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Union Oyster House

Seafood Restaurant and Bar$$$$

Downtown Boston, Boston

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Union Oyster House

8.0^/10

1,045

ratings

Ranked #2 for seafood restaurants in Downtown Boston
This seafood restaurant is famous for their oysters. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"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 reviews

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cornbread
beer
trails
good for dates
casual
off-menu items
tours
good for singles
Sam Adams
breweries
spicy food
dinner
lunch
potatoes
good for special occasions
crowded
booths
stew
salads
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Chris DavisOctober 3, 2016
I 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 Boston
Upvoted Dec 6, 2024
Matthew SpectorFebruary 11, 2017
Extraordinary 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.
Divya MulanjurOctober 31, 2014
Loved 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 :)
MattJune 17, 2023
Very 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
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
Niki BlakerJanuary 29, 2018
If 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.
Kaitlyn CookJanuary 12, 2020
The 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.
CarolAugust 22, 2020
Yummy seafood. Lobster roll is pricey but ok, there’s also New England clam chowder, and raw oysters! There’s indoor and outdoor seating.
Alana KaySeptember 21, 2017
One of the best places to eat great food and chat to people. Very energetic with brilliant vibe. Loved sitting at the oyster bar
Na HuangSeptember 13, 2013
Legend 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!
Alice FerrisMarch 27, 2016
Try 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)
Jeffrey GilesSeptember 25, 2014
We 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!
المهره الصعبه ماهي لأي خيالJune 14, 2017
Oldest restaurant in Boston. Loved the classic old atmosphere. Food was tasty but requires more attention to details & presentation skills.
David SickelsNovember 7, 2019
Great 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, 2016
They have an off the menu shrimp scampi which is phenomenal - definitely order it to share. And their martinis can't be beat!
ClaudioApril 19, 2015
The latest lobster, the oysters and the shrimp were so delicious! The oldest restaurant in America and also one of the best in Boston.
Monica CAugust 17, 2014
Oldest 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, 2013
If 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!
Christopher MichaelJune 11, 2014
The 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!!
Alexandre BarbosaNovember 12, 2014
The oldest restaurant in USA is also the best way to be introduced to the traditional New England cuisine. Must go!
Cole KennedyFebruary 14, 2017
Hey, 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, 2012
Corn 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, 2012
Okay, 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, 2013
Definitely 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, 2018
Yeah, it’s for tourists, but the history of the building is so cool! Lobster was delicious but the clam chowder has too many potatoes.
AleAugust 9, 2016
Oyster amaZing,mussels -I'm in love... Grate atmosphere..
Megan SimkusAugust 18, 2016
Clam chowder is incredible - comes w cornbread and butter. Also there's a dark Sam Adams beer, Constitution, made only for them that pairs beautifully.
EpicuriousJanuary 27, 2015
The 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
Kaila MazzyApril 23, 2016
This is the best damn clam chowder that you will ever have in your entire life I suggest going asap.
Eric GrayOctober 12, 2013
Cool 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.
Andres NovoaNovember 23, 2015
You can sit downstairs if you're just looking for bar service (oysters, chowder, beer) and skip some of the line.
Abdo KassisseOctober 25, 2017
Awesome service! Cozy place and tasteful food. It is a must if you are in Boston.
Rich HauckOctober 13, 2014
Get the Sam Adams Union Oyster House Colonial Ale. It's the only place in the country that has it!
Patrick HaleySeptember 13, 2015
If 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.
Magda CarrDecember 27, 2013
If 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
Kelly Mitchell, The Wine Siren™September 26, 2012
Try 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, 2016
Oysters and chowdah! An excellent diversion. 190 year old circular oyster bar a great treat.
Dorotea PoljakMarch 20, 2017
Had 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.
JingXun HuOctober 24, 2016
Oyster bar, shucked Brewsters, steamed 2-pounder lobsters and Sam Adams ale! Crowded every time!
Vianna DornheckerJuly 27, 2012
Been here 10+ times
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)
Bridget GaelNovember 22, 2017
Good food— historic & quaint, but a little cramped— we loved the bloody Mary’s, fried oysters, and clam chowder!
Nicholas WoolfAugust 3, 2019
They make the best clam chowder in the entire country right here. So rich and creamy...nowhere else can compare.
DJ FluxNovember 10, 2012
Check out the cool little artwork recreations of each stop on the Freedom Trail in the room off to the left when you enter.
HISTORYAugust 26, 2010
It 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.
Rachel MercerMay 19, 2014
If 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.
Lukasz GAugust 12, 2019
A must visit in Boston! Try and seat at the oyster bar!
Megan McDonaldNovember 8, 2018
Boston's oldest restaurant. Most people go for their famous seafood restaurant, but I actually love their grilled cheese sandwich!
Harumi UAugust 18, 2014
They 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.
Kevin ChupkaAugust 16, 2014
Chowder is fantastic as is the corn bread that comes with every meal. It's also the birthplace of the toothpick
Megan McDonaldDecember 5, 2018
Boston's oldest restaurant. Most people go for their famous seafood, but I actually love their grilled cheese sandwich!
Brian WilliamsOctober 9, 2023
Best thing here was the drinks and the history. Save your self the trouble and keep walking !

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