Oyster House Reviews

4.5

15 of 4,874 Restaurants in Philadelphia


Reviews

Just such a great place for seafood

By Curious438244 |

This place has the freshest seafood. My friend told me to come here as the best place in the city. She's been coming here since she was a kid. A real Philly institution. I loved my fried oysters and chicken salad, evidently it's a Philly thing,

Fresh seafood

By Stas L |

By far the best sea food restaurant I have ever been at, the oyster are super fresh and the octopus is out of this world. Highly recommend to all.

Lovely

By skychaserCalgary |

We started with drinks - they have an interesting cocktail list. Ordered and enjoyed a dozen oysters followed by branzino for two with a glass of wine. Very nicely done. We finished off with ice cream and a slice of olive oil cake. Nice service and atmosphere.

A tradition since 1976

By Eric B |

My wife and I had a wonderful lunch at Oyster House yesterday! Sam Mink and his team made our visit a joy. We have dined here since 1976 when Sam’s dad first opened shop here. My wife and I truly appreciate the dedication that Sam and his outstanding crew put into keeping this Philly landmark alive and thriving. Also, Gary is the best! Thanks. Eric & Julie

Oysters in Philly

By Paul85255 |

Great seafood restaurant with big focus on oysters (name kind of gives it away), outdoor seating available in the summer and a small bar area inside for additional seating. Good atmosphere and good staff. Simple menu but lots of good choices. Had a few oysters and the scallops, both were very tasty.

Fresh oysters

By Stas L |

Very delicious octopus and fresh oysters, very satisfied and highly recommend this place, it might be a bit busy so find a good time to go if you like it quite.

Bronzino

By NittanyLion70 |

We came here because it’s near the Kimmel Cultural Campus. We ordered the Bronzino. It came with a lemony sauce. We enjoyed it immensely. Server was efficient.

BEST fried seatfood I've ever eaten!

By amandygryph0n |

We were so hungry and we were promptly seated and we ordered our drinks and both decided on the fried seafood platter. When the plates arrived, it was a FEAST! The scallops were so sweet and suculent! The oysters were friend to perfection and the shrimp were perfect! The fries were hand-cut style and were also very good. We washed it all down with milk-stouts on draft that were the perfect foil for the fried food. I would recommend this place to ANY seafood lover! I wish I lived nearby so I could go back often! Delicious!

Only the service was good

By Patricia B |

Very disappointed in this restaurant. VERY!! The steamers I ordered were old and bad. I ate 8 - rejecting (spitting out) 3 because they were bad - before I just sent it back. The cracked shell one on top of the pile should have been my first indication that they did not know what they were doing in regards to steamers - you don’t eat cracked ones nor do you eat ones in unopened shells. For a main course I ordered seared scallops - without any sauce. If you know your way around seafood, you should be able to bring out the natural sweetness. Once again they failed. Scallops were meh to say the most. And the green beans were under cooked. Very disappointed and will never return nor suggest this place to others

Decent lunch

By Swill1015 |

Food was good. Price was ok. Had the fried fish sandwich which was tasty; mussels were the right size; fried oyster were ok.

Busy, Lively Place wiith Excellent Seafood

By Bill H |

This was our first time dining at the Oyster House and was recommended by the concierge at our hotel. The fresh lobster roll was delicious and the fries were tasty and addictive. The mixed seafood grill portion was generous and the swordfish the best that I have had in a very long time. Overall a pleasurably dining experience, although on the pricey side.

World class menu of seafood and more in a lively atmosphere.

By Susan S |

I have a lot of favorites: crab cakes, scallops, lobster roll, and then whatever is on special--they really do change the menu based on seafood availability. service is excellent and so is the food.

A must

By TracyLynn73 |

Delicious food! A must go to. So many places in Philadelphia but we had a great dinnner here. The calamari and clams were delicious.

A class Act!

By bretseahorse |

We visited here for lunch prior to an orchestra performance. Though it has gone through more than one ownership, it is currently owned by the family of the original owners. It remains a Philadelphia institution. The decor is what you would expect from a seafood restaurant, with antique oyster plates lining the walls and dark wood furnishings. Upon entering the first thing you notice is a very active oyster bar with several oyster shuckers busy at work. Beyond that is a vast, well lighted dining room. They certainly have their long time specialties, yet the menu changes daily, depending on the availability of fresh seafood. We found the service to be spot on, a dirty dish does not last long on the table before it is whisked away by an alert staff member. We witnessed the owner being very visible throughout our visit. Not only was he busy surveying the operation of his establishment, he was not above greeting people at the host station or setting tables. The food was delightful. We started with a half dozen oysters that were chilled, briny and as fresh as you can imagine. The crabcake was generous and chock-full of lump crab and was accompanied by roasted asparagus. The flavorful seafood stew contained a nice variety of fresh ingredients. The prices were commensurate with the experience

Underwhelmed

By JoannaInSeattle |

On the plus, service was efficient and friendly. I know things have gotten more expensive recently, but compared to other restaurants we visited on our trip, Oyster House was on the pricy side, without a commensurate increase in quality. Clam chowder was a little thin on clams and heavy on celery. Fried oysters came to the table lukewarm. And the pan roasted snapper came with what should have been a delightful medley of accompanying vegetables and fried lardons, the lardons were huge and frankly gross. Overall very disappointing.

Only interested in oysters, but

By Anne F |

First time for us at this restaurant. We are oyster fans and were delighted. We had the Wellfleet, Glidden Point, and Pink Moon oysters. Fresh, delicious, good shucking. Then we shared the grilled broccoli caesar, and flounder. Outdoor seating was available, service fast but not rushing us, noisy. Next time no sharing the broccoli caesar, all for me.

Great dining experience

By Muriel R |

Our family were recently in Philadelphia and wanted to eat some good seafood -especially oysters- I found this restaurant on Trip Advisor and decided to try it because of their oyster selection and rating- the atmosphere there was great- very friendly staff and everything we tried was very good- we sampled several different raw oysters from parts of the area- also tried the fried oysters which were awesome- be sure to try the Maryland clam chowder and the Bloody Mary made with their own signature mix - you won’t be sorry- would definitely go back there again!

Nice dinner in Philly.

By bravotangomike |

I recently went to the restaurant with my wife for dinner after spending a day walking around the city. The food was good and reasonably priced. The menu is not that extensive. The service could have been better (? was the waiter having a bad day). Worth a try if you are in the area.

Extremely Loud and Long Wait

By ok12345 |

We waited for more than an hour for a seat at the bar last Friday for their happy hour- the place was mobbed and extremely loud- we ended up leaving.

Shazam!

By allteal |

Oh what a treat. Cold water oysters shucked as ordered and shucked and served correctly. Both types of clam chowder Lobster Best service ever. They really get it. Lots of employees, all busy, all helping make customers happy. All of them. If I lived here I would eat here every week. If i were rich i might eat here twice a week.

Delicious Meal

By missyk11 |

My family and I recently dined at the Oyster House for dinner. Everything was very tasty. We ordered the New England Clam Chowder and the Snapper soup. Both very tasty. We also had the fried clam bellies as well as the lobster roll...well worth it. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. It’s not a place for a quiet intimate dinner as it’s quite noisy, however it didn’t take away from our dining experience.

Loud

By Ritz1165 |

Very fresh seafood. Great atmosphere with different seating configurations. But, loud with music blaring and no sound abatement. Nice wine list. Good flavors but way too much salt.

Worth the find

By Sheriah C |

Danny was our waiter. Very nice person who made really good suggestions. The shuckers we're friendly and the food was good. Our GPS gave us issues to find the place but worth the find. $65 special on a five course meal. Delicious! Could not find parking. It's in Center City between 15th and 16th Streets. Expensive but worth the experience.

