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Union Oyster House
Seafood Restaurant and Bar$$$$
Downtown Boston, Boston
The oysters at Union Oyster House is a can't miss
"Sit at the original wood oyster bar for good food and a show!"(16 Tips)
"The oldest restaurant in America and also one of the best in Boston."(8 Tips)
"Definitely have the amazing oysters and clam chowder."(52 Tips)
"Clam chowder + corn bread + Lobster + Beer = Heaven"(26 Tips)
271 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Chris DavisOctober 3, 2016I love history. And this place has obvi had a fair share of visitors in the past. It's really big for an old historic location. AMAZING seafood and not to mention love cared in a great part of BostonUpvoted 1 week ago
Matthew SpectorFebruary 11, 2017Extraordinary local oyster offerings and don't miss the grilled oysters (oysters grilled with cheese, a bit of wine and parsley), the gratis cornbread and the special Sam Adams colonial ale.
Upvoted Sep 14- Divya MulanjurOctober 31, 2014Loved it. Sit at the oyster bar. the oyster shucking guy was a delight. Even showed us a trained lobster! Definitely have the amazing oysters and clam chowder. We got complimentary corn bread too :)
Niki BlakerJanuary 29, 2018If you're a foodie, this isn't the place for you, but this is a fun place to take guests, it's a great option and you get to be a part of history. Love that the servers here take pride in being here.
MattJune 17, 2023Very cool experience, probably my favorite meal we ate in Boston. I had fish and chips, wife had clam chowder and kids were thrilled to have kraft macaroni and cheese
Kaitlyn CookJanuary 12, 2020The Seafood platter was amazing! Pricey but worth every penny. The quality of the seafood is unmatchable. The service was impeccable, with a personable waiter who was also great with kids.
Alana KaySeptember 21, 2017One of the best places to eat great food and chat to people. Very energetic with brilliant vibe. Loved sitting at the oyster bar
CarolAugust 22, 2020Yummy seafood. Lobster roll is pricey but ok, there’s also New England clam chowder, and raw oysters! There’s indoor and outdoor seating.
Na HuangSeptember 13, 2013Legend and history explain popularity and the price! Not cheap but really yummy! Seems house white wine s not a good option, we had a Russian river, really good!
Jeffrey GilesSeptember 25, 2014We really enjoyed this pub as the longest continuously operating eatery in the US. Oysters were fresh and chilled to perfection!! Sam Adams Lager (crafted for Union Oyster House) was refreshing!- ClaudioApril 19, 2015The latest lobster, the oysters and the shrimp were so delicious! The oldest restaurant in America and also one of the best in Boston.
المهره الصعبه ماهي لأي خيالJune 14, 2017Oldest restaurant in Boston. Loved the classic old atmosphere. Food was tasty but requires more attention to details & presentation skills.
Alice FerrisMarch 27, 2016Try the New England Shore Dinner - 4th of 4 lobster dinners I ate in Boston, but by far the prettiest. Lobster, mussels, clam chowder, corn, potatoes and cornbread. YUM. (via @Foodspotting)
David SickelsNovember 7, 2019Great stop on the Red Brick Freedom Trail. All that is known is that the building has stood on Union Street and open since 1826. Eat & enjoy Oysters where Presidents have sat-
Bianca McLarenMay 11, 2016They have an off the menu shrimp scampi which is phenomenal - definitely order it to share. And their martinis can't be beat!
Monica CAugust 17, 2014Oldest continuously operating restaurant in the US. There was a bit of a wait (understandably) to be seated. Food was delicious (be sure to try the corn bread!) Service was friendly.
Hoang PhanSeptember 2, 2013If you have Boston City Pass and the page of Union Oyster House, show it to the hostess and you'll get priority searing plus free clam chowder. And for the record, Shrimps and Scallops is really good!
Alexandre BarbosaNovember 12, 2014The oldest restaurant in USA is also the best way to be introduced to the traditional New England cuisine. Must go!
Christopher MichaelJune 11, 2014The Asst Mgr, Sue, is awesome & knows superb customer service! Best damn "chowdah" I've ever had. Tons of history here & the ambience is like stepping back in time. Union Special Lobster! Do it!!
Cole KennedyFebruary 14, 2017Hey, its history. You're in Boston. You don't wanna ignore history, do you? (The food isn't great but it's still worth your time, plus it's hard to mess up oysters).
David GraciaDecember 30, 2012Corn bread is A+ clam chowder is A+ crab cake is A+. Oysters A+ Their cocktail sauce is also original and gets an A+ Tables for 2 are pretty small, overall great place even with the hefty prices.
Flo FloSeptember 1, 2012Okay, the clam chowder hands down the best I ever had. The oysters not so much. The corn bread and local beer also a big plus. I would def recommend you don't eat too much here, just get the chowder.
