good place to hang out with friends but the food and drinks in here are way too expansive.
(3)
Sandy K.
A bit of a tourist trap and we got trapped. Basically disappointed in the food. Good clam chowder but not amazing. The rest of dinner was just OK. Very nice server though. I am sure there are better seafood restaurants in Boston.
(2)
Trey N.
Pricey but the food and atmosphere was good. Historic place to eat but had better but would return if visiting.
(4)
Sisi Z.
It's probably not worth it for anything else, but the oyster bar is amazing. Don't order them off the menu if you're sitting at a table, last time I did they were pre-shelled and refrigerated. If you ask the hostess they will give you recipes for their clam chowder and corn bread (mmm... corn bread). Love the historical decor; I'd choose this place over Legal any day.
(4)
Sudhanshu K.
Loved the clam chowder. You can tell that the chowder is extremely fresh. Had the crab cakes, which were good. the baked beans were done perfectly in my mind. My cousin had the lobster, which looked and tasted amazing. I would recommend the lobster over the crabcake.
(4)
Al D.
Vastly overrated. Many better places to eat nearby. Wait staff was very rushed, and lacking in charm. Sort of a production-line mentality. The complimentary cornbread is sickly sweet and clashed with most of the dishes. Clams were way overcooked. Steamed lobster was nicely done though. Was really disappointed in the poor man's lobster: chunks of lobster meat soaked in mushy, under-seasoned bread crumbs. But the building is historical and nice to look at.
(2)
Chris W.
Heavy on history and atmosphere-- but honestly felt as though we were being shuttled through like cattle. Food was not great- and overpriced. Did not match up with what I remembered from years ago... Perhaps we caught it on a bad day...
(2)
Anna T.
Love the raw oysters here!!! We had pretty good food on top of the oysters. I had a salmon entree (special of the day) and it was cooked perfectly! I was soo dreadful that it'll come out overcooked but it surprised me. But nothing beats the oysters! Next time I'm just going to sit at the raw bar and chow away. Drooling thinking about it. Service is good but place is confusing but cute in its own old ways. Worth a try if you appreciate raw oysters.
(4)
Bailey K.
This is a classic for locals and tourists alike. One of the oldest restaurants in the country this is a historic place with good food. The staff are friendly and helpful. This is a great place steeped in New England tradition that is a must if you are in Boston. The food is classic. excellent and fresh. Do not pass this by!
(4)
Kyleigh K.
Ok place. It has a nice atmosphere, and the decorations are pretty cool. However, the food wasn't excellent, and for what you pay, the portion size isn't worth it.
(2)
Dena N.
When I first learned to eat raw oysters, I did not like it too much. But when I ate it here, the oysters were so fresh and delicious that I am a huge fan of raw oysters now! The menu items are somewhat expensive and the food is nothing out of the ordinary. The only good thing about this place is the fresh oysters, but they are highly priced. Overall, I would come back to this place to eat the oysters (which I have done a few times), but not so much to have a full meal.
(3)
Ivan I.
This is the OLDEST restaurant in America. AND, this is the first place I ate Lobster. I was on tour. Here's a video of it: youtube.com/watch?v=5ten… Place was really expensive, I think my meal cost like $80. I got the full shabang, you know, Lobster, potatoes, corn, CLAM CHOWDA, fuck it. EVERYTHING. FOR THE MOTHERFUCKING WIN. It was pretty great. That's about all I have to say about this place. I felt like a real American tearing that Lobster apart.
(5)
Athena D.
Clam chowder, freaking awesome. The oysters were a bit small. I got the sauteed shrimp and scallops over rice pilaf based on other people's reviews, and there was a ton of sauce which might be awesome for some people, but it was a bit overwhelming for me. The fried seafood platter was lightly battered which is good, but they don't give you heaping portions like other seafood restaurants. Overall good food, and the ambiance is great. Definitely got the old timey boston historical feel down. Make reservations!!
(4)
Kyndall W.
Fish and chips were just ok. The clam chowder and oysters were excellent. The atmosphere is cool especially if you sit at the bar. Great lunch location along the freedom trail.
(4)
Karen M.
The restaurant was interesting to see because of their history. However, the food here was awful. The clam chowder was luke warm and runny with loads of mini chunks of potatoes and no clams. The fish platter was deep fried with poor quality fish. It is a complete tourist trap with lousy food.
(1)
Mike M.
Oldest restaurant in america lives up to it's name. I recommend the chowder and lobster cakes, both awesome. Also if you have a choice of where to sit, go for the upstairs dining rooms. They make you feel like you're back in time.
(5)
Gregg P.
My wife and I ate here mainly because it is the oldest restaurant in the US. We had a couple appetizers late in the evening and they were ok. Nothing special, but at the same time they weren't bad. Had a Sam Adams beer that is brewed just for this restaurant alone and that was quite tasty.
(3)
Annie E.
Here's the deal: Is Union Oyster House Touristy? Yes. But you can say you ate in America's oldest restaurant. Is there typically a long wait? Yes. So ask for a table with the bar menu. Does it have the thickest and creamiest clam chowder in Boston I've found so far? You better believe it. Whenever friends come into town I take them here and they love it. But just for the clam chowder, mussels, and corn bread that comes with your meal.
(4)
Christina Z.
Great (free) corn bread and really delicious New England clam chowder - thinner in consistency than I'm used to and almost a little tangy but very very good, my favorite version so far! Overall, menu items seem overpriced - tried the crab cakes entree, nothing particularly unique or special but still quite tasty, probably wouldn't order them again though for the price (around $18 I think). The atmosphere/feel of the place is really nice and cozy, cute little gift shop and free souvenir postcards/brochures :) Not sure if the "oldest restaurant in America" claim is actually true though, but it's quaint and fun nonetheless!
(4)
t h.
Belly up to the oyster bar and be entertained!! Good times for sure
(5)
Matt S.
Stay away, it is old and should be closed. The overweight lady upstairs was totally rude, food was terrible, had to wait close to an hour for food and it came out cold. 3 out of 5 people in our party had the clam chowder and all 3 of those people ended up sick that night. Good luck on finding your waitress. The only negative on my wonderful week in Boston.
(1)
Thao T.
Boston Clam Chowder didn't impress me much - really. Perhaps, I shouldn't have settled here for Clam Chowder. On the other hand, their oysters and mussels were delicious! I'd recommend only their oyster bar.
(3)
Peggy M.
This was a must stop for lunch, on our second trip to the area, after being here 12 years ago. I remember having the fish chowder and thinking it was to die for and couldn't wait to have it again. Sadly to say, I was disappointed this time around. Either it was overblown in my memory, or it wasn't the same recipe. Hubby said the same about his clam chowder. The hostess was indifferent, acted like she hated her job, and put us upstairs in the back of a room all by ourselves instead of a window seat (that there were plenty of, although we did get up and move to one). She did the same thing to another couple, who I think actually left the restaurant. I liked the feeling and history of it, but that's about it. I can't give a review on anything other than the 2 chowders, but didn't think they were all that great...I wish we would've waited and eaten in the food court down the street at the big touristy area, (wish I could remember the name of it...something Quincy.)
