This was our first stop during a walking food tour and it was a great way to start our food adventure. Restaurant is super busy but our guide had a reservation so we were sitting away from the crowd in our own area. Although the restaurant was loud and somewhat hectic during lunch time but our area was quiet. We ordered some oysters that were fantastic!!! We continued with clam chowder and corn bread that were also great. Our server was very friendly and accommodating to different needs in our group. I'd love to come back to this restaurant to try other things on their menu. read more

See all

Touristy but classic spot near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Cool old building with tight spaces and stairways. Menu is as you'd expect: oysters and other shellfish and seafood, with a few non fish dishes for the carnivores. Attentive service -- we were about as far away from the kitchen (top floor, back in a corner) and were well taken care of. Not surprisingly, the food was only fair...but it's about the experience -- you don't expect a five star Michelin quality meal here. Nice bar, too. read more

I LOVED my experience here! My husband and I sat at the bar for my birthday and the bartender was super friendly! I told him we were in the city for my birthday and needed food recommendations and he helped me pick out something that they've had on the menu for decades that was light enough to not ruin my appetite but full of flavor - the French onion soup and it was tried and true! I loved the inside if the bar too, it was like I was sitting in history! read more

Union Oyster House - Oyster House Clam Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

While visiting Boston, I made a stop at Union Oyster House for the experience and overall, it was a good one. I tried the clam chowder and the Ye Olde Seafood Platter. The chowder was warm, creamy, and comforting, and the platter was enjoyable with a nice variety of seafood. Everything was cooked well and definitely satisfying, especially as a visitor wanting to try a historic spot. That said, while I enjoyed it, it probably wouldn't be my go-to seafood spot if I lived in or regularly visited Boston. There are just so many options in the city. However... I do feel like I need to come back and try the oysters, it only feels right given the name and history of the place. Overall, a solid experience, especially if you're visiting and want to check out a Boston classic. read more

Union Oyster House - Ye Olde Seafood Platter - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

My husband was dying to stop here as we were walking around Boston and so glad we did! The staff were super friendly and we found a seat at the bar to grab a drink and an app. We got oysters which were incredible and a clam chowder that came with corn bread which was delicious and kept us going for more walking around the city. read more

See all

Steeped in history, this 200-year old restaurant wreaks with raw charm. It is a fairly large restaurant with many unique dining areas. I sat at one of the bars for dinner. Started with a UOH exclusive beer from Sam Adams - the Colonial Ale. What a fantastic ale and it was the highlight for me from this visit. I will be back just to drink more of this incredible, authentic, colonial period recipe. For dinner I went with Ye Olde Seafood Platter. Wishing I would've went with the cold seafood platter as I was not an overall fan of the fried version. I didn't care for the breading and the seafood didn't stand out - this dish was just a miss for me. I would definitely try some raw seafood on my next visit. Service from the bartender was great during my visit. Prices are on the high side, especially the drinks. read more

See all

Really don't get why the reviews for this classic place are so mixed. I thought the service was fantastic. The decor is nostalgic and unique. And the food was soooo good! We started with some super fresh raw oysters on the half shell and they did not disappoint one bit. So fresh and perfectly shucked. Then we had a cup of Clam Chowder which was filling and chock full of yumminess. Then I had the lobster Mac and cheese that had huge chunks of lobster with creamy cheese and yummy fries to dip into the cheese. So good. Sure it's a little pricey for the lobster dishes but lobster is expensive everywhere in Boston. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. It's the oldest running restaurant in the USA. Why in the world wouldn't you give it a try and decide for yourself? I give this place two very big thumbs up! read more

See all

Jane or Janie was our server and she was the best! Super nice to me and my daughters, chatting when we wanted but giving us space when eating. The warm complimentary cornbread was sweet and dense, a great welcome on a cold day The clam chowder tastes great but had less clam and potatoes chunks than others we have tried in Boston. The Boston baked beans were great, not too sweet. The main setback was the catch of the day was haddock (standard fish for fish and chips) which I got with a side of mashed potatoes and for $31 the fish was pretty small. I would expect that if it was a better quality fish. We topped it off with Boston Crème Pie to have a full on tourist meal and it was delicious. Everything except the haddock was a great portion for the price. read more

