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Union Oyster House, Boston, MA

Union Oyster House

4.2
4.2
7967 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
Top Tags:
The Union Oyster House, located on the Freedom Trail, near Faneuil Hall, enjoys the unique distinction of being America's oldest restaurant. This 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.

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 100 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Location
    41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108
  • Neighborhood
    Faneuil Hall
  • Parking details
    Parcel #7 Garage: Not clearly labeled (sorry). If the Union Oyster House is on your right, the brick building STRAIGHT AHEAD OF YOU is the garage. Drive towards it, make a quick left (Hanover St.) right (Congress St.) and right again (Sudbury St.) The fee after validation is 3.$ for 3 hours
  • Public 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.
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access

What 7,967 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.1Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Boston

    Most Booked

7,967 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great fun a the this Historical venue! Delish food and drinks

    Is this helpful?

  2. kent

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was ok - nothing special, not a big portion. My wife's shrimp dish had to be sent back as the shrimp were undercooked. Service was good as they responded to our need to get to a concert start time. Loved the historic ambiance!

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  3. ElizabethO

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food! Very enjoyable dinner with friendly service.

    Is this helpful?

  4. SusanB

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Server was pleasant but food just average. Prices average for Boston … not exceptional

    Is this helpful?

  5. MaryM

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Team Lunch: 5 of us were squished in to a small booth but otherwise its a great place. Enjoyed the meal.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    The historic value is there, but the food and service not even close

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a neat restaurant! So full of history. We were lucky enough to have a wonderful waiter, John, who was happy to share all about the restaurant, the greater Boston area, and even gave recommendations for what to prioritize during our visit. And let's not forget to mention the perfect presentation of the oysters. Not single piece of shell and they were all sizable. Don't sleep on the French Onion or the Chowder either.

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  8. JamesS

    Richmond

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Was a cute & quaint dining experience with wonderful service and a historic atmosphere…would recommend to try during a trip to Boston.

    Is this helpful?

  9. martha

    Treasure Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    love this place! Always stop here when in Boston.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    It was good but it compares to all the places around it

    Is this helpful?

  11. Karen

    Greater Boston

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was average, but we had a wonderful waitress. She brought out a piece of cake for my son’s birthday without us asking her. I put it as a note on the reservation. That was very nice.We liked that it was historical.

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  12. JoyceS

    Baltimore

    12 reviews

    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Unfortunately, don’t have name of server. He was awful. He asked twice what I wanted to order when I told him that my husband was in the restroom. Once we got our food…never saw him until I had to flag him down for the check. I needed a refill of water but he never came by to ask how everything was. The scrod was delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Don’t miss it. Food is good (expensive) but you get to eat in the oldest restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  14. CatharineM

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice atmosphere but a little pricey for what we had

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best fresh oysters, clam chowder, and broiled scrod!🫢

    Is this helpful?

  16. RobertS

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Boston Cream Pie was absolutely delicious! The lobster roll and the clam chowder were great!

    Is this helpful?

  17. Angelic

    Mexico City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Una delicia alimentaria acompañada de historia. La atención del personal siempre muy atenta y servicial. Todos los alimentos fueron servidos en tiempo y con la mejor calidad.

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  18. Jason

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It's a wonderful place with great history. Ordered Seafood Platter and Lobster roll. Food is okay.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Monterrey

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excelente opción! Muy rico todo! Muy Buen servicio…

    Is this helpful?

  20. Eric

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Ye Olde Oyster House was lively and had good atmosphere, but was severely understaffed. There was only one waitress for our entire section of what looked like 10+ tables. Otherwise, was good and fun.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So cozy and the staff were very polite but also friendly. They acknowledged everyone. Shame on me for not remembering our waitress’s name, but she was outstanding!

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  22. chiaram

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    The tables and atmosphere on the first floor are cramped with limited visibility. The menu primarily consists of fried food, and the service is so swift that you can finish dinner in just 35/40 minutes, lacking a relaxed atmosphere.

