $21.00
fennel cream, sumac onions, chili oil, crostini
GRILLED OCTOPUS $23.00
carrot hummus, rutabaga, mint, chili oil
CRISPY FRIED OYSTERS$19.00
- with chicken salad$22.00

PLATES

LOBSTER ROLL
chilled new england style, fries ........ MP
BURGER bacon jam, crab mayo, cooper sharp, fries$19.00
FISHERMAN’S STEW shrimp, mussels, calamari, fish, spicy tomato broth, saffron rouille$31.00
PAN ROASTED COD $35.00
potato croquettes, celery root cream, cauliflower, pickled fresno
MARYLAND CRABCAKE $35.00
chesapeake remoulade, fried smashed potatoes, malt vinegar, parmesan
PAN SEARED SEA SCALLOPS $34.00
sweet potatoes, chickpeas, thai basil tahina, crispy quinoa
MIXED SEAFOOD GRILL $41.00
swordfish, shrimp, scallops, potatoes, butternut squash, chimichurri

SPLIT GRILLED MAINE LOBSTER

ROASTED GARLIC THYME BUTTER HAND CUT FRIES$64.00

FRIED WHOLE RED SNAPPER

SAMBAL VINAIGRETTE SESAME-CABBAGE SLAW .
.... MP

CLAMBAKE FOR 2

SHRIMP, CLAMS, MUSSELS, LOBSTER, POTATOES, CORN CHIVE GARLIC BUTTER $96.00

What 249 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

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia County
Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Oyster House Philadelphia shines with "excellent dining" and "super fresh ingredients." This "best seafood house in Philly" delights with "unbelievable" lobster rolls and "perfectly shucked" oysters. Guests appreciate the "friendly staff," "amazing service," and vibrant ambiance. It's a "go-to place" for seafood lovers, offering a "fantastic dining experience" every time.

249 Reviews

R
Reshma
Philadelphia11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed a lovely evening with our very special out-of-town guests—and they absolutely loved the food and service! We’ll definitely be back. We ordered a delicious spread: oysters, clams, calamari, fried octopus, lobster roll, New England clam chowder, fish stew, scallops, and finished with pecan pie and ice cream. Every dish was outstanding, and we left completely full and with very happy tummies!
Is this helpful?
K
Kimberly VIP
Washington DC62 reviews
3.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We were seated promptly so no issues there. Our server was very good, drinks were good, about $60 for 4 drinks. The Tuna Crudo was really good, we would recommend that and the beet salad with whipped ricotta, very nice. My lobster roll was pretty good, the fries were perfection. My husband's wood fired mixed grill was not great. The swordfish was dry and tough, shrimp were almost too done, flavor overall was okay. Oysters were okay, the Irish were not very good and 2 of them shouldn't have been served, too small and lifeless, but the Wellfleets and Miyogi were both very good. Wish they would update their menu online, there were things we wanted to try that weren't offered. It's a pet peeve we have with a lot of online menus. In this day and age it should be automatic to post what is currently on the menu. For $300 we felt like we overpaid and won't likely go back. Not a bad experience, just not great for that kind of money.
Is this helpful?
M
Matthew VIP
Philadelphia24 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Everything was amazing. Very sold restaurant. The octopus and shrimp cocktail and lobster roll was unbelievable
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
Philadelphia6 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent dining. Food and service great. Crowded and a bit of a wait.
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D
Dana VIP
Seattle8 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have been going there for over 35 years & are impressed with the quality of food & the fact that it stays in tune with the times food-wise but does not take away from the original essence.
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h
hans
San Diego7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A starter we had Oysters . Really super. Maindash a grilles Seabass. I can really recommend
Is this helpful?
W
William
Philadelphia1 review
5.0
Dined on April 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The raw and roasted oysters were excellent. The server was very attentive.
Is this helpful?
K
Kelly
Charleston14 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our first visit to the Oyster House. Outstanding service. Cocktails and food were amazing. Highly recommend!!
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D
Doug
Western NC3 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
lovely lunch! the fantastic seafood tower was plenty of food for two. oysters, clams, seafood salad, smoked seafood dip, lobster, shrimp and a fabulous scallop crudo. home run!!
Is this helpful?
J
Jason
Atlantic City1 review
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went on a Saturday before a 8:00 show. Reservation were at 6:15. Enjoyed some good drinks. Oysters were awesome. Service was great. Good food all the way around.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Oyster House Philadelphia is rated 4.8 stars by 249 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 1, 2025

10:00 PM

Booked 48 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

Website
http://www.oysterhousephilly.com/
Phone number
(215) 567-7683

Oyster House Philadelphia

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Dining areas

Additional information

TODAY'S RAW BAR

BETSY CAPE SALT $4.50

AQUIDNECK $4.00

WELLFLEET$4.00

PEMAQUID$4.50

EEL LAKE $4.00

ROYAL MIYAGI $4.50

LITTLENECK CLAM $2.75

CHERRYSTONE CLAM $3.00

SHRIMP COCKTAIL $17.00

SPLIT CHILLED 2# LOBSTER $56.00

OYSTER HOUSE SEA F OOD TOWER

oysters, clams, chilled lobster, shrimp cocktail, seafood salad, crab dip, scallop crudo$135.00

SOUPS

MANHATTAN CLAM CHOWDER $12.00

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER w/ bacon$12.00

SNAPPER TURTLE SOUP$13.00

CRUDOS

SCALLOP $21.00

FLUKE $18.00

TUNA $19.00

ROASTED

OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER $18.00

GRILLED OYSTERS $18.00

OYSTERS XO $18.00

SIDES

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS $9.00

BUTTER BRAISED & GRILLED CABBAGE $9.00

COLE SLAW$8.00

HAND CUT FRIES $9.00

STARTERS

PEAR & FIG SALAD $14.00

GRILLED BROCCOLI CAESAR $16.00

CRAB TOAST $19.00

GRILLED SARDINES $14.00

FRIED CALAMARI $15.00

SAUTEED MUSSELS $21.00

GRILLED OCTOPUS $23.00

CRISPY FRIED OYSTERS$19.00

PLATES

LOBSTER ROLL

BURGER bacon jam, crab mayo, cooper sharp, fries$19.00

FISHERMAN’S STEW shrimp, mussels, calamari, fish, spicy tomato broth, saffron rouille$31.00

PAN ROASTED COD $35.00

MARYLAND CRABCAKE $35.00

PAN SEARED SEA SCALLOPS $34.00

MIXED SEAFOOD GRILL $41.00

SPLIT GRILLED MAINE LOBSTER

ROASTED GARLIC THYME BUTTER HAND CUT FRIES$64.00

FRIED WHOLE RED SNAPPER

SAMBAL VINAIGRETTE SESAME-CABBAGE SLAW .

CLAMBAKE FOR 2

SHRIMP, CLAMS, MUSSELS, LOBSTER, POTATOES, CORN CHIVE GARLIC BUTTER $96.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Oyster House Philadelphia restaurant rated?

Is Oyster House Philadelphia currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information