Outstanding seafood

By Jeff L |

The lobster and oysters we really fresh! Really everything was outstanding except the shrimp cocktail, wouldn't recommend it, which wasn't fresh.

Good Oysters

By MarineAir10 |

A great selection of seafood and great oysters. Philadelphia restaurants tend to be pricey, but this place is very moderate for first rate food. Friendly and attentive staff. We wish we had the time to dine here again.

Great food!

By Patty J |

We enjoyed theis bustling, noisey restaurant. The food and service were great. We enjoyed the NE clam chowder, turtle soup, halibut and cod. Our meals were delivered in a short time.

Philadelphia Institution

By fiamma11 |

The Oyster House has been around for awhile, boding well, so my husband and I thought we would have dinner there tonight. We adored it and were so happy we dined there. The seafood is excellent, the service amicable, and you are surrounded by people enjoying their seafood in an atmosphere that is comfortable and well liked. Patrons are happy here, and I loved that vibe. I also especially liked the decor of oyster serving trays on the walls. Pretty cool I thought. Highly recommended.

Recommendation from hotel

By rakenmom |

This was supposed to be a good price point for a restaurant, but I found it to be on the high side. Clean, amiable staff, little noisy - popular it sure seemed. I also went there on a happy hour night for oysters. I did not do oysters but got a crab cake that was decent size and was very good. I just thought it was overpriced a bit. I also had New England Clam chowder and it was good. Decent portion. Ordered a margarita - and I should be thankful, but there was VERY little mix in the glass, my drink was more like tequila over ice! BUT overall, nice experience to go to a more "known" place while traveling. I'd try something different next time I think, but worth a looky loo!

Food was ok, service was not.

By michele44448 |

Visited this restaurant based on recommendations. The food was ok but our service was not that great. It was slow and when we were ready to pay, we finally had to get the hostess to come over because the waiter was no where in sight. It is a cute place on an active street.

Fantastic Oysters and Great Service

By Tony |

Fantastic oysters and excellent service. Go before 7 on week nights for happy hour. They have $1 oysters and $3 IPAs. The oysters are super fresh and the beer is cold! I had a dozen raw and half a dozen roasted as well as the Manhattan clam chowder. It was all very good and very fresh. On top of the outstanding seafood, the service was great. Servers are friendly and knowledgeable. I will 100% definitely eat here next time I am in Philly.

Excellent food, service and drinks

By Bruce C |

The place was lively and busy, and for good reason. The food was really good - lots of creative seafood (and other items on the menu for people that don't like seafood) dishes, and drinks that were incredibly good and creative. And the service was fantastic - even as they were so busy the service was excellent and people super friendly. Would definitely go back

Expensive - but good

By ilovecorndogs |

I am not an oyster person, but it looks like if you like them, you should get them here I opted for the lobster roll - great call by me (self-high five) because it was awesome. This place is a bit pricey, and the push towards cocktails so not a ton of beer, but the food was great so Ill be back

$1 happy hour oysters

By patriciaepage |

I came here for the $1 happy hour oysters they were smooth, fresh and delicious. Be prepared to come early as it was insanely busy but well worth the wait

Excellent Seafood

By BillM551 |

The menu offers, of course, a variety of oysters on the half shell. Cold, salty, tasting of the ocean. New England clam chowder was rich and delicious and not over-flavored by bacon. The menu included a burger for those who do not choose seafood. Peel and eat shrimp and shrimp in the shrimp cocktail were large, succulent and not overcooked. My wife enjoyed honey pie for dessert.

Great

By goneinaheartbeat |

We had a great dinner here. Busy, so we waited at the bar and the bartender mixed up a couple of new (to us) drinks. The appetizer, soups, and meals were delicious. We will go back.

One of the best “bars” is ever.the menu is outstanding. The service incredible. The food was out of this world.

By Autiger80 |

The place is outstanding. The atmosphere is great, service tremendous, the menu and food out of this world. I highly recommend this place when you are in Philly

Great Seafood Moderately Priced

By PhillyShaney |

arrived during Happy Hour. but also had a reservation for dinner! There appeared to be some rule about which drinks were discounted until 5p but the HH was from 4-7p? So maybe it was me..but it was confusing? Lol I had the seared scallops and my friend had the oysters and swordfish! Each dish was prepared perfectly and the service was great! Now, that I have returned..I will keep the Oyster House at the top of my list of places for good HH and dinner in a moderate price range!

Great Food!

By Travel_lovin_momma |

Food was good! I had the Crab Toast as an appetizer and it was delicious. Ordered the Lobster Roll for main dish and it was good…not delicious. It was also much smaller than what is served when ordered in Boston. My husband loved the variety of oysters he ordered! The atmosphere is loud and cramped…I loved it!

Oysters away!

By Franklin S |

I enjoy a plate of raw oysters every time I dine at Oyster House. Recently I had six, divided between Wellfleet and Mystic, before the entree of seared scallops to complete my shellfish dinner. A draft Ommegang Witte helped wash them down. Attentive service and a delicious dessert completed the meal. Oyster House is always busy, therefore sometimes noisy, but the wall displays of ceramic oyster plates is encyclopedic and very charming.

Dinner

By Guadalupe Zamora |

The food was delicious. It was part of restaurant week. Mariele was incredible. Close to the convention center and our hotel.

Love this place

By fred5110 |

I love this place and always stop here for oysters, beer and shooters when I am in town. Recently went there with some associates and had a wonderful time. Service is always friendly and tolerant of our often boisterous behavior. Oysters and always outstanding!

Repeat

By Mastachiw |

We came several years ago and lived this restaurant. When we had an unexpected opportunity to go again, we jumped at the chance — and it did not disappoint. Had the snapper soup with oysters on the half shell, bbq oysters, and the steamers. All were great — the steamers were sweet and tasty. Tip- at happy hour the oysters in the bar are $1 — and there is a considerable wait - but if you say you want dinner, no wait (but oysters are full price). Definitely can recommend this restaurant.

Oyster House

By MSO70 |

We thoroughly enjoyed our early dinner at the Oyster House. We had some of the best seafood ever. I had the New England clam chowder and the bowl was extremely feeling and I felt $8.00 was a good price. We both loved the chilled New England chilled lobster roll with crispy french fries @ $28.00. We are ice cream lovers and loved the two dainty scoops of house made flavors @ $6.00. The people sitting around us were so friendly and it made for a charming experience. Make reservations!!

Excellent!

By Elodie s |

What a great restaurant ! Seafood and fish were excellent ! The place is always crowded, be patient to get a table. Service is ok

A must-see fish and seafood restaurant in the center of Philly,

By Philippe B |

Seafood restaurant in central Philly, a stone's throw from City Hall and the 15th Street subway station. Reservation almost obligatory. very pleasant. A Clambake with lobster, clams and shrimp, garnished with corn and potatoes to die for!!

Once again a seafood delight

By Dennis P |

Our pilgrimage to Philadelphia saw us again at The Oyster House. This is our go-to seafood restaurant whenever we visit the city. We started off with 2 of each of their raw oysters for the day. Magnificent! Each variety was crisp, clean, and showed a knowledge of how to arrange the oysters to bring out their best and varied taste. For entrees we had their soft shell crab (in season). Each year they serve it differently. This year the 2 crabs per serving came on a bed of asparagus bits, ramps mixed with farro and leek sauce. We also ordered a side of their stewed hot Spanish peppers. Delicious! And for dessert we shared a chocolate cheesecake ganache torte thing that was to die for! The service is always outstanding as well. The place is always packed. It's loud, it's noisy, it's an oyster house! We love it.

