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Broad Street Oyster Company (Grand Central Market)
Master Critic Review
Broad Street Oyster Company (Grand Central Market)
8.2
The DTLA outpost of Malibu’s seafood darling serves lobster rolls and seafood towers alongside hot, skin-on fries with Old Bay aioli. It’s more pricey than most market stalls, but the fries hold their own next to serious seafood and have become a go-to side for diners grazing Grand Central Market.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Fries with Old Bay Aioli, Chicken & Fries Basket, Lobster Roll with Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Seafood-heavy stall where crisp fries with Old Bay aioli anchor every order.
Who should go: Seafood lovers wanting fries that keep up with the mains.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before Grand Central gets packed.
What to order: Lobster roll with fries, chicken and fries, clam chowder.
Insider tip: If tables are full, take your fries and roll to the market’s upper seating for space and views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available in the Grand Central Market garage on Hill Street; street parking is limited and competitive during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests are in relaxed market attire.
Noise level: Moderate to loud depending on time of day due to the open food hall environment.
Weekend wait: 15-30 minutes, particularly when lobster rolls are in high demand.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal; 0-10 minutes unless there’s a market event or rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; fries and a couple of sides are the only reliable meat-free picks.
Vegan options: Minimal; fries may be suitable depending on fryer practices, but most menu items include dairy or seafood.
Gluten-free options: Some items like the lobster roll filling and chowder may be gluten-free, but the fryer and prep areas are not dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date enjoys casual food hall vibes and seafood; the fries and rolls are great sharables, but the bustling environment isn’t ideal for quieter conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Grand Central Market seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive slightly off-peak or use the upstairs seating area for better luck.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes; the market layout means strollers and families are common, though crowds can be intense during peak times.
Best For
Better for: Seafood-focused plates with fries that stand up to premium mains, plus strong visual appeal for social-media-minded diners.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, extensive vegan or gluten-free choices, or lower prices than typical Grand Central Market seafood vendors.