NYC restaurants located within a 5 minute walk of Grand Central Terminal – 42 Street Station | Ratings, Reviews & Maps

For a few years in the late 1970s, I worked literally three blocks from Grand Central Station. And I’ve spent many more years since then working in and visiting New York City. Yet somehow—almost inexplicably—I had never set foot in the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Thankfully, that oversight was corrected in mid-December, when I found myself in the neighborhood looking for lunch and finally answered the call of this legendary spot. Walking down into the Oyster Bar feels like stepping into another era of New York: the iconic tiled, vaulted ceilings, the gentle hum of conversation, and the sense that very little here has changed—and that’s exactly the point. I took a seat at the long counter, which turned out to be the perfect vantage point. From there, I could watch the shuckers work with practiced ease and see a cook steadily turning out stews, "roasts", and chowders, all with the quiet efficiency that comes from doing something well for over a century. There’s a reassuring confidence to the place, the kind that only comes from decades of consistency. Lunch itself was excellent. I started with six Long Island Cherrystone clams and a half-dozen Malpeque oysters from Prince Edward Island—fresh, briny, and impeccably handled. To finish, I ordered a bowl of red Manhattan clam chowder, my longtime favorite style, and one that many consider among the best anywhere. It was deeply flavorful, balanced, and exactly what I hoped it would be. The Grand Central Oyster Bar isn’t about trends or reinvention. It’s about tradition, quality seafood, and a singular sense of place—something increasingly rare. I’m genuinely glad I finally made it, and I won’t be waiting decades before my next visit. Highly recommended that you stop in sometime yourself.
Charlie Byrne - 5 months ago

Really cool restaurant in Grand Central Station. Visiting NY and wanted done oysters and seafood. Oysters weren't bad, but the greatest. We had a wide selection hoping for some Britney plump Oysters, but they were average at best. Clam chowder wasn't bad. Have had seafood at plenty of restaurants along the coast. This place was average and more a novelty with being in Grand Central Station. We sat on restaurant seated site, then have a more laid back open dining area, and then a bar lounge area. Liked the setup, wish food was much better, really wanted to love it. But liked it at best.
RJ A - 6 months ago

The oyster pan knocked my socks off! I did as reviews mentioned and sat at the high counter and watched them make it. It kind of reminded me of the old Woolworth diners, but finer. Beautiful architecture to enjoy especially dining solo.
Mel M - 3 months ago

Honestly I have such a mixed time when I come here. Sometimes the food has bedn good - not great but good. The most recent time it was just about passable and the best dish I had last time (anchovy butter oysters) weren't good and didn't taste of anchovy. The atmosphere, interior and service is consistently good.
Robyn Lewis - 5 months ago

Located on the sublevels of Grand Central Station, this restaurant is on the eastern most side of the Dining Concourse when you go downstairs. It is possible to take the stairs or a longer ramp from street level to get to the place. The ambience is dim, enough for your potential date to swoon but not too dark that you cannot see your food. The staff are very attentive and refill water regularly. I went during a less busy time so food came very fast. Pictured below are the Lobster Bisque and the Shellfish Platter with a half lobster. Was delicious, and was in and out of there at a comfortable time.
Moises Garcia - 3 months ago

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We were looking for a late lunch spot. This place caught our attention and we were quickly seated in a great window booth. Service was quick -- there were few other diners at our off-hour mid-afternoon craving. We ordered a chicken bacon club to split along with a salad and fries. The ordering was the high point. Well, the fries were those yummy thin fries that arrived pretty hot, screaming Eat Me! The sandwich had no flavor. I mean: At All. Maybe I tasted some wheat in that bread. Maybe not. Salt helped. But it was lacking any semblance of real food. Meanwhile, in our great booth seat we watched the cascading line outside of Los Tacos No. 1. Even mid-day that place was hopping. I doubt we would have gotten such a great place to sit, but we would have likely eaten food that had some umph to it. So...go for drinks! Or maybe the breakfasts others rave about. But in my experience, this in decidedly not the spot for an off-hours lunch.
Laura Truax - 4 months ago

