Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Philadelphia County
  4. Philadelphia
  5. Center City
Oyster House Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Icon

Oyster House Philadelphia

$50 and over
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 26 times today
  • Lively
  • Neighbourhood 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
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighbourhood
    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 119 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

NoiseModerate

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.

119 Reviews
  1. Anthony

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 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.

    Is this helpful?

  2. I. Howard

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    65 reviews

    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined 3 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.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Linda

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Harold

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 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?

    Is this helpful?

  5. Ali

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best clam chowder and fresh oysters I’ve ever consumed!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Willie

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is excellent. The Servers are very knowledgeable and the food choices come out awesome and appetizing. This place has over 30 years consistency for me. My first time back in many years. You will not be disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  7. cheryl

    New York City

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a great experience! Awesome and attentive server, a delicious Clambake for Two which is sooo filling, and saving the best for last was the Butterscotch pudding, Yum!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Melissa

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on January 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    the food is excellent. Very noisy and the ambiance is casual. But we love it there.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Lauren

    Philadelphia

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a spectacular seafood raw bar experience Oysters and clams served by Gary were tender and beautifully cleaned. We shared a chilled lobster as well. Everything was so fresh and delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Derek

    VIP

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The food, entrees and the service were very good and appetizing. The seafood selection was fresh and flavorful. I’d recommend if you’re looking for a quality seafood spot in downtown Philly to add this to your list!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Oyster House Philadelphia is rated 4.9 stars by 119 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 26 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)
  • Neighbourhood
    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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo