Daniel Maros

Can’t believe I lived in New York for almost my whole life went never went here, I surely missed out. We have a lot of similar places in Vegas but for this one feels a little different in a good way. The location is great, the atmosphere is fantastic and the the staff were all extremely attentive. I absolute loved my fried oyster po boy, and the squid risotto (which i forgot to photo) was just the right texture and that a dish you can mess up the texture in all sorts of ways 🤣. I would go back if I were in New York especially for the lunch specials. It’s not the most amazing seafood place but it’s extremely solid with fresh ingredients, and the ambience really pushes it over the edge, I have to give it 5 stars.

Glenn Cohen

I have been wanting to try this place for years and I finally made it. We just happened to come on a Thursday which is the only day they offer a happy hour special. Well worth it waiting till Thursday if you just want to check it out have a few items and enjoy the historic location. We have oysters clams and new England clam chowder. The soup was really good just the perfect balance of clams, taste and thickness of the soup. Calamari was also fresh, tender and included a nice red sauce for dipping. And of course the little neck clams and bluepoint oysters were amazing especially at $1.25 and $1.55/ea respectively. If you want the happy hour special you have to eat at the saloon bar in the back or the lounge area. Probably have to ask for the happy hour menu as they do not tell or offer it to you by choice.

+1

Mind Thamaratanasiri

We didn’t expect much in the beginning but what we received from here was way beyond. We saw this from Jung Hae-in’s NY travel vlog and his reaction made us curious about this place. We’ve never had any oysters from their menu so we asked the staff to help. The staff were very helpful and kindly selected the oysters for us. We had total 20 oysters and found some favorite. If you’d like the salty-creamy balanced oysters, go with Kumamoto or Wellfleet.

James Kim

My wife and I had oysters, recommended by the waiter, clam chowder and red snapper with rice. The oysters were excellent and so good. They seemed little smaller than I expected but oh boy they are good. “White” clam chowder was another beauty!! The red snapper was super. The service was excellent.

Kamonrut Bunmee

Classic NYC seafood spot with fresh lobster and excellent oysters. Had a great experience at the Grand Central Oyster Bar! The lobster was fresh and perfectly cooked, the oysters were super tasty, and the wine selection paired beautifully with the seafood. It’s a classic spot with old-school charm, right in the heart of Grand Central Terminal.

+2

Billy Chan

Glad that we can have this restaurant just right next to the hotel we are staying at. Food quality is good and match its price. Service is excellent. They have a wide variety of raw oyster choices and they are very knowledgeable and willing to answer your questions before taking your order. Vibe is warm and casual.

I just finished an amazing dinner for my fathers birthday. The food was incredible but the service was spectacular. Rudy our server went above and beyond. I'm a New Yorker and I know great service an…

I just finished an amazing dinner for my fathers birthday. The food was incredible but the service was spectacular. Rudy our server went above and beyond. I'm a New Yorker and I know great servic…

I just finished an amazing dinner for my fathers birthday. The food was incredible but the service was spectacular. Rudy our server went above and beyond. I'm a New Yorker and I know great servi…

Food, service and history of this place are amazing. Lobster is a must. Oyster selection is fantastic.

food, service and history of this place are amazing. lobster is a must. oyster selection is fantastic.

Food, service and history of this place are amazing. Lobster is a must. Oyster selection is fantastic.

Food, service and history of this place are amazing. Lobster is a must. oyster selection is fantastic.

Food, service and history of this place are amazing. lobster is a must. Oyster selection is fantastic.

One of our favorite spots when we come to New York. It never disappoints. Oysters come out amazing fast. The options are great. lobsters are amazing. Writing this review makes me want to go back.

Great food and atmosphere ! Service was amazing!!!!!!!!! Location is beautiful!!!!!!!!!

