Official Review

Written by RuinMyTrip Editorial from published research and official sources, not from a personal trip. It is not a traveler review and is never counted in the community rating. How we research.

restaurant · New York City

Oysters Under the Vaulted Tiles, Weekdays Until Half Nine

Review of Grand Central Oyster Bar

★★★★☆ 4/5
by RuinMyTrip Editorial · Aug 16, 2026

Been to New York City? This page needs you more than it needs us.

A first-hand review outranks desk research every time, and yours will sit above this one.

Share your experience

The Grand Central Oyster Bar is at 89 East 42nd Street on the lower level of Grand Central Terminal, and opens Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 9:30pm. It has been there since the terminal opened in 1913, under Rafael Guastavino's tiled vaults, which are the reason to sit at the counter rather than in the dining room. The whispering gallery outside the entrance is the same tilework and is free. The menu is enormous and inconsistent. Order oysters, the pan roast, and very little else, and it is one of the best lunches in Manhattan.

What was great

Guastavino's tiled vaults, which are worth the visit alone. A raw bar with dozens of varieties listed by origin. The pan roast, made in a steam kettle at the counter in front of you.

What nearly ruined the trip

The menu runs to pages and much of it is ordinary. Prices have crept well above what the room implies. It is inside a commuter terminal, so the noise and the churn at 6pm are considerable.

Value for money

★★★☆☆ Fair

Safety

★★★★★ Felt safe
Was this review helpful? 👍 Useful 0 😄 Funny 0 😎 Cool 0
More about New York City

More from New York City

Comments

No comments yet.

Join free or sign in to comment.