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Oyster House Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
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Oyster House Philadelphia

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Visa Dining Collection

$50 and over
Seafood
1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

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2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Lively
  • 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 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    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 272 people are saying

Oyster House Philadelphia reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia County

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Oyster House Philadelphia offers a vibrant dining experience with "the best oysters in the city" and consistently "great service." Patrons rave about the "amazing lobster rolls" and seafood dishes like the tuna crudo and grilled prawns. The lively atmosphere and attentive staff make it the "best seafood house in Philly."
272 Reviews
  1. ElizabethK VIP

    Atlanta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful experience. Great food and great service. Can’t wait to go back.

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  2. Robert VIP

    Pittsburgh57 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a great dinner at the Oyster House. Oysters were really fresh. My Roasted Striped Bass dish we superb and my wife said the Scallops were some of the best she's ever had. The House Martini made from their own blended gins and vermouths with lemon peel was delightful as was the Grüner Veltliner wine by the glass not often seen on a menu except by the bottle. To top the evening off, our server Emilie was superb!

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  3. Amanda

    Philadelphia County1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s always a dream to dine at OH. The wine is always on point and the oysters are just the best in the city. Special thanks to the FOH person who encouraged me to get the roasted carrots with ramp pesto. 10/10.

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  4. Marsha

    Philadelphia County1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love the fried oysters with chicken salad. This hearkens back to the days when ladies of society would elegantly dine on the same. What a lovely remembrance of by-gone days, especially during the Spring and Summer .onths.

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  5. Karen VIP

    Philadelphia County44 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The raw oysters , broiled oysters & fried oysters were all small, flavorfull, and not chewy st all. The whole bronzino for two ; was deboned and equally delicious. Definitely a fun evening with friends.

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  6. Nikki

    Philadelphia County2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was excellent, servers were very attentive and meal was delicious!

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  7. Sharon

    Charlotte3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We knew arriving early we would have to wait so we sat at the bar. Service was great. Shrimp cocktail was perfect. We were seated right on time. Scallops crudo, oysters and grilled oysters were terrific. Service was very fast but we didn’t feel rushed. Nice experience!

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  8. Kimberly VIP

    Philadelphia County24 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Went for a light pre-theater dinner. Fries, oysters, tuna crudo all delish, great guidance on wine. We were seated at a high-top that must have been at the edge of our server’s zone, had to flag her down repeatedly.

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  9. Matthew VIP

    Philadelphia County26 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    You guys are very consistent. Love the octopus and the lobster roll best in the city

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  10. Donna J VIP

    Philadelphia County181 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lobster rolls are amazing never they disappoint! Great raw bar and delicious cocktails made for a perfect dinner. Also love the key lime pie. Service wax outstanding as always

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FAQs

Oyster House Philadelphia is rated 4.8 stars by 272 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Philadelphia County
  4. Philadelphia
  5. Center City

Make a reservation


Booked 13 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)
  • Neighborhood
    Center City
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Thu 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • 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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