Subscribe      List an Event or Business      Invite a Writer      Write for WN      Writers      Other Locations

Grand Central Oyster Bar

Home > New York > Dinner | Food and Wine | Lunch | Restaurants
by Dottie (subscribe)
Radio presenter, business consultant and amateur foodie thriving on living life, loving moments and just being a cheeky girl at heart.
Published September 20th 2012
An iconic New York Experience


New York's famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant opened in 1913, on the lower level of Grand Central Terminal, and has been one of the city's best landmarks ever since.

The restaurant is located in a sprawling subterranean space in New York City's iconic Grand Central Station, under a gorgeous vaulted ceiling tiled with Guastavino tiles - a real contrast of glamour against the loud and bustling cafeteria-like atmosphere of the large dining room.

Thousands of people pass through Grand Central Terminal everyday to admire the terminal's exquisite ceilings featuring the signs of the zodiac - but dining at the Oyster Bar & Restaurant gives you a real reason to miss your train.

Oyster Bar Entrance


Oyster Bar Ceiling


Check out this video to get a feel for the atmosphere and energy of the Oyster Bar & Restaurant.



Menu

The Oyster Bar & Restaurant Menu changes everyday, reflecting the day's catch and what's available from the market - guaranteeing that whatever you choose, it'll be fresh and delicious. You can check out the menu on their website.

Oyster Bar & Restaurant Menu


The Oyster Bar & Restaurant is famous for its overwhelming selection of fresh oysters from the East and West Coasts, availability also varies daily. Check out their Oyster List which includes a brief description of the oyster's characteristics.

Oysters


The menu includes a simple selection for dessert, including apple pies, cheesecake and rice pudding. None of these are particularly distinguished, so you might be better off grabbing dessert from the nearby Magnolia Bakery - or just stuffing yourself with your main course instead.

They also offer a comprehensive wine list (all American) and includes a good selection of well-priced options to accompany your seafood extravaganza.

Seasonal Specialties

The Oyster Bar & Restaurant has a number of seasonal specialties all year round, including:

  • Soft Shell Crabs: March - September
  • Bay Scallops: November - January
  • Shad: February - April


Soft Shell Crab


They also host an Annual Oyster Frenzy that includes shucking competitions, music, demonstrations by the Oyster Bar & Restaurant's Chefs and much more.

Notes

The restaurant is large and can usually accommodate walk-ins, but to guarantee a table, it's best to make a reservation as it does get very busy - especially during lunch.
Help us improve  Click here if you liked this article  32
Share: email  facebook  twitter
Why? An iconic New York Experience
When: Mon-Fri: 11:30am-9:30pm; Sat: 12pm-9:30pm; Sun: Closed
Where: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St., New York, NY 10017
Cost: $31 to $50
Your Comment
Articles from other cities
Popular Articles
Categories
Lists
Questions