We stumbled upon the ‘secret’ entrance in the station. It leads to a back dining room that is separate from the main restaurant. We just had a quick Glidden Point (Maine) oyster and shot of Casamig…

We stumbled upon the ‘secret’ entrance in the station. It leads to a back dining room that is separate from the main restaurant. We just had a quick Glidden Point (Maine) oyster and shot of Casamig…

One of our favorite spots when we come to New York. It never disappoints. Oysters come out amazing fast. The options are great. lobsters are amazing. Writing this review makes me want to go ba…

This spot is an original NYC Treasure that is not to be missed. The ambiance alone will take you back in time! I used to visit NYC every few years starting in the 60’s with my family. Our first…

Any one that has the opportunity to go there should. The architecture alone is worth it. The food and the service were fabulous. So many raw oyster choices.

Any one that has the opportunity to go there should. The architecture alone is worth it. The food and the service were fabulous. So many raw oyster choices.

Any one that has the opportunity to go there should. The architecture alone is worth it. The food and the service were fabulous. So many raw oyster choices.

Wonderful traditional eatery. Love the decor. Excellent lobster and shrimp pan roast. Had no room to try the key lime pie, alas. Waited on by MARY, a gem. Only remaining female server (30 or so…

Charlie Byrne

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 era of New York: the iconic tiled, vaulted ceilings, the gentle hum of conversation, and the sense that very little here has changed—and that’s exactly the point. I took a seat at the long counter, which turned out to be the perfect vantage point. From there, I could watch the shuckers work with practiced ease and see a cook steadily turning out stews, "roasts", and chowders, all with the quiet efficiency that comes from doing something well for over a century. There’s a reassuring confidence to the place, the kind that only comes from decades of consistency. Lunch itself was excellent. I started with six Long Island Cherrystone clams and a half-dozen Malpeque oysters from Prince Edward Island—fresh, briny, and impeccably handled. To finish, I ordered a bowl of red Manhattan clam chowder, my longtime favorite style, and one that many consider among the best anywhere. It was deeply flavorful, balanced, and exactly what I hoped it would be. The Grand Central Oyster Bar isn’t about trends or reinvention. It’s about tradition, quality seafood, and a singular sense of place—something increasingly rare. I’m genuinely glad I finally made it, and I won’t be waiting decades before my next visit. Highly recommended that you stop in sometime yourself.

+9

RJ A

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 area. Liked the setup, wish food was much better, really wanted to love it. But liked it at best.

A Bradford

I’ve been coming here for decades. But sadly, the oyster pan toasted stew has now maybe 6 oysters and tons of soggy bread in it, whereas years ago there were many more oysters and not sure there was any bread added into the stew. Still tastes amazing though. I wish they had half portions. It’s very filling because of the cream.

Den Yu

Dining here was a lovely experience. 💗 The menu could get a bit overwhelming due to the number of options, so it might be best to stick with their bestsellers. The oysters and other seafood were fresh.

+3

Haven't been here for about 20 years. Was disappointed.\n\nNew England Clam chowder was average at best. Certainly nothing special IMHO.\n\nShrimp Pan-Roast had a pleasant flavor but was thinner th…

Great that sit yourself and love the rustic charm it has. The server I had was such a sweetheart and quick to ask for if wanted to order more, water, go box. Just in general great service. I real…

Great that sit yourself and love the rustic charm it has. The server I had was such a sweetheart and quick to ask for if wanted to order more, water, go box. Just in general great service. I really…

ambiance - BIG, very big!! \nI think they divided into 3 sections. \nthe dining area - far left from the entrance, where all the red and white table cloths are, middle sections - stool seats for al…

Large restaurant with different sitting sections. There's a sitting bar for oysters and others bar for drinks. The restroom were far if you are sitting at the dining room. Service was quick. The fo…

Large restaurant with different sitting sections. There's a sitting bar for oysters and others bar for drinks. The restroom were far if you are sitting at the dining room. Service was quick. The …

We had drinks and oysters in the saloon opposite the restaurant. Kind of dark, kind of secret and kind of special. Oysters under the train station!

We had drinks and oysters in the saloon opposite the restaurant. Kind of dark, kind of secret and kind of special. Oysters under the train station!

