Union Oyster House

Name: Union Oyster House
Address: 41 Union St, Boston, MA, United States, 02108
Telephone: (617) 227-2750
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.2

4.2

7780 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 29, 2023

10:30 PM

Booked 139 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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?y_source=1_MjY4Nzk0MjktODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=/
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

Broiled Boston Scrod$26.95
A New England Tradition. Crusted with seasoned bread crumbs
Homemade Lump Crab Cakes$28.95
Ye olde recipe, with lemon aioli
Tender Sweet Clams
fried to perfection
- Market Price
Fried Select Oysters$28.95
a Union Oyster House Tradition
Grilled Salmon Fillet$27.95
Farm raised in the Atlantic Ocean
Sautéed Shrimp & Scallops$32.95
Served with a sundried tomato cream sauce over rice
Crispy Fried Butterfly Shrimp$24.95
with fries and cole slaw
Broiled Sea Scallops$32.95
Our native deep sea scallops, lightly crusted with seasoned breadcrumbs
Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast$19.95
Served with fresh vegetables and rice
Ye Olde Fish & Chips$22.95
served with cole slaw
Catch of the Day "Off the Boat"
A changing variety of fresh seafood, ask your server for today's catch
- Market Price
Ye Olde Seafood Platter$35.95
Fried Fish, Clams, Oysters, Shrimp and Calamari Served with French Fries & Cole Slaw
The Lobster Pot
New England Hard-Shell Lobsters. Boiled Or Broiled: Medium (11⁄4 - 11⁄2 lbs.) or Large (2lbs.)
- Market Price

FOR CHILDREN

12 and under. Served with a Pickle and French Fries

Fried Fish Fillet Sandwich*$12.95
Hamburger, Sliders (2)*$12.95
Fried Chicken Tenders*$12.95
Mac & Cheese*$9.95
Grilled Hot Dog*$9.95
Grilled Cheese Sandwich*$9.95

DESSERTS

Warm Apple Cobbler$10.95
Boston Cream Pie$11.95
Ice Cream$8.95

DISCLAIMER

Pricing and availability subject to change. Take out may not be available during busy times. Please call 617-227-2750.

What 7,780 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

4Food
4.3Service
4.4Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Greater Boston
Most Booked
Boston
Most Booked

