Nestled beneath the soaring arches of Grand Central, this iconic eatery serves up epic raw oysters, hearty chowders, and nostalgic charm since 1913.
"This New York institution is better than you remember it, tucked in the tunnels of the city’s most beautiful train station. Try to get a seat at the bar, and order the city’s namesake chowder, a lightly spicy soup full of clams, potatoes, and vegetables. Keep in mind it’s closed on weekends." - Eater Staff
"Grand Central Oyster Bar has occupied the subterranean space in Grand Central Station since 1913. The dramatic dining room, with its vaulted, tiled ceilings is one of the main attractions here. The bar is the best seat for sampling over 25 varieties of seafood, from a menu of raw oysters, stews, pan roasts, sandwiches, and more. Note that the restaurant is closed on weekends." - Eater Staff
"The iconic seafood destination is nestled under soaring, beautifully arched and tiled ceilings in a subterranean space inside Grand Central Terminal. The environs, complete with massive U-shaped counter seating perfect for dining solo, are so special that the restaurant nabbed the Design Icon Award at the James Beard Awards in 2017. In addition to ordering up a platter of raw bivalves, don’t miss the epic oyster pan roast. All of the seafood goes down smoothly with a stiff martini. Note that it’s closed on Saturdays and Sundays." - Eater Staff
"They call it “grand” for a reason. Grand Central Terminal is one of the most majestic places in all of New York City, and Grand Central Oyster Bar is a restaurant worthy of the station’s lofty tiled arches. The next time you're passing through, find a seat at the counter in this cavernous 111-year-old institution, and order at least a dozen oysters. The cooked dishes are a mixed bag, but the raw selections taste far better than you’d expect in an underground transit center. For more of a secret hideout experience, adjourn to the cave within a cave that is the windowless Saloon. Wherever you sit, order a strong dirty martini served with a bonus sidecar, and test out the whispering arches before leaving." - molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah, neha talreja
"Eat oysters with the ghost of Cornelius Vanderbilt at this classic establishment inside the station. Grand Central Oyster Bar has been around since 1913, and it’s the rare tourist-filled destination that also attracts locals. The restaurant is split up into three sections—a formal dining room with tables, a long winding bar, and the dark and cozy saloon. Grab a stool at the bar, and one of the bartenders will help you navigate the enormous menu of raw, fried, and roasted seafood. We always start with oysters and a martini. " - neha talreja, bryan kim, hannah albertine, molly fitzpatrick
