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Oyster House Philadelphia

$50 and over

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 22, 2025

7:30 PM

Booked 72 times today

Lively
Neighborhood 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 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
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
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 125 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
Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Oyster House Philadelphia is a vibrant seafood haven renowned for its "pristine, cold, and fresh oysters" and "fantastic seafood stew." Guests consistently rave about the "excellent service," "attentive staff," and "superb wine selection." The "casual environment" and "fun vibe" make it a top choice for seafood lovers.

125 Reviews

M
Michelle
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always, the service is fantastic, the food amazing and great atmosphere.
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M
Michele
VIP
New York City
188 reviews
3.0
188 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The Maitre d’ was terrific and very accommodating I shifting our table as we celebrated our anniversary away from the two larger tables that were noisy and the waiter was good BUT It’s a shame on a Tuesday evening at The Oyster House (which we always hit when we’re in town from NYC) feels like the service pace of Shake Shack. Not what we expected from past experiences. It was so quick from appetizers to appetizers that we felt like we were on a timer with just the two tables of a dozen or so groups, but the servers.. meh. Oysters were delicious, very fresh and shucked beautifully, the two crisp dishes were right on top of the oysters … and the Oysters Rockefeller was my husband’s top pick! But as we said , being rushed on a Tuesday at 8pm was not our cup of tea… Hope it shifts back to more of a nice hospitality style for a $200. Meal of drinks and appetizers though….
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E
Elizabeth
VIP
Philadelphia
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We just love the soups and fresh seafood. The Cape May Salt Oysters with a Bloody Mary is a great way to relax and start the meal. One of my favorite place. The decor is lovely and the setting is very wimpy and playful with a wonderful drink menu and seafood rawbar.
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F
Fred
Philadelphia
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The food is terrific. If you like seafood, this is the place to go.
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E
Elisabeth
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Seafood was very fresh and well prepared. We truly enjoyed everything.
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A
Anthony
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
The server seemed like he was over us as soon as he asked for our drink order.
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J
JUDY
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Definitely will return to Oyster House. Snapper soup is excellent as well as the scallops entree. Great service, atmosphere fun and comfortable.
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I
I. Howard
VIP
Philadelphia
65 reviews
5.0
65 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The best. The Philadelphia landmark. No one has better cherrystone clams and oysters. One of the few places where you still can get good snapper soup. The fried oysters with chicken salad is a classic. They also have one of the best hamburgers and really good mixed drinks.
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L
Linda
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Terrific food. Excellent poke bowl. Our waiter was excellent he was there when we needed him without any fuss. The service was seamless.
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H
Harold
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great for, great service. Noisy and pricey When will airport open?
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FAQs

Oyster House Philadelphia is rated 4.9 stars by 125 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 22, 2025

7:30 PM

Booked 72 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

Website
http://www.oysterhousephilly.com/
Phone number
(215) 567-7683

Oyster House Philadelphia

Make a reservation

Why they're an Icon

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 125 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Oyster House Philadelphia restaurant rated?

Is Oyster House Philadelphia currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information