The best seafood restaurant in town! Never disappoints.

By Lee A |

Had another fantastic lunch at The Oyster House. My husband had raw bar oysters (his favorite) and then a shrimp roll; I had a delicious fried fish sandwich. Our server, Todd, was great; the owner, Sam, was there too, always the perfect host.

Excellent seafood

By Renee S |

I had one night in Philly and was pleased we chose The Oyster House. We enjoyed the shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, oyster rockefeller and fried calamari. All of it was delicious! Drinks were great as well. Loved the ambiance too!

Will definitely go back!

By kma |

Oysters were spectacular! Didn’t realize I liked oysters until I ordered some at the Oyster House. Even though we were tourists, the staff was friendly, the ambiance welcoming, and the oysters delicious!

Never a disappointment

By Dennis B |

Phenomenal oyster house. Great ray oysters to start. Wonderful selection. Entrees: tilefish platter that was out-of-this-world superb! And soft-shell crab platter that was magnificent. Prosecco bottle was excellent but way overpriced. Service is exceptional: friendly, attentive, and professional. We have frequented this restaurant on every one of our visits to Philadelphia. Don't miss it!

Oyster stew

By Charles043 |

Would you care for some soup I was asked. I replied that I don’t see oyster stew on the menu. We have it the waitress exclaimed. How many oysters? 6 or 7 came the reply. My friend and I split it, and it was a perfect portion for two hearty bowls, and boy it was creamy buttery and just incredibly yummy. Next, the Ipswich clams...the real steamers with the black tails like you get on Cape Ann. Perfect! Next up...a really delicious fried soft shell crab sandwich. This place is very very good.

A real Hungry Gringo numeral uno.

By Hungry Gringo |

Just perfection. The oysters were shucked correctly .Our favorites are the Cape May Salts. These were fresh . The mussels incredible. Fish for two, Snapper for two perfectly cooked. Desert was excellent. Sat at the raw bar, I would recommend. The service was top shelf.. The Hungry Gringo has not entered an review in about two years. This place made me come out of retirement. It was that good. Simple one of the best seafood restaurants in the world. Really its that good. Hungry Gringo approved.

Great Happy Hour

By Joe & Pat |

Went there for "happy Hour' and had a great time. A bit crowded, but expected. Raw bar was very good and the staff was wnderful. Will head back again soon. Next time for dinner.

very good oysters

By charlottesarahb |

busy restaurant but got table without reservation in less than 10 minutes. Lots of oyster specialties, good fires.

Great oysters

By Whareareugoing |

I went there twice on a recent visit to Philly. I think it was the southern breaded oysters I got. OH MY! The first time, They were the best I ever had. When I went back 2 days later, they were still excellent but for some reason didn't seem quite as yummy. Even with that second visit - excellent!! Nice small place. I went early when I went for dinner so I could beat the crowd - around 5? Over lunch I was early also. Both times only a few people were there. A neat place and i hope to return.

I wish I lived in Philly so I could go here every weekend!

By Dave S |

My wife and I visited in September for our 20th anniversary. We were very impressed with the quality of the food and drinks. I got some oyster shooters, and they were great. We sampled many menu items, and have no complaints. Service was awesome too! I recommend this place!

Great Oysters in a Great Atmosphere

By DCTraveler2222 |

The Oyster House in Philadelphia is very, very good. If you want a quiet dinner, don’t go there, but if you want great oysters in a bustling, noisy atmosphere, this is the place to be. The Oyster House is full of folks enjoying themselves and the wait staff is very attentive (at least they were for me). As I usually do in oyster houses, I ordered one each of all the raw oysters they had on the daily menu and then chose my favorites for a second round. The oysters came promptly and were shell free – and most importantly, they were all delicious. It’s amazing when you order oysters this way how different the flavors are. I then followed this with an order of fried oysters. [I can’t help it – I like oysters.] All the oysters were outstanding and the wine list offered numerous choices to enhance the evening’s experience. So if you like oysters – and probably all types of seafood (which I didn’t try) – make your way over to Sansom Street for a fun evening.

Delish!

By Carey O |

Loved this busy - delicious - seafood dinner stop! I got the lobster roll and my husband got the crab cake while we shared the cabbage dish. We enjoyed the cabbage dish immensely- try it! The lobster roll was probably the best I’ve ever had!

Buck a shuck worth going!

By john k |

Weeknights 5-7pm, buck a shuck - oysters, clams, typically one draft on special. Come early as seats at the bar fill up quickly! Lots of fun, people in good mood, service ok. We split tip between shuckers and the server (apparently the server thought he should get 20% on his own). We ordered oysters and clams, the cooked items are ok. Calamari looked good.

Great place

By MelvinHill |

On a busy valentines evening we were promptly seated and had great service. Delicious steamers, oysters and yummy New England clam chowder. We’ll be going back.

Great happy hour, great bartenders

By rosebrien |

Some of the best oysters I've had in awhile, and they are 1$ an oyster during happy hour. Get there early (before 5), it's a small space and fills up quickly, but what a great value. Had a dozen raw and then fried whole belly clams, $5 beer or house wine, absolutely one of the best values I've ever had in a big city. Kudos also to the service - the bartenders were friendly, prompt, and obviously enjoyed working there. don't miss this

Those crab cakes and oysters. And praise to the shuckers!

By Vaughn S |

I always stop by when I'm in the area for the jumbo lump meat, crab cakes and oysters. I should probably try other items on the menu more often. I also really appreciate how the staff will give you a flavour profile of the regional oysters and clams on offer that day. And praise to the oyster shuckers!

Annoying Server

By ron b |

The food was good but the experience was not. Server was argumentative and unaccommodating. We tried to ignore her but she was insistent on being annoying. I guess when the labor market improves they can root out her type and people can have a better time.🙏

Crowded and Disappointing!

By Maureen |

Maybe we went on an "off day," but we weren't impressed. The restaurant was very loud and crowded and it was impossible to have a private conversation, because other diners are sitting right next to you. The service was rushed and the waiters were stressed and not happy. The crab cakes were mediocre and the fisherman's stew was sub-par. Not a pleasant experience.

BEST OCTOPUS EVER!!

By briana |

You would think that I would talk to you about their amazing oyster selection but their octopus which is perfectly seasoned and cooked in the grill is the best I ever had (better than any Greek restaurants I’ve tried throughout my travels! By the way great staff!!!! We tend to forget about thème when we write these comments

Will Not Disappoint

By zenm |

We were in town to see "Hamilton" and wanted a splurge-y-but-not-overwrought dinner. The Oyster House fit the bill to a tee! We were there at about 5 p.m. on a Thursday. I suspect the after-work crowd gaes there. The front part of the restaurant was quite noisy; but we were seated in the rear section (same room) which was a bit quieter. We got a few small plates and soup. Everything was superb! The grilled Sardines were an unexpected surprise on the menu and were done quite well. Another hit were the grilled oysters with chicken salad. The chicken salad is apparently an option. I recommend getting it. The best chicken salad I've ever tasted. We had a very enjoyable pre-theater dinner. Our serve, Emilie. was very good. She had all of our dishes exquisitely timed. She's a pro! If we're ever in Center City Philadelphia again, we will visit this establishment again.

Yummy food!

By Happy Little Vegemite |

This restaurant was amazing. We went at peak time but only had to wait 5 minutes for a table. The food was delicious - seafood was fresh and the pumpkin pie was 🤤. The service was great. Really nice night out!