Union Oyster House - Catch of the Day, Haddock - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Such a good spot! We stopped here on our way walking the freedom trail and it was the perfect little break. We ordered a warm lobster roll and crab cakes. They give you cornbread as soon as you sit down and everything we had was delicious! Our waiter was super friendly and attentive to anything we needed. The restaurant was big and had two different bars to sit at. Also a lot of cool decorations! read more

See all

Americas oldest restaurant, established in 1826 this antique building is stepping through Boston's infamous history, oh if these walls could talk! We sat in booth 18, which is noted to be JFK's favorite seat, we were seated upstairs which was very dimly lit and difficult to see. I was disappointed in the portion sizes of the food especially given the price. For a $34 broild fish dinner you are given the option of one side, we left hungry. I ordered a bowl of chowder which was more like a cup size, it was luke warm and not many clams at all. I was pretty disappointed in the visit and had high hopes or this famous restaurant. For the prices they charge, I expected better. read more

Union Oyster House - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

While walking along the Freedom Trail my senses were suddenly accosted by a familiar aroma - Chowda! After the walking tour (highly recommended, btw), we meandered our way back to Union St. It was a short wait, then we were escorted to one of their modest booths - probably sized for diners in 1800's - but it was nice and cozy- like home. Started with raw oysters - smallish, but the perfect app. Next, we had the basque mussels - which were juicy and perfect. Our main course was the chowder - which was superb, dreamy and the (food) highlight of our Boston weekend. Our server, Linda, was charming and friendly. The oyster bar and lobster tank upfront hits you like a warm embrace. Seemed like everything was there for a reason, as were we. The UOH is an absolute gem. read more

When planning my trip to Boston, seafood was at the very top of my list. I came ready to experience a true New England feast, so I decided to order a little bit of everything that caught my eye: clam chowder, a cold lobster roll (their recommendation), lobster ravioli, mussels, a half dozen oysters, and fried cod. From the moment we sat down, they welcomed us with a piece of cornbread--and that was a great start. The cornbread was warm, moist, and flavorful. I really enjoyed it. The clam chowder was just as satisfying--creamy, rich, and comforting exactly how you hope it will be in Boston. Bonus: they'll even give you the recipe if you ask, which is a really nice touch. The lobster ravioli was a pleasant surprise. The pasta was tender, and the filling had a nice lobster flavor without being overpowering. The sauce complemented it well and made it feel like a solid, well-balanced dish. It wasn't the standout of the night, but it was definitely enjoyable and worth trying. The lobster roll, however, was a bit of a letdown. It was smaller than I expected and, in my opinion, not worth the price. The oysters were also on the smaller side--very flat--but they were fresh and tasty. On a more positive note, the mussels were absolutely delicious. You get a generous portion at a good price, and they were flavorful and filling. The fried cod was good--solid and enjoyable--but nothing particularly special. Overall, I came expecting a Boston home run on the food, and I'd say I got a solid double. That said, the atmosphere and history of this place are unmatched. This is Union Oyster House--recognized as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. Multiple U.S. Presidents have dined here, including John F. Kennedy, who was known to frequent the upstairs booth that still bears his name. The look, the feel, and the historic charm add something special to the overall experience. So while the food didn't completely knock it out of the park, the history and ambiance make it a memorable stop in Boston. If you're looking to soak in tradition and enjoy classic seafood in a place full of American history, it's worth the visit. read more

See all

What a great evening held at the UNION OYSTER HOUSE last night for HOMECOMING for MISS CHINESE CHAMBER of COMMERCE "LAUREN XU". That was held on the second floor of this Historic Restaurant which is Celebrating 200 Years! This iconic spot was the backdrop of this Political Star Studded Event that packed the room with WELL WISHERS and Friends and family! Lauren Xu (23) a Harvard Graduate and US PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR was Crowned Miss Chinese Boston on October 5, 2025. It brought out all that wanted to Congratulate Lauren Xu for Winning Miss Chinese Chambers of Commerce & FIRST PRINCESS at Miss Chinatown USA 2026 in San Francisco! The Union Oyster House had prepared an array of Appetizers such as Stuffed Clam Shells, Croquets, Meat Balls and their Prize Winning New England Clam Chowder with Hot Corn Bread and Oyster Crackers! The sit down dinner had a choice of Fresh White Fish, Glazed Baby Carrots and whipped Mashed Potatoes, also Chicken entree was also served! Dessert was a huge Sheet Cake for Lauren and the Festivities continued with several Speeches like Bostons own ED FLYNN City Councilman 2nd District, who was extremely supportive and generous to all who attended, other Speakers such as Quincy's Own First Time Elected School Committee Member TOM LEUNG, Actress TINA CARUSO, can be seen in the Series "LOVE on the SPECTRUM " on NETFLIX! There were so many Notable speakers and guests such as Middlesex District Attorney MARIAN RYAN in attendance! Lauren Xu was Presented from MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with a Congratulatory Citation signed by Speaker of the House RONALD J. MARIANO. The Support from the City's Political landscape was amazing and to have this Event at this location was much more exciting! The Staff could not have been any more attentive and helpful! The Staff truly made all of us feel welcomed! I will definitely have to visit very soon to Celebrate its 200th year! Location is perfect and there are so much visual artifacts throughout this Beloved Restaurant! If your from Massachusetts or not, do not pass this restaurant up! Food plus the oyster bar is a must Visit stop! Many Best Wishes for LAUREN XU IN THE FUTURE! We are all very Proud! read more