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  23. Jovaise

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Boiled carrot without any taste. Boiled Salmon no sauce no seasoning. Food without soul. Should hire a real chef for the price. Big disappointment.

    1 person found this helpful

  24. JeffG

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    I wanted steamed Oysters but they only offer them raw, second choice was marinated chicken , then come to find out they gave me a lunch menu which they don’t offer marinated chicken on the dinner menu. I had unsweetened tea but they had no Splenda. At least I can say I have been to the oldest oyster Bar! Great atmosphere, Nice to visit, wait time was very reasonable

    Is this helpful?

  25. GilC

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I first went there as a child, and hadn’t been back in decades. The classic dishes were perfect as was our waitress

    Is this helpful?

  26. Danielleeeee

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a good meal! Our waitress was AMAZING! I wish I could remember her name but she provided recommendations and made us laugh the whole time. She was a spit fire for sure!

    Is this helpful?

  27. DonA

    Philadelphia

    36 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    A Boston institution! Liz is an awesome server. Friendly and quick. Love her accent!

    Is this helpful?

  28. Maggie

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The food is ok. The restaurant decorations are cute. The price is a bit above the average.

    Is this helpful?

  29. DonnaS

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Interesting and fun historical site for two hundred years has served delicious New England culinary favorites.

    Is this helpful?

  30. JudithW

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent fried clams. Ask for Richelle - she is a great server!!

    Is this helpful?

  31. Alex

    San Antonio

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very enjoyable meal all around. Excellent quality and variety of seafood. The chowder is a must!

    Is this helpful?

  32. JohannaA

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food. We were delighted. Amazing atmosphere. It’s was nice looking around the walls with historic pictures and remarkable notes . Delicious and creamy Clam Chowder. My friend selection was great Lazy man’s Lobster and Grilled Salmon. I expected more flavor to My Lobster raviolis but it was good. My friend also love the beer selection and of course the cornbread. We had a super nice waitress. We would definitely recommend it as a must go place.

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  33. Tmac

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The reason we went there is this restaurant was on an app that stated it offers gluten-free options. Unfortunately, the gluten-free options at this restaurant are very limited. The rest of our party was not gluten-free and they really enjoyed their food. Our waiter was great. There’s a lot of history in this restaurant and it’s worth going at least once

    Is this helpful?

  34. MichaelP

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best meals I have ever had! What an experience and memory I will have for the rest of my life. Perfect perfect in every way and I will be back with my girlfriend soon!

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Good place to bring out of towners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  36. DanO

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very disappointing that an oyster house would only have 1 type of oyster. Was expecting a variety to taste.

    Is this helpful?

  37. Bernard

    Austin

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    Very disappointing. This is a total tourist trap. The food and service were terrible. My scallops were not fresh and over-cooked, the lobster has filled with breadcrumbs and the meat was scarce and dry. Calamari and fries tasted like old oil and the shrimp cocktail was supermarket quality at best. The waiter was rude from the start, he brought me the wrong drink and tried to convincement that I was wrong, and never replaced it. Stay away from this place, maybe go grab a beer, take a picture, and get out!

    1 person found this helpful

  38. PamelaO

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have been twice before years ago and they offered a baked potato, salad and veggie with a lobster dinner....not anymore. For as much as they charge I think they should again. Now, it's just mashed, fries or rice. No salad, no veggies.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Mick

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    I always dine at Union Oyster House when I visit Boston.

    Is this helpful?

  40. AngelaB

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and service as always. Always consistent

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Union Oyster House using the Order Online button. Union Oyster House also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 227-2750.

Union Oyster House is rated 4.2 stars by 7967 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 100 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Union Oyster House

41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Faneuil Hall
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Parcel #7 Garage: Not clearly labeled (sorry). If the Union Oyster House is on your right, the brick building STRAIGHT AHEAD OF YOU is the garage. Drive towards it, make a quick left (Hanover St.) right (Congress St.) and right again (Sudbury St.) The fee after validation is 3.$ for 3 hours
  • Public 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.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access
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