Department of FoodieDepartment of Foodie
Venerated, iconic eatery serving raw oysters, pan roasts & chowders in a bustling, vaulted setting.
What to order: Half dozen raw oysters (varieties like Nisqually, Shigoku, G · Oysters Rockefeller · New England Clam Chowder · Dirty MartiniFrom Google Maps reviews.
For a few years in the late 1970s, I worked literally three blocks from Grand Central Station. And I’ve spent many more years since then working in and visiting New York City. Yet somehow—almost inexplicably—I had never set foot in the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Thankfully, that oversight was corrected in mid-December, when I found myself in the neighborhood looking for lunch and finally answered the call of this legendary spot. Walking down into the Oyster Bar feels like stepping into another
A mixed experience. The highlight was definitely the freshness of the seafood some dishes were well-prepared and delivered on quality, particularly the oysters and the shrimp cocktail. However, not everything met the same standard. A few dishes felt underwhelming and didn’t justify the premium pricing, which was a bit disappointing given the restaurant’s reputation. Service was another area that could use improvement. While not poor, it lacked consistency and attentiveness at times, which detr
Really cool restaurant in Grand Central Station. Visiting NY and wanted done oysters and seafood. Oysters weren't bad, but the greatest. We had a wide selection hoping for some Britney plump Oysters, but they were average at best. Clam chowder wasn't bad. Have had seafood at plenty of restaurants along the coast. This place was average and more a novelty with being in Grand Central Station. We sat on restaurant seated site, then have a more laid back open dining area, and then a bar lounge
From the Oct 7, 2025 health inspection. Lower-priority items are listed after the serious ones.
Clean utensils were stored where they could get dirty again.
Plumbing issues: poor drainage, backflow risk, or wastewater handled improperly.
Shelves, ledges, or equipment exteriors aren't clean or easy to clean.