Oysters made to impress

By Darla B |

This restaurant was recommended during a food tour of Philadelphia we took and if anything, the review was understated. My husband and I had fresh clams and then 3 orders of grilled oysters….they were amazing! First night was during happy hour which they do every night they are open. The second visit was the following day.. The grilled oysters tasted as if they were cooked in a wood fire oven and had a smooth and unique flavor. The house cocktails and wine were a nice choice as well. We thought New Orleans had the best grilled oysters but the oyster prep in Philly topped our NOLA experience. Thank you Kaitlin from the food tour for this wonderful recommendation.

Awesome food. Awesome customer service.

By Darrell J |

Outstanding and great. Food was superb. Grilled oysters were cooked perfectly. A must visit. Service was great. Kelly’s Pumch was great.

Very fresh produce

By BEAntw |

Nice restaurant with a counter where they shuck the oyters. We tried a few different types and they were delicious and fresh. Lobster, salad, wine and butterscotch custard made it a great dinner.

Fun atmosphere

By K_Traveler |

Stopped in for happy hour and it did not disappoint. Waited about 15 minutes for a table and then enjoyed some drinks, oysters and a few other appetizers.

Excellent seafood

By GalleySlave |

Dropped in during Restaurant Week and had a great meal! Our companions LOVED the NE Clam Chowder, I had some great oysters, and the scallops were wonderful, since my wife wouldn't share even a morsel. Drinks were good, prices were typical for good seafood, service was a bit less than expected, but it was a busy night, even midweek. All in all, a very enjoyable evening.

Great service and yummy fresh oysters

By Shikataganai73 |

Service was great, especially Brian who was patient and thorough with menu explanations. Fresh oysters were delicious and there was a nice selection to choose from. Also ordered rhe clam chowder and lobster roll. Ambience is loud but great vibe. If I had time, I would probably return for happy hour!

Go here if you love oysters - no, seafood period! Excellent.

By B P |

Were in Philly for the day and heard this was “the spot”. True. Did not disappoint. Not inexpensive but a top line selection of oysters - shucked at the bar. A1 service brought a dozen Wellfleets, a bottle of Bogle Phantom and Rockfish. Heaven. Great vibe and location. Go here.

Oysters Only

By Joseph T |

Stopped by for a couple cocktails and a couple appetizers and realized for the first time, that if you are not jonesing for raw seafood, then there is no need to go. We had minestrone clam chowder, fried calamari and steamers. Steamers were okay, the soup was boring and had little to no clams, while the fried calamari was the worst i ever tasted. We had it at that point and left for another restaurant.

Wow, love the fresh seafood!

By Sonrisa Dawn |

We leave shared our dinner! As usual we split our selections: salad, roasted oyster combo (6) and scallops with a 1/2 liter house white. Nice salad with pistachios and threads of pecorino. Delicious oysters I would be hard pressed to say which of 3 I would stick with next time. Scallops (5) a bit on small side but delicious with a nice fresh corn relish. All told? Bill was $93 and of course we added a tip. Waiter answered all my questions with ease. Notice the beautiful oyster plates on the wall, collected across 3 generations. We’re planning to return on Wednesday for Twin Lobster Dinner!

Outdoor set up with heat lamps

By travelfanatic2017 |

Outdoor set up with heat lamps was well done in light of covid-19 dining restrictions! Great efficient service High quality fresh oysters and lobster were worth the price! We will return!!

Beyond delicous!

By Shayne M |

I am from New Orleans, so we know our seafood! The Oyster House was the best meal that I had in Philadelphia. I had some of their raw oysters - actually six different varieties that are on their menu. My entrée was truly the best scallops that I have ever had. They were not "fishy" at all and cooked to perfection. They were served over a bed of cooked cabbage that was flavored perfectly and had a few clams in the cabbage. The clams were the tastiest I have ever had - seems like they were cooked in a garlic, lemon butter sauce, as that is the flavors that danced around in my mouth with each clam that I ate. The staff was great and the oyster shuckers knew what they were doing, and this is very important to people who like to enjoy eating raw oysters properly.

Miam : Excellent sea food

By Theo Sxm |

We spent a great time. The food was good. Sea food specialties. Large varieties West and East costs oysters. There is a raw bar. Every starter was so delicious. Perfect time for perfect food.

A great choice for a casual meal

By chr_8 |

As others have mentioned the atmosphere is great. It is fun to sit at the bar and watch the shuckers at work while you eat very fresh seafood. The house Bloody Mary, the gin oyster shooter, and the fried oysters with chicken salad were all good choices the evening I visited

If you love Oysters!!!

By Rachel S |

Wow! This place is amazing! The first service is fantastic along with its atmosphere. Classy and simple. The food was amazing! I didn’t want to stop eating. I would go back in a heart beat.

Loud and Bustling with a Good, But not Great Menu for Selection

By Tony S |

We visited here with my old college roommate and his wife at their suggestion. Were were in Philly for a wedding. Oysters are the thing to get here and they ordered a variety of raw ones. They ranged from normal size to microscopic and said even the little ones tasted good. OK. I didn't indulge because I lost a battle with a one a few years ago and vowed off raw oysters from then on. I did order the Oysters Rockefeller to start, however. From the somewhat limited menu, I went with a mixed seafood grill which was fine, but nothing to write home about. My wife ordered the crab cake and I tasted it. Also good, but we much prefer the ones from Maryland chefs at Brine in Sarasota where we live. It was nice to see people out because there was an indoor mask mandate in the city as recently as 6 weeks before. But it was super loud inside. The waiters still wear masks so it was difficult to hear. Honestly, I'm surprised this is a such an honored institution and ranked so high among Philly restaurants. But I didn't tell my friend that.

Fun lunch!

By David W |

My wife and I sat at the counter for lunch, watched the oyster shockers do their job ardently. Our server was doubling as the bartender - some people really know how to work, and enjoy it with a well-developed sense of humor. The food was wonderful too - my wife had seared scallops - I had snapper soup (!!!) and a delicious swordfish sandwich. It's been years since we've been to this place, but we're already planning a return visit.

Seafood and Oysters!

By Steve G |

Excellent seafood, oysters, and lobster here. I enjoyed the seafood stew. They also serve manhattan and new england clam chowder and turtle soup.

Lunch

By sspen98 |

The service was good. My wife had the chowder and she said it was delicious. I had the gumbo and it was not good. It was awful. I think maybe go there for oysters. I’ve been to New Orleans twice. My family is from Louisiana.

Oysters So Many Choices

By Jane and Bob F |

Couldn't tell you about most of the menu as we were there for the oysters. They had about 10 different types and we had at least 8 of them. Hard to find a place where there is more than 1 type of oyster to eat.

Fresh shellfish

By Leonardo M |

Very nice restaurant with fresh seafood. The Main's Lobster is spectacular! Good choice of white french wines (including the Muscadet which is the best wine for oysters). The price seems adequate for the level of food and service.

Always excellent, well prepared, and delicious seafood.

By Susan S |

I love that the menu changes as different fish become available and the sides change too. Too many choices on the menu always but I love the crab cakes, the lobster roll, and whatever fish is being featured that day. The room is always bustling -- in a good way. when in Philadelphia, go to Oyster House.

