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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 21 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
  • 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 90 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 is renowned for its "amazing food" and "spectacular service." Visitors love the "fun atmosphere" and "beautifully decorated" space, complete with colorful oyster plates. The seafood, particularly oysters, is "always fresh and delicious." A "must-visit" for seafood enthusiasts seeking "excellent dining experiences" in the city.

90 Reviews

  1. mary

    New York City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    always have loved this place!! food and service is always consistently great!!

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  2. Anne

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A classic in Philly dining. A focused menu lets the ingredients take the spotlight. Non-fish lovers will be okay here too, but you’re crazy not to eat the oysters. The bar is always on point with a few unique cocktails and their boozy punch is fun too. Oysters, Shrimp cocktail, shrimp and grits, lobster roll and the butterscotch pudding never ever disappoint. Service here is always attentive and fun too. I’ve been coming here since 1991, and it’s my never-fail spot. Love this joint.

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  3. Tim

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely fantastic food and service! Looking forward to the next time!

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was amazing and great drinks! Had the lobster and it was perfect

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  5. Jean

    VIP

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always get the seafood tower, and as always, it was fantastic. Oysters, clams,shrimp, lobster crab salad, scallops in chili crisp sauce, and a medley salad of calamari, mussels, etc. Can not go wrong with this special dish. Had an espresso martini for dessert. Decadent!!! ♡

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  6. Thom

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    24 reviews

    2.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This was my second visit to Oyster House and very disappointing. The fried oysters had so much batter/crust I could barely taste the oysters. The coleslaw was bitter, was def in need of some sweetener to balance the vinegar, I didn't finish it. Was hoping for a better lunch!

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  7. Julie

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely fantastic! The design of the restaurant was wonderful. Had oysters , New England clam chowder, shrimp roll, and calamari. Everything was fabulous! Best seafood in Philly !

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  8. DonaldM

    VIP

    New York City

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the best meal in a long time.

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  9. Payne

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Not unsurprisingly, we had an amazing date night! The special latkes and roasted oysters were decadent, 10/10. We love sitting at the oyster bar so we can chat with the shuckers. Our waiter was great, too!

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  10. Ellen

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic meal from appetizers to entrees to dessert, and exceptional service. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Oyster House Philadelphia is rated 4.9 stars by 90 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 21 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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