Reviews & Ratings for Famous Oyster Bar

Well, worst dinning experience in NYC, period.

by Visica

The seafood entree that I ordered was really just so-so (below my expectations), but what made things worse was the bad attitude of the waitress - very impatient and rude when I asked some reasonable questions about my dinner and cheque. This was actually the worst dinning experience during my time in NYC. Would not recommend.

RUN FAST YOU CAN FROM THAT PLASE

by charls1

If you don't want to end up i hospital don't even lock that place , don't even thinking of going there .My experience whit my boyfriend was more than afoul .The food is dis casting , dirty place whit mouse's under you feet,small amount of food ,expensive .... I don't even know how THE CITY let this place to be open for public .Instead me going to the restroom i went to the kitchen and what i can see !!! The person ho was coking apparently being the owner Hindu was smoking and drinking and touching the food!!!!!!!! DIS CASTING !!!!!! that place shod be CLOSED !!! I did cool health department and they told me that they have already several complains!!!

So if your health is important for you don't go in that place that's my advise for you!

LOVE THE NEW RENOVATIONS

by Good Eatins

i go to the Famous Oyster Bar about once a month to catch up with some of my old high school friends. the place has a very cozy feel to it and the new renovations that were made really make the place stand out. the bar and the new tvs add to its cozy appeal. I would keep going despite the last comment.

pros: new decor, the service, chicken parm.<3 and the shrimp scampi

cons: small tables.

This will help your decision to stay AWAY for your health.

by zgetya

Violations from 10/04/2010 Inspection

Tip! "Critical" violations are displayed in red.

Violation points: 25

Violations were cited in the following area(s).

Sanitary Violations

1) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.

2) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.

3) Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.

4) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.

5) Plumbing not properly installed or maintained; anti-siphonage or backflow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly.

One of NYCbest places to eat out

by Chef Tony

I am just back from a weeklong trip to NYC and I must tell everyone - I would go again - any minute not only for the city itself but for the food.

Having had the opportunity to have eaten in places with a Michelin Star and renowned chefs served their food to me, I think I know what I am talking about if I rate this one of the best places in town.

While looking on the menu in their tiny window - we were approached by one of the people working that place. He told us all the great things they have - and I was doubtful half of it was even true. Imagine my surprise when my expectations were way exceeded. They ARE the “famous oyster bar”.

My dad and I had to try the oysters – since we both love oysters we are keen to try them were ever we go. And believe me have tried everything from road house or tikibar to excellent 5 star restaurants and have had extremes on both ends and in between. 

Let me tell you – these were excellent – I mean not good – EXCELLENT – one of the best I had. Each of us had two Vodka Bloody Marry Oysters to start off even before checking the menu and as an appetizer we shared two more sets of raw oysters. Extremely taste full, fresh watery oysters. So we run the meter quite up on our bill.

I moved on and had the surf and turf special – nothing to add here except – Awesome!

Hey everyone – if you are in NYC and have not yet stopped by – I dare you to try it yourself. If you finished your trip already and have not stopped by – well you missed out and need to come back. 

Sincerely,

Chef Tony

who is still dreaming of those oysters in delight.

small and cozy and overall great seafood restaurant.

by foodie214

ive been to the oyster bar many times and I don't know what the other people are saying but I love this restaurant.

Their lobster ravioli is great as well as their grilled lobsters. I also love their penne pastas, creamy and delicious especially with their garlic bread. The service is great and they truly treat their customers with respect.

I recommend this place!!

• Pros: great lobsters, prime location, great service
• Cons: no complaints

Please, avoid this place like the plague........

by prmiggy

Falsely seduced by the homely appearance of the restaurant I found myself going in with a friend this past Saturday for a late dinner. Mistake number two was ordering the "Lobster Newburg".

I will have to agree with another comment from the unfortunate birthday girl who compared the food to someone coming out of a school cafeteria. It appeared that the cook simply threw some lump lobster meat onto a tasteless "white sauce" and then placed it on a plate with the safe finesse as a tenured cafeteria matron.

Though the menu listed this "dish" coming with potatoes and vegetables, it was brought with poorly cooked rice. Requesting a correction from the server appeared to be a bother to him as he returned with a small dish of overcooked mixed vegetables.

The bill, $90.........the tip, minimal.

An overall truly bad dining experience. One not to repeated, and, hoping this prevents others from making the same mistake.

Lesson learned.

• Pros: the beer was cold
• Cons: all else

wonderful restaurant

by bigbmp80

I visited NYC for a week and ate here 5 of those days. The calamari was wonderful along with the seafood pasta dishes. i would highly recomend this restaurant, and can't wait until i revisit the city and the restaurant. Absolutely wonderful.

• Pros: Comfortable atmostphere, with wonderful food at a reasonable price.
• Cons: Slightly old decor.

FAMOUS!? For being AWFUL!

by kcsinger

This past wednesday, on my 30th birthday, I decided that I wanted to try out the Oyster Bar. The restaurant always seemed to be busy and despite the bad review I read here on CitySearch, I gave it a try. What a MISTAKE. My wine was warm and the amount of Calamari that we got in our Calamari appetizer ($11) could have fit into a coffee cup. I ordered the main lobster which was GROSSLY overcooked. It came with a salad, which was decent and although it said it came with a potato, they gave me french fries in a tiny sauce dish! My boyfriend got the Surf and Turf with a TINY lobster tail and a "filet" (yeah, right) full of fat, And yes, his veggies looked like they came from a grammar school cafeteria too. As I said, it was my birthday and my boyfriend had told them he wanted them to sing me happy birthday both when he made the reservation AND then again during the meal. You guessed it, they didn't do it. Just brought the bill ($109!!!!!) Don't make the mistake we did...eat somewhere else.

• Pros: it was close to my apartment
• Cons: everything else

Editorial Review

by Contributor

With specials daily, restaurant offers the West Side fresh seafood including lobster.