Philadelphia's Oyster House wins James Beard 'America's Classics' award

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The James Beard Awards have not yet been officially announced, but on Wednesday, a 50-year-old Philadelphia institution learned it was a winner of the foundation's annual "America's Classics" award.

Rittenhouse Square staple Oyster House received the honor for the Mid-Atlantic region. The restaurant is known for its raw bar, lobster rolls and a weekday happy hour featuring $2 oysters.

The James Beard Foundation described Oyster House as the "last of its generation" and "legendary."

READ MORE | List of 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists in the Philadelphia region

The America's Classics award recognizes locally owned restaurants that serve high-quality food, have timeless appeal and reflect the character of their communities.

Last month, more than a dozen businesses in the Philadelphia region were named semifinalists for this year's James Beard Awards.