Grand Central Oyster Bar (Seafood) – Manhattan, NY - 12/18/08
Several years ago we went to Grand Central Oyster for dinner and left disappointed. We sat on the formal dining room side of the restaurant which
is located on the lower level of Grand Central Station, the same location it’s been at since 1913. The atmosphere is very unique with the catacomb
curved ceilings and old school décor. The tiled arched ceiling is aesthetically pleasing but it also made for a noisy dining room. Overall I just don’t
think it was the experience we were expecting that night. We were looking for something a little more formal.
Last week I had time to grab lunch before my train was scheduled to depart and decided to give the Grand Central Oyster Bat another try. This
time however I sat on the right side of the restaurant which is more casual and features counter and bar seats. Expectations can have a huge
impact on your opinion of the restaurant. Instead of being bothered by the excessive noise this time around it was all part of the experience. I
grabbed a swivel chair along the counter and was instantly greeted by the waitress serving this section of counter. Each counter is in a U shape
allowing the waitress to help everyone without walking around too much. It had a real original and old school feel.
The menu is the same as the more formal dining room. Everything from single oysters to a full lobster dinner is available. The oyster selection
included probably 20 different kinds from both coasts. A variety of fresh fish is also offered. Today I was just looking for a light lunch so I started
with the New England clam chowder and then the Fried Ipswich Clam Sandwich. The chowder was nice and creamy. I tend to like my chowder on
the thicker side so it was right in my comfort zone. It was your classic preparation and really hit the spot. The clam sandwich was even better. Full
belly clams were lightly breaded and served on a challah bread roll with tartar sauce and cole slaw. It all melded together to make for an
exceptional sandwich. The clams were crispy on the outside and tender inside with a strong flavor of the sea. The cole slaw worked well with the
sandwich giving it some crunch and lightness. It was a perfect lunch for a cool December day.
I have to imagine that not much has changed over the years and you get the feeling of that history sitting at the counter at the Grand Central
Oyster Bar. The food was very good and the level of service matched my expectations. This time I left with a completely different feeling than my
first visit. I think our own expectations can have a big effect on our perception of the food.
Several years ago we went to Grand Central Oyster for dinner and left disappointed. We sat on the formal dining room side of the restaurant which
is located on the lower level of Grand Central Station, the same location it’s been at since 1913. The atmosphere is very unique with the catacomb
curved ceilings and old school décor. The tiled arched ceiling is aesthetically pleasing but it also made for a noisy dining room. Overall I just don’t
think it was the experience we were expecting that night. We were looking for something a little more formal.
Last week I had time to grab lunch before my train was scheduled to depart and decided to give the Grand Central Oyster Bat another try. This
time however I sat on the right side of the restaurant which is more casual and features counter and bar seats. Expectations can have a huge
impact on your opinion of the restaurant. Instead of being bothered by the excessive noise this time around it was all part of the experience. I
grabbed a swivel chair along the counter and was instantly greeted by the waitress serving this section of counter. Each counter is in a U shape
allowing the waitress to help everyone without walking around too much. It had a real original and old school feel.
The menu is the same as the more formal dining room. Everything from single oysters to a full lobster dinner is available. The oyster selection
included probably 20 different kinds from both coasts. A variety of fresh fish is also offered. Today I was just looking for a light lunch so I started
with the New England clam chowder and then the Fried Ipswich Clam Sandwich. The chowder was nice and creamy. I tend to like my chowder on
the thicker side so it was right in my comfort zone. It was your classic preparation and really hit the spot. The clam sandwich was even better. Full
belly clams were lightly breaded and served on a challah bread roll with tartar sauce and cole slaw. It all melded together to make for an
exceptional sandwich. The clams were crispy on the outside and tender inside with a strong flavor of the sea. The cole slaw worked well with the
sandwich giving it some crunch and lightness. It was a perfect lunch for a cool December day.
I have to imagine that not much has changed over the years and you get the feeling of that history sitting at the counter at the Grand Central
Oyster Bar. The food was very good and the level of service matched my expectations. This time I left with a completely different feeling than my
first visit. I think our own expectations can have a big effect on our perception of the food.
| Grand Central Oyster Bar Grand Central Station (lower level) New York, NY 212-490-6650 |
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