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Union Oyster House

4.3
4.3
6748 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
June 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 129 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (617) 227-2750

  • Website

    http://www.unionoysterhouse.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Private party contact

    our Private Dining Coordinator: (617) 227-2750

  • 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

Popular dishes

What 6,748 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Boston / New England

    Most Booked

  • Boston

    Most Booked

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  1. BN

    BridgetN

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food2service2ambience3

    It is cool because JFK ate there but the food was not hot and only average in taste and flavor.

  2. TK

    TaryK

    Naples

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our anniversary get away from Naples, FL to Boston started with a terrific dinning experience at The Union Oyster House. The history and ambiance of this landmark rest. is enchanting. Very attentive & pleasing service. Oysters were the freshest I have ever had. Clam chowder & included cornbread is a must. Our seafood entrees were tops in quality and quantity. All made for a very special & memorable evening for us.

  3. HP

    HenryP

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    The man stationed at the front was very rude to me, I get it Boston attitude, felt like walking out. The lobster was a little tough but a good one. Chowder and Cornbread were average. The lobster wasn’t served with everything they used to be and likely not the menu said. Not as good as it once was would be my review. But perhaps supply chain issues etc.

  4. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Great experience for a first date. Enjoyed the oysters and really good service!

  5. B

    Bethany

    New England

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience5

    The only thing special about this place is the history. Our meals were nothing special and overpriced. Our waitress appeared to rather be anywhere else.

  6. j

    jmwdo

    Oklahoma City

    96 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    96 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    We stopped for lunch while walking the Freedom Trail. This historic restaurant is fascinating to look around. Service was excellent, food was good. Definitely recommend.

  7. AJ

    AngieJ

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    It was my birthday but it just didn’t feel as special as I think it could have. It was my first time in Boston and I heard so much about the Inion Oyster House and it just didn’t live up to the hype per say. I didn’t get my appetizer but they made up with it by comping my desert but it was just the over all experiences that made me rate it lower.

  8. BS

    BrookeS

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved the history. Waitress was great. Fried shrimp beer delicious!

  9. AS

    AnnaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, atmosphere, and fast service! A must-see when in Boston. Lobster rolls and clam chowder 10/10.

  10. DK

    DeborahK

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    Good ambiance, food was ok. I had the lazy man’s lobster (heavy on bread crumbs), broiled scallops were very good.

  11. B

    Boston9238

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food2service1ambience4

    We had a very disappointing experience. Our server did not bring our drinks for 15 minutes and when he did, the kids’ Shirley temples were made with flat soda and didn’t have any taste. He did not return to the table for another 20 minutes after that. Once he did, we requested replacements and refills on ours. Again, about 15 minutes more minutes took place before he returned. When we asked him questions about the menu, he could not tell us what quite a few of the items were made with, nor did he ask anyone else. This was disappointing, as my husband has to be on a restrictive diet and needs to know how items are prepared. Our food took over 1 hour to arrive. When it did, my children’s chicken fingers were overcooked, almost burnt and dry. My husband’s $24 salmon was also over cooked and tough to chew. His cooked carrots were cold, as was my mashed potatoes. I had really looked forward to finally eating at Union Oyster House but I will never go back. Next time, I’ll head to Legal Seafoods.

  12. M

    Michelle

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    Such a disappointment! Server was less than helpful: had to ask if had specials, forgot to bring appetizer & forgot to bring baked beans. We asked her to take a picture for my mom’s 80th birthday 3Xs-she said ok & walked away. Food was lukewarm. Mashed potatoes - instant, baby carrots- mushy & cold.

  13. RO

    RichO

    Sacramento

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Marginal food. Main reason to go is to say you ate at the oldest restaurant.

  14. N

    Nomnomnom

    New England

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall2food1service3ambience2

    Hadn’t been to Union Oyster in about 20 years. It’s not at all what I remember. We were looking to share a nostalgic Boston seafood dinner with our kids, but left very disappointed. Food was bland, greasy, and wildly overpriced. Waitstaff was attentive and friendly, and decor was kitschy, but that’s about all it had going for it. Unfortunately this landmark spot is now just another tourist trap.