Dined many times while visiting NY over the years. This october was the low point. Welcome was horrible - super rude “head waiter - Waiters at table were nice. Sesfood is generally sub par - or m…

Dined many times while visiting NY over the years. This october was the low point. Welcome was horrible - super rude “head waiter - Waiters at table were nice. Sesfood is generally sub par - or…

Not friendly , very mechanical service It’s half empty , they still squeeze the two of us into a small table for two even though we order so much food , it doesn’t fit . (Our bill is usually over…

The oysters were bland and tiny. ($25) The combination (shrimp,scallops,lobster,clams…etc) pan-roast ($27.95) was covered in a borderline nauseatingly over-creamed sauce and you had no idea what …

GCOB was always my number one port of call when visiting NYC. Sadly, no more. A very flat ambience, robotic service, disappointing Oysters Rockefeller and a bouillabaisse entirely lacking in flav…

overpriced, rather slow and unfriendly service. Oysters were great but everything else was not. I would not be back for another time.

Robyn Lewis

Honestly I have such a mixed time when I come here. Sometimes the food has bedn good - not great but good. The most recent time it was just about passable and the best dish I had last time (anchovy butter oysters) weren't good and didn't taste of anchovy. The atmosphere, interior and service is consistently good.

+3

Lillian Wong

The front of the house is rude and petty. We didn’t have an rsvp and that means you get seated at the common tables. We quickly got an rsvp online to sit in the other area (for table for 2) and they made as wait until our rsvp time (it’s was 6:09 and our RSVP was 6:15) when there were plenty of seats (and reservations) available. Haven’t eaten yet so will come back to rate on that. Update: it took a while for the food to come out. The veggies were cold. But the Dover sole fish was delish. The bus boys/waiters were attentive.

Kaim Bros

An amazing and unique atmosphere under the Grand Central. Always easy to find some fresh oysters and a nice wine options there. But service quality is very poor.

I have seen many online videos and reviews so we decided to take my daughter here for her birthday. Maybe because it was after 9pm, but what a mistake! Service was so slow we almost walked out. When food finally arrived it was less than impressive. Did not meet all of the hype. Coconut shrimp is good anywhere you go, but not here. Huge red shrimp with breading on rice...not tasty. The soup was OK, not the best I've had, but good. I guess the oysters were good because my youngest was enjoying them, but I think they're gross anyway. My oldest daughter and I couldn't even finish our meals they were so tasteless. Then the bill came ..over $200 for 3 people. Now so don't mind paying that for a meal we enjoyed, but for the garbage we were served, we can say we did it once and will never do it again.

Won Joon Yun

My wife and I came here planning an “East Coast to West Coast oyster journey.” For the raw bar, we ordered Bluepoint → Peconic Gold → Wellfleet → Kumamoto → Shigoku, two of each, along with a roasted oyster combination and a classic Chablis, which felt like the right pairing. About 30 minutes after being seated, the raw bar oysters finally arrived. Unfortunately, several issues seriously affected our experience. As you can see in the first photo, most of the oysters contained shell fragments. Out of the five oysters I personally ate, four (all except the Bluepoint) had noticeable shell pieces. I had to stop eating and complained to a nearby server (not our assigned one). What was most disappointing was the response. I asked plainly whether this was my problem or the restaurant’s problem, and the server replied that shell fragments are not an issue because oysters naturally have shells. That response was shocking. I explained that I have visited many oyster bars, including very casual and inexpensive ones, and I have never been served oysters with shell fragments like this. It got worse. The Shigoku oyster my wife ate had not been properly purged and contained a sand pocket, forcing her to spit it out mid-bite. The server did say they could bring replacements if we wanted, but by that point the mood was already ruined, and since this was not even our assigned server, we chose not to escalate further and continued eating. Even then, another shell fragment appeared again in the Shigoku oysters. Later, while we were eating the roasted oyster combination, our original server apologized and brought four replacement oysters. Those oysters had no shell fragments at all and were genuinely enjoyable, which made the earlier issues even more frustrating. To be clear, our assigned server was polite and professional, so we still tipped 18% on a $126.78 bill. This review is not about tipping or service attitude, but about quality control and response. What made this especially disappointing is that many visitors to New York are from out of town. This was our final dinner in NYC, and we had high expectations. Oysters should not contain shell fragments—this is a basic standard. The lack of quality control, combined with the dismissive response when we raised a legitimate concern, was deeply disappointing. Between the slow timing (possibly due to a holiday or event), wine arriving out of sync with the food, poorly purged Shigoku oysters, and the shell fragments, the experience fell far below what we expected. When handling oysters, perfection is the baseline. Even when I buy oysters from a market and shuck them at home, I carefully check two or three times to make sure no shell pieces remain. This restaurant has over 100 years of history, yet something as fundamental as this was overlooked. From the shucker, to plating, to delivery, there are at least three opportunities to catch this, and none were taken. I understand this may not be a typical experience, but it was confusing, frustrating, and very disappointing, especially given the reputation of this place.