(2)
Jenn W.
The broiled scallops were cooked perfectly... Buttery and beautiful. Blue point oysters were also nice. Our waitress was very cool. However....the place is totally overpriced for what you get. $18 for some scallops over spring mix they pulled out of a bag and threw some dressing on? My dining companions all had the same reaction. Good, but not worth the price. Also, the tables are extremely uncomfortable and close. Yes, I realize this is a historic establishment and they're trying to preserve the way things were. That doesn't necessarily equate to a great dining experience. Next time I'm in that section of Boston, I'll try a different seafood place.
(3)
Rebecca N.
I still think this place is the bomb and I've lived in Boston for over 12 years. The oysters are yummy, I've gotten. The fish and chip, the fried clams, the chowder and c'mon! Free cornbread! Don't forget to get a side of baked beans.
(5)
Sarah S.
Best scallops I have ever had! This place fantastic. My boyfriend and I were visiting from Chicago and walked into this place for some lunch. Glad we did! The cornbead is amazing! The shrimp and scallops were the best I've had. Very tender and flavorful with tge rice and sauce. They also have a Sam Adams beer that is brewed specially for them and only available at tge restaurant! This is a historic landmark which is uniquely decorated so you have much to see and learn about while you wait for your food.
(5)
Don W.
Once when I lived in New York, we drove to Boston for the Clam Chowder at the Union Oyster House. The chowder is really good but it was also an excuse for a road trip. So it was four hours to Boston, two hours at the Union Oyster House and other tourist attractions, then four hours home. And worth it. The chowder is 5 star quality, but they lose a star because it's too damn touristy. Not that I minded when I was a tourist. Anyway, if I was hungry, in the neighborhood, and it wasn't too crowded, I'd stop for chowder.
(4)
Amanda G.
It's a cool little place, and the history behind it adds to the atmosphere. Their clam chowder was the best I've had in Boston so far. Oysters weren't bad either. Unfortunately, service was sub par, and my friend's meal was barely cooked. It took forever to be sent back and cooked more, and we still had to pay the full price. So first experience was average, but I definitely want to go back.
(3)
Laurie B.
The building gets five stars. The rest, well. I guess you have to make reservations just to be able to see the historical building. It was great. There are many better places to eat in Boston that have more reasonable prices for the same seafood. The oysters were fresh and good. The salad was warm and the fish was cold, so they didn't pay much attention to the temperature. It was very busy that night, but for the price, I expected much better.
(2)
Greg S.
I stumbled into this bar (quite literally) my first full day in town. I must have been early as I ended up sitting at the oyster bar. I am unfamiliar with local oysters so had some of each. The cherrystone clams are really good too. It was a fun time.
(4)
Andrew A.
Almost two centuries of great seafood served continuously, and it tastes like it. I love the historical setting and the food and service were excellent. I took it down to 4 stars because it's a tad overpriced, in my opinion, but worth going at least once.
(4)
Miike G.
Delicious cornbread! Yummy cajun salmon. Great mashed potatoes. Only thing not authentic was the Asian grandma waitress with the heavy accent!
(4)
Matthew S.
fresh oysters piles of fried seafood in your face. an 18th century vibe. this place is badass
(4)
Sarah A.
Like others have said it's cool to go and experience this place for the historical significance and the interesting old decor, but the food is not that great. They serve some yummy cornbread but every entree I have ever had here has been pretty unremarkable. Not really bad, just not something I think is worth paying a lot of money for. I'd recommend everyone go in, have a drink and maybe some oysters so we can keep the oldest restaurant in Boston open, but find another place in the area to have dinner. I highly recommend the Kinsale Irish pub up by the government station T stop as a much better and seriously cheaper alternative. See my review of the Kinsale.
(2)
Renee B.
My husband and daughter spent this evening PUKING thanks to Union Oyster!!! We went there today excited to eat lunch with our family in a historic restaurant and were at first charmed by the creaking floors and wooden embellishments - but our visit quickly turned into a BIG disappointment with TERRIBLE service and HORRIBLE food! Our waitress took our order then disappeared for over 45 min until she showed up with our soup. The "famous" clam chowder was thick and gummy - and way over-salted! And the crab cakes - shaped like a hockey puck - contained more breading than crab - and tasted just plain awful! SAVE YOUR MONEY and AVOID THIS PLACE!!! You will thank me.
(1)
Valerie J.
It's the oldest restaurant in America. Steeped in Bostonian history, Kennedy had a favorite booth here, now memorialized by a sign. It's a good restaurant, but remember you are also paying for the whole experience (Faneiul area, old tymie, historic). I am a huge oyster fan, and I have never been disappointed by the oysters here the three times I've been. My only comment is that the last time I went, they only had one type of oyster available. Thankfully it was good, but I like variety. The clam chowder and fish chowder is also spot-on. Free cornbread was delicious. I got a hot tea (cause I'm an old lady) and the water was not that hot. Asked the waitress to redo it and she did. But I hate it when hot things are not piping hot. So they need to step up their tea game is all i'm saying.
(3)
Stewart K.
Indian pudding has to be an acquired taste....or rather texture. It has the flavorings for pumpkin pie but the consistency of brown mustard. Otherwise, the food was decent enough, as in edible, but I don't think anyone going here would say "This is the best seafood place EVER!!!!!". So yeah, it's an institution, I get it and I'm glad I went, but I can find better around Boston even if I am being just a tourist. Totally worth it for the mug though.
(3)
Youna S.
Hearing that this is America's oldest restaurant, I was so excited. This place may be a little too hyped up, but I liked it. It looks pretty tight and small once you walk in, but as you walk further in and up the stairs, this place is actually pretty big. I loved the whole deco- it gave a very antiquey feeling. We tried the Oyster House Clam Chowder which was as good as any clam chowder in Boston. It was the perfect appetizer. For the whole meal, we ordered a Shore Dinner (lobster broiled and with steamers instead of mussels), the Sauteed Seafood Medley, Broiled Seafood Platter, and the Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops. I think the most popular dish was the Shore Dinner and Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops. My favorite was the Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops. The sundried tomato cream sauce was perfect on top of the rice. Nothing was too creamy or thick. The Sauteed Seafood Medley tasted more like a pasta dish because of the noodles and marinara sauce. The Shore Dinner lobster was just simply delicious! The cornbread they served for appetizers was on point.
(3)
Clara L.
