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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 69 times today
  • Lively
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
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
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • 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

What 177 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia County

    Seafood

  • Philadelphia

    Best Overall

  • Philadelphia

    Best Food

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Oyster House Philadelphia shines with "fantastic food" and "amazing service." Guests rave about its "fresh seafood," "perfectly shucked oysters," and "wonderful ambiance." It's a lively spot ideal for both casual and special occasions. With attentive staff and a varied menu, it remains a "true gem" in the heart of Philly.

177 Reviews
  1. Antoinette

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was delicious! I really enjoyed the crab toast.

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  2. Richard

    VIP

    New Orleans

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome, best laobster roll south of Kittery. Always good, highly recommend…….

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  3. Joyce

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Top notch service by Julian, excellent food and overall experience. Three friends able to have conversations without shouting, like at some other city restaurants. Definitely will return.

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  4. Robert

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This is a favorite for lunch. I also like it for the raw bar. Whether at the bar, or seated in the dinning room, the decor is pleasant and bright. But, the noise level can be challenging. The staff allowed me to change my seat to one against the wall, which helped me hear better.

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  5. Hamarab1

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My guest and I enjoyed a quality lunch with the only drawback being 8-10 celebrating young men who were drinking beer but all talking at once and very loudly. It was As much better after they left but we took no offense for the celebrating. Our food was brought out promptly, presented beautifully, and the wait staff was attentive without being obnoxious. Great value, freshest fish, nice ambience. We are long time clients.

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  6. Maureen

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always enjoy the lobster roll. The New England claim chowder was also very tasty.

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  7. David

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great meal. Superb oysters, friendly staff, efficient service. Classic lobster roll and outstanding butterscotch pudding.

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  8. patrick

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of my favorite restaurants in the city of Philadelphia.

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  9. Samantha

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A very memorable, delicious meal! Great service, great wine selection! We will be back

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  10. Tyrell

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    The service and ambiance was amazing. The food was subpar to say the least and none of the dishes had a “wow” factor. At worst, some of the dishes required a palette cleanser after we left. The service and ambiance was the saving grace though.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Oyster House Philadelphia is rated 4.9 stars by 177 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 69 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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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