Legendary Grand Central Oyster Bar Finally Sets Reopening Date

Grand Central Oyster Bar set to reopen — again — on September 7

After a 17-ish month shutdown, the picturesque, century-old Grand Central Oyster Bar is reopening for business next month. Starting on Tuesday, September 7, the iconic seafood spot will be open for limited service Monday through Friday, with the last seating at 7:30 p.m. The restaurant is offering indoor seating, takeout, and, eventually, delivery within a five-block radius, according to a restaurant spokesperson.

Similar to many NYC restaurants, it’s been a rocky road to reopening for the Oyster Bar. The tourist magnet first tried to open last September, seven months after the citywide shutdown in March 2020. It shuttered again after nine days due to a lack of customers coming into the subterranean space. Many of Grand Central Terminal’s restaurants have struggled to survive throughout the pandemic, with a number of establishments still remaining closed in the space.

For its second reopening, the restaurant is paring down its expansive menu but will still be “featuring seafood favorites,” according to the opening announcement. In a 2019 visit, Eater critic Robert Sietsema praised the juicy, standout oysters, whole broiled flounder, and clam chowders that “qualify as one of the city’s best seafood deals.”

“We are delighted and relieved to re-open,” Grand Central Oyster Bar president Janet Poccia said in an emailed statement. “We are still taking COVID-19 very seriously, and have used every means possible to ensure the safety of both our patrons and staff.”

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