New Years Eve Dinner

By Joe B |

So understand I’ve been here for lunch several times and it’s great. But New Years Eve dinner was a huge disappointment! First I wasn’t told on the phone when I made the reservation that it was a limited menu at $70 a person and I didn’t think to ask. They also gave you 3 dinner options to choose from. There lies the problem- I don’t understand why they can’t do like any other busy dinner night the regular menu. I just came off xmas eating lots of shrimp and lobster ... I wasn’t looking for a restaurant to tell me what I was going to spend and what my only options were to eat and how I’m going to spend my money. With what the options were, were not to my liking when I was looking forward to having a nice piece of sword fish or salmon with some bbq oysters. Even the limited selection of wine was bad as I had one glass and done. What I will say is that was a lesson learned and I was really looking forward to dinner there and it was a total disappointment! I would NEVER do another dinner there on NYE unless it was the regular menu. It just left a bad taste in my mouth and even the couple next to us agreed they would have went elsewhere and for them the best part was $1 oysters at the bar. We then went home and my better half made us a meat ball sandwich which was way better if we had just stayed home instead of spending with tip 185.00 that was so not worth it! Lesson learned!!!! Joe B

Great Place for Oysters and Seafood

By macorzo2016 |

Since the last time we were here, the restaurant has been refurbished. The space seems roomier, the bar and the raw bar have been redone and the walls are covered with a great variety of oyster plates that were in vitrines a few years back. Service is always attentive and the guys shucking the wide variety of oysters and clams are super-efficient, careful, fast and caring of customers, particularly those sitting at the bar. The wide array of oysters offered from both coasts is plentiful and the catch is always very fresh. There are also savory fish dishes, fries with aioli, delicious shrimps and a good selection of wines. If you are an oyster and seafood fan this is now the great place to go in Philadelphia.

Great Choice

By mdrrar |

We had arrived in Philadelphia early on a Thursday afternoon, after a long day of traveling. After checking into our hotel, we went searching for an early dinner. In looking for a seafood restaurant, we happened upon the Oyster House. What a great choice. We tried several of the appetizers. They were all delicious. The wait staff was friendly, helpful and attentive, but not overly so. The Oyster House was obviously a popular choice. By shortly after 5:00, there was a line to get a table. We were glad that we had arrived early. We thoroughly enjoyed the restaurant's ambience and would recommend it without reservation.

Old time oyster house with terrific food

By Daniel K |

Visiting our granddaughter in Philadelphia, my wife and I decided to have lunch at this restaurant. Just a terrific place for quality raw oysters in a fun and enjoyable environment. Must be one of the best oyster houses in the U.S. Excellent staff provides a large selection of raw oysters, presented with perfection. Highly recommend!

New restaurant growing pains, but a bright future ahead.

By Zach K |

This is for the newly opened Philadelphia airport location. Was upset when legal seafoods closed. And was eager to try this new restaurant taking its place. It has standard new restaurant growing pains, but a bright future ahead. Good- lobster roll was one of the better New England style rolls in the area. (Lifelong New Englander). Ample lobster and a nicely buttered and toasted split top roll. Also got the baked oyster appetizer which was flavorful and creamy. Bad- had to ask for silverware. And the baked oysters (rich as they are) should be served with a lemon wedge. Overall recommend. And will be back.

Yummy Lobster Dinner!

By Robyn F |

Before my visit to Philly, every article I read said it was a food town. Other than Oyster House, our meal with the Amish in Lancaster and several stalls at Reading Terminal Market, I will disagree. Most of the food we had at other restaurants was pretty Meh! and across the city we experience extremely lackadaisical service. So our meal at Oyster House was a very pleasant surprise! Our server was excellent! We both had the lobster dinner. For $33 you get a 2 lb lobster drowned in well seasoned butter. It was delicious! We also had an order of corn rolls. Do not fail to order these little bites of cilantro flavored delicousness!

Overrated and overpriced

By CLF422 |

I keep hoping this place will get better, but no more. It has all the charm of a Denny's - crowded, loud, dining-hall type place. The food is average at most - shrimp bland, just five smallish shrimp laid on a plate (zero presentation) for $17 or so. Crab cake kind of tough, not hot. Four people, two drinks each, 6 appetizers, two platters (one a single crabcake) all for $400+. There are a dozen better places to go within walking distance. Will not return.

Great little place to have dinner

By Matty May |

Really fun place to eat at. I was sat at the bar and was able to watch the chefs work with the oysters which did add to the experience. All the staff were really nice and the chefs were happy to be asked questions. The oysters themselves were lovely and the drinks were good. I recommend you try it.

For the Clambake

By Philippe B |

We went back to Oyster House in Sansom Street, right in the heart of Philly. A clambake, crustacean chowder served with maize in sections and potatoes on the menu. Very nice seafood address before an exquisite and shared dessert (two spoons...)

Excellent selection of oysters

By Donna S |

We (husband and I) went here before a concert at the Met. Since it was only 5:00 pm on a Saturday, we were seated immediately. Service is fast, and very attentive. I understand why people go to the "buck an oyster" happy hours, because they are on average $3.00 each when it is not happy hour. We ordered an assortment of 8, but easily could have eaten more; they were delicious. Our entrees were very good. We even had dessert, which we rarely do. Overall, not too pricey, considering the quality and location. You can always sit at the oyster bar for a nosh, but they are addicting!

Amazing food service and atmosphere

By Kelly M |

Incredible! Amazing service and food. We enjoyed a corporate happy hour here and we were overwhelmed with the attention and care they provided. The atmosphere is also fantastic. Don’t miss this spot !

Awesome Seafood Especially Cold Sampler

By lisab4142014 |

Fun seafood restaurant in the heart of Phillie near walnut street shopping district. The plate wall decoration is original and adds to the fun atmosphere. I would make a reservation if you have more than 2-4 in your party. This place was busy on a Saturday but well worth it.

Fabulous fish in Philly

By Chris P |

This was an excellent meal with great service. It is along restaurant row - Sansom Street. Try the mussels with an unusual hit tomato sauce. The clam chowder is as good as any that you will have on the East Coast. It is a great family restaurant at good value.

Love it!

By September30 |

I love the oysters. Pricey but worth it! I had take out and it was just as good when I arrived home as it was in the restaurant.

Loved it so much we went back the next evening

By JD C |

It was an OMG experience. Both nights we ordered Dogfish Head IPA, oyster shooters, ginger beer, fried calamari, salad (1st night), fried shishito peppers (2nd night), and the piece de resistance, grilled whole Branzino fish which was accompanied with risotto and a green curry sauce. On the second evening, we asked if the chef could make the green curry sauce spicier and he did! This was one of the most incredible, memorable meals we've had. Both nights, the bill totaled slightly less than $100.. terrific value. We liked this restaurant much more than the nearby seafood restaurant. Highly recommended.

Very visited place. Especially crowded in happy hours

By pcmaxim |

Very visited place. Especially crowded in happy hours (from 5 PM to 7 PM). At this time, oysters and large clams are sold at a price of $ 1 a piece, beer at $ 3 a glass. Beer is not very tasty. But oysters and clams are great. Also recommend New England clam soup. And a very tasty stew. It is necessary to try. If you want to catch a happy housr, then it is better to come to the restaurant not later than 6 PM. It may be a turn and you will not have time to take a table before the end of this promoution.

Great seafood Restaurant

By leven4all |

We were visiting Philadelphia and decided to go to the Oyster House for lunch, because it was not far from our hotel. The food was outstanding! We really enjoyed the different kinds of raw oysters. Ceviche and fried calamari were both prepared very well. The fish and chips were great; really moist but not greasy and the mussels were in a really flavorful broth. The desserts were really memorable. The cheesecake and the salted honey pie were really flavorful. We will definitely return to the Oyster House, the next time we are in Philly.

