As a couple, Grand Central Oyster Bar works.
Low Guastavino-tiled vaults that bounce the chatter around, dozens of oyster varieties chalked above the curved bar, and pan roasts spun up in silvery swivel pots on New York steam in under three minutes. The move is a solo or two-top stool at the curved oyster bar — not a table in the cavernous back saloon — watching the shuckers work. Electric for oyster lovers chasing old New York; wrong for anyone wanting trendy, quiet, or refined.