Neat place to go, but pretty aimed towards tourists since it's right off the freedom trail and across from the first pub in America. You can spend alot of time walking around and looking at the stuff on the walls. Lots of history. Clam chowder was good and the corn bread was amazing, but their raw oysters left alot to be desired. They were tiny and not at all good, which was sad since it is called an oyster house.
(2)
トモ T.
For their historical value, you have to try this place once, but would you go back? I enjoyed the experience, but I wasn't impressed by their food. There are so many tastier seafood alternatives in Boston, there really isn't a need to fight the tourists to eat at Union Oyster House. My recommendation is to do their Oyster Bar thing during odd hours when it's not too crowded, but eat your dinner else where.
(3)
Randy H.
Eat oysters with the patriots. Yes it's small but it's as authentic as it comes...the real deal baby. I'd take it over a national chain any day. I thought the food was great (but I'm from MN...what do I know about oysters?).
(4)
Maureen C.
In town from San Diego, and tired from a long day of walking around the city, we decided to out the Union Oyster House for some good seafood, a nice lunch break, and even a bit more city history while we were at it. Yum! Didn't know that the way to eat chowder was with cornbread, but by God, they're on to somethin'! The cornbread is outstanding, as is the fish chowder, and, of course, the clam chowder. Oysters were also fresh and tasty, and the raw horseradish was a nice touch. Our server was fun, efficient, and great at keeping 5 full tables happy at rush hour lunch time. Reasonable prices, good selection of beer, and tasty food. Thanks for the memories! Oh, and the "Freedom Trail" is mapped out on the wall of the front dining room with artistic dioramas - kinda cool!
(4)
Leo P.
Coined as "the oldest restaurant in America" the Union Oyster House is sometimes referred to as a tourist spot. It is a large restaurant with numerous levels and tables. As you enter, an oyster bar with a couple seats greets you. Oysters are shucked right in front of your eyes. Good server and a pleasant atmosphere. Had a root beer and the lobster scampi. Pasta was good, and came with a pre cut lobster with a decent amount of meat. Chowder and baked beans were also good. Overall a place to eat with good ambiance and a reasonable, maybe more expensive than average price point. But definitely get a reservation.
(4)
Traci H.
Overpriced. Loud. Dark. Dirty feeling. Ok so you could spin the dark and dirty feeling as the old Boston, classic dark wooden pillars in a old school restaurant, but it's a stretch. Good seafood - so I hear. So here's the deal - it's famous. It has a history. How can you visit Boston and hear the stories of the oldest restaurant and not go? You have to. But be prepared that it may not knock your socks off. The clam chowder was very good I must say. Thick, creamy and had lots of clams and potatoes. I had the lobster scampi and the pasta was great, the tomatoes were great but the big ol' center piece was cooked inconsistently. The claws were ok, the legs and body were good and the tail...THE LOBSTER TAIL - the best part of the damn crustacean was overcooked. It was tough and chewy. You don't fork over your wallet for a piece of lobster that you could bounce off the wall. Really disappointing. Maybe two stars is a little harsh but it's so hard to go to a great seafood restaurant and have a bouncy-ball lobster tail on your plate. The boston creme pie was less than stellar - what saved it was that we had it ala mode. The pie itself was dry, so at least the ice cream gave it something moist. It's famous - you have to go. So go. I'm glad I went and now I know better. But I needed that experience to know it. I wish anyone a better experience. Maybe I'll go back, but probably only to take out-of-towners.
(2)
Henry Z.
Been there once, food is OK, but an interesting restaurant with quite a history
(4)
Van-Ann B.
America's oldest restaurant is.... probably what I would expect for America's oldest restaurant. The corn bread was pretty solid, as was their clam chowder (which I would hope would be a given for America's oldest restaurant). But other than that, it was mehh. We ordered the mussels (just okay) and the lobster roll (just okay) with fries (just okay). Although they weren't bad, I"m sure you can find places with better mussels, lobster rolls and fries. Not to mention, kind of expensive for being just meh.
(3)
M S.
Ok, I have to admit, the only things I get here are 1) Fresh Oysters 2) Lobster - 2lbs - always steamed Everything else that I have had or others have had seemed to be overcooked, and just ok at best. I also only come here when I'm traveling on business or when I'm in Boston with someone who has never been (it is a Landmark after all, a must do). It is on the expensive side of things but worth it once and a while. 4 Stars for Oysters and Lobster
(4)
Lisa N.
When in Boston, this place is a must. Make a reservation or you may be waiting a while. The complimentary corn bread was delicious, the clam chowder was the best I have ever had. The Lobster Newburyport was excellent. Linda our waitress was excellent and attentive. Can't wait to eat here again, this place is a must for tourists with a great local menu.
(5)
Laura P.
We went to this place just because of the historical significance of it. The atmosphere was good...the corn bread was good...but that was it. When we were served, it seemed like frozen food given to us like a diner blue plate special. Would never recommend this restaurant.
(1)
Mike R.
This place is worth a visit, especially if you're visiting from out of town. Even if it's just for a drink and visit to the raw bar if you like raw oysters and Boston clam chowder, it's the oldest restaurant in the country and has a LOT of historic character. Their seafood is fresh and very basically prepared, but it's extremely typical Boston/New England cuisine - nothing trendy at all. The biggest draw is the atmosphere. It can get crowded on weekends and the service is rushed and not overly friendly, although their food - especially seafood - is very adequate.
(4)
Jen C.
This one didn't quite live up to the hype, especially after walking up and down those creaky stairs. My friends enjoyed the clam chowder, but there is definitely better outside this place. The lobster was good, but rarely have I ever not enjoyed a well-cooked lobster.
(3)
Bruce A.
I worked at the House while in college in mid-70s. It wasn't as large, and not nearly as touristy, but the food was killer -- from the raw bar to the chowda' and of course, all the seafood. Went back a few years ago and the place has expanded, it was mega-crowded at the bar and had to wait 45 minutes for a table. But...the food was still among the best.
(4)
Anya S.
The only good thing about this place is the building. Its very cute and small and tiny and homey and I like it. Service - a ok. They give you a menu, then some water and bring over your food. Thats about it. The food- we got oysters, nothing spectacular. Just oysters. I got salmon. As good as the one at your local groccery store. Absolutely no taste but pepper. Lots of pepper. I dont know whats up with that. The absolute dissapointment was the cheese and fruit plate. We got about 10 grapes and one strawberry. The old age cheddar was two triangles of your american chesse singles. Discusting. I wont be back.
(2)
Michael N.
There are other reviews that capture my experience. Neat old building. Historic blah blah blah. The food was awful. I had the broiled seafood platter: 7 scallops (all cooked to different wellness' ... what is that all about?), 2 small shrimp, A piece of cod or hake about the size of a match book, a piece of salmon about the same size. Boiled potatoes. A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that I never heard of that after drinking I never want to hear again. Go Red Lobster.
