Union Oyster House

The country's oldest restaurant in continuous service lures touristy crowds with its fresh seafood and award-winning chowder.

(617) 227-2750

41 Union St (at North Street)
Boston, MA 02108 42.3612 -71.0569

Neighborhoods: Downtown, Central

unionoysterhouse.c…

Hours:

Sun-Thu 11am-9:30pm

Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

View the menu

Email business

Price:

$$$

Last updated 6.12.09

Union Oyster House

What People Are Saying About Union Oyster House

The Owner

Union Oyster House

Owner

The Union Oyster House, located on the Freedom Trail near Faneuil Hall, enjoys the unique distinction of being America's oldest restaurant.

This Boston fixture is housed in a building dating back to pre-revolutionary days and started serving food in 1826. The stalls and oyster bar where Daniel Webster was a regular customer are in their original positions. Today's politicians, celebrities and tourists still come in to enjoy the food.

We are the third family in nearly two centuries to own the Union Oyster House.

Read more from the owner

The Editor

Eric Grossman

Citysearch

In Short
Dating back to 1826, the Union Oyster House maintains a suitably old-fashioned tavern decor, with lots of weathered wood and a casual atmosphere. Tourists and locals rub shoulders to slurp down oysters and tuck into thick chowders and substantial pieces of grilled or baked fish. Bivalve lovers gather around the old-school raw bar to sample fresh cherrystones, littlenecks and steamers. Desserts include hot Indian pudding, homemade gingerbread and warm apple cobbler.

CarolD

April 15, 2009

Not sure what all the hype is. Not traditional New England seafood . It's for out of towners.. that do not know where to get good New England Seafood. Anyone can get Chowder from a can, and through some clams in it!!!! Not worth the $$$$.

Anonymous

December 28, 2008

The Union Oyster House is America's longest continuously operated restaurant. Despite the age, the food remains great. The lobster ravioli is phenomenal and so is the rest of the menu. Not to die for, but definitely great!

gelly88

November 18, 2008

I have been here 2 times over the last year and stuck with the Clam Chowder and a Sam Adams. I've eaten at the bar every time. Based on the mixed reviews here, I haven't tried anything else. I want to keep going back here for the traditional New England Clam Chowder. It is made with the traditional ingredients and I haven't had anything else in Boston that comes close. It's thick and flavored just right. The clams have always been fresh. Note, the cornbread is downright horrible, so just stick to the basics of beer and chowda and you'll understand why this place is still around. Plus, the original side of the restaurant has some great history. Be sure to walk around. I love this place and will keep going back for the right reasons.

The Details on Union Oyster House

Know Before You Go:

Tables fill up on the oddest nights, and patrons aren't rushed once they're seated, so claim your seats in advance.

When to Go:

You can get a bite at the bar (including raw bar treats) until midnight on weekends.

Smoking Permitted:

No

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Message from Union Oyster House

  • Nearby historic attractions
  • Meetings and functions
  • Celebrity sightings

The Union Oyster House, located on the Freedom Trail near Faneuil Hall, enjoys the unique distinction of being America's oldest restaurant.

This Boston fixture is housed in a building dating back to pre-revolutionary days and started serving food in 1826. The stalls and oyster bar where Daniel Webster was a regular customer are in their original positions. Today's politicians, celebrities and tourists still come in to enjoy the food.

We are the third family in nearly two centuries to own the Union Oyster House.

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Union Oyster House

41 Union St (at North Street)
Boston, MA 02108

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