Map: U.S. Census TIGER/LineOpen in map

Pittsburgh classic

The story

The Original Oyster House opened in 1870, when oysters went for a penny and a beer cost a dime, and it's the oldest bar and restaurant in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation counts it as a landmark.

Its famous jumbo fish sandwich, so big it needs its own special bun, came from Louis "Silver Dollar Louie" Americus, who owned the place from 1916 to 1970. Mrs. Americus's breading recipe is still the one in use, and Louie covered the walls with photos of Miss America contestants.

Louis J. Grippo got thrown out of the place as a teenager and swore he'd own it someday. In 1970 he bought it, becoming its fifth owner, and the Grippo family still runs it. Hollywood likes it too: 25 films have been shot inside. Its official address is 20 Market Square.

At a glance

The basics, from public records.

Original Oyster House is an independent seafood restaurant at 5 McMasters Way in Downtown, a Pittsburgh neighborhood.

Details

From Allegheny County food facility permits. The owner can add the rest.

Address5 McMasters Way
NeighborhoodDowntown
CategorySeafood
HoursNot listed yet. Owner can add.
PhoneNot listed yet. Owner can add.
WebsiteNot listed yet. Owner can add.
SourcePittsburgh Spotlight directory (built from Allegheny County food permits)

Health inspection

No match on file
We couldn't confidently match this listing to a recent county inspection record. That usually means the permit is filed under a different name or address, not that it was never inspected.Source: Allegheny County Health Department open data.

Nearby

The closest listings to Original Oyster House. 228 places in Downtown.

Downtown guide

Sources: listing details and inspections from Allegheny County Health Department food facility data via WPRDC (public domain). Story sources: Original Oyster House, Our Story; Original Oyster House. Map from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER/Line. Distances are straight line. Listing data refreshed Oct 28, 2026.