See all

The entire building was historic and old timey. It's right off the Freedom Trail and very easy to find. The menu is tried and true classics. If you're looking for nouveau cuisine this is not for you. The seafood was very good quality. Portion size respectable. The seasoning on point. Our server was very friendly. All in all a good tourist destination. I did say tourist so the prices a tad high. But I would still recommend if you're visiting Boston. read more

See all

Service was on top of it checking in on us regularly. The place was nice and quaint some of the booths were tiny but old country feel and vibe. Everyone was super friendly the food was super fresh and tasty. The cornbread was an unexpected tasty extra. Highly recommend. read more

See all

The bottom line: 3.75 stars for ok sea food, kitschy but historic decor, slow service, and high price. Despite being the oldest continually operating restaurant (in the country I think) the updates have led to a bit of a modern mediocrity and money grabber. The fried oysters were decent and the fries were actually great, but were definitely from a mass vendor and cooked well. The sliders and hot dog were fine, but something you could probably get in a cafeteria. The service was slow and seemed discombobulated despite there being few patrons. The tartar sauce we asked for came after we had finished our meal. Glad it was open to feed us, but would not rush back. read more

Union Oyster House - Fried Oyster Roll Lunch - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Heard great things so while on vacation we had to try it out. Cozy place and empty at lunch time. We made a reservation just in case. We were seated on 2 nd floor. Server was great and offered suggestions. We both had the clam chowder and split the crab cakes and sampler. They do it right! read more

See all

I've been wanting to try this place for a long time as it has a reputation in Boston. I'll be honest, after years of waiting to try this place--I wasn't that impressed. The inside is full of charm and that alone gives this a couple of bonus points. The menu is classic, seafood options and such. But my boyfriend and I decided to just do clam chowders and drinks. The chowder itself was okay, I've had better at a lower price. The drink was okay too. I got the Boston Tea Party which I didn't care for but wanted to try. Although I wasn't blown away, I still had a good time. And I can still say I've been to America's Oldest Restaurant, so I'll take that as a win. What we Ordered: 2 BOWL CLAM CHOWDER 1 SUN CRUISER 1 BOSTON TEA PARTY Price: Paid more than a meal for just apps and drinks....YIKES read more

See all

The oldest continuously running restaurant in the United States is this establishment's story. It has plenty of history and you can feel the historic ambiance. Restaurant is just above dimly lit. Some of the seating and stairs up to the second floor can be tight. Service was friendly and attentive. Still required a short wait despite having reservations. Oysters - Seemed like there was a very limited menu of oysters available. Had a sampler of a few they had. Most seemed to be on the smaller side. Lobster Roll - Opted for the hot buttered lobster roll. Lobster was good with the butter. A few pieces seemed to have been cooked a bit more towards chewy. Good roll/bread. Ye Olde Seafood Platter - A completely fried platter of various seafood items. The clams tasted great and had a reasonable chew to it. Fish was the best part of the plate, though it only came with one piece. Shrimp was a bit tough, but still good. Oysters were just okay. Calamari tasted good, but also cooked towards chewy. Onion rings were not awesome because the breading came off easily and the onion itself tasted stale/dry despite being on the thinner side. Fried items all lacked seasoning. Would advise avoiding this dish. Carrots - Slighty glazed carrots. Cooked till they were soft. These were okay, but can easily be skipped. Beans - Beans were good, just a tinge above what you could easily score from a typical can of Boston baked beans. Corn Bread - Wildly, in my opinion this was one of the best things I had at the establishment and it was complimentary. The corn bread had flavor, though a bit dry and easily remedied with some butter. All in all, most people are probably dining here for the historic value of the restaurant. There's plenty of options for seafood in the area at more reasonable prices and better prep/delivery. This is a one and done type of restaurant. read more