7,780 Reviews

MC
MichaelC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience3
Had to go, as a first-time visit to Boston, but would not go again. For the $$ I just expect more. Get the chowder and be done with it!
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JO
JanO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food, great service, I highly recommend!!
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RS
RickS
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Simply put, our server, Jeff, made the experience. He recommended the right fare, pointed out specific things the tourists often miss, and was all around kind. Many thanks!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food2service2ambience3
The history was interesting and was worth seeing. The food was not great. We had a shrimp cocktail, which was good. We then had scallops and lobster Mac and cheese. Both were mediocre. Definitely a restaurant that can get away with not so great food because of the historical ambiance. I wouldn't waste your.money on this place.
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CP
CatherineP
Philadelphia
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall1food1service4ambience3
Food was over cooked and pricey. I was expecting much better quality for the exorbitant prices, but our server was really nice. The Boston crème pie was good.
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AR
AdriaanR
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food3service5ambience5
Great decoration and atmosphere. Service was excellent. Food is simple, but good. A nice experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
E. Tennessee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wonderful dining experience. Truly a historic gem.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great environment, outstanding service and great food. Chowder was awesome!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service3ambience5
Very cool to be in a place with such important history!
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RB
RachelB
London
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience4
The atmosphere is good here - bustling - but the food isn't as amazing as I was expecting, given all the hype.
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OF
OkieFoodie
New Orleans
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food & service in an amazing historical Landmark. The beer is ice cold and oysters are so fresh! So much history! Be sure to walk around the 2nd floor to the other dining rooms and see the artwork.
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ET
EricT
Houston
4 reviews
vip
1.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall1food1service1ambience3
Food was very bland and overpriced. Hot lobster roll was dry and overpriced at $43. The broiled Boston scrod was fresh but absolutely no flavor. Staff from host to waitress had no courtesy whatsoever. If you are there for historical experience it’s just ok. But if you are looking for a good food experience this is not the place
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience4
Food was ok, nothing special considering the prices. Service was to the point with zero frills.
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WH
WebbH
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food1service3ambience5
Clam Chowder had no calms. Raw oysters were okay. Crab Cakes were awesome. The history of the building was great. My suggestion go for a cocktail and eat somewhere else.
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CC
ChristineC
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food3service1ambience5
Food was good, ambiance was amazing. Food was fast, but waitress was having an off night.
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MB
MarciaB
Charlotte
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience4
A very busy and historic place. One pays for the location. The food was ok. Nothing exceptional. The oysters on the half shell were good, freshly shucked and tasty. We had the special lobster Mac and cheese which was very skimpy on the lobster and a little too Al dente on the Mac. The catch of the day was haddock, which was prepared broiled. The fish was tender and fresh but the preparation was bland. The side was carrots which tasted like frozen veggies, overcooked and mushy. Nothing was “bad” just mostly mediocre. The highlight is eating in a place with such history and seeing the artifacts. Now I’ve been there, there’s no reason to go back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dallas
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great experience. Loved all the food, service and atmosphere.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
This restaurant is Amazing!! Oysters were fresh, Unique corn bread with butter Not to mention the Creamy flavorful clam chowder. Lobster roll wasn’t that good though it’s was dry we prefer Lobster roll from Black Rose or Barking Crab. Definitely coming back to Union Oyster House Restaurante for the Lobster ravioli.
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AP
AsianPersuasion
Pittsburgh
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
Definitely make a reservation as the resto is BUSY. The food was good but maybe a bit overpriced for the lobster. It was cool though to eat in such a historical establishment.
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BF
BenjaminF
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience5
My girlfriend and I had the Haddock. Although the fish was prepared perfectly and the blackened choice was a success, we were disappointed in the overall value for what we paid for. We only received a filet of the fish and a choice of one other side all for market price. When I am paying for seafood at market price, I expect value in return. The service was very sub par and it took our server a good 10-12 minutes just to greet us. It took another 30 minutes for our fish to make it out to our table. The restaurant at that time was not very busy. We are not from the New England area and I myself have been to this restaurant 2x before and had wonderful experiences each time. This time I must say, the experience was lacking on all sides.
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TB
TiffanyB
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience3
We were really looking forward to eating here but it was a huge disappointment. $30 for 6 fried shrimp, Almost $40 for 6 lobster ravioli which came out barely warm. Way overpriced and the food was sub par
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F
Foxy
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
To enjoy the rich history of Boston, the Union Oyster House fit the bill. We were in the city with a brief layover and were able to wander the local area and then enjoy Boston seafood. The staff was wonderful in providing local history and information on the area. We will definitely recommend the Union Oyster House.
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b
beth
Greater Boston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience2
Tourist trap. The fish chowder had one tiny peice of fish, was lukewarm and thin. The clams were expensive and only a handful. Would never return.
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J
Janie223
New York Area
9 reviews
1.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall1food2service5ambience2
The calamari appetizer was too much fried and hardly any calamari. Dinner only offered carrots or rice, nothing else. Carrots over cooked, and think honey or sugar over them. Really awful.my scallops ok
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SS
SteveS
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wes & is friends at the Bar took exceptional Clare of us! Thx again and all the best!
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SB
SusanB
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience3
Service was amazing! Helpful and informative very willing to make substitutions as needed for allergies
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SD
SteveD
Nashville
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Food was good but not extra special. Server did a nice job.
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m
mutzinger
Chicago
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience5
El restaurante es un museo, es histórico y vale la pena visitarlo ya que es el restaurante más antiguo de los Estados Unidos. La comida es buena en general, y el servicio es decente sin ser sobresaliente. Sin embargo el restaurante está bastante sucio y desordenado. Se aprecia descuidado. Hace falta mucha limpieza y orden.
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HF
HonestFoodie
Dallas
11 reviews
vip
1.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience4
This was our first stop on our trip to Boston and we came not only for the history, but celebrating a special occasion. It was a terrible experience from start to finish. The only thing going for the place is the history, but as far as service, we received next to none and even paid up for nice drinks—my fancy JFK drink was spilled as it was being set down and not replaced—the waitress just sloshed up the excess liquid with napkins. I didn’t complain, but was disappointed and gave a pass that perhaps the waitress was having a bad evening. There is too much to tell about how our next 1.5 progressed, but one seafood platter later (no clams on it at all…we pointed this out and were completely dismissed) and a hefty amount of root beer for our kiddos, we left with only a sad impression. The bad reviews are accurate. Don’t go here for anything…just peek in the building and head elsewhere to invest your hard earned dollars. I wish we could have our time back and not have this memory. On to better choices in Boston!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Key West
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Food is always great here. Sat at the bar for a different experience and Robbie was a great bartender and suggested other places for must see.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always have a good experience here, will keep bring my food tours here
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BC
BillC
Atlanta Metro
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great time at the Union Oyster House. You can beat the ambience of the place and we even got JFKs favorite table.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience5
We went for the history, not the food, so I wasn’t expecting much. However, that was probably the most disappointing clam chowder I’ve ever had…not sure if it even had clams in by cup. My wife ordered scallops and shrimp which was great. Unfortunately, there was a food/ tour group that came in and they were loud and took our server away from us. I was there as a tourist myself, but it was a quiet and enjoyable time until they came in. Really unfortunate.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service definitely worth every penny. I would definitely go back
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and atmosphere! A real gem! The steamed mussels were to die for.
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PM
PatrickM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite place to eat in Boston. It is a must try!
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G
Gene
Washington DC
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wonderful place for dining! Building is worth a visit by itself.
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TP
TeighlorP
Orange County
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The lobster ravioli and crab cakes were spectacular!
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DC
DonnaC
Naples
6 reviews
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience2
Don’t go. A tourist trap. The worst meal we had during a 5 day stay in Boston. Flavorless scrod fish, disappointing lobster roll that was expensive for very little lobster. We got a proper lobster roll at another location the next night that was twice the amount of lobster for $8 dollars less. The only thing good was the small warm piece of cornbread with butter brought to the table before our meals. Do not waste your time or money going here.
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QJ
QJH1
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Great choice - especially the seafood. Great character to this building.
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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 7780 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 29, 2023