Terrible. Believe the bad reviews. Extremely disappointing experience. I will never go back. \n\nThe menu has stratospheric pricing with no value. The price absolutely does not match what you get. …

Used to be a fun and excellent treat with amazing seafood but the prices are abusive--literally twice what they should be. There must be enough of the corporate expense account crowd to keep them i…

Used to be a fun and excellent treat with amazing seafood but the prices are abusive--literally twice what they should be. There must be enough of the corporate expense account crowd to keep them i…

JUST TERRIBLE. I stopped in to OYSTER BAR GC early tonight hoping to have a nice fried seafood platter. I ordered a glass of wine and waited a half hour for the Waiter. When he finally showed up, h…

The Saloon bar is old, dated and just plain worn out. The only thing that was worse is the bartenders who treated you like a union employee who couldn't care less. Skip it, save your time and money

Whilst I was excited to visit here due to the location and being a lover of seafood, it was not worth what was to come next. Within 4hrs of dining here and having not eaten anything else, I was ill…

Overrated, drinks are filled with 80% ice and mussels had sand in them. My dad was excited to come here after decades, but we left shortly after, dissapointed. Would not recommend.

overrated, drinks are filled with 80% ice and mussels had sand in them. My dad was excited to come here after decades, but we left shortly after, dissapointed. Would not recommend.

My partner and I dipped in for a coffee before our train, and I asked the maître d'if it was okay to just have a quick coffee and where to sit if so. He looked past me, barely lifted an arm and …

Can’t figure out why people go to this place. Surly waiters and mediocre food at high prices. The oysters were overly expensive, the calamari was terrible, and 5 shrimp cost $35. The crab cake wa…

Rocky Chi Lam Cheung

Disastrous experience. Would never recommend. I visited with a friend and trusted the server to help us select oysters. What we received was extremely disappointing. The oysters were unusually small, yet we were charged nearly $6 per oyster for this quality. I have attached a photo to show how small they were. The service made the experience even worse. During our one and a half hour stay, neither of us received a single water refill. The server also cleared our plates immediately after we finished the entrée without giving us any time to sit or rest. The most unacceptable part happened at the end. While we were still seated, the server stood nearby staring us as we filled out the tip, then immediately took the receipt when we were still there. He then shouted on us about why we only tipped 10%. He noticed the university hoodie I was wearing and began making personal comments such as “you are smart but stingy” and accusing us of depriving less privileged people of their livelihood. To be clear, we tipped 10% because there were no water refills, rushed plate clearing, no check-ins even a single "how's everything going", and poor food quality. Instead of reflecting on the service, the server pointed to the suggested 25% on the receipt and continued to shame us, repeatedly saying things like “you go to a good university but have no money for tips, that’s bad.” Just want to tell the server and the restaurant: tipping is earned through service, not demanded through intimidation or personal attacks and you should never take it for granted like we owe you something. Would not go there again and would strongly discourage everyone who'd like to go.