(2)
Steve S.
The most rudest bartender ever(Frank) I think.Just sat down and he had such an attitude no other bar was like that to us. The four of us ordered drinks and he was just so rude and sent the mgr out by us when I did not even want to pay for our drinks, we did.Even the other customers all commented on it.Then the mgr came out and was nice but did not explain the whole attitude.Maybe cause we were Cub fans and swept them the night before(just saying)One place I will not return and will not recommend.The bar two doors down was so friendly called Henneseys.
(1)
Lisa H.
Since it was so amazingly gorgeous outside this past Sunday, my friend and I took a stroll down Faneuil Hall to enjoy the amazing weather. We decided to stop by Union Oyster House for a couple of dozen oysters and a few beers and boy were we in for a treat! The oysters at Union are extremely fresh.. possibly the freshest I've had, ever. But although fresh, what they don't have, is variety. They only offer one kind of oysters, along with mussels and clams. We sat at the oyster bar and were able to watch the shuckers shuck away which definitely added to the experience. Be sure to order yourself a bowl of clam chowder, if that floats your boat. The chowder was creamy and thick with a perfect amount of clams and potato chunks. I'd have to say the only downfall was the realization of how expensive the oysters were at the end of the meal when we received our bill. HALF a dozen amounts to $14.00. Having ordered two dozen oysters, four beers and a chowder, the came to a bill of $110 including tip (way more than we planned to pay for a quick afternoon treat). I'd definitely recommend this place to diners who are willing to dish over a hefty buck.
(3)
Christina C.
I did some searching online and Union Oyster House was one of quite a few places recommended for clam chowder. U.O.H is separated into 2 sections- the bar and the restaurant. I sat down in the bar, ordered a pint of Sam Adam's seasonal, and cup of clam chowder/chowdah/whatever. The chowder came with fresh, free, hot cornbread. It was an interesting combo, but I'm not really a cornbread person and the bartender didn't seem to be offended that I barely made a dent in it. The chowder itself was pretty good. It wasn't super thin, or heavy and creamy like a bisque. It wasn't too thick either. It was a nice medium thick chowder with plenty of clams and potatoes. No visible chunks of onions (yay). Yum. I think I'll have to try their oysters next time I'm in town
(4)
Greg M.
I visited the Union Oyster House on Sunday April 13 2014. I started off with 12 oysters on the half shell that were excellent. Then I ordered the American Bouillibase. My son ordered the steamers for one and my daughter the lobster roll. This is where it all went bad. Without exception all if the seafood was dry and overlooked the Bouillibase was tasteless and again the seafood was dry. The best part of my daughters roll was the bread. The long and short of it is go there for some raw shellfish and drinks. Sit in the bar. The building itself is really cool and filled with history. But as far as anything like lobster or other seafood there are tons of other cheaper places to go that are off the beaten path. Service was less than sterling as well.
(2)
John S.
give me a break. total tourist trap. what kind of oyster house has only two types of oysters on hand, both of which taste like they were pinched from a Ponderosa buffet. if you like eating at places because other people have eaten there, fine. but the food itself (save for the cornbread and chowder) is a joke.
(2)
Toby S.
We showed up earlly for our reservations. It was very busy but they seated us right away. Our waitress was very friendly and did a great job taking care of us. The clam chowder was excellent as we're the crab cakes. Very historic building which was larger than expected and very fun. It was a great start to our first weekend in Boston.
(4)
Kelsey K.
I enjoyed the oyster house! It is very touristy but priced well. Clam chowder was great and I also had the mussels which were good. Staff was very friendly and helpful when we asked questions about the city. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Julie B.
Great food, friendly staff members, and cool environment. The clam chowder was awesome and the lobster fantastic! I would recommend this place to anyone in the area. Whether it's a special event, or just a night out to eat, hit this place up!
(4)
John C.
LOD 5 Okay - So when a tourist you find yourself doing touristy stuff Quack Quack (The Duck Tour). Wanted to try this place out as it is the oldest estabilshment in the US (I have been to Botin in Madrid) Sat at the bar which was a neat experience food didn't Stand Out but who cares it is Union Oyster House!
(3)
L C.
Two out of my last three visits to Boston, I ate at this restaurant. The history (oldest operating restaurant in the U.S.) alone is worth the visit. The food was delicious. Decent wine by the bottle selection. Good service. Definitely coming back!
(5)
Kelly F.
UOH was a tad dissapointing. Because it is the oldest continuously running restaurant in New England, I put it on a pedestal. However, the service is slow, it's pricey, the clam chowder isn't as great as everyone hypes it up to be, the booths are tiny and so are the bathrooms. But, from the historical aspect, it's amazing.
(3)
AL K.
Expensive. WE came here because it was part of the historical trail, was hungry so we decided to stop here for an early dinner. Ordered oysters rockefeller and the union lobster. The oysters rockefeller was absolutely disappointing. The oysters were not plump and juicy like it should. An order of 6 pcs is $14.50.The lobster however was great! The meat was moist and the filling was cooked perfectly. Service can be better.
(3)
R M.
Delicious lobster, nice historic location and friendly (if very overworked) waitstaff. I felt like the large lobster in the pot was a decent portion but even with an extra side I was not full. I'm an average sized guy and had a normal appetite, and found out that "market price" was nearly $60 for just the lobster plus one side. Really??? It was far and away more expensive than anything else on the menu. If I come back, it won't be for the lobster, that's for sure.
(2)
Jen K.
Meh..The oysters were ok but they had only 1 variety! Also they were so expensive, and not served over ice/given a nice presentation at all. Not a bad place but overpriced for what it is & you'd be better off getting seafood elsewhere.
(3)
Cassy H.
Some friends and I decided to come here for our last hurrah before we all move on to do different things with our lives. We thought it'd be a good place to celebrate despite it being a complete tourist trap along the Freedom Trail. My overall experience here was ehhhh, mediocre at best. We decided to share a plate of raw oysters and fried calamari. I don't think the oysters were very fresh. I could taste some unwanted sand.. =/ The fried calamari was average, nothing amazing. We also each ordered a cup of clam chowder and honestly, it tasted like cafeteria chowder. Anyway, while this restaurant is America's oldest restaurant in Boston and oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S., I think perhaps, it might be time for this place to revamp itself and add some new, updated flavors to its menu?
(3)
Marley G.
