Grand Central Oyster Bar

Review summary

1. B

   Bora

   VIP

   Chicago

   10 reviews

   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   In line with the other reviews, had a good experience. Service could have been better but expected for such a large venue. Food was decent.
   

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2. j

   john

   VIP

   New York City

   18 reviews

   5.0

   18 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The place to go for fresh fish and shellfish. The bay scallops from Martha's Vineyard were superb and sweet.
   

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3. A

   Ana

   New York City

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   Friday, February 20, 2025 4:30pm dinner reservations for two. GCOB was not busy. Host sat us at a table for 2 located at the back near the server cart in the red checkered table cloth section. There were available tables throughout this section. I ought to have said something, but did not. This was our 2nd time eating at GCOB and the first time was a much better experience. We ordered 8 oysters, 4 Blue Point from Connecticut and 4 from Prince Edward Island. They were fine, but the presentation was lackluster; no oyster forks. My Manhattan was delicious, but unlike the last time it was not served with a Bing cherry which is better than the red cherry. Ordered the Florida red snapper with green beans almondine and sweet potatoe mash which was not a fluffy mash. The green beans were cooked well, but were not French cut or properly seasoned. My husband ordered the Manhattan Clam Chowder which he said was just okay. He also ordered the Arctic Char which he said was okay. For dessert we shared the NY Cheesecake and that was fine. The dishes served to us were subpar. Oh, our table was wobbly. We did tell our waiter. The pink motif ladies bathroom is in need of much updating.
   

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4. A

   Alden

   VIP

   New York City

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We loved the Oyster Bar! So many seating options; and the oyster Poor Boy was great—delicious fried oysters. Bread could have been crustier and toasted.
   

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5. m

   marshall

   VIP

   New York City

   27 reviews

   5.0

   27 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   GREAT BUT EXPENSIVE. TOURISTS I GUESS. STILL I DO LIKE THE PLACE.
   

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6. l

   laura

   VIP

   New York City

   7 reviews

   1.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on 15 February 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   Waited over 40 minutes for a waiter and they were out of essentially halt the menu and sides. The first waiter was terrible. The second tried to help but there was no saving this meal.
   

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7. S

   Steve

   New York City

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 15 February 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 5

   Iconic place great for a one-time experience, as it is a formidable landmark. However, the service was so bad the waiters were embarrassed. We waited almost a half hour before anyone even approached us. Two of the three who were near us spoke broken English, meaning they could not explain the specials. Our main waiter never knew the answers to our queries as what was something with 'fun' name. He was never sure what they had run out of, which turned out to be almost all specials and many of the regular dishes. Admittedly, this was later on Friday night and they were almost filled. But, at those prices, NO EXCUSES! Terribly over priced, I felt like this was a Disneyland experience, not a real restaurant. Also, be warned: most dishes are very plain, by design. Fresh fish, simple prep, etc.... except for the specials.
   

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8. S

   Samantha

   Derbyshire

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on 15 February 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Food was great and it’s a lovely location. Great for seafood lovers (obviously) We visited on valentine day so it was very busy but I doubt there were any more tables than usual and unfortunately our service was very slow. We waited about a hour and five minutes before we got our food which was disappointing. Although the food was very good I wouldn’t say it was worth over an hour wait
   

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9. R

   Ron

   Cleveland

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 15 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A Timeless New York Gem: The Grand Central Oyster Bar If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of New York City, The Grand Central Oyster Bar is an absolute must. Nestled beneath the iconic, vaulted ceilings of Grand Central Terminal, this legendary seafood haven delivers history, charm, and some of the freshest oysters and seafood in the city. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a bygone era—where white-jacketed servers glide between tables, the warm glow of vintage lighting reflects off the beautiful tilework, and the hum of bustling diners creates an electric yet cozy atmosphere. The Food? Exceptional. Let’s talk oysters. The raw bar selection is unparalleled, featuring an ever-changing lineup of oysters from both coasts, each one expertly shucked and served at peak freshness. Whether you’re a fan of briny East Coast classics or creamy West Coast varieties, there’s something for every palate. Beyond oysters, their menu is a seafood lover’s dream. The New England clam chowder is rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. The lobster roll? Simply divine, generously stuffed with sweet, buttery lobster meat. The Experience? Iconic. Dining here isn’t just about the food—it’s about soaking in the history and nostalgia of an institution that has been serving New Yorkers and travelers alike since 1913. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at the counter, sipping a martini at the bar, or settling in for a full meal, this place exudes old-school New York charm. If you love oysters, seafood, and classic NYC institutions, do yourself a favor and visit The Grand Central Oyster Bar. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. 5 stars all the way!
   

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10. C

    Claudia

    New York City

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on 14 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Still a great, classic New York restaurant - the oysters, as always, super-fresh and the pan roasts continue to be the seafood version of a warm yet unctuous hug. Service was impeccable, despite the Friday night and Valentine’s slam, and the gracious staff made every effort to accommodate us rven when we turned up early. And thanks to the saloon bar tender for the very . . . generous libation (!)
    

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