VIBE

It has been described as thunderous, vast, pricey, sprawling, and cafeteria-like, yet there can be no doubt that dining in the subterranean Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant (or, simply, “the Oyster Bar”) tops the list of Manhattan must-dos. This 453-seat restaurant located on the lower level of Grand Central Terminal has been serving just-opened oysters and quality seafood to tourists, commuters, and power lunchers for over 90 years, and, despite hefty price tags, loyal patrons just keep on coming back. What makes it so grand? The vaulted, Guastavino-tiled ceilings that crown the interior and the gleaming long bar serving elegant takes on catch-of-the-day.

CROWD

A mix of commuters passing through Grand Central, tourists, and local business lunchers.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

No need to keep up with the power lunching crowd; go casual with a quarter-sleeve shirt, patterned skirt or capris, and nice flats.

GO HERE WITH

Friends; clients or colleagues; tourists - to show them a city landmark

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a landmark–we love the sense of history. Plus, it gives us an excuse to pass through Grand Central even if we don’t have a train to catch.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

It would be nice if the sandwiches were available in the dining rooms. (Currently they can only be ordered at the counter, but there is a rumor that they will be available in the dining rooms soon.)

GOOD TO KNOW

Seafood needs to be fresh, so, naturally, the menu here changes daily. (If you want to see the day’s offerings before arriving, check the website, which is updated daily.) The website also has a cool feature that allows fans to sign up for alerts about when the freshest catches of the season arrive in restaurant, including oysters, fish, and crab. The best time to go is the evening when the service feels less rushed. (Lunch hour tends to be pretty chaotic.)

OTHER LOCATIONS

None - but has a sister restaurant in Tokyo named Atre Shinagawa

CLOSEST COMPS

Pearl Oyster Bar (New York); The Mermaid Inn (New York); J Sheekey (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.