Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Oyster House

    4.3 (1.7k reviews)
    PriceySeafood
    Open 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Oyster House Takeout or Delivery

    Oyster House Photos

    Business Info

    OYSTER HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Oyster House

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Drink
    Dionna J.

    Perfect spot for lunch before heading to The Academy of Music. A building and bustling crowd on a Saturday afternoon. The food and drinks were excellent. The standout being the grilled octopus ramen. It's listed as a starter but don't fret, "it's hearty but not huge" per my server. This just might be the best thing I've had here! I also had the lobster roll which never disappoints (devoured it before I had the chance to take a pic). The chocolate pecan pie was not needed, but very delicious.

    Happy hour: New England Clam Chowder & Shrimp sliders
    Jody S.

    We checked out Oyster house during one of our happy hour Fridays and we were very fond! Especially knowing that this is a top rated happy hour location as well as my preference always being seafood, the seafood options are certainly there! Since this was one of our later happy hours, we arrived ~4:30 and we weren't seated at the bar until 5 as it is a popular spot. The vibe was very New England and felt like home. We ordered appetizers, I had the clam chowder and shrimp sliders. I enjoyed my dish and had the desire to try other items on the menu but my stomach was full. They had decent wine selections as well.

    Taurin H.

    Loved the Oysters! Outstanding service as well. I'll try the fish stew the next time I visit.

    The bar
    Ashley V.

    This place serves some of the best oysters--freshly shucked right in front of you! Food: I came here during happy hour, and it was absolutely worth it. The oysters were fresh, affordable, and delicious. The oysters here tasted way better than the ones I ate in New Orleans. The mussels were also excellent--tender and flavorful. I ordered a lobster roll outside of the happy hour menu, and while they were generous with the lobster, the dish felt a bit dry and overpowered by too much sriracha, which masked the natural flavor of the lobster. Drinks: I ordered a Sazerac, and it was perfectly balanced. I really appreciate a well-crafted whiskey cocktail, and this one hit the mark. Atmosphere: The space was lively, nicely decorated, and very clean--perfect for a casual night out. Service: Excellent and attentive. The staff were friendly and checked in just the right amount. Overall: I had a great time here and highly recommend stopping by during happy hour if you can. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Philly.

    Lobster
    Mai T.

    I love oysters house!! Always order same as usual. Always be back and eat more and more!!

    Fisherman's Stew
    Joseph S.

    I had just returned from a two week vacation driving down the Pacific Coast. Starting in San Francisco, I went to several seafood restaurants for one item - Cioppino (Fisherman's Stew). Starting with Scoma's, I had it 5 times during those 2 weeks. I happened to read an article about the Oyster House here in Philly. It's tucked away on Sansom St. between 15th and 16th streets. The article highlighted the Fisherman's Stew and the lobster rolls. I was ready for the Stew!! It came nice and hot, which is a strong requirement for me - as it stayed hot until the last spoonful. It was excellent! A great stew starts with the broth - this was so flavorful and rich, with just a little spice! I had to remind myself I was in PA not CA! The stew had calamari, so tender - little shrimps which stood out for their flavor and texture - a delicate white fish and mussels. I was so surprised to find such a great stew here in Philly! The Oyster House will be seeing me regularly - next time, I'll try the lobster rolls! I also wanted to mention I sat at the bar and a very lovely lady gave me a brief history of the restaurant, which made the visit even more enjoyable!

    Sea food platter

    From the start, the host was not greatly welcoming. Most of the staff seemed as if they did not want to be there except for our waitress who was incredibly kind and attentive. The rest of the staff seemed miserable and appeared to glare at everyone around. When I got lost getting back to my table in the tight corridors, I received yet another glare. There is also only one bathroom which is problematic for the number of people in the restaurant. The food was pretty good. Not fantastic, but above mediocre by a good bit. The sea food tower was pretty good! I found shells in my lobster roll though, which was a little disappointing. Overall I'd rate the food alone a 3.75/5. There were definitely too many people crammed into the restaurant as well. The environment was pretty loud, but it was cozy.

    Oysters and clams. Happy hour blackberry oysters, a couple Irish point oysters (not pictures, delicious!) and a couple clams.
    Linda H.

    LOVED it! I love oysters. I love a good happy hour and they had both. They were very busy with a great deal of fun energy from everyone eating, shucking, and serving. I sat by myself at a bar stool with a view of the 5 people shucking oysters and clams non-stop. Oysters were fresh and sweet and would love to go back with friends or by myself, again!

    Roasted oysters
    Kamille H.

    The best oyster bar in the city. If you're lucky you can snag happy hour seats at the bar. The oyster shuckers are knowledgeable and skilled. The oyster plates used as decor are a nice touch.

    Butterscotch pudding
    Diana P.

