If you're only going to eat oysters at one place in New York, make it Grand Central Oyster Bar. The restaurant is located on the Lower Level of Grand Central Terminal. It opened in 1913 and is now one of New York's most iconic seafood restaurants. It's one of those places where it feels like time has stood still. The vaulted tile ceilings, the busy waiters, and the large, classic dining room create an atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else in the city.
Grand Central Oyster Bar is one of Steve's all-time favorite restaurants, and whenever we're in the area, we try to stop by. It's the kind of place where regulars have been ordering the same thing for years, and where the quality of the seafood matters far more than fancy presentation.
Despite the name, Grand Central Oyster Bar is about much more than oysters. The menu is huge and covers just about every kind of seafood you could hope for. You'll find everything from clams, crab, and lobster to grilled fish, chowders, and towering seafood platters. It can be a little overwhelming the first time you open the menu.
There are several different ways to experience the restaurant. You can grab a table in the classic Main Dining Room on the left as you walk in, head to the lunch counter on the right, or sit at the bar for a more casual meal. There's also a doorway at the back on the right that leads to a cozy saloon with dark wood paneling and red checkered tablecloths.
What should you order?
The oysters are, of course, a must. There are plenty to choose from, but the staff are always happy to help you navigate the different varieties.
Steve’s standard order is oysters and a Half and Half. Half and Half is not listed on the menu, but if you ask for it, they'll know exactly what you mean. You get a bowl that's half Manhattan Clam Chowder, the red, tomato-based version, and half New England Clam Chowder, which is rich, white, and creamy. Both are delicious on their own, and even better when you mix them together.
The last time we were there, we also ordered a whole lobster, and it was fantastic. The lobsters are shipped in from Maine and served the classic way with melted butter, bread, and boiled potatoes.
Grand Central Oyster Bar, 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
