9. The Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Grand Central Terminal

Oyster Bar in Grand Central with Guastavino arches, , landmark

All the restaurants inside Grand Central Terminal â€” designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and a New York City Landmark in 1967 — technically qualify for this list, but The Oyster Bar & Restaurant deserves special mention. Located on the lower level of New York’s iconic transit hub, the eatery has been dishing out the freshest oysters and seafood dishes since 1913.

Over a hundred years later, The Oyster Bar & Restaurant remains a New York institution and is regarded not only for its food but for its vaulted, Guastavino-tiled ceiling and timeless architecture. Additionally, the archway in front of the restaurant is the most well-known whispering gallery in New York City. Nobody knows whether this whispering gallery was built this way intentionally, but it has provided endless amusement for residents and tourists alike.

Grand central aerial

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