    This place is phenomenal! We tried 3 kinds of oysters: Sweet Amalia (Cape May, NJ); Mystic (CT); and Rough Water (RI) and they were all so fresh and perfectly chilled. Outstanding! We also had the crabcakes served with the most delicious green beans and porcini mushrooms topped with parmesan & a side of asparagus. For dessert, we had the Butterscotch pudding, which was thick and creamy. Every single thing was top notch. Our server was fantastic, so helpful and knowledgeable about Gluten Free items. She put a note on our ticket and also double checked with the kitchen to confirm everything I ordered was GF. I cannot wait to go back and try additional items.

    Fries, prawns, octopus
    Gerald N.

    Came on a weekend night with a reservation and the restaurant was packed. Service was friendly and timely. Good menu with plenty of options for seafood and some meat. 1. Oysters - A good selection of oysters even up to AK. Average priced. 2. Calamari - Small pieces, good quality with good crisp. 3. Octopus - Wasabi sauce so if you don't like wasabi, don't get this. Good quality octopus nonetheless 4. Fries - A bit flimsy but good aoili sauce 5. Prawns - Sizable pieces which were a bit salty but good. Overall a good seafood restaurant to try at least once! Staple in the area.

    New England Clam Chowder, Fries, Maine Brewing CO. Lunch IPA
    Paula Jean K.

    This is another one of my top 5 HH restaurants in Center City. Happy Hour starts at 1600 -1800, I might suggest that you plan to be here early but then you might to vying for my seat so come on time! You can expect 2USD oysters, an oyster shooter, snacks like mussels in a sauce, sliders and deviled eggs, discounted wine, beer and punch. In addition to the HH menu there is a Mid Day menu and the Full Raw Bar menu. I have tried every new oyster that pops up on the menu and It's so much fun trying new things. But the best part of going to Oyster Bar is hanging with the bartenders Giuseppe , Luke and the rest of the crew. The vibe here is loud and pumping. I'll be back soon. Most liking tomorrow. It will be New Year's Eve 2025 and I can't think of a better place to be!

    Ayesha T.

    Food was cold but good! Lobster roll is excellent but fries and the clam chowder was cold! They can do better. Service was great but it is a noisy restaurant so conversation is hard.

    See all

    16 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike C.
    172
    651
    1131

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jody S.
    115
    351
    1540

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Taurin H.
    335
    24
    47

    24 days ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Thanks for the 5-star review, Taurin.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Hi Ashley, We very much appreciate your visit and your lovely review.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mai T.
    1
    6
    16

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ayesha T.
    110
    299
    966

    5 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Hi Bina, We love being your new favorite restaurant!! See you soon.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron I.
    36
    10
    17

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Hi Ron, Thanks for the 5-star review!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Patti N.
    811
    127
    289

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amber E.
    747
    2971
    6558

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Walter C.
    796
    603
    25

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    You will taste wonderful things, and have no idea what's in your mouth. What an experience!

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 3
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 44

    Oyster House Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Oyster House

    Do you have to have a reservation if your dining solo?

    Hi Emily, You don't need a reservation but we always recommend making a reservation if you know when you'd like to join us.

    Is the Oyster House open on Christmas Eve and what are the hours?

    Oyster House will be closed on December 24th and 25 for the Christmas holiday. We will reopen on Thursday 12/26. We hope to see you then.

    Is it open on Thanksgiving?

    Is there any Covid type rules?

    Does oyster house still have the partnership with baysave where the used shells are put back into the Delaware for repopulation vs throwing them out?

    You'd have to call to ask them I'm sure they're giving back to the community & respecting the environment.

    If I sit at the oyster bar, and add tip on the bill, does that tip go to the shucker? Or do I need to tip them in cash?

    There are cash tip jars on the bar just for the shuckers. When you tip on the receipt, usually it is for your waitress/waiters.

    How is the snapper soup?

    Outstanding. One of the best items on the menu.

    What dishes would the public recommend at Oyster's House?

    If you go for happy hour (from 8-10 pm), i suggest oysters, new england clam chowder, and lobster rolls (half off i think)

    Are there any buck a shuck specials?

    Yes. During happy hour! Weekdays from 5pm to 7pm. But get there 4:30. You'll probably still have to wait as this place is packed!! Might want to get a table while you wait and munch on something. I want to say on Saturdays it's from 9pm til 11pm… Read more

    View All 11 Questions

    You might also consider

    Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar

    Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar

    4.3
    (314 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    This place was packed during happy hour but we were able to snag seats at the bar after happy hour…read moreended - make a reservation! The interior of the restaurant is very cute. We had some oysters, scallops and hamachi crudo, and my friend had the shrimp dumplings which he noted were delicious. The hibiscus spritz was light is refreshing. We will definitely be back to try their seafood tower!