I can't believe people are complaining about this place. The Union Oyster House is the oldest continually operating restaurant in America. The raw bar in front has seated presidents, senators, congressmen, supreme court justices, movie stars, sports figures...and me! I adore going to get a place of raw clams (the only way to eat them) or raw oysters cracked right there for you. Add a bowl of some of the best chowdah in town and you'e got an excellent meal. The bar is original, as are the stools. I mean, Daniel Webster ate there. Upstairs in the restaurant, the food is good, consistent, and nothing fancy. The place tends to cater to tourists and you'll rarely find a local (like me) eating there regularly. But it's a must visit for anyone coming to Boston. The historical value of the place alone is amazing. The restaurant is on the Freedom Trail and it can be quite a wait, especially in the summer. Forego the seating upstairs and slip to the back bar or the raw bar. It's a great experience!
(5)
Matt F.
Quick and Dirty ... go for the historic experience and chowdah! Everything else is just okay. Went to lunch here because it was right at the end of a walking tour we had just completed and highly recommended by the tour guide. It's the oldest restaurant in Boston and oldest restaurant in continouse service in the U.S. ... dating back to 1826. Amazing to think that this place was open back then. We arrived on a hot Friday around lunchtime ... not crazy busy, but busy. Did not have to wait for a table, but were ushered upstairs and through a dining area to our table. An unfriendly gentleman poured water and dropped off cornbread without speaking. Cornbread was okay (keep in mind I'm from the South, so the bar is set rather high for cornbread). The waitress was an old leathery Boston lady with the most quintessential "Bahstan" accent ... very friendly and welcoming. Put in an order for a Sam Adams, a bowl of Clam Chowder, and the Fish & Chips. I wouldn't ordinarily critique the Sam Adams, but it was surprisingly warm. Again, I'm from the South, so I politely drank the beer without wanting to be disrespectful to America's oldest restaurant. The Clam Chowder was the first of three (3) "chowdahs" I would have during this weekend trip to Boston, and it would be the absolute best by far (compared to Abe & Louie's and Grill 23 ... both very upscale restaurants). The Fish & Chips was good, but it didn't knock my socks off or anything. The fries looked like they would be soggy, but were surprisingly crispy. Last thing to mention ... the bathroom looks like it is the original (from 1826). I realize keeping things historic is important, but not at the expense of good hygiene.
(3)
Gina Y.
My friends and I took at trip up to Boston for the day, and one of my friends requested having dinner at America's oldest restaurant. I'm not really a fan of seafood, but I thought I'd give it a shot. The clam chowder was excellent, but everything else was so-so. The best part of the meal was my guava-inspired martini. Great decor, nice service. Don't know if I'll be back though.
(2)
Alexis J.
Over rated. The food was decent but it's all so expensive. Two glasses of beer (which it took them 20 minutes to bring to the table) were $13 each and we got Harpoon which is local and much cheaper everywhere else. We got a cold appetizer for 2 and didn't realize that for 2 they meant that literally there were just 2 of everything. Two 2 Shrimp, 2 little necks, 2 cherrystones and that's it. You really are paying for the name and not for the food. Sure it's the oldest restaurant in the country but whatever, seems like a bit of a tourist trap to me.
(3)
Ting Ting W.
If you ever go to Boston I would say that this is definitely a restaurant that you have to try if you love seafood! How can u ever go to east coast and not get a Maine lobster??? This restaurant is literally the oldest restaurant in America. It's in the heart of Boston. When you walk into the restaurant you will see the fresh oyster and clam bar and a guy standing there waiting to shuck your oysters for you. Then right in front of you is their tank with all the live Maine lobsters. I chose to sit in a booth and was ready to get my grub on! I started out with the seafood appetizer trio. 2 Cherrystone raw clams, 2 raw oysters and 2 shrimp cocktail. I never even knew you can eat a clam raw, but a friend told me I had to try it...so I got the sampler for $13.99. when the sampler came out...I was like that's it??? Where's the rest of it? For $13.99 they sure chose the smallest clams, oysters and shrimp that I've ever seen! Well...I was starving! So I tried the raw clams for the first time. It was a little too clammy for my taste! Onto the oysters. They were pretty small but very, very good!!! Very fresh and tasty! The shrimp cocktail I could of done without. You're better off getting half a dozen or a dozen oysters by itself. Next...I tried a cup of their clam chowder for $5.99. It was one if the better chowders that I had while I was there in Boston. Nice rich creamy flavor. Good amount of clams and potatoes. Finally...I got down to the Maine lobster. You can choose a medium sized lobster that was about a pound for $26.95 or the large lobster that was around 2 pounds. Both of them were market priced of course. You can choose to have it broiled or boiled. Apprently the broiled lobster dries it out a little while the boiled lobster retains the flavor more. So I got the Medium lobster boiled. It was sooo good. I wanted more!!! The lobster was cooked to perfection and was super sweet! You don't even really need the butter or the lemon, but it never hurts to add more flavor! Yummo! I think next time I will get the large lobster! Lol. Although this place is a little bit on the pricier side....it's still a must try for the experience. I would go definitely go back and sit at the oyster bar to pick my own oysters for them to shuck in front of me next time. One recommendation for the restaurant is that it would of been better if I got to pick my own lobster and oysters. That would have been a great experience!
(4)
Sarah C.
One of the reasons I love Boston is that you can go into a restaurant like Union Oyster and pretend that you are living in the 1700s. You just can. Boston is old, it feels old, and it's proud of being old. I wouldn't go here for the food (though I recall the cornbread being great), but definitely check it out for the atmosphere. It's dark, wooden, and Olde Schoole Boston.
(4)
Sean C.
I stopped in here shortly after landing at Boston Logan. I am a sucker for seafood and history and that made this place a must see. My oysters were fresh and not the least bit dry and I thought the chowder was good. Admittedly, as a traveler from Texas I may not know good chowdah from dirt but I finished every bite and had a great experience. My only gripe was the ripoff parking garages in the area. I just wanted to park my car, not move in! But the place oozes history and that is what makes the whole experience for me. I love it. I go there anytime I am in Boston.
(5)
Tony L.
If you're looking for an authentic Colonial Boston experience, a healthy dose of history, and a memorable experience, then you can't get any better than the Union Oyster House! If you want great seafood, you may want to look elsewhere. Not to say that the food here is bad, its just not GREAT! Stick with the old New England favorites and you'll be fine. The cornbread that we had was great (which contradicts an earlier review so perhaps its hit or miss) Clams and oysters on the half-shell, can't go wrong! If you aren't from New England and have never had Steamers, get them! Unfortunately for us, they didn't have steamers on our trip. Major disappointment! A cup of chowda, some fried oysters, broiled scallops, baked or broiled cod, along with a few pints of Sam Adams Colonial (special brew just for the Union Oyster House), along with a peak at JFK's favorite booth upstairs, and you should have a pleasant, historical, enjoyable meal experience.
(3)
Shaun D.
Although the chowder was good, I left feeling annoyed with not only my meal but also with our server. I ordered the chicken (I know I know it's a seafood place, but the oldest restaurant in the country should be able to handle chicken with seafood too). It came out looking great but it was dry and tough. Also, after we had already been waiting an hour, our server approached the table and apologized for the wait an indicated that it was because of the chicken. Whatever.