Thoroughly enjoyed breakfast at this classic spot across the street from Grand Central Station! The atmosphere takes you back to a more distinguished time without being pretentious and the service is attentive and friendly. The food presentation is first rate and fresh orange juice and plentiful coffee were both excellent!
Gerald Longjohn - 3 weeks ago

Absolutely perfect we arrived at 11 and wanted lunch. It didn't start for another 30 minutes apparently but they bumped up the time for us so we didn't wait long. The waiting a staff was absolutely accommodating along with my family and grandchildren. I had the chicken pot pie which I had to have in a long time as good as my grandmother made. Don't pay attention to the wait times reviews because we went right in and got seated
Ryan Robbins - a week ago

My first time at Pershing Square and I was not disappointed! I ordered the fettuccine pasta with vegetables in a pesto sauce for lunch and it was amazing. The portion was generous and I ate the whole thing! Food baby! The service was great. As a matter fact, we had several servers and they were all very polite, friendly. Decent prices too. My entreé was $22. The only thing I didn’t care for was how loud it was! Overall, I highly recommend Pershing Square for a business lunch, out with friends, maybe not a first date if you want to talk and get to know each other.
Kim Montalvo - 10 months ago

We visited this restaurant for breakfast during our first visit to New York City. They have amazing fresh squeezed orange juice. I had the eggs Benedict and they were very good. My daughter had an omelette and she enjoyed it very much. The service was a bit slow, but they were busy so it was understandable.
Julie Warwick - 4 months ago

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What a wonderful elegant experience at Morton's steakhouse. My wife was given a Xmas gift to this establishment and from the time we entered and until we left it was all about us and the customer experience. My wife entered first and I was on my way , the staff was great and ensured her it would be a good time. When I arrived the staff again showed great appreciation for our time. The steak was great and we enjoyed the dessert and wine. 2/14 my wife and I returned to this wonderful restaurant and enjoyed everything including our lovely waitress raeanna can't wait to return. Customer service is incredible. 2/15/26 update : its unfortunate but I discovered a extra 55 dollar charge on my card . I was vigilant and reported it to my credit card company . My credit card company cleared my 55 dollars and returned it to me I also contacted the parent company of mortons steakhouse and no one has responded to me ? I'm disappointed and don't feel comfortable returning. 2/26/26 update: today Peter a general manager at this location responded and assured me that it was a honest mistake and I'm pleased with the answer. And look forward to returning.
Elliott Williams - 2 months ago

It has become a little tradition for me — every time I’m in the USA, I have to visit Morton’s for their amazing shrimp! The food never disappoints — perfectly cooked, flavorful, and always fresh. The steak and sides were also excellent, but the shrimp is always my personal favorite. The service is top-notch, as always. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made me feel genuinely welcomed. The atmosphere is classic and elegant, yet still relaxed — perfect for both a nice dinner or a special occasion. Morton’s truly delivers consistent quality and an unforgettable dining experience every single time. Highly recommend it if you love great food, excellent service, and that timeless steakhouse charm.
Wisuta Phuwiangkaeo - 6 months ago

This restaurant delivers an outstanding dining experience! The atmosphere is elegant yet comfortable, with a great mix of modern design and warmth. The menu offers a variety of premium steaks, seafood, and creative appetizers — everything beautifully presented and delicious. The quality and flavor are exceptional. Special thanks to Kai, the manager, who is absolutely fantastic — attentive, professional, and genuinely cares about every guest’s experience. Highly recommended!
Aleh Ranchynski - 6 months ago

Dining at Morton’s The Steakhouse on Fifth Avenue was a real pleasure from start to finish. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, with the perfect blend of classic New York steakhouse charm and professional service. The porterhouse steak was cooked to perfection — juicy, flavorful, and beautifully seared. The French fries were crisp and seasoned just right, while the signature onion bread was warm and irresistible. For starters, I tried the meatball with burrata and pesto, a surprising and delicious choice that felt both Italian and American in style. Everything was paired with a great selection of wines and cocktails; my dirty martini was perfectly balanced. Overall, Morton’s remains a benchmark for high-quality dining in New York City — excellent food, attentive staff, and a timeless atmosphere. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a true steakhouse experience.
Tommaso GRIMALDI - 6 months ago