Jason H.May 18, 2013Definitely tour the building. It is cool. But for eating - sit at the oyster bar downstairs and have chowder, oysters, and amazing corn bread. Don't bother with the other food here.
Stacy Bo BacyMarch 15, 2018Yeah, it’s for tourists, but the history of the building is so cool! Lobster was delicious but the clam chowder has too many potatoes.
EpicuriousJanuary 27, 2015The oldest restaurant in Boston and oldest continuously operating restaurant in America is where you go when you're jonesing for a taste of New England. Read more
Megan SimkusAugust 18, 2016Clam chowder is incredible - comes w cornbread and butter. Also there's a dark Sam Adams beer, Constitution, made only for them that pairs beautifully.
Kaila MazzyApril 23, 2016This is the best damn clam chowder that you will ever have in your entire life I suggest going asap.
Andres NovoaNovember 23, 2015You can sit downstairs if you're just looking for bar service (oysters, chowder, beer) and skip some of the line.
Abdo KassisseOctober 25, 2017Awesome service! Cozy place and tasteful food. It is a must if you are in Boston.
Eric GrayOctober 12, 2013Cool environment and all my friends loved the seafood. Sorry non fish fans. If you think you can just get a side of fries to hold you over, think again. The fries are worthless.
Rich HauckOctober 13, 2014Get the Sam Adams Union Oyster House Colonial Ale. It's the only place in the country that has it!
Magda CarrDecember 27, 2013If you enjoy eating with rats, you are in the right place!! It could be the oldest restaurant in town, however, it's infested with RODENTS in all levels of the the restaurant. Go if enjoy food w/ rats- Patrick HaleySeptember 13, 2015If the wait is too long just have a seat at the bar and have dinner. The bartenders were fun to speak with and had a lot of great suggestions.
Kelly Mitchell, The Wine Siren™September 26, 2012Try the New England Clam Chowder - The oldest restaurant with the best chowder on the planet. If its good enough for JFK n Daniel Webster it's good snuff for me. Since 1826.
Wally LeChatApril 11, 2016Oysters and chowdah! An excellent diversion. 190 year old circular oyster bar a great treat.
Dorotea PoljakMarch 20, 2017Had a sea food platter for dinner and was quite disappointed. The portion is really big but the food kinda tasteless . Interior is really nice and cute though, friendly staff.
Bridget GaelNovember 22, 2017Good food— historic & quaint, but a little cramped— we loved the bloody Mary’s, fried oysters, and clam chowder!
Must get chowder and Sam Adams Brick Red Ale (only available at a handful of Boston bars). ONLY get oysters if sitting at the oyster bar ( they preshuck them for the dining rooms)
JingXun HuOctober 24, 2016Oyster bar, shucked Brewsters, steamed 2-pounder lobsters and Sam Adams ale! Crowded every time!
HISTORYAugust 26, 2010It has been open to diners since 1826 & is known as the oldest restaurant in the United States of America. In 1796 Louis Philippe, King of France in 1830, lived in exile on the second floor.
DJ FluxNovember 10, 2012Check out the cool little artwork recreations of each stop on the Freedom Trail in the room off to the left when you enter.
Nicholas WoolfAugust 3, 2019They make the best clam chowder in the entire country right here. So rich and creamy...nowhere else can compare.
Rachel MercerMay 19, 2014If you're a history buff, request the Kennedy Booth. Upstairs on the back right, it seats 6 and was the preferred spot of JFK when he came to visit.
Megan McDonaldNovember 8, 2018Boston's oldest restaurant. Most people go for their famous seafood restaurant, but I actually love their grilled cheese sandwich!
Harumi UAugust 18, 2014They may not have the best seafood but you come here for the experience. And when you do that, make sure to have a reservation. Otherwise wait could be long.- Megan McDonaldDecember 5, 2018Boston's oldest restaurant. Most people go for their famous seafood, but I actually love their grilled cheese sandwich!
Kevin ChupkaAugust 16, 2014Chowder is fantastic as is the corn bread that comes with every meal. It's also the birthplace of the toothpick
Drew MDecember 27, 2016Crab cake appetizer, corn bread, and pan seared shrimp over rice were all good. Baked scrod was cooked well, but lacked flavor.
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Closed until 11:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
(617) 227-2750
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating
No
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
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- 8.2
"Loved the chowder and lobster Mac and cheese. I also loved that this place was on the water and low key"
Morgan Amber - 8.4
"if you're at the convention center make the walk over here, clam chowder was the best I've had and the lobster club sandwich was good too."
KneeTherapist
- 8.3
"The grilled lobster is the best!"
Phillip D.
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