Great place for seafood

By troglodyte |

We went early at 5:30 on a Tuesday, expecting it would be slow.......but at the bar section the happy hour drinkers were already in full swing and the place was jumping. The dining area however, was still empty but by the time we left, after about an hour, it was jam packed and people waiting in line. Service was by waiters and very efficient. Food was excellent and I have no complaints, except that the oysters Rockefeller had pureed spinach instead of leaves and looked like baby food, and not pleasant to the eye....but the taste was very good. Pulpo was wonderful, so were the turtle soup and soft shell crabs, served on a tasty mix of chopped asparagus and faro, I think a "lemon cheesecake" was a splendid creation and had little resemblance to regular cheesecake, it was much tastier and delicious. I like that a parking house is across the street (expensive). Didn't like that here is only one powder room for the whole establishment........There is a splendid collection of many amazing and attractive oyster plates decorating the walls of the restaurant.....

An institution for a reason

By Rob K |

A Philly friend joined us for dinner here on a recent trip. He highly recommended it and he was 100% right to do so. The place was bustling but our server was always on top on things, the food was really great (try the oysters and the fish stew), and the crowd was lively—there was just an overall party-like atmosphere (but in a good way). We would return to Oyster House in a heartbeat.

Small place delivering a superb dining!

By cruzing |

Oyster House in Philadelphia offers a superb dining experience that left a lasting impression. The food is tremendously delicious, and the service provided is nothing short of spectacular. The charming ambience adds to the overall appeal. However, be prepared for some noise, and note that high table seats lack back support. Despite these minor drawbacks, Oyster House remains one of the finest dining establishments in Philadelphia, delivering a truly memorable experience.

Great seafood in great atmosphere

By Rich B |

Its called -- and specializes -- in oysters. Didn't try them. But other items on small menu were all great: drinks, seafood, no white table clothes or "art" food with enough for a bird. Highlight was the butterscotch pie with real whipped cream. So good went back a second night.

Very good lunch

By Rooindie |

We had some oysters, the burger, and the shrimp roll. Everything was very good. Friendly service. A bit pricey for lunch.

Happy Hour with Mollusks

By pkgreen2018 |

It was one of the coldest days this winter and I was on business in Philadelphia. I walked past the Oyster House by happenstance and entered the restaurant mostly to get warm. I stayed for their happy hour and warmed up near the oyster bar with a glass of wine. My server was lovely and so gracious. I wish that I could recall her name. I ordered several oysters that were $1 per shuck and so fresh, I stayed for a second order. To get some heat, I then ordered the New England Clam Chowder. In one word, delicious. The beautiful and bright dining room made this experience even more enjoyable. I will return.

Great Food and Service

By tarheeltraveler4509 |

Arrived for a late lunch on a Saturday. We had no problem getting a seat and had excellent service. They had a full bar and local beer on tap. After some discussion with our waiter we decided on a tower and some clam chowder. The soup was excellent full of seafood. The tower included a selection of oysters and clams, shrimp, lobster and two sides of seafood appetizers. All were fresh and prepared well. Service was also very good. It was not a cheap lunch but enjoyable.

Delicious and fresh, go here!

By Jonathan C |

I am from Ohio, our seafood is mostly terrible unless you want to pay a lot of money. The oysters we had here were outstanding! Happy hour is awesome, but be prepared to wait. or get there early. Service was great and staff were friendly! Atmosphere is very comfortable and easy to carry on a conversation in.

Delicious tender lobster

By Lynne N |

I love the ambience of this seafood restaurant. Collections of oyster dishes on the walls make an interesting art addition. The lobster was moist and tender and arrived at the perfect temperature. Cooked and cracked so it would be easy to eat. Love the little packets of New England oyster crackers in a vase on the table too!

Very expensive, bad quality food and portions for when you are not hungry

By Raul Arias |

I went with my wife yesterday to this Oyster House restaurant at 1516 Sansom St. We sat outside, ordered the follwing: 1. Btld Pinot Noir: Good 2. Chilled Shimp Cocktail: Buy a package of frozen shrimpsm put them to boil and serve them on a plate with a slice of lemon and you will have the same dish for less than half of the price. 3. Grilled Oyster: Great flavor, small size, 4 oysters for 14 dollars. 4. Fisherman's Stew: Horrible. Dont go this way. Just a bunch of frozen seafood thrown into tomate sauce and hot water. Sweet flavor. 5. Snapper Soup: It tastes as canned soup. No good. 6. Warm crumble: Great! we really liked the dessert. 7. Bloody Shame: Very nice to try something out. really recommended. We spent $180, and the overall of this experience is 1 out of 10. No recommended at all.

Solid 4

By MeraKi25 |

Oyster house has good cocktails (try the beach house), good clam chowder and decent bass. The flavor combination on the entree was great, venue if the fish was over cooked and a bit tougher than expected. Great choice for seafood in Philly though.

Wonderful food and atmosphere

By Brandi R |

This was our first visit here & the food was delicious! The decor and atmosphere is very pleasing and our waiter, D.K., was fantastic!

My fav place in Philly!

By wandering_dynamo |

We spotted this place while looking for a place to have dinner...It struck me immediately, so I decided to give it a go...It turned out to be a great idea indeed! Lovely atmosphere, friendly Staff, awesome food! The whole Maine lobster split grilled was absolutely sublime! We ate so well that we decided to go back there again a few days later to try other delicious dishes, so I went for the lobster roll and it was awesome! My partner had the mixed seafood grill and he loved it!! I’m going back to Philly in 3 weeks and my first stop will be the Oyster House, no doubt!

Random trip to Philly

By Gemini1451 |

We chose this place because we love oysters and seafood and if didn’t disappoint. My husband got the mixed seafood grill and I got the striped bass. The bass itself seemed slightly under seasoned at first but the red pepper sauce it was in was perfection. I realized eating it with the veggies and the red pepper sauce is how it’s supposed to be enjoyed. And the grilled corn and edemame mixture in the sauce added slight sweetness and perfect heat to it that made it absolutely delicious. My husband really enjoyed his dish as well. We also had the oysters which definitely didn’t disappoint and the tuna crudo that were great starters. We paired our meals with a couple of refreshing beers on a hot summer evening. The atmosphere was lively and busy and it was fun watching them shuck the oysters as we sat at the oyster bar. Service was also great. Definitely a place I’d go back to.

Prob best for lunch

By AFoodieDMV |

Happened upon this place walking around Philly. The staff was very welcoming and nice. No indoor dining, but sat outside under tent with properly spaced tables and kerosene heaters. Was pretty busy at 2:00. The fried oysters with chicken salad was delish - I thought the combo strange at first but was advised this is a “very Philly thing” so went for it. I was very happy with my fisherman’s stew - nice flavor and good on a chilly day, spicy but also a tad sweet. My partner was not as satisfied with the lobster roll. If I could give 3.5 stars, I would.

Lobster Roll Birthday Magic

By Cin4513 |

I researched "lobster roll" in Philadelphia and 15 restaurants came up on a Google search. I decided to pick the Oyster House since their lobster rolls did not look like they had a lot of celery (yuck) and the place looked nice. I picked to go here for my birthday. We had the fried Ipswich clams as a small plate to share (OMG- soooooo good) and my daughter and I both had the lobster rolls. They were fresh and delicious. They came with fries that were also good. My husband ordered the red snapper and he said it was delicious. He also had 4 of the raw cherrystone clams and he said they were good. I also ordered the side dish of cauliflower and my daughter ordered the coleslaw. Everything was great. We went on a Monday around 8PM and there were a lot of people there, but it was comfortable and not too too loud. I would think on the weekend it gets crowded and potentially noisy, but not on this Monday night! I would definitely go back. It's a little pricey, but I thought worth it for a special occasion.

