America's oldest continuously operating restaurant in Downtown Boston, known for its historic ambiance and seafood, with a $1 oyster deal Monday-Friday, 2-4 PM.
Insights
SeafoodAmericanSeafoodModerateLunchDinnerCasual
Last updated: 9/8/2026, 4:00:38 AM
Key Information
The Union Oyster House is a historic restaurant located on the Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts. It is recognized as America's oldest restaurant and a National Historic Landmark, offering a dining experience steeped in history.
Customer Perception
Customers frequently praise the Union Oyster House for its historic ambiance and its location. Many reviews highlight the traditional New England seafood dishes, particularly the oysters. While some patrons appreciate the historical significance and atmosphere, others note that the food can be a bit pricey and that service can be inconsistent.
Additional Details
The restaurant is situated in a building that has housed a restaurant since 1806. It has hosted notable figures throughout its history, including Daniel Webster and John F. Kennedy.
Seafood options availableTraditional American fare
Best Times to Visit
Given its popularity and historic nature, visiting during off-peak hours (e.g., weekday afternoons) might offer a more relaxed experience. However, it is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner.
We had dinner at Union Oyster House on our first night in Boston and absolutely loved it! We were seated very quickly and had a great outdoor table with plenty of shade. Our server was friendly and efficient, and the espresso martinis were delicious!
I ordered the shrimp scampi, which was light and yummy. My boyfriend got the sautéed shrimp and sea scallops over rice, and it was sooo delicious—rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
They also ended up giving us a free Boston cream pie because of a wait for our drinks, which was funny because I honestly didn’t feel like we had waited very long at all! It was such a thoughtful and unexpected gesture.
After trying a different restaurant the next day, we actually decided to come back because we enjoyed this place so much. It had also been recommended by multiple locals when we asked for restaurant suggestions, and now we can see why!
On our second visit, the hostess wasn’t quite as great as the first time, but our waitress was even more amazing. We did have a 45 minute wait for two of us. We started with a half dozen oysters, and they were so yummy! I got the lobster ravioli, which was incredible, and we also enjoyed the clam chowder—although it wasn’t the best clam chowder we had in the area.
We also tried the Lazy Man’s Lobster, which was very, very rich and buttery. It was good, but for the price, we probably wouldn’t recommend it.
If we were ranking the dishes we tried, our favorites would be:
1. Sautéed shrimp and sea scallops over rice — our absolute favorite!
2. Lobster ravioli — incredible
3. Shrimp scampi — light and delicious
4. Lazy Man’s Lobster — good, but very rich and not worth the price compared to the other options
We also really enjoyed our Chateau Sauvignon Blanc! Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas are great options depending on what kind of atmosphere you’re looking for.
Overall, Union Oyster House is definitely on the more expensive side, but we had such a great experience that we came back twice during our trip. Great food, great service, and a fun historic Boston experience. Definitely a place we would recommend when visiting Boston!
Great Oyster bar as soon as you come in. Generally, speaking you have to be lucky with your timing to grab a seat at the bar. We snagged two seats and had a half order of oysters with a cup of New England Chowder. They were great! The guys who were shucking were great. They also have dining tables and a very extensive menu if you want a more traditional dining experience.
5
Union Oyster House in Boston offers an unforgettable dining experience, combining rich history with delicious flavors. During my visit, I started with their famous New England clam chowder, which was creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender clams—truly a taste of Boston in a bowl. I paired it with a perfectly crafted Bloody Mary, which added just the right kick to the meal and made the experience even more enjoyable. The lively, welcoming atmosphere of Union Oyster House made it a perfect spot to soak in the city’s charm while savoring classic New England fare. Whether you’re stopping in for a hearty soup or a refreshing drink, this iconic bar captures the essence of Boston dining.
5
Union Oyster House made for a great lunch while visiting my brother-in-law! Loved the historical charm, and we were so happy when we were sat in the famous Kennedy booth. I appreciated that there were several chicken choices on the menu for pickier eaters. The complimentary cornbread was really good, and we enjoyed the baked stuffed clams, shrimp cocktail, lobster roll, and crab cakes. Very tasty garlic aioli on top of the crab cakes. Our server was friendly and attentive, especially with refilling water. A must when visiting Boston!
5
Last time I was in Boston in 2013 I wasn't able to get into Union Oyster House because I was limited on time. This trip, I made sure that I allocated time and I was the first person in line when they opened the doors at 11 a.m.
I asked for a small table and was provided a nice two-top booth in the back-room area. There are multiple rooms, seating size options, as well as bar seating at several bars. The facility is quite large and it's like a museum with tons of history adorning the walls, as well as several display cases and curios.
I was greeted by Lorena who is a lovely person from Romania and was excellent to interact with. I wanted to try a few things so I ordered a cup of clam chowder and two appetizers for my lunch. I enjoyed their mixed seafood app which was cold shrimp, clams, and oysters; then I had an order of baked clams. Everything was delicious. The chowder was thick, creamy and tasted like the ocean. The cold seafood plate was clean, fresh and very good. This was my first time trying baked clams and I really enjoyed them. It was the perfect amount of food for a good lunch.
I paired my meal with Sam Adams Colonial, which is brewed by Samuel Adams exclusively for this restaurant. It was sort of like a red ale finished in a molasses cask. Sounds funky, but it was really good and not overly sweet or heavy. I had a second glass for dessert.
By the time I was leaving, the restaurant was packed and there was a line waiting to get in.
I'm glad I went and I would certainly go again.