(2)
Jason H.
The short: it's fine. It's expensive. It's the oldest restaurant in the US, I guess. Whoopee? The long: came here because it was famous for being old. Well, the decor is cool, it's a lot bigger than it looks on the outside. The best thing they have to offer is their cornbread. Both myself and my buddy were amazed at how moist it was. No butter needed! We even asked for and received a second piece for free! That's great! But the rest of the meal was just ok. The steamers were nice, the dipping sauce was nice. The lobster was pretty good but the flavor was just alright. I guess I'm too used to Chinese methods of cooking where a lot of sauce is used to flavor the lobster. This was cooked fine, it was done, it was pretty tender but still had good texture. It just didn't taste like..... anything special. I tried it with the dipping sauces, and I guess it was better.... but adding lemon and butter to ANYTHING makes it better. The clam chowder was better than most places, but not worth the effort to come here. What really disappointed was the dessert. The Indian Pudding was like mushed carrot cake. Literally. Nothing great, not gonna make me puke. But just sort of not worth the effort of describing it here. The final cost for the dinner was $50 + tip, which featured clam chowder (+ an extra cup for me), corn bread, a 1-pound lobster, and probably 15 clams, and the Indian Pudding. I wasn't leaving feeling unhappy. Just not impressed, especially for the price. Not worth ordering a meal. Just come inside and order yourself a snack of cornbread and be content knowing you saved yourself a lot of money by not eating the rest.
(3)
george k.
The oldest restaurant in the country? Can you get better food elswhere? Sure but this is tradition and besides oysters are always good and so is the thick "chowda."
(4)
Jimmy H.
Many of you may despite this place as a tourist trap. But to me, this place is quite genuine to locals as this place has been here for long, long time. There is always a queue to be seated. But thankfully, I have never waited longer than 10 minutes even though they usually tell me that it would be "20 minutes". That gives me pleasant surprise. Or is it their intention? In separate occasion, I had a medium size steamed lobster and roasted seafood platter. Medium lobster was approximately $40 at that time. You may find it overpriced, but I think the pricing is fair. I've had bad or OK lobster before, and this was definitely NOT the OK and below. It tasted very juicy(not watery) and fresh. Roasted seafood platter was also gorgeous. It had various fish(i.e. sword fish, salmon) and as well as clams and mussels. I know there was something else but I can't recall exactly what it was. The price was a little over $20. Seafood is generally more expensive than chicken or beef. As it's not a common food we generally consume in daily basis, it makes you think that it's overpriced. If they were another typical downtown located snobby restaurant who jack up the price just to bring up the social status, Union Oyster House could easily do so. And the roasted seafood platter, for example, would be $40 and the lobster would be $60. I think I am in the bar room far more often than the restaurant part. In this area, there are lines after lines anywhere you turn during weekend.... Except! Union Oyster House. If you are looking for relax, howling frat boys/giggle coeds free, quiet environment where you can get a few pints.Union Oyster House is it. I love having chat with my friends over beers and clam chowder.. Ooohh! Yeah I forgot! Their clam chowder! It's great and you must NOT miss anytime you go!
(4)
Reham A.
I love this place. when i used to live in bean town man. this was the spot to go get fat before we head out and drink. now when i come home and visit. i gotta stop in here and get my some corn bread and chowdah and man some oysters. mmmm this place is a family restaurant. it is so cozy and makes you feel like your back at home if your visiting the bean like me every year or so. if your looking for a great spot to try out what Boston food is like and get the real feel of what its like to be in the bean . you gotta check out this place. its a true Bostonian family restaurant with REAL FOOD. if you are watching your weight don't come here unless you are ready to splurge a little and forget your diet. ok so it is a huge tourist spot now and expensive but who cares. I still love it. I love the old street its on and the smell on the street and the memories i hold in that area. its Boston ! And its Beautiful. MM oyster house is wicked awesome
(5)
Lynn C.
honestly, even if it's advertised as one of the oldest restaurants in boston, it's really not worth much. we had some oysters, clam chowder lazy man's lobster, and fisherman's platter and the bill came to about $100. the oysters were just okay, not that great. clam chowder was too salty. lazy's man's lobster was okay, for the sides, the broccoli was really bland, and the rice was okay. the fisherman's platter was kinda gross. the batter wasnt crispy but kinda soggy. ambiance wise, we were guided from one end of the restaurant to the other end, and then was told to just go upstairs (it wasnt even busy). the upstairs was sooo dark. how does anyone eat up there? i wouldnt go back.
(2)
Steve U.
Sooooo delicious!!!! Best Clam Chowder ever! I'm all over the history of this place. In case you didn't know, it's America's oldest restaurant. Everything is fresh and it shows.
(5)
Loc H.
since this is the oldest restaurant, i had to check it out. the beer was super icy cold and the guys at the oyster bar were WILDLY entertaining. He'd stick a fork to the lobster and the lobster would grab onto it for dear life. Sebastian the lobster probably died that day. Anyhow, the oysters were great and there were some loserfaces that didn't know that clams and oysters were different and commented on it saying "these oysters taste funny" the oyster shucker was nice about it and just said, "oh those are clams from...." anyhow, the ambience is awesome. VERY OLDSCHOOL Feel. The store inside is good for tourist knickknacks. On certain days, there is this farmers market right around the corner.. around the pub. Check it out. Fresh goods! Also, this is right by the freedom trail, so why not make a stop for a few oysters and a brewskie. So awesome. i love boston!
(4)
Erica G.
When you go to Boston, it's pretty much inevitable that - at some point - you're going to be contemplating where to slurp down a huge bowl of Clam Chowder. So why not have it in the (allegedly) oldest restaurant in America? Situated near North Station, and housed in a gorgeously quirky building which is a perfect example of New England colonial architecture, the Union Oyster House is a bit of a tourist trap but has enough charm situated within its four walls to more than make up for it. We came here on a Wednesday afternoon to shield ourselves from the bitter winds coming off the bay and were immediately charmed by the place. The booths were snug and intimate, the service swift and polite and the food relatively decent. And huge. The ubiquitous bowls of Clam Chowder were warm and packed to the gills with warm creamy goodness. They were also served with a huge hunk of cornbread - a food stuff which is arguably more dessert than bread - which was just the thing for mopping up any leftovers. Then, because me and the Mister had eyes bigger than our bellies, we decided to opt for a sandwich each. And boy oh boy, were they some sandwiches. I went for the fried oyster which resembled the Oyster Po'Boys which you usually find in New Orleans. It wasn't so much a sandwich as a stomach busting monster made of fish and breadcrumbs. I could only manage half of it before admitting defeat and sucking forlornly on the world's largest dill pickle. My fella didn't even manage a quarter of his crabcake. Whilst they were both delicious, they were obviously geared to people who carry a spare stomach around in their handbag. Or just have hollow legs. Not even the delicious pints of Sam Adams Winter Ale that we slurped down could ease any of the huge foodie pressure. In the end, all we could do was lie back in the booths and curse our puny European appetites. Union Oyster House might not serve up the best seafood in Boston. But it's cute, quaint and very very cosy - and just the place to duck into if you're suffering from a bit of windchill. Personally, I didn't find it too expensive, but then again, your mileage (and your wallet size) may vary. And, after all, it's not every day that you'll get to eat in America's oldest restaurant. Well, unless you live next door to it that is.