Fun

By BBBBTravel |

Sat outside on a blustery evening. Enjoyed the Clambake-lobsters were huge. Added the slaw which was tastey. Pumpkin Toffee Pudding great but waited a long time for it. Server was very nice and efficient. Only drawback was the outside area is open and next to a parking garage- lots of horns etc. Dont forget to get your parking validated!

Buck a shuck!

By john k |

Wife and I visited once again for the Happy Hour Buck a Shuck special. Highly recommend the cherry stone clams though the oysters are good too! Drinks are generally good and they run specials for Happy Hour- beer, mixed cocktail. Happy Hour runs 5-7 weekdays and Saturday evening. Place gets crowded so good idea to come early.

Buck a shuck happy hour!

By john k |

Weeknights from 5-7 pm , there is buck a shuck happy hour in the bar. While the oysters are fresh and good, I love the cherry stone clams on the half shell. Add a vodka martini, maybe a draft beer, and some grilled octopus, you have a great meal!! The service is good, place is crowded so go early or come around 5:30 for round two!!

Great Happy Hour & Meal

By Mashoe |

Happy hour Bar was packed when we got there around 5, we got our name on a waitlist and got seated around 5:30 - long enough to have some oysters and wine - the devil crab eggs were great too!! then shared a meal with fried oysters and oysters Rockefeller, all delicious. Very lively atmosphere with great service.

Really good seafood

By alyxzandreaphoenix |

The food was so delicious! We started with 6 Sweet Amalia oysters. They were a good size and had a nice buttery flavour. They paired nicely with the mignonette and the seafood sauce. We ordered the clam bake for 2 as our main and it was amazing. The seafood is baked in a delicious garlic butter sauce and the portion size was generous.

Absolutely Delish!

By Irene |

We absolutely loved the Oyster House! We had the oysters and they were unbelievable. My husband had the fisherman’s stew and we also had the clam chowder which were all fantastic. The restaurant busy but the service was great! I would recommend a reservation so you are guaranteed a spot.

Great quality food matched by great service

By Mike W |

We visited Philly for 5 days from London. We ate here the first night and was so good we went back on the Saturday. Its busy, bustling but jas a good vibe still and the food outstanding quality. Slightly more expensive than it shows and with only a few drinks. Still worth every penny

Happy Hour and Small Plates

By macnjac89 |

They don't take reservations for parties less than 4 so the hostess gave us a tip = sit at the bar (or seats in front of the shuckers) for happy hour drinks and then stay for dinner (starting at 5pm). Good drinks and wine by the glass selections. Started with a variety of one dozen oysters - tasty, but not near the size of the gulf oysters. Had a bowl of NE clam chowder - more like a soup than a chowder... so-so. Finished with shrimp cocktail and grilled octopus - both wonderful. Would do the same if we go back - just skip the chowder.

Busy Place with Great Food

By Durwoody |

I LOVE Oysters, usually fried, so I definitely have to eat at a place called Oyster House! This place was PACKED! People were waiting for tables at 8:30 p.m. We were staying at a hotel within walking distance of this place. They had seating inside and outside. No social distancing and masks were not required. Hubby and I each had a cocktail (Mojito and Amaretto Sour - $15 eqch ), Fried Oysters $13, four Grilled Oysters $14, Lobster Bisque $11 and Lobster Shack Dinner $34. The bisque had a nice smooth taste with a little bite. The grilled oysters (garlic, butter and parmesan) were divine! I love fried oysters but these grilled ones were fantastic. I now have a new favorite, at least how they are made here. Hubby said the Lobster dinner was really good. Dinner total was $102.00 before tip. Stephen, our waiter, was friendly, helpful with the menu and prompt. Even though they were hopping busy, he was on point and made our experience fun.

Great Seafood Dinner!!!!

By mikea168 |

I went during Happy Hour and got a table for dinner immediately. The food was unbelievable, especially the lobster roll. Great service, drinks and of course the food. If you can't get a seat at the bar grab a table. Spend the extra cash and you will be satisfied. The only problem is that you will crave the food, as I am.

Happy hour food prices only for the bar and raw bar, not in the dinning room only a few feet from these areas.

By Joseph L |

There is no consideration for elderly people in this policy or recognition that every establishment that I have ever been to offers happy hour prices in the entirety of the business. My wife and I are over 70 years old and were treated poorly and without care of the seating for persons of our age. Safety is important to us and we do not want to sit up on high bar stools or elevated chairs.

Great happy hour

By Ken G |

Great fun great service and fantastic shellfish The cherrystone clams were so good we had two dozen The guys shucking oysters were great and very friendly

Best martini I have ever had.

By dropie |

Large selection of oysters and fresh seafood. Did I mention, the martini? I asked the server for a recommendation, and I was not disappointed.

Popular seafood

By AuntieMush |

Came during restaurant week so it was a little noisy. Good food and great value. My clams casino were delicious as was the crab cake. My dining partner loved his oysters.

Popular Philly dining establishment

By Alex G |

It is nice seafood/oyster place, very busy and quite popular. We had to wait 15-20 mins to get a table in the lounge. Local oysters were very good and fresh, not briny, the way I like it. Lobster roll and clam chowder were done right too. Prices were fairly reasonable, at least by Chicago standards. Service was friendly and cheerful, albeit slightly rushed. All is good with this place, it doesn't show much age. It was too crowded for our taste, and the place cannot accommodate big crowds waiting in this narrow space. Well, it is a good problem to have: being too popular.

Lunch in Philadelphia, PA

By Vy H. |

BAR REVIEW ONLY. Came here 3pm Saturday for a late lunch—found two seats at the bar so we sat there. Unfortunately they were only serving items off their mid-day menu which was pretty limited. Got a dozen Raw Oysters which was great. Tried the Londener Oyster Shot which had dill gin with the oyster—quite delicious! Food wise, we got the Fried Seafood Platter and Burger, both fairly good dishes but I wish the fried seafood was more salty, their batter was bland. The Manhattan Clam Chowder was just okay. But overall, service here was great!

Best Lobster Roll---better than in Maine.

By Susan S |

Then menu changes according to the fish available. So I usually order one of the "fin" fish. Always good and always with great sides. But today I ordered a lobster roll and it was perfect and perfectly filled with lobster. I opted for coleslaw instead of fries but any way you have it, the lobster roll is top notch. Atmosphere at lunch is high energy but tables turn over quickly enough and the food is worth the wait.

Close and good

By MikeDorsey |

Went here because it is near Union on League where we are staying. I had the lobster roll and fries. Excellent. Turtle soup was great too. Fast service. Good beer selection. Lots of different oysters and clams.

Fun Atmosphere

By Barb P |

Lively atmosphere with good seafood - especially if you like to try different types of oysters. It was busy, but the wait was only 10 minutes!

Great selection of oysters

By Sun3girls |

We were in town and wanted some Oysters- they have a great variety to choose from and very knowledgeable staff to explain each kind. They are pricey- we are use to $12-18 a dozen so $2.50- $4 bucks each was a shocker. The New England clam chowder was good and tasty. Liked the restaurant and service just to pricey for a us. $120 bill for 2 dozen oysters, one bowl of soup and 2 beers.

Delightful modern seafood restaurant

By Jkl |

Exceeded all expectations. Delicious raw oysters, and fried as well. Nice atmosphere. Very modern. Friendly staff. I went here on a personal recommendation and what I found was a pleasant surprise.

Tasty oysters!

