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Grey Lady
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Grey Lady
8.1
Grey Lady is a Nantucket-inspired seafood bar on Delancey Street known for its $1 oyster happy hour, lobster rolls, and coastal New England plates. The space leans more party than hushed restaurant, with strong cocktails and a crowd that treats it as both oyster bar and nightlife hub.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh East Coast oysters on the half shell, New England clam chowder, Maine lobster roll with fries
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Nantucket-style oyster bar energy with serious happy hour seafood deals.
Who should go: Oyster fans wanting cocktails and a lively coastal bar scene.
When to visit: Happy hour for $1 oysters and easier bar seating.
What to order: Oysters, clam chowder, classic lobster roll with fries.
Insider tip: Time your visit for weekday happy hour and grab bar seats for faster oyster refills and direct access to the cocktail team.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Delancey, especially after 6pm; rely on nearby paid garages on Essex or Ludlow if you're driving.
Dress code: Casual but stylish; coastal-inspired outfits, dark jeans, and dressy tops fit the crowd. Avoid overly formal attire.
Noise level: Loud, especially during happy hour and evenings. Expect a buzzing bar scene with limited quiet conversation space.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak oyster happy hour transitions.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening and nightlife spot, typically no daytime wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mostly sides and small plates. The focus is seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited—this is not a strong choice for fully plant-based diners.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many raw and grilled seafood dishes can be made gluten-free; ask about fryer cross-contact for fries.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want lively energy, cocktails, and oysters; less ideal if you prefer quiet conversation or a more intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during weekdays, especially at the bar. Weekends can be tough—arrive early for best luck around happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The space leans nightlife-forward with loud music and bar crowds; better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Oyster deals, lively coastal bar vibes, and cocktail-driven group hangs compared to quieter seafood restaurants nearby.
Skip if: You want a calm dinner, extensive non-seafood options, or a kid-friendly environment; choose a more traditional seafood restaurant instead.
Grey Lady
7.8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Grey Lady brings a Nantucket-inspired seafood and cocktail bar vibe to Delancey Street, with an intimate private dining room tucked behind the main bar. It’s a solid pick for smaller birthday dinners, bridal showers, or early-evening team outings that might turn into a late-night scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Roll, New England Clam Chowder, Fried Calamari
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A coastal-feeling seafood and cocktail spot with a tucked-away private room that keeps you near the bar energy without being in the crowd.
Who should go: Smaller groups who want seafood, cocktails, and a rowdy afterparty
When to visit: Early evening weekends for dinner before the bar scene ramps up
What to order: Lobster roll, clam chowder, fried calamari or raw oysters
Insider tip: Book the private room for dinner, then slide out to the main bar or nearby LES spots once the music gets louder.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Delancey is limited, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Essex and Allen are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual with a nightlife lean; jeans are fine but most groups go slightly dressy for photos and the bar scene.
Noise level: Energetic and loud after 8pm, with music and bar chatter; early evenings stay moderate enough for group conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer after 8:30pm when the bar crowd builds.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; the venue opens later in the day and isn’t a lunch spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of options like salads, fries, and some veggie-forward starters, but the menu leans seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited; best to call ahead as only a couple of sides and salads can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Several seafood items are naturally gluten-free, and staff can guide modifications for the lobster roll or chowder.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for casual, social first dates that might transition into drinks. The later-night volume can feel too rowdy for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for small groups early in the evening, but weekends fill quickly. Walk-ins after 8pm often face waits, especially for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The space is tight, the menu is cocktail-forward, and the late-night crowd makes it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Small celebrations where you want seafood, cocktails, and the flexibility to shift into a party atmosphere without changing venues.
Skip if: You need a quiet room, extensive dietary accommodations, or a more formal private dining experience.