  15. MF

    MichaelF

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    Shrimp and scallops were fantastic. We love the historical ambience! Waiter was disinterested, to put it kindly. We know staffing challenges are elevated right now, so we will still come back regularly.

  16. MD

    MrsD

    Louisville

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Restaurant was kind to accommodate us before our reservation time. Food was fine, average, except for the $12.95 price for Kraft blue box mac and cheese on the kids’ menu. Touristy, but we expected that.

  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience5

    We wanted to eat here because of the historical significance. The ambience, service, and clam chowder were very good but the lobster roll was mediocre. At the time the market was $41 and Lobster roll was very small. For that price you would expect something amazing.

  18. JR

    JustinR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food along with great service. Highly recommended.

  19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience3

    Oysters and clam chowder were great. Lobster ravioli not so great. Not meaty. Okay sauce.

  20. FR

    ForrestR

    Phoenix

    73 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    73 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great time. Sat is the JFK booth and enjoyed stories from staff. Oysters best imaginable. Thanks!!

  21. WM

    WendiM

    Austin

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Great street. Lots of character. Obviously an institution. BUT super tourist trap. High priced for average quality and portion. Not sure this is still a must see.

  22. RR

    RussellR

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2022

    overall2food3service3ambience2

    Very overpriced and touristy

  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Took my parents to dinner when we were on vacation in Boston. Hands down best meal we had all trip long!

  24. RU

    RobertU

    New England

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is one of my favorite places. The food is always good and the service is excellent. The place is steeped in American History and is a fascinating place to walk arou d in too!

  25. M

    Mack

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    Overall, I very much enjoyed my food. The table we were seated at was a little awkward to get into and out of, but the building is old so that is understandable. We had a great server! The only thing I would say is that my guest felt that the lobster roll was quite dry and seemed overpriced for the quality and quantity. I would still go back and would recommend for the experience.

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Union Oyster House did not disappoint! The food, atmosphere, and staff were all amazing! Clam chowder and lobster rolls were SO good! Our delightful waitress Linda even showed my 16 yr old son how to eat lobster! (It was his first time). Next time we’re in Boston, we will definitely be back!

  27. C

    Chris

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    After a wonderful evening meal at Union Oyster House a few days earlier, I went back for lunch. The first meal I had the daily special of Lobster Mac & Cheese. For lunch I had the original clam roll. The clams were the whole clam, not the strip as often used. The bun was the traditional toasted, no crust, on the sides. It was full to the top with clams. I traveled to Boston for a brief vacation from the Midwest wanting traditional New England food. The Union Oyster House has it all from the cornbread, baked beans, and seafood dishes.

  28. TV

    TheVetsWife

    San Joaquin

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall2food1service4ambience4

    The food was over cooked and very bland. Highly overrated. Our server was super nice tho.

  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5

    Oysters are TINY

  30. DS

    DennisS

    New Orleans

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food with good service. Oysters were wonderful.

  31. RF

    ReginaF

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful place and wonderful seafood! Had a great time

  32. M

    Mario

    Phoenix

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We loved that we got to sit at Table 18 where John F. Kennedy used to sit.

  33. EA

    EnzoA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    The restaurant is very nice, the food is very good. We have really enjoyed the oysters. And the chocolate lava cake is amazing ! It would be even better if the staff smile a little more...

  34. TM

    TheresaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    it's great to experience a place of history, to be in a place where so many have been before, and eat such tasty food.

  35. S

    Stampwife

    San Diego

    25 reviews

    3.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    Busy restaurant good service but nothing special. Old and charming ambience

  36. DB

    DouglasB

    Vancouver

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience4

    Only one raw oyster option on the menu! For an oyster place I would expect more choices.

  37. TK

    TandyK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Overall great unique experience the building is amazing full of history. The food was delicious!

  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing to sit and imagine overhearing conversation between Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams while eating tasty fare!

  39. KH

    KathrynH

    Minneapolis

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, great service, wonderful ambiance. We really enjoyed our time!

  40. IG

    IsabelG

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    Food wasnot as good as they say! Lobster rolls were too dry, in general we did not like it. Service was Poor, althought waitress was nice and tried to do the Best. We will not come Bank!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

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

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Contact tracing information collected

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 4.3 stars by 6748 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
June 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
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7:00 PM
Booked 129 times today
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

  • 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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