A New York Mainstay

By Lisa Loverro

The Oyster Bar Grand Central can be many things to many people. It's a great place for a quick stop before catching the train to the suburbs, it's a meeting place for friends for some fantastic seafood and it's a romantic New York City dinner spot for both tourists and locals.

This century-old restaurant was shut down for almost three months for a much-needed facelift (you would need one too if you were 100 years old!) and has recently reopened to a highly anticipated unveiling. From the kitchen to its famous arched ceiling, the restaurant is brighter and shiner than ever. The restaurant is split into three sections, the main dining room to the left, the "counters" on the right offer individual seating and the "Saloon" has a long bar and table seating. There's also a take-out window for quick snacks from soups to sandwiches for all those harried commuters held prisoners to their train schedules.

The large room is bustling, as always, with a hard working wait staff. It's an atmosphere of "controlled chaos," almost as hectic as the main concourse of Grand Central in the building where the Oyster Bar calls home. The menu has retained many of dishes this place has been known for: fried Ipwich clams, Stone Crab salad and their decadent chunky and creamy New England Clam Chowder (one of our favorites!)

And, of course, and its namesake implies, there are oysters by the dozen, actually there are anywhere between 20-30 varieties served here on any given day an arguably one of the best selections of oysters anywhere in Manhattan. If you're not sure how you like them served, there's an array of options to try; raw, fried, broiled and Oysters Rockefeller. If you're wondering if you can order a great seafood dish here, the answer is "yes." The Dover Sole is well worth the hefty price of $39.95. Be sure to try the Lobster Roll, it will transport back to your favorite little fish shack out on Long Island. The wine list here is extensive, to say the least. From Sparkling Wines to Ports and everything in between, you'll find the perfect bottle to compliment your meal. Be sure to end the meal with one of their many homemade scrumptious desserts. Our favorites are the Key Lime Pie and Rice Pudding.

89 E 42nd Street

New York, NY 10017

212.490.6650

oysterbarny.com