Sandwiches at Grand Central Oyster Bar

[AnjLM]

My friend and I are looking for an inexpensive place to get lunch around Grand Central Station (we're going all out at Babbo for dinner so we won't want anything too heavy/filling). We've read a lot of positive feedback on these boards for the oysters at GCOB, but I haven't seen anyone mention the sandwiches...unfortunately neither of us likes raw oysters. Can anyone comment on the sandwiches here?

[AnjLM]

Thanks for all the input. We did end up at GCOB for lunch on Saturday. I had the oyster po'boy which was ok. The oysters definitely could have been crispier, they were a little soggier. My friend enjoyed the cajun shrimp popcorn sandwich. My other friend however only had a bite of his tuna burger. He was already full from a bowl of clam chowder (good but not great in my opinon) but really did not take to the tuna burger. Not quite sure what his complaint was and I didn't try it myself.

[kobetobiko]

Agree with most hounds - Oyster Bar is good in the sense that they have more varieties, so I go for the harder to find oysters (like Belon). Other food was ok but not impressive. I enjoy the oyster pan roast and often ask for extra bread to soak up the "sauce".

[bigmackdaddy]

GCOB is over rated.

[Yaqo Homo]

I think that most chowhounds would agree with that statement. GCOB is simply not a good value, but it is a quintessential New York/tourist experience, and they do a small number of things very well (pan roasts, oysters on the half shell); the majority of the menu should be avoided.

[bigmackdaddy]

I'm a Track's fan when it comes to oysters on the half. Unfortunately, I don't know of any GCOB sandwich alternatives when it comes to oyster po, boys or fried clam sandwiches. As far as pan roasts go, I'll always take the trip to the Terminal Market in Philly for that. I will also say to the OP that the GCOP is not inexpensive.

[Abe Froman]

not overated since most people who dine regularly in and around Manhattan agree that it is not that great.

Go for the raw oysters and the pan roast, skip the rest...

[Yaqo Homo]

Get the oyster pan roast if you don't like raw oysters--it's one of the tastiest dishes in the city.

[evans]

the oysters are great; everything else uninspired.

yes, their seafood is fresh, but the prep & presentation is ho-hum (though traditional).

[julesj66]

They have sandwiches only at lunch I believe - ask for the sandhich menu - I like the fried oyster Po Boy & the fried clam sand too.

[AnjLM]

Thanks for replying. I'm glad to see that you enjoyed the oyster po boy...that's what I had my eye on!

[BW212]

I have to say that after wanting to eat at the GCOB for years, I was very disappointed in it when I finally ate there. As was my friend (and it was a business lunch so we weren't paying)

I didn't think the quality of the food nor of the service was worth the prices. But then again, maybe I was there on an off day.

[thunderbug84]

BW212, do you have any suggestions for other places in the area for a Saturday lunch?

[DoctortedNYC]

Ignore all naysayers.
I eat in all the citys best resto's.

The GCOB has the best seafood in the city.

[steve h.]

respectfully disagree. pan roasts are ok. everything else, including table service, is sub par.

[MIKELOCK34]

We disagree wholeheartedly. The food there is very poor. We have tried several dishes on the menu other than oysters on the halfshell, and each dish has been very poor.

[tracyk]

It's a great place to sit at the bar and enjoy a glass of champagne, shrimp cocktail and oysters. Their cooked food is uninspired, at best.