See all

Stopped by Union Oyster House during my trip to Boston, and honestly, the lobster roll alone made it worth the visit. I went with their classic version, and it was everything you want in a lobster roll--fresh, sweet chunks of lobster, lightly dressed, and piled high on a buttery roll. Simple, super tasty, and very "Boston." Definitely one of those meals where you take a bite and immediately go, "Yep... this is the good stuff." The vibe of the place is cozy and old‑school in the best way. You can feel the history as soon as you walk in, but it still feels welcoming and relaxed. The staff was friendly, quick, and made the whole experience easygoing. If you're visiting Boston and want a no‑nonsense, delicious lobster roll in a classic setting, this is a great stop. I'd happily go back just for another one. read more

See all

Very popular eatery we visited after our Duck Tour in Boston for lunch. I had read about Yelp Elite's review by Peter N. and added it to my Boston Collection. Signs posted in and out of the restaurant as the oldest running restaurant. Even the Duck Tour narrator mentioned it and pointed it out. Several buildings in the neighborhood were around from the 1600s. I was doing my typical Yelper thing taking photos from where we were seated. A pretty lady approached me and whispered Don't forget to check out their 2 nd floor, it has Kennedy's booth. Curiosity got the better of me and I told hubs I'm going to check it out before our food came. I have a fear of heights and stairs are not my friend but history and intrigue guided me upwards. I saw a sign posted saying Loft another floor up. I didn't know if it was okay to go up further. Like a horse drawn to a bribing carrot I gingerly climbed higher to be rewarded with bits of history up there. After taking my photos, going down the stairs was scarier for me cuz it was kinda rickety being several centuries old. Very grateful that the other customer noticed my interest and told me to explore. History, pseudo time travel back in time, very cool! Back to our table, my delicious French onion soup was waiting for me. read more

See all

Union Oyster House is a famous Boston institution. Does it have the best raw oysters I've ever had? No. Do you still absolutely need to go and experience it for yourself? Yes! Make friends with the bartenders, throw back some beers, eat a few stuffed clams, and have a grand ole time. read more

See all

This was on my places to try since it is one of America's oldest restaurants! We sat on a top floor which looks and feels like you went back in time for a bit. We stopped for lunch and ordered the oyster house clam chowder, the homemade lump crab cakes, a side salad and the charbroiled burger. Everything was fresh and tasty. You get a side of corn bread with butter and it is a nice sweet touch. If you get the chance, give them a try. read more

See all

Visited Union Oyster House based on recommendations from local coworkers and the usual "must-try" hype on TikTok. We came in around 8pm and they close at 9, so it was nice that they still seated us without rushing. I went with the waiter's recommendation--the sautéed scallop and shrimp over rice. He suggested getting it with pasta, but we had just come from lobster rolls and weren't super hungry. Unfortunately, the dish felt overpriced for what it was. The sauce leaned too tangy and salty, without much seafood umami, and I found myself wishing it had a sweeter, curry-like profile. The rice was good, though I can see how pasta would've paired better. My friend ordered the grilled butterfly shrimp expecting large, opened-up pieces, but they came out more standard in size. Still tasty and meaty, just nothing standout. Overall, glad we tried it for the experience, but the flavors didn't quite live up to the hype for us. read more

See all

The Union Oyster House is a true Boston classic--and for good reason. As the oldest restaurant in America, it carries a lot of history, yet the food still feels fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor. We started with the baked beans, which were rich, hearty, and packed with that old-school New England comfort. The clam chowder was creamy, perfectly seasoned, and easily one of the best I've had in the city. For something chilled and briny, the seafood platter was spot on--plump shrimp, fresh clams, and oysters that tasted like they'd just been pulled from the harbor. The grilled Atlantic salmon was delicious, though I'll admit the pilaf-style rice isn't my personal favorite--I prefer traditional Asian-style rice, having grown up in Hawaii. Still, the fish itself was perfectly done and the pilaf was one of the better ones I've had. The real standout, though, was the sautéed shrimp and sea scallops in the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. The seafood was tender and perfectly cooked, and the sauce was indulgent without being too heavy--a dish I'll be thinking about long after the meal. Pair all that with the historic setting, the inviting atmosphere, and genuinely warm service, and it's an easy 5 stars. A must-visit in Boston, whether you're here for the history, the seafood, or both. read more

