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Union Oyster House

41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108-2406 (Allston/Brighton)
617-227-2750
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Ranked #324 of 2,672 restaurants in Boston
Price range: $20 - $40
Cuisines: Seafood
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Restaurant details
Good for: Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night, Dessert
Dining style: Casual Dining
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
Transit: Two options: Take the Blue or Green Line to Government Center. Walk down the stairs along the side of City Hall and cross Congress Street. We are across the street. Note we are across from the New England Holocaust Memorial. Or, take the Orange or Green Line to Haymarket,left on Congress,left on Hanover,right on Union.
Description: The Union Oyster House, located on the Freedom Trail, near Faneuil Hall, enjoys the unique distinction of being America's oldest restaurant. The Boston fixture, housed in a building dating back to pre-revolutionary days, started serving food in 1826 and has continued ever since with the stalls and oyster bar, where Daniel Webster was a constant customer, in their original positions.
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996 reviews from our community

60% Recommend
    281
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    192
    132
    71
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Grand Prairie, Texas
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 17, 2013 NEW

Oldest restraunt in the US still making great food. We went in the middle of the afternoon after any lunch rush because we had tried the night before and the line was out the door. With almost the whole place to ourselves, we had great service and were able to really take the ambiance of the place in. Service and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Indianapolis, Indiana
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 17, 2013 NEW

You can`t visit Boston without trying this place, nice and original location, very unique. Good seafood, but not excellent, just a little bit too dark inside, but still a very nice experience!!!!!

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 2 more reviews by Valentina D for Boston
Southwest Louisiana
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 17, 2013 NEW

Enjoyed eating at the oldest restaurant in the USA. We ordered oysters and they were good - but we are from Louisiana and use to more seasoning. Nice atmosphere.

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See 5 more reviews by LATraveler825 for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
98 reviews 98 reviews
71 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 45 cities Reviews in 45 cities
48 helpful votes 48 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 16, 2013 NEW

Hadn't been to this famous restaurant in many years and usually try to avoid due to the touristy nature. But as part of a business dinner, actually had a very good time in a private room and enjoyed the fresh oysters, steamers, and clam chowder. Had the broiled seafood platter as an entree and the selection was fresh and well-prepared.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by RootBeerFloat for Boston
Las Vegas, Nevada
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
44 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed June 16, 2013 NEW

We had the Shore dinner (lobster with steamers), Lazy Mans Lobster, & baked beans. The food was good, the service was good. Sadly, nothing we ate was GREAT or a must go back to have again! When we called to make a reservation, they said we could be put on a list, they were taking no more reservations. I went... More

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See 5 more reviews by ggbrenna for Boston
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed June 15, 2013 NEW via mobile

Was pretty disappointed by this place. Got the first indication that this wasn't going to be great when I ordered iced tea and was presented with what was unmistakably instant tea. We love raw oysters and had been told the oysters here were great, so we ordered half a dozen raw oysters and half a dozen grilled oysters. The raw... More

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See 2 more reviews by jtriggs for Boston
Fort Saskatchewan, Canada
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 15, 2013 NEW

The restaurant has a lot of history (oldest restaurant in the U.S.) and the décor and service were excellent! I would definitely recommend going at least once when in Boston. Menu is a bit pricey, but certainly not outrageous. Excellent variety of seafood and, of course, oysters! Wait staff was friendly and attentive, and food was excellent.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by Garry42 for Boston
Porter, Indiana
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 14, 2013 NEW

stopped in for some oysters and clam chowder. Sat at the bar, the bartender can crack an oyster with ease and has your ordered done right in front of you offering different types of oysters. Chowder was good.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by Laura P for Boston
San Diego, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 13, 2013 NEW

Wow, the best clam chowder I had while in Boston. The place is small and very busy. We were lucky and got seats at the bar, so get there early or make reservations. The food was delicious and the service was great. Definitely a must see in Boston.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by jptravels619 for Boston
Ontario, California
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 12, 2013

I have been there 5 times and always for the boiled lobster and clam chowder with cornbread. The service is always good. the people friendly, if you want a cozier seat go upstairs or in the other room. I have eaten through out the whole restaurant and love the history that is there. If you do go upstairs they have... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1

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