Made a birthday reservation for two and got the full birthday princess treatment. Absolutely fabulous service, food, and atmosphere. Will definitely be returning and would absolutely recommend for any reason, but especially for special occasions
Brielle - 3 months ago

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Spend so much time here that I think I’ve tried everything on the menu - especially love their calamari, tuna tartare and duck! Gym is always crowded around rush hour but is mostly empty during the day and on weekends. Rooftop has great seating with views in the summer and tap room is great for getting work done in the winter. Largest club of all the university clubs in NYC and has by far the best interior designs.
Gloriane Tong - a year ago

Has the most amazing kitchen staff! Very lovely place with perfect ambience! Go Bulldogs!
Adati Tarfa - 8 months ago

Been here several times over the years and its been great, but it seems clear to me that they are in something of a downswing these days. The wait staff is very inattentive. The restaurant is always buzzing with servers, but none seem to be visiting tables or checking in with guests. In my hour and a half dinner, my waiter came over twice and I had to call a different waiter over, who was just standing and looking out into space, just to get boxes and the check. That too wasn't easy, as the waiter literally looked me in the eyes and then looked away as if to try and pass it on to someone else, but when there was no one, he reluctantly resigned himself to actually helping a customer. The food was decent, but plenty expensive, and not good enough to account for the shoddy service at a place like the Yale Club. Dont see myself coming here again with all the options NYC has to offer.
shino878 - a month ago

We visited the Yale Club through a reciprocal membership with our club. It’s warm, sophisticated, and full of history—Yale has certainly produced some remarkable leaders. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and we appreciate the charm of a smaller hotel. The location is ideal, close to all the action yet tucked away on a quieter street.
Haroola Mou - 6 months ago

Great food. Very good event space.
Michael Ackley - a month ago

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Above average steaks in a tight and dimly lit restaurant. Dined here during the last week of NYC Restaurant Week, and boy was dinner service jammed packed! Every table was filled, they even had small tables on the walkway, which I found kind of odd, but real estate in nyc is tough! The interior gives the old steakhouse dark vibes if you’re into that. The sirloin and rib eye we ordered from the restaurant week menu was juicy on the inside and nice and charred on the outside, but definitely heavy on the butter. Sides were typical. Old fashioned drink was done well and not too overly sweet like some places make them. There’s also an extensive wine list if you care to fancy. All in all, a decent steakhouse in midtown Manhattan!
abcdan - 4 months ago

Benjamin Steakhouse in NYC was absolutely outstanding. The food was out of this world from start to finish. We began with the Canadian bacon, which was thick, tender, and full of flavor — the perfect way to start the meal. For our main course, we ordered the Steak for 3, and it was fantastic. The steak was perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful, and exactly what you hope for at a top-tier steakhouse. We paired it with whipped potatoes and asparagus, both of which complemented the steak beautifully. Of course, we had to finish with the crème brûlée, and it did not disappoint. It tasted homemade, with a rich, creamy texture and a nice thick sugar crust on top. Overall, an exceptional dining experience with amazing food from beginning to end. Benjamin Steakhouse is a must-visit in NYC, and I would absolutely come back.
Joey Bouchard - a month ago

My wife and I celebrated Valentine’s Day at Benjamin’s Steakhouse in New York City, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. This was my second visit, and I had been looking forward to bringing my wife for a long time. It absolutely lived up to the anticipation. We were seated right away, even on a busy holiday night, which set the tone for the evening. The customer service was outstanding, attentive without being intrusive, and the food was exceptional. Every course was perfectly prepared and full of flavor. Exactly what you hope for in a top-tier NYC steakhouse. The environment struck the perfect balance between lively and intimate. The seating wasn’t too tight, which made a big difference. We felt like we still had our own space and privacy, making it ideal for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day. A particularly nice touch was when the general manager, Mario, stopped by our table to personally check on us and make sure everything was going well. That level of attention and hospitality truly elevated the experience. We left feeling taken care of and already looking forward to our next visit. Benjamin’s continues to impress, and it’s now a special place for both of us.
Zachariah Bates - 4 months ago