10:30 PM

Booked 139 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Website
http://www.unionoysterhouse.com?y_source=1_MjY4Nzk0MjktODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=/
Phone number
(617) 227-2750
Private party contact
our Private Dining Coordinator: (617) 227-2750

Union Oyster House

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

The Lobster Pot

Chilled Lobster Roll

Lobster Roll Special

APPETIZERS

Chilled Shrimp Cocktail$19.95

Fried "Crispy" Calamari$21.95

Mussels$19.95

Homemade Lump Crab Cakes$25.95

Baked Stuffed Clams (3)$19.95

SOUPS & CHOWDERS

Oyster House Clam Chowder

Fish Chowder

Soup of the Day

ON THE HALF SHELL

Freshly Shucked Oysters*

Native Cherrystone Clams*

Cold Seafood Sampler*$22.95

THE SALAD PLATES

Union Caesar$12.95

Mixed Field Greens$11.95

SANDWICHES

Chilled Lobster Roll

Homemade Lump Crab Cake$24.95

Charbroiled Hamburger*$19.95

Fried Oyster Roll$23.95

Fish Sandwich$19.95

Fried Clam Roll

Union Chicken Club$20.95

Seared Fish Tacos$19.95

ON THE SIDE

Boston Baked Beans$8.95

OYSTER HOUSE FAVORITES

Broiled Boston Scrod$26.95

Homemade Lump Crab Cakes$28.95

Tender Sweet Clams

Fried Select Oysters$28.95

Grilled Salmon Fillet$27.95

Sautéed Shrimp & Scallops$32.95

Crispy Fried Butterfly Shrimp$24.95

Broiled Sea Scallops$32.95

Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast$19.95

Ye Olde Fish & Chips$22.95

Catch of the Day "Off the Boat"

Ye Olde Seafood Platter$35.95

The Lobster Pot

FOR CHILDREN

Fried Fish Fillet Sandwich*$12.95

Hamburger, Sliders (2)*$12.95

Fried Chicken Tenders*$12.95

Mac & Cheese*$9.95

Grilled Hot Dog*$9.95

Grilled Cheese Sandwich*$9.95

DESSERTS

Warm Apple Cobbler$10.95

Boston Cream Pie$11.95

Ice Cream$8.95

DISCLAIMER

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Union Oyster House offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Union Oyster House restaurant rated?

Is Union Oyster House currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information