(4)
Tammie P.
Tasteless clam chowder. Lobster Newburgh was too creamy and plain. Served only with rice - boring!
(1)
Ali W.
I get that it's "an institution" and "the oldest restaurant"... but... It's terrible. Awful. Disgraceful. Here's an image for you: ROCKS in the CHOWDER! I went here once for just a typical summer lunch date with an old boyfriend of mine. We sat upstairs (which was cramped, hot as hell and the booths barely could seat us) and we were totally ignored by our server. Boston isn't really well known for seafood, but I thought "okay, chowder here must be safe.. everyone loves it." I got my bowl, and the first bite I took was fair. It wasn't even hot but that's another issue. Second bite, and I swear part of my tooth fell off into the soup. It was a ROCK! Only drag yourself here if you are being accompanied by your Great Aunt Millie and her walker and want to have her "taste a bit of Americana." Pun very much intended.
(1)
Too Risk Y.
Holy dissapointments! Oldest restaurant in th US or not.......definitely not worth it. The food was flat out not good and the service, albeit friendly, was terrible. Went there to get crablegs and couldnt find them on the menu anywhere and later saw ppl eating crablegs??? ......anyhoo, ordered lobster scampi and lobster ravioli, both were awful. Lobster is hard to make awful, but UOH did it. Tasted like 10 day old fish and the ravioli was cold and 3 steps below Red Lobster. The sloooooooow and mostly absent waitress popped my plate in the micro for 1 minute and so the cream sauce broke and became greasy separated butter on rubber ravioli. We begged several times for water refills and the waitress was the only person filling our tiny water glasses when she remembered and no bus boy ever came to check water, although he was around. We teased that every level of the restaurant had its own unique stench....1st floor smelled like oysters, up the stairs smelled like BO and the top floor for dinner smelled like cat pee......ugggh. Historical? yes. Good? No.
(2)
Adam F.
Very tourist-oriented. They bank off of their history rather than food quality. Everything is mediocre, and very high priced. That being said, they have pretty good chowder here...not the best in Boston, but pretty good!!!
(2)
Ken E.
Overpriced, overcooked and overpublicized. Save your money (and tastebuds) & go somewhere else.
(1)
Alex K.
Very historic place. Certainly worth going to during a visit to Boston. Has a wide menu with just about every seafood dish you could want. Try to either make a reservation or be prepared to wait, this place gets crowded.
(4)
Lauren D.
5 stars for the oyster bar, 5 for atmotsphere, 4 stars for service, 2 for the rest of the seafood and 1 for price. If you like oysters on the half shell, that is the reason why you should come here. Seriously. Sit at the oyster bar, have a brew, watch them shuck those oysters and enjoy the goodness. You can top them up with some horse radish, hot sauce, cocktail sauce and/or have them on a cracker if you so chose. I prefer to tilt that shell right at the opening of my mouth and let all the delicious oyster-y goodness on in. The rest of the seafood is not much to boast about (talking about the sea scallops, lobster "pot" and chowda. I say "pot" cause there was no pot. There was a cooked lobster on a plate with melted butter for 32 bucks. What?!). The chowder was just kinda...OK. We got chowder everywhere we went, and this just kinda tasted like campbell's soup compared to everything else we had. The sea scallops were about less than half the size that I'm used to having up in MICHIGAN (which makes NO sense at all!) and the lobster was even more expensive than anything we have had in Michigan. Maybe there is a reason for that, but if there is I don't understand it. You should be able to order some maine lobster for cheap there. Cheap was not the forte at the Union Oyster House. Even the oysters were more expensive than what I have had in Michigan and I hate to say it, but I have had meatier oysters in Michigan too. Oh well. It's claim to fame is also that its the first restaurant in America. I love the history bit of it. It was a great experience and I would go again to sit at the oyster bar.
(3)
Silent S.
Some friends brought me here when I first moved to Boston. We were seated in a booth that was, according to a plaque on the wall, the favored booth of John F. Kennedy. That made me feel pretty special and gave me warm Boston fuzzies. And that's pretty much what the Union Oyster House serves up in spades: warm Boston fuzzies for the tourists and newbies. But for the prices you'll be charged, you can get vastly superior New England-style seafood at any number of locations in the city. Get the fuzzies for free on the Freedom Trail; get your seafood on the Waterfront or in the South End.
(2)
Amy K.
My friends and I had heard good things about the Union Oyster House, so we decided to eat here after visiting the Holocaust Memorial across the street. I figured it would be fun to eat at "America's Oldest Restaurant", and besides, it had started to rain and we were freezing, so it seemed like a good place to go inside. It seems more like a restaurant to go to for the charm and experience rather than for the food. I had the fish and chips, which was pretty good and was filling, but nothing really to write home about. After lunch we went into the attached gift shop, and I found the plush, lobster magnet I'd been looking for!
(3)
Bob C.
Good fresh oysters. Go for the history. Must do in Boston.
(4)
Lindsay C.
Everyone raves about UOH. Not me... It's a tourist trap if I ever saw one. I came I saw and I'm DONE. The seafood was nothing special and was pretty tasteless. The only good thing about the night was the Irish Coffee (Super Strong, me likey) and the Clam Chowder. The bill for 5 of us was $200ish for nothing very amazing. I'll go back if family from out of town comes in...but other than that Nah.
(2)
Vincent P.
Would love to give this place 2.5 but, alas, must pick an integer so am rounding up. Kind of a touristy place ("Oldest Restaurant in America") but actually good food. The Caesar Salad was excellent and large - very tangy, garlicy, great croutons, lots of Parmesan and fresh Romaine. The clam chowder while looking a little watery was excellent. Drinks a little puny. Service was friendly.
(3)
L F.