It was excellent and met the standard you would expect from a proper steakhouse. We ordered the porterhouse, and it arrived sizzling on a hot plate, instantly boosting the appetite. The doneness was handled well, with a nicely seared, flavorful crust on the outside. The server thoughtfully helped carve the first few pieces for us, plated with bright green asparagus. Before the food even touched tongue, a smile was already on face. This is the kind of experience that is hard to recreate at home. Sometimes it is worth paying for professional quality lol
Sixi Ma - 4 months ago

Wowww! You get a lot more than amazing food at Benjamin’s. From the reception to all the service people it was an amazing experience. John (Shkodran), the manager was there to help anyone with his smile and etiquette. 👏👏👏 I’m not a meat guy but the meat here was out of this world. Would definitely come back and suggest anyone to go there.
Eglent Bici - 4 months ago

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Another branch of a restaurant that is consistently excellent in both cuisine and service (very customer centric). Only issues here is the ambiance feels busy/crowded due to the smaller space - and the onion soup doesn't quite hit the highs as in other branches (hasn't been steeped long enough). Steaks were perfectly done as always
王浩禾 - 2 months ago

BIG SHOUTOUT TO BENNETT AND MARCEL!!! Let me start with how fantastic the food and cocktails are, well made, great portions and presentation. The highlight of our night was the spectacular hospitality from our server Bennett as well as Marcel. Bennett was knowledgeable, able to answer any questions we had, made great recommendations. Extremely attentive, and on top of table maintenance. Marcel wow, full of kindness and care he took the time to engage in authentic conversation with us. You do not see such hospitality these days, thank you guys for such and amazing dining experience. Give the guys a RAISE!!! THEY ARE SO FUNNY AND CHARISMATIC
Roni Sandrusi - 5 months ago

We absolutely love The Capital Grille in New York! The food is always exceptional, perfectly cooked, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere and vibe are just wonderful — elegant yet warm, making it a great spot for both special occasions and family dinners. We often go with our son and always have a fantastic time. The only thing that would make the experience even better is if they had a changing table for babies. It can be a bit difficult to change him there. Other than that small issue, everything about our visits has been amazing. We’ll definitely keep coming back. It is one of our favorite restaurants in the city!
Angela Casallas - 7 months ago

We shared a beautiful dinner here with a wonderful server and he even gave us a free dessert! We definitely will come again food was worth the price and so was the service. It felt fancy but in a casual way we wore our jeans n matching blue hoodie n felt right at home everything was fast and friendly.
Sophia Chambers - 5 months ago

The Capital Grille is an amazing and well-regarded fine dining steakhouse chain that’s known for offering exquisite lamb chops, chicken, salmon, steaks along with other well made dishes in a relaxed and upscale atmosphere. Owned and operated by Darden Restaurant, it has multiple locations throughout the United States and has a few locations internationally. In February of 2026, I brought and treated my wife and myself for dinner at Capital Grille, specifically the branch based in the MetLife Building of Midtown East in Manhattan, New York. We visited the restaurant to celebrate our “Happy Eight Year Wedding Anniversary” and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our time there!!! The staff were very friendly and welcoming and quickly provided us with a very large and comfortable dining table. We thank the members of the staff for stopping by our table to acknowledge our anniversary, for their warm wishes and for sprinkling our table with anniversary decorations!!! Both my wife & I were in absolute awe of the beauty and elegance of Capital Grille’s interior design. We both loved the art deco style dim lighting, the gorgeous oil portraits, the mahogany stained ceiling and walls, and the magnificent ceiling lights. The interior settings along with the playing of light jazz certainly helped produce a very classy, cozy and refined dining experience. Our server for the evening, Joshua N. was unquestionably a consummate professional!!! He was very kind, attentive, and was immensely knowledgeable regarding the menu options and specials for the day. Joshua also did a great job on addressing our menu inquiries, documenting our menu orders, and offered great suggestions on the meals that my wife would prefer for her dinner. In addition, Joshua wished us a wonderful anniversary, provided us with a delicious complimentary dessert and adeptly scooped and shared our side dishes on our entree meal plate. We both thank Joshua for his superb professionalism and great hospitality. Capital Grille is indeed blessed to have him on their team. Last but certainly not least, my wife and I absolutely loved our meals!!! My wife ordered and enjoyed her “Dry Aged Strip Steak” entree and I ordered and enjoyed my “Citrus Glazed Salmon” entree. We also found our soup appetizers and our side dishes which included the “sautéed spinach” and “mashed potatoes” to be highly flavorful and scrumptious!!! Without question, all of our meals at Capital Grille were impeccably cooked, perfectly seasoned, and flawlessly delicious!!! We are deeply grateful for the wonderful dining experience provided by the staff at Capital Grille and truly appreciate their great service in celebrating our anniversary!!! It’s an experience that we’ll treasure forever and we highly recommend for everyone to visit and dine at this outstanding steakhouse restaurant!!!
Greg Harris - 3 months ago

