Union Oyster House

4.5

8710 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 67 times today

Charming
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
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%3D/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

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$27.95
A New England Tradition. Crusted with seasoned bread crumbs
Homemade Lump Crab Cakes$29.95
Ye olde recipe, with lemon aioli
Tender Sweet Clams
fried to perfection
- Market Price
Fried Select Oysters$29.95
a Union Oyster House Tradition
Grilled Salmon Fillet$28.95
Farm raised in the Atlantic Ocean
Sautéed Shrimp & Scallops$33.95
Served with a sundried tomato cream sauce over rice
Crispy Fried Butterfly Shrimp$29.95
with fries and cole slaw
Broiled Sea Scallops$33.95
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$23.95
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$36.95
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 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

ON THE SIDE

Boston Baked Beans$8.95

What 8,710 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Union Oyster House offers a captivating blend of history and seafood, proudly positioned as the oldest restaurant in the U.S. With "great food," "excellent service," and a "wonderful experience," it remains a must-visit in Boston. The ambiance is steeped in history, and the clam chowder and oysters are particularly noteworthy.

8,710 Reviews

D
Derek
Los Angeles
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
After hearing about the restaurant from locals as well as visitors, I had to try it. And we were not disappointed. It has a lot of charm, a great atmosphere and most important, though filled, we could easily hear our conversation. Our server was cheerful, on point, and I could see working really hard. She helped make the experience memorable.
Is this helpful?
B
Bryant
Greater Boston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Lobster in lobster Mac and cheese was cooked from frozen, mashed potatoes were instant mash and scallops breading was soggy. Overall disappointing.
Is this helpful?
N
Navi
VIP
Toronto
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service! So much history in this place.
Is this helpful?
G
Gregory
VIP
San Diego
33 reviews
4.0
33 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I really enjoyed the restaurant overall. I ordered the clam chowder, which was exceptional. As good as I’ve had. I ordered the warm lobster roll and I thought that the quality of the lobster was mediocre. I found it to be quite chewy. The french fries were really good.
Is this helpful?
L
Luke
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was the best restaurant for lobsters. I personally think it was better than the maine locals
Is this helpful?
A
Anthony
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was my first time dining at Union Ouster House. The service and the food were absolutely outstanding. We had the shrimp and scallops, poor man’s lobster, grilled salmon, and the fisherman’s platter. Every thing came out perfectly. Most people do not realize how much the cost of buying seafood has gone up. For these times the prices were fair some people may disagree.
Is this helpful?
B
Bryan
Jacksonville
12 reviews
2.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Friendly & attentive service, but mediocre food & tourist trap
Is this helpful?
L
Lori Ann
VIP
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Great time! Had to ask for corn bread twice but finally got it! Fish chowder and mashed potatoes were not hot, rather luke warm to cold. But delicious nonetheless. Third visit and we will be back since we live local.
Is this helpful?
M
Maureen
San Antonio
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The food was way below average and waaaay too expensive. We’ve got much better tasting food half the price. It was a huge disappointment and a waste of money. $150 for two people? Not worth it, never going back.
Is this helpful?
R
Rod
Chicago
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food was great. The restaurant was unique and quaint. Had a great time.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Union Oyster House offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 227-2750.

Union Oyster House is rated 4.5 stars by 8710 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 67 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
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

Website
http://www.unionoysterhouse.com?y_source=1_MjY4Nzk0MjktODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D/
Phone number
(617) 227-2750

Union Oyster House

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Oyster House Clam Chowder

The Lobster Pot

Chilled Lobster Roll

APPETIZERS

Chilled Shrimp Cocktail$19.95

Fried "Crispy" Calamari$22.95

Mussels$19.95

Homemade Lump Crab Cakes$25.95

Baked Stuffed Clams (3)$19.95

SOUPS & CHOWDERS

Oyster House Clam Chowder$13.95

Fish Chowder$13.95

Soup of the Day$11.95

ON THE HALF SHELL

Freshly Shucked Oysters*$21.95

Native Cherrystone Clams*$19.95

Cold Seafood Sampler*$23.95

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$24.95

Fish Sandwich$19.95

Fried Clam Roll

Union Chicken Club$20.95

Seared Fish Tacos$19.95

OYSTER HOUSE FAVORITES

Broiled Boston Scrod$27.95

Homemade Lump Crab Cakes$29.95

Tender Sweet Clams

Fried Select Oysters$29.95

Grilled Salmon Fillet$28.95

Sautéed Shrimp & Scallops$33.95

Crispy Fried Butterfly Shrimp$29.95

Broiled Sea Scallops$33.95

Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast$19.95

Ye Olde Fish & Chips$23.95

Catch of the Day "Off the Boat"

Ye Olde Seafood Platter$36.95

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

ON THE SIDE

Boston Baked Beans$8.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

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