See all

Such a wonderful experience while visiting Boston. The clam chowder and cornbread was amazing, pair perfectly. Really enjoyed the ambiance and service was great read more

Union Oyster House - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

This place is a classic for a reason! If you're looking for a taste of history alongside a truly satisfying meal, this oyster bar is a must-visit. The oysters were incredibly fresh--bright, briny, and perfectly shucked. They were a genuine treat and exactly what you hope for from a spot like this. But the real showstopper was the clam chowder. It's easily one of the best I've ever had rich, creamy, and absolutely loaded with tender clams. The atmosphere has a wonderful historic charm that makes the whole experience special. Highly recommend for the fresh seafood and the unbeatable chowder! With a side of warm corn bread. Stanley and Meaghan were amazing! Provided great service and made me feel welcomed! read more

See all

While in Boston you must eat at one of the Oldest Restaurants. We were not that hungry we split an order of Fried Clams.. Ok the Best in the city!!! Very old and nostalgic building!! Love it The service was great!!! read more

Union Oyster House - Fried Clams - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Okay, so let's discuss why you're really here. It's the oldest restaurant in the country (200 years old in 2026) and it's home to JFK's favorite cup of chowder. And on those two accounts, it doesn't disappoint. And I'll throw in a third... the service is pretty darn good. But order the chowder and the freshly shucked oysters, and then stop while you're ahead. The cornbread is dry, the baked beans taste like they came out of a can and the other seafood generally lacks seasoning/taste. And then you look at the bill and even though the fish is fresh, you can't quite justify the cost. But it's a Boston classic and the tourists will keep on coming so hats off to the hustle. read more

See all

"Let there be you, let there be me Let there be oysters under the sea" (Nat 'King' Cole) If you love history, you have to check out the Union Oyster House on your next visit to Boston. You'll find it on Union Street, which goes way, way back to 1636. It's right on the Freedom Trail, near Faneuil Hall, and their website claims it has the "unique distinction of being America's oldest restaurant". Walking in is like visiting a museum with its hundreds of photographs, exhibits and mementos, old wooden booths (including a plaque to mark JFK's favorite booth), and an ancient bar. Speaking of their bar, they sell a variety of Sam Adams beer that's only available here. Naturally, three of us ordered a Sam's Colonial Lager ($7.50) that was refreshing and very drinkable. The five of us started off with a basket of their complimentary corn bread and went all over the menu for lunch -fish chowder, clam chowder, mussels, a fish sandwich, salad with grilled chicken, and six Cherrystones. I had the Basque Style Mussels "Steamed with Garlic and White Wine, Garlic Bread" for $19.95 and a cup of Fish Chowder ($9.95). The mussels were plump and quite yummy and all but four didn't open. The chowder was thick and quite stocked with chunks of fish. It is an amazing place to visit and realize our American forefathers walked down this very street close to four hundred years ago. read more

See all

Union Oyster House is known as Boston's oldest restaurant, sits along Freedom Trail, and is apparently a stop of walking tours. There was an awkward moment during our meal when a large group of people came into the area where we were dining and started taking photos and videos of the room and decor. Other than that, our server was attentive and helpful. Shortly after being seated, we were given complimentary cornbread and butter and ice water. We shared oysters, steamed mussels, clam chowder and a lobster roll. Our meal was okay, but not spectacular or something to rave about. read more

See all

This is a must when visiting Boston! I try to visit Union Oyster House whenever I'm in town. The menu is great - with tons of stuff besides oysters. But, there's something about sitting at the bar, watching the team shuck fresh oysters and eating them fresh that just can't be beat! The service and ambiance are incredible. I had a great experience! read more

Union Oyster House - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We were in the area to try something new and we came across this restaurant. There was lots of different options to choose from and we were able to get a quick seat, even with the party of six. I ended up having the beef tenderloin and it was so good. We have the clam chowder as well. This was a cute little place to try out and we enjoyed our visit. read more