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Nice secret bar in Grand Central area. I just have few hours meeting up friend who works near by so it is not a lot of bar around because the area is mostly office. It took me walking 2-3 rounds to find this place but when I got in it was very crowded. No space to sit at that time so my friend and I just stand at the bar. Looks like lot of people don't want to go back home right after work so they just come to hang out here. Drink is good, confirm by my friend who is martini lover :) So I recommended.
Melissa Naja - 3 years ago

So the menu is more interesting than the food and surprisingly the sushi (crispy salmon roll) was the standout. Nice touch serving salted edamame w drinks. The wine list is ok, tho I'd steer clear of the craft cocktails..too sweet. Nice service, very loud until the after work crowd dissipated a bit.
lisa english - 8 years ago

Only had a drink but it was well made and the bar tender was great. Great ingredients in the drinks made them super tasty!
Eric Thomas - 2 years ago

Solid bar. Basically a bar that is connected to Bobby Van's. Very convenient location right next to Grand Central. Decent draught list and solid cocktails with the prices you would expect for the location (not cheap) . Service was exceptional. We were a large group there during happy hour and all of our drink orders were fulfills in under 3 minutes.
Jason Kapelus - 2 years ago

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Some of the very best bagels I have had. Onion bagel has perfect texture and the onions were quality and plenty of them. Wonderful schmear of cream cheese. Cinnamon raisin bagel had wonderful taste and had it with butter and you know it's received plenty of butter as it comes through the wrapper. Rainbow cookies were good but have had better. Overall the this is the spot for a true New York bagel
Travis Blank - 2 months ago

Was great for a quick stop on a Saturday morning (8:30) and it seemed to get a bit busier after we had our order in, but the food came quickly. I had the traditional open-face lox and bagel. I wasn’t a fan of the coffee, but I’m super picky! I probably should have picked something else ;) Overall, a great quick pick if you’re in the area!
Linsight - a month ago

Staff was patient and friendly!! It was busy and we found out why… SO GOOD! I had bagel lox and my sister had honey jalapeño on a toasted bagel! Coffee was good too!!
Ashleigh D - 3 months ago

Great customer service. Food was good. Had order a large vanilla soy latte. They left the vanilla out, of course didn't realize until I arrived home. Was so surprised when coffee had no flavor. But sandwich was very good.
Tracey C - 6 months ago

Despite the terrible photo, my sandwich was delicious and fresh. I took 2 bagel set sto go and one suggestion is to separate the everything bagel from other bagels so the seasoning doesn’t ruin the other bagels flavor. Also labels help when you have different orders of the same thing!
Mimi Eats - a month ago

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To eat cheap close than Grand Central Station , quickly and healthy ? It’s the spot to be ! You can take to go, or to eat upstair for less than $20, if you like to have a full menu. It’s also possible to have salad and some food under 10$ !
Emeline Chatelot - 2 months ago