    I think the last time I was at this corner munching on something it was a different place. But, on…read morethe multi-festival Saturday, second of May in the year 2026, I can definitively say that I've now tried the little seafood spot on one of our favorite corners, that we're almost always just passing by to get to Time. First, the friendly, informative service: in an oyster bar with a rotating fresh selection, that's an underrated must. We were seated outside, given a rundown of the menu and "as it's ready" flow of the kitchen. We got a pair of cocktails, the Melonata and a Tequila Julep. I think the Melonata might be my new summer favorite. It looks like Ecto Cooler but doesn't give a distinct feeling of growing diabetes while drinking it. In grown up terms, it was well balanced, not too sour, not too sweet, and deeply herbal, fruity, and refreshing at the same time. The Tequila Julep was a Mint Julep with tequila instead of bourbon. It was good, though it's hard to mess that set of ingredients up. We got a selection of oysters and a shooter. Every oyster was distinct and different. Felt like there were no "different on the menu but same in flavor profile" that you can sometimes run into. This implies it's well curated. I have no idea, because I'm not an expert fishmonger, nor do I know whether that term specifically applies here - case in point. Anyway, I got 2 from Washington State, and another from Cape May. The first WA was large, buttery, and had the satisfying chew of young coconut flesh. Semi sweet. The second was smaller, sharper, and briny as hell - tasted of the ocean. And finally, the Cape May was mild and fresh, a good balance between the two others. It was a perfect little tasting menu that I'd created by just ordering the first three guys off the list. Not sure what selection came with the shooter, but the concoction in the shot glass shooter was bright green and pickly. Glad I got it as a contrast to the classics with what I assumed was red wine vinegar. Besides that, we snacked on salmon avocado toast with the Calabrian Chili Oil. It was also very, very good. Sometimes things are better than the sum of their parts. This is true here, but it's also worth noting that the individual parts - the bread, the smoked salmon, the chili oil, the avocado, the shaved onions - were excellent in their own right. We will be back for sure.

    Photos
    Pearl & Mary Oyster Bar
    $2 oysters
    $2 oysters
    Oysters

    See all

    Oysters
    Alpen Rose

    Alpen Rose

    4.4
    (370 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$$

    We had been wanting to come here for a few years but aren't always the best at planning ahead. We…read morecelebrated our 25th anniversary this year and wanted to go somewhere new and romantic. This place was everything you want it to be. We had some delicious craft cocktails, the tomahawk ribeye, an appetizer and some sides. The only thing that wasn't good were the mushrooms. I say this as someone who loves mushrooms. Service was spot on, place is quaint. 100% will be going back

    Today was my third visit to Alpen Rose. My boyfriend and I really enjoyed our first visit! Food was…read moregood, service was great and the ambiance was amazing. We celebrated my birthday there and I was a bit shocked when they didn't offer to comp a dessert, since most steakhouses usually do, but I didn't mind as it's not expected. Our second visit didn't live up to our first time experience. The steak we ordered was so raw that it was inedible. Luckily, we got 2 big entrees so we were able to enjoy one and take the steak to go and cook it a bit more to enjoy for dinner the day after. This third visit REALLY threw us off. First, we waited over 30 minutes to be seated. When we were finally seated, we were seated in what is likely the most uncomfortable seat in the restaurant. You would think if you just made someone wait 30 minutes past their reservation, you'd maybe give them the bigger table that's available to get them back in your good graces. I will say most of the food was very good. We ordered the crab and artichoke appetizer which was good but not great, and for dinner we ordered the duck which was cooked perfectly and the ribeye which was also cooked well. I had mentioned it was my birthday at the beginning of the meal. Since I didn't receive anything with my last birthday experience, I had no expectations of a comped dessert. That was until the young lady at the table next to us received a comped baked Alaska for her birthday. When it was my turn for the waiter to offer a dessert we were asked if we wanted to order anything. We said no and asked for the check. When they brought us the check, they finally remembered we had been delayed half an hour and that's when they offered a comped dessert. Why is it that someone else got a free dessert for their birthday and not me? If you're going to offer that to one you should offer to all. Other than that, the service overall was very lacking. We were checked in on 3 times during the night whereas the table next to us received constant check ins. Not sure what that was about since we had the same waiter. We were also seated and ordered before the table next to us and they received everything before us. Appetizer, dinner, dessert and check. Not sure why this happened but after tonight's disappointing experience and overall food inconsistency I have decided not to dine here anymore. More for tonight's service than anything else. Disappointing and overhyped.

    Photos
    Alpen Rose
    Smoked Bacon
    Smoked Bacon
    Bone Marrow Toast

    See all

    Bone Marrow Toast

    Oyster House - seafood - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...