By Chelsea A |

I went here for happy hour because I thought the happy hour oysters were $1, but they aren’t- they are $2. Nonetheless still a great deal. The oysters are sizable and good so would come back! It’s only HH 4-6 so you may have to leave work early. Bar also fills up quickly. Parking is crap so be prepared to park in the garage. They were having a featured drink menu using this new gin so I popped in on the right day! They also have sliders that people were crushing. The house punch on HH is good here. Great place to be solo or even be with friends :)

Pricey, but worth it

By bill m |

Excellent seafood. No reservations for fewer than 6. We arrived at 7 on a Friday evening and waited at the bar for about 1/2 hour for a table. The lobster roll was full of chunks of fresh lobster and the fries were addictive. The scallops were perfectly cooked. The crab cakes were huge and delicious. The key lime pie may very well be the best I've ever had. They have a wide variety of oyster species. My son and I split a mixed dozen and they were superb, but beware; they charge per oyster ($3-$3.75) NOT a flat price per dozen like most places. The Oyster House is expensive, but the food and service justify the price.

Best Happy Hour. Great bartender and staff

By Jason H |

Buck a shuck oyster presentation A1. Very creative ideas going on in here. Bartenders know their craft- best gin selections in philly. Gets crowded so get there early to get a bar seat.

Nice ambiance & very good food

By Maria Marcela P |

I likes this place, the service was excellent and also the food. The ambiance was relax. Location downtown Philadelphia, many parking garages around to leave your car.

Noisy but fun, with OK food

By Michael P |

We'd booked for our part of six family members, but the table was not ready and in any case, the place was completely rammed with an incredible noise level. 'Don't worry', the cheerful staff said, we'll find you. As all the local bars were equally busy, where could we go?? So we hung around on the pavement and twenty minutes later, it had quietened down a bit and in fact got better during the evening. The meal was fine - my brothers in law shared the clam bake and were very happy - all I can remember was oysters from a variety of places. I suspect Friday evening is not the best time to go on your last meal in Philly, and the place would have been great in less chaotic time. Every one of the staff was very friendly.

Lobster Roll was worth it

By ALLSLC |

My friend lives here and suggested this place. We had reservations or we never would have gotten in on a Friday night. Started with the tuna crude which was tiny but amazing. Then we both had the lobster roll and for a minor charge, they subbed corn salad in instead of fries which was a good choice because it was an outstanding corn salad. Dessert was a mocha chocolate tart which was so rich. Definitely pricy but the food and service was worth it and they didn't rush us.

Fantastic food and place

By Giucata |

The best lobster roll I've ever eaten. Great lobsters too. Very cool place. Kind and professional staff. Highly recommended!

Very noisy, mediocre food, but good service

By authored |

The only thing I can recommend about this dining establishment is the service, which is quick, attentive and good. The food is average, at best. I cannot imagine an “oyster house” that does not serve oyster stew! The worst part is that it is extremely loud - so much so that you cannot carry on a decent conversation without shouting. I will not return here.

Fun and great food

By Matt R |

I love an old school oyster place. The marble counters, the shuckers, the waiters paying attention, the salty bribe of the oysters mixed with the smooth cold vodka. Makes for a great evening.

Beyond fresh - simply fantastic

By Michele W |

We sat for about 90 minutes at the raw bar and had an amazing experience. The seafood was truly “off the hook” fresh. Cherry stone clams were shucked 3 feet in front of us and the n served up on ice. Magnificent- briny, succulent and the right amount of texture. The guys shucking definitely were looking closely at their wares and we saw them dispose of a few here and there. We tried the oyster sampler - 3 types of grilled and smoked oysters - out of this world. The special was a prawn on a truffle risotto - excellent! We followed it with a special dessert - a chocolate coated multi layer special of cake, chocolate cookie crust and hazelnut. Yummy. Get here early or expect a wait - no matter - well worth it

Excellent Restaurant

By cindyjax2015 |

and a hopping happy hour. Arrive early to get a seat at Happy Hour. Best drink in Philly: The "Clover Club" Oysters from everywhere across North America and the shuckers are knowledgable and fast. One of the shuckers is a city shucking champ! Lots of fun and great seafood

Nice Place

By VanHalenII |

In town for a conference and based on trip advisor I decided to check this place out. I arrived early so sitting wasn’t an issue. I tried some of the oysters on the half shell which were good. I selected the fish stew which was appetizing. I tried one of the craft beers based on my server’s recommendation. Overall it was a nice meal.

Great food

By Steve C |

I found the restaurant from Yelp during my stay. Great place to dine for couple or family. Seafood is fresh! We love the sampler plate. Chef made a nice combo of different oysters and clam! Great value for your money!

Nice atmosphere, good portions, well done

By MountainSongBird |

Good options…nice oysters Rockefeller (wish we had ordered more), good New England clam chowder, mixed seafood grill (swordfish, scallops, giant shrimp), and crab cake. Butterscotch pudding was outstanding!

Our favourite restaurant in Philly!

By Rupert D |

We went a few years ago and had an amazing meal and all round experience. Therefore we returned with trepidation that we wouldn't have such a superb time. We were wrong. From start to finish, this was one of the next meals I have had anywhere....Atmosphere, professionalism, food, drinks were all exemplary. Our waiter was fantastic (Julian I think was his name)...so knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, efficient and professional. They had Plymouth gin, my go to for a gin martini...which was superb! The Oyster shooters are a special favorite of ours....but really everything was excellent. Remains our favourite restaurant in Philly!

Meh…!

By FR |

Very average, extremely disappointed after reading some of the very flattering reviews. Just misses the mark for an oyster house/seafood bar. Food was very average, no care or attention given to highlight the beautiful seafood products. Ya I would go elsewhere.

Fresh fish and fast!

By Joanne L |

This is an amazingly fast restaurant. They are very efficient but you don’t feel rushed at all. The steamers were good. They were the larger version with the black tail. And the flounder was delicious with green beans and couscous. The fish sampler was tasty. It comes with shrimp, swordfish and scallops that were cooked perfectly. The butterscotch pudding was delicious as was the chocolate hazelnut ice cream.

Soup and Desert

By Bridget B |

If you are headed to the Oyster house and unsure if you want to order desert, DO! The Honey Cake was great. I've never had this cake before Tuesday - it was delicious. The New England chowder was very good too.

good service, quality seafood, clientele of all ages

By hask74 |

we enjoyed the fresh oyster,s , the steamer clams the crab cake (26 for one), the lobster roll and the salt honey pie. Good wines by the glass.

Go! Good Dinner

By CindyParty |

I was seated at the raw bar and had great service. House martini!!!!!!! Oysters & clams!!! Octopus!! Butterscotch pudding!! Overall- highly recommended!!! I selected Oyster House based on Trip Advisor reviews.

Great seafood

By Alabamatripcreator |

After reading reviews and recommendation by hotel staff I tried Oyster House for lunch. They were busy, but noise level was not bad. I was seated at the back and it was quiet there. My server was just okay. I ordered turttle soup and lobster roll. Both were outstanding. The lobster roll was piled high with lobster and oh SO good. Loved the turtle soup. The restaurant is clean, space between tables good. Prices what I would expect by the quality of food. Recommend this restaurant, verry fresh and well prepared seafood.

A PEARL OF A PLACE IN PHILLY

By 1Trippermonth |

First time at The Oyster House and really enjoyed the meal. Didn’t expect a Maryland crab cake to be so delicious. Full lump back fin crab meat without filler was very good. Would have liked to have seen more of a salad or vegetable selection but still enjoyed the meal.

Good oysters and great cuisine

By riouxp |

Very fresh oysters, for example Kushi (similar to Kumamoto), small but very fleshy. But before all, great cooking, with excellent mix of tastes (fish or seafood) with great sauce and adequate vegetables. Great sauce. Went twice in a week: tried scallops and soft crab.