Their breakfast buffet is top-notch, and the wait is quick! This place runs like a well-oiled machine, thanks to the super-efficient staff. You can be in and out in under five minutes—perfect for busy mornings! Lunch can get a bit hectic with the crowds, but the staff’s impressive speed keeps your wait time to pay under five minutes. It’s a lively atmosphere, and you’ll be ready to tackle your day in no time! One suggestion: it would be even better if they offered sriracha sauce to spice things up! However, a minor criticism is the pricing; for instance, a small box of sushi costs $7.50 but has jumped to $9. A little adjustment there would make the experience even better!
Troy Gordon - a year ago

This place is awesome. It is a GREAT stop for breakfast Lunch and Dinner just everything you could want small mart / luncheon breakfast dinner grill and drinks station with seating and all ! Clean and fresh food !
Renee Joseph - a month ago

My go-to place for a quick lunch. Great selection and quality food. Perfect to get in and out in 5 min with yummy food for you to eat on your desk.
Cliff Weng - a month ago

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A true local gem just steps from Grand Central. The service strikes that perfect balance~attentive without ever feeling rushed~so you can actually relax and enjoy your meal. The food was delicious, and beautifully prepared. It’s one of those places you keep coming back to, A great experience.
N P - 2 months ago

We visited this place for a happy hour nightcap, and it was absolutely beautiful! You could actually hear yourself think and the person next to you! Their happy hour offers a drink with some appetizers, but I believe they should have a separate happy hour with just drinks, as you’d otherwise have to order from the regular menu. Regardless, I’ll definitely be returning to try their food! Their wine was incredible!
Taylor - 7 months ago

We hosted our wedding dinner at Pera this January, about 120 people on a Friday night, and overall it was a wonderful experience. The space is beautiful, especially in the winter, and it barely needed any extra decor. Being right next to Grand Central made it incredibly easy for guests coming from all over. Before choosing Pera, we looked at a lot of NYC venues and kept running into the same issues: places that were too expensive, too small, or technically fit our guest count but were broken up into weird rooms, alcoves, or hallways. Pera stood out because it was reasonably priced, had true restaurant-quality food, and offered one large, continuous event space right in the heart of the city. We were able to do a cocktail hour, a seated dinner, and speeches all seamlessly. From the start, Pinar and Emi were kind, responsive, and patient as we asked a million questions. They really worked with us to make sure the night felt right. Communication was strong throughout, and we always felt heard. We booked about a year in advance, and during planning there were some natural adjustments as menus and pricing evolved. What mattered most to us was that when it came time to lock things in, they worked with us thoughtfully and collaboratively so we could land on a menu we were excited about. That flexibility made a big difference. The food was excellent. Multiple guests told us how delicious everything was. The service during the night was smooth and professional. Overall, Pera delivered a great evening for us. It’s a beautiful space with strong food, a solid team, and a very convenient location, and we’d recommend it to anyone looking to host a large dinner or event in the city.
Miguel Anderson - 4 months ago

We had a great team lunch at Pera Mediterranean Brasserie—terrific staff, a welcoming ambiance, and definitely a spot worth considering for events or business meals. The space feels polished yet approachable, and other reviewers have noted how it shines for group dining and upscale gatherings.  Here’s how our meal went: Starters • Grilled octopus: Cooked well and crisp at the edges, but I felt it could have used more seasoning to truly stand out. • Hummus: Creamy, smooth, and flavorful—a strong start that I enjoyed. Main Course • Beef shishlik: Tender and well executed in terms of cooking technique; however, it lacked a bit of seasoning punch. I’d rate it about 3.5 out of 5—good, but left a little room for improvement. Overall, we really enjoyed ourselves. With the strong service, atmosphere, and overall experience, I’ll definitely be returning to try more dishes. If you’re planning a lunch with friends or colleagues and want somewhere that balances style and comfort—this is a solid choice.
sam si - 8 months ago

A delightful spot for lunch and impressive ambiance. Cocktail No. 5 is now absolute favorite. The soujouk were the undeniable best way to start a meal but the lamb adana on top of the watermelon heirloom tomato salad stole the show. Easily top 5 lamb preparations I’ve ever had. Welcoming and higher tier staff. Beautiful open kitchen. Finely curated spot that is definitely worth a visit.
Bradley Miller - 8 months ago

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