Union Oyster House - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Came for a late lunch after landing in Boston. We decided to sit at the bar since it was pretty empty but it got busy soon after we ordered and it felt a little cramped. We ordered a half dozen of the oysters and cherry stone clams. They were extremely fresh, fat, and juicy. We also got a cup of clam chowder which was really good and made me want to order another cup. The Caesar salad was pretty standard. Also ordered a chilled lobster roll which came with fries and coleslaw. The lobster roll was worth trying, but I feel like it would've tasted better with more sauce. Service was so so. They were pretty good prior to them getting busy. Once they got busy, they didn't even bother clearing our plates. read more

See all

Historic restaurant, the oldest continuously operating commercial restaurant in the county to be specific. Lots of fun museum-like decor, including a diorama series of Boston's history in the room upstairs where we were seated. The oyster bar near the entrance looked really cool too. The food is a bit pricey, but our large group wanted a place to sit down together. (If you're ok with grab and go, there's cheaper food options nearby in the markets.) I really liked the raw oysters, and the other food was good, with a seafood focused menu. The food is a bit pricey, but our large group wanted a place where we could be seated at tables together. (If you're ok with grab and go, there's cheaper food options nearby in the markets.) Worth it to check it out for the history and tourist experience when visiting though. read more

See all

I really struggled with whether or not I should've given this three or four stars. I opted for three because of the food overall. Because this is a historic site, there is something special about getting to dine in here, but eating the food was a disappointment. My meal was I think just shy of $40 for a diet Pepsi and the Scrod. My food lacked flavor and was unsatisfying overall. You also only get one side and the options are limited. The vegetable was carrots so I opted for mashed potatoes. They also needed seasoning. You also get a slice of cornbread that is complementary, which was a nice addition. However, I would like to call out that my server was very polite, and I did witness her interacting with other tables and was a great employee! I would recommend visiting to have a drink and maybe some oysters, but go elsewhere for for your meal. read more

See all

I had really high hopes for this restaurant, but it didn't quite live up to the hype. Ambiance: The space is huge, with a second floor up some pretty steep stairs. I did enjoy the warm, sweet cornbread they serve at the start. Service is very slow and hardly even saw the waitress. Clam Chowder: Came out more room temperature than warm, which was disappointing. Not sure if it was intentional or a delay. Either way the flavor was plain despite having plenty of clams. Crab Cakes: One of the better dishes. Nicely crisp with good flavor, and the horseradish-style sauce on top elevated it. Cold Lobster Roll: Generous portion of lobster with a classic mayo base. Still, it lacked depth of flavor. Fries: Outstanding! Thick-cut, super crispy, and perfectly seasoned. Probably the best part of the meal. Hot Lobster Roll: Wouldn't recommend. Completely bland, not buttery at all, and seriously lacking flavor. read more

See all

Historical Spot to Grab a Bite to Eat! Had to try Union Oyster House before leaving Boston and it was good. Oysters were fresh and tasted great, I had never ate them the way they served them. Food was good, they had a wide selection and great options for kids. Staff was great, our waitress was amazing. She took the time and explained how to set up the oyster and eat it. She offered recommendations and answered all of our questions, very patient. Restaurant was clean and huge, no wait times. read more

See all

On my first trip to Boston, I wanted my first stop to be somewhere historic, a place to grab a beer and some oysters to kick off the evening. After a little research, Union Oyster House stood out, tucked between Carmen Park and Creek Square. Inside, I headed straight for the raw bar, which is first come, first serve. I grabbed a stool and enjoyed the "free show" of two pros shucking nonstop. The selection is simple, one type of clam and one type of oyster, but whatever variety they were serving, the oysters were excellent. If I had not been continuing my North End crawl, I would have happily stayed for a couple dozen more. I paired them with Union Oyster House's exclusive Sam Adams Colonial Ale, and that combo is a winner. Highly recommend it. Feeling like I should do the full "when in Beantown" thing, I also ordered Boston baked beans. That is where the magic ended. They tasted straight out of a can of Bush's baked beans with maybe a touch more brown sugar. Definitely not worth the $9. Overall, the history and atmosphere here are fantastic, with a period-correct interior that adds to the experience. The raw bar alone is worth the visit, and I will definitely be back next time I am in Boston. read more

See all

We were doing a trolley tour of downtown & hopped off to explore. We came upon Union Oyster House, and what a treat! We already had dinner reservations for later but decided to grab a quick lunch here. I had a cup of clam chowder, which came with delicious cornbread. And my friend had the shrimp cocktail and a beer. Sooo much history in this restaurant. It was a joy to check it all out after we finished lunch! read more

See all