EAT: The Grand Central Oyster Bar

The Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant
Grand Central Station
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 490-6650

Similar to how a pearl is found, The Grand Central Oyster Bar is an old-school restaurant and saloon tucked inside busy Grand Central Station. The architecture is alive with brick-structured arches and the overall feel of the restaurant is straight-up special.

The Oyster Bar has been serving some of the city’s freshest and best seafood since 1913. Oysters from all over the world are shucked and happily eaten at the bar, counter, and tables of the establishment. The pace of service is fast, efficient and very “New York,” as the place buzzes with excitement. Most of the menu is pricey, but ten bucks gets you the best popcorn shrimp, a deliciously lumpy crabmeat sandwich or ¼ dozen oysters. The wine list is excellent and the New England clam chowder is a must. This is more than just lunch; it is a New York experience.

–Mindy Hyman

The Daily Shortlist March 20

Guess the Celeb at What’s My Line? Live in NYC. Photo Credit: GiGi La Femme

Location: Lower East Side, NYC
Event: What’s My Line? Live in NYC!
Show time: 8:00 PM
Venue: Lucky Cheng’s
Food: Himalayan Cafe
Drink: Club Midway
Miscellaneous: Babeland

Hosted by Neal O’ Fortune and Miss Clams Casino, they revive the old game show “What’s My Line?” See a panel of NYC nightlife celebs wear blindfolds and guess the identities of other celebs and regular folk. Though small, Himalayan Café offers amazing food from the areas of Nepal and Tibet. Think Indian mixed with Asian. The momo’s, AKA dumplings ($6.50), are served pan-fried or steamed, while the bocha, the traditional Tibetan tea ($1) is made with butter, salt, and milk. Though it’s not for everyone, it’s worth trying, at least once. Not only can you see local bands and secret shows downstairs, but at Club Midway, the drinks are cheap and the DJs are excellent. When many think of a sex shop, they picture dirty old men looking at porn, but Babeland is a women-friendly sex shop, where the people working there are knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is fun.