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
(North Street)
Boston,
MA
02108
42.3612
-71.0569
Neighborhoods: Central, Downtown
Union Oyster House
Last updated 11.11.09
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.
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.
09/30/09
Worst restaurant ever
by Kim BC
Why this place was praised so much as a must come to see for Boston ? Besides, its history, I don't think the place and the food are worth the trip. The foods were awful and expensive. The drinks were bad, but still better than the food and you have to wait longer than 30 minutes to get to their tiny dining room upstair when they stacked people into isolated corner and you waited forever for the waiters to notice you are there, since they are not really busy.
My worst experience so far in a Boston's restaurant.
- Pros: historic place
- Cons: everything
04/15/09
Dirty
by CarolD
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 $$$$.
- Pros: None
- Cons: Dirty, terrible service, long wait, rude employees
11/18/08
Go for the Chowda! It's the best and the original.
by gelly88
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.
- Pros: Clam Chowder!
- Cons: Small seating capacity.
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
As Seen In…
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.
Join Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter