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Oyster House Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
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Oyster House Philadelphia

$50 and over
Seafood

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2 people
19:00
Booked 48 times today
  • Lively
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
Philadelphia’s premier destination for seafood lovers since 1976. With a menu that is as traditional as it is innovative, this family-owned business run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink has been a community cornerstone for almost 50 years. Cherished by Philly locals and visitors alike for its decadent lobster rolls, signature crab cakes and crispy fried oysters, Oyster House continues to honor the region’s culinary roots while constantly cooking up tasty, new favorites. Oyster House’s robust seafood menu curated by executive chef Joe Campoli, promises high quality cuisine along with an excellent dining experience. Enjoy a seat at Philadelphia’s most famed oyster bar while enjoying a show by Philly’s most legendary oyster shuckers. The weekday Happy Hour is always abuzz with a lively mix of coworkers and friends.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Joseph Campoli

From the OpenTable editors: This seafood institution in Center City dates back to 1947. Restaurateur Sam Mink is the third generation behind the beloved oyster bar, and locals and tourists alike keep coming back for super-fresh seafood towers, lobster rolls, and crab cakes. Belly up to the raw bar in the center of the space to watch the pros shuck oysters in seconds. Cocktails include a mini menu of oyster shooters and an impressively deep selection of gin.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 11:30–21:00 Fri, Sat 11:30–22:00
  • Phone number
    (215) 567-7683
  • Website
    http://www.oysterhousephilly.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Location
    1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
  • Area
    Center City
  • Cross Street
    15th & Sansom Street (between 15th and 16th on Sansom Street)
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Walnut-Locust BSL stop is two blocks away
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 46 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia County

    Lively

  • Philadelphia County

    Seafood

  • Philadelphia

    Best Overall

  • Philadelphia

    Best Food

  • Philadelphia

    Best Service

  • Philadelphia

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Oyster House Philadelphia delights with "the best raw bar in philly" and consistently "great fresh seafood." Guests love the "fun atmosphere" and "beautifully decorated" space. Exceptional service is highlighted throughout, with standout mentions for Scott and Amnity. "Delicious oysters," "superb lobster," and "fantastic cocktails" make it a must-visit dining experience.

46 Reviews

  1. Richard

    Montreal

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent dinner and service. We would highly recommend Oyster House.

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  2. BRIAN

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great seafood, some of the best in the city, but expensive. We’re big oyster fans - selection was extensive and shucked perfectly. Snapper soup was outstanding per the usual, and stacked lobster roll was light on mayo with proper toasted & buttered roll. Our waitress, Charlotte, was great - good service and knew flavor profiles of all the oysters off the top of her head. Lack of a sparkling rosé on the menu was a disappointment as were the cheap crappy oyster crackers. Best bet is hit happy hour - that makes this place great and a price that matches the atmosphere. Problem is it’s a zoo so get there 45 to an hour early to secure a spot.

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  3. Carol

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been going to the oyster house for years. It is a generational restaurant….our parents before us…Lunch, dinner, late night!! It is consistently wonderful.. We most enjoy when we sit at the Oyster bar., but to really enjoy the amazing grilled whole split lobster .. get a table!! Service is great, drinks are great, bartenders are fun!!

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  4. David

    Orlando

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Spectacular. Recommend going in early! We ordered many different first courses. Then the entrees.

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  5. Robert

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent atmosphere, delicious food and wonderful server. Great experience for someone with celiac disease.

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  6. Katy

    Philadelphia

    118 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    118 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    First time at Oyster House. We sat at the raw bar, which was fun. Our waiter was excellent and suggested wonderful oysters. Delicious food, very nice wine. I would definitely go back.

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  7. Jeanne

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    We really enjoyed our first visit to the Oyster House. Our server was attentive and the food was very good -- best snapper soup and amazing oysters. My lobster sandwich was stuffed with lobster meat, but the meat was tough and there was no real flavor to it. We sat in front of the oyster shuckers so we had quite a show and that added to the experience. It was, however, incredibly crowded and I could barely get my food to my mouth without bumping into the person beside me. Next time I would not go on a Saturday night!

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  8. Ella

    New York City

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Oyster House was recommended for the oysters and fresh seafood. The oysters were good. However, a table of 3 were seated next to us and they were loud, profane and obnoxious. We did notify our server who said " oh it does get loud in here". $300 tab for a HORRIBLE DINING EXPERIENCE!!!!

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  9. Gregg

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 15 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The oyster house is always hopping and always delivers a good dining experience from oysters, salads, entrees and dessert. Solid from beginning to end.

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  10. Fran

    Philadelphia

    171 reviews

    5.0

    171 reviews

    Dined on 14 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lobster rolls were great as usual. The New England Clam Chowder was delicious as usual be could have been hotter. Blood orange sorbet was a hit as was the apple cobbler. Good food, good company, good service, etc. Our friends were first timers and were pleased with our restaurant choice.

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FAQs

Oyster House Philadelphia is rated 4.9 stars by 46 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 48 times today
Google Map for Oyster House Philadelphia

1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    15th & Sansom Street (between 15th and 16th on Sansom Street)
  • Area
    Center City
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu 11:30–21:00 Fri, Sat 11:30–22:00
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Oyster Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Walnut-Locust BSL stop is two blocks away
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wine
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