Focusing on the food and ignoring the history/kitsch/toursit value... this place is great so long as you stick with the seafood classics. We had father's day dinner here--maybe more like lunner since it was 3:30pm. Undoubtedly they would have gotten fewer stars had it not been for our server--she was AWESOME!!! How often do you get a server who tells you what menu items are terrible and which ones are great and worth your money? Most of us chose to listen to her and the ones who didn't..... they learned their lesson. So onto the food.... Raw Bar: Oysters & Cherrystones. As good as it gets. This is the classic, original. No fancy accoutrements here--just lemon, cocktail sauce, and if you ask, tobasco. Awesome, fresh, reasonably priced. Apps: Fried Calamari: AWESOME. I swear they must have just pulled these out of the water. They were sweet, almost juicy. Not too heavy on the batter like some other places. Also, you get the leggy pieces AND the traditional oval kind. These are some of the best I've ever had. Steamers: These were so sweet you didn't need the butter. They were nearly grit/sand free too, which always makes me happy. Clams Casino: I'm not a huge fan to begin with since in most places all you taste is breading. These were above average--you could definitely taste the clams and it wasn't overly breaded/baconed. For what it's worth, the waitress said to stay away from the baked stuffed clams. Her exact words were "Nobody seems to like them. They are always left pretty much untouched on the plate." Entrees: Lobster Roll: It wasn't on the menu but she said we could get it anyways. This came with in a hotdog bun with lettuce, and fries. I don't like lettuce in my lobster rolls but who cares. Great mayo to lobster ratio, lots of meat!!! And not just the wimpy claw pieces. Knuckle & tail were represented well--which makes me happy since knuckle is my favorite piece. Fried Seafood Platter: again, AWESOME!!! Apparently the scallops were fantastic but I wouldn't know since everyone took one before I could try it. Comes with scallops, shrimp, oysters, clams, fish, calamari, onion rings & fries. Yeah, it is a lot of food. The only downside to that is you only get a couple pieces of each thing. (see scallops) Lobster Newburg: I was too busy trying to get my fried scallops back from whoever took it off my plate so I barely tried the lobster newburg. I remember it being tasty. Sauce was not too creamy, not too salty. Nothing outstanding though. Pork Chop: This guy didn't listen to the waitress. But he did say the asparagus was good. Lazy Man's Lobster: The breading was a little too breaded for our taste, but it wasn't without flavor. I am not a fan of baked lobster, but for those of you who are, it was great. The best selling point was that it wasn't overcooked, and the lobster meat was still juicy and sweet. Another waitress tip: Don't get the sole. She didn't say why, she just shook her head. Note: We also got two dishes off the specials: Baked Haddock & Maryland Blue Crabs. I'm not sure about the Crab eater but I know the Haddock guy is a fish snob--he said it was cooked to the perfect temperature (just barely opaque, light & flaky) and he ate it all before anyone could launch a fork onto his plate. He also remarked on the asparagus. Dessert: Homemade Gingerbread: Suprisingly good!!! Not overly gingerbreadman-like, more subtle. Especially nice since it was served warm with cold vanilla ice cream. Chocolate lava cake: Exactly what you would expect. The best waitress thing ever: So this place hypes up the Indian Pudding simply because it's the same recipe that's been used for 200 years. None of us had ever tried it so we were curious. When we told our waitress she immediately said "oh my god that stuff is disgusting--I can't even look at it." She brought us a small bowl so we could all see it for ourselves. The more adventurous in our group tried it: it had the consistency of really soupy cream of wheat, was a horrible brownish color, and was very very sweet. My overall notes on Union Oyster House--real seafood lovers rejoice!!! This place has fresh seafood, at reasonable prices, and most importantly they know how to cook it! You never have to fear that your fish will be overdone & dry, or that your food will be tasteless. It's all fresh!!! I would stick with the simpler classics and stay away from the fancy, lobster ravioli type things and of course the non-seafood items, like porkchops. Our whole gang agreed that when we return it'll be fried seafood platters, fish, rawbar & steamers.
(4)
Elana H.
The only time I ever went here we waited 3 hours to be seated for a reservation. No.
(1)
Luisa D.
Visiting Boston, this was the type of place i was hoping to find. Though there were some tourist-trap areas of the restaurant, my boyfriend and I were still pretty happy to be in the oldest restaurant in America. we enjoyed reading reviews, looking at all the old wood work and listening to the bar tender explain the progression of the place over the years. The food was good...oysters and clams were fresh, beer was cold and the beans were very good too. we really enjoyed dessert- the apple cobbler wasn't too sugary and wasn't heavy. In the end, my boyfriend bought me a HUGE lobster and a clam...it was fun being a tourist. I would go back for the good memories, history and food.
(4)
Adrienne H.
Very interesting place. It felt like I was dining on an old ship or something. The calm chowder was thick and hearty the calamari was okay, great place to visit, but I didn't get to go to the bell in hand next door.
(3)
Kay K.
This place had potential in terms of location, the tavern like feel and oysters..what could go wrong. Well, a lot. Like the rude waitress who rushed us through ordering and eating, taking away our plates before asking if we were done. Oh and not to forget that her Jersey-Bostonian accent with a gum smacking frown to match asking "Ya want wataaaar?!!!!" It is idiotic for a state to take pride tin having the best "RUDE" staff in the country....an oxymoron indeed. They should do away with wait staff entirely and just have a buffet, so patrons know that tipping is not appreciated here.
(2)
Cristina L.
The best summation for Union Oyster House I can think of is: "Good for what it is." You have to come in here with the right set of expectations. This is not ICOB or Neptune, and that could be a good thing. Union Oyster House is busy, smack in the middle of tourist central, and leans on history to get people through the door. You need to be ready for an experience that is a little rougher around the edges. All that said, the dining experience was fun, casual and still managed to have a down and local feel. Let's just say I wouldn't feel impolite slurping an oyster right out of the shell at this place. The oysters here are satisfactory. They only had two options during our trip: Blue Point & Wellfleet - not the top of my list, but did the job. The fried clam roll was spectacular, so I get the sense that the casual dining food is top notch. I'll definitely return to this place, if only to talk to the friendly bartenders.
(4)
Geanne B.
While vacationing in Boston with my husband we saw the big sign on top of the building and thought we should eat! It is the oldest and longest running restaurant in Boston, I think - so maybe worth a visit to get a drink or sit at the oyster bar - but we sat in an uncomfortable booth for dinner. Our waitress was bordering on rude with her inattentiveness and the food was not good. The seafood stew - was some shrimp and oysters in oily water, no taste at all. We spent alot and left depressed that we used one of our mealtimes in that place.
(2)
Rachel Z.
Kind of expensive, but cool for its history
(4)
Aaron B.
While the "tourist place to go," my wife and I went for my B-day and we're thrilled by the place. As the "oldest 'raunt in the US," we expected something silly. What we got was a solid raw bar (great Martha's Vineyard oysters and wonderful shuckers!) Great beer/wine selection and once upstairs (though we did wait 45 mins, but at the raw bar) the fish was "traditional" (in a breaded and broiled way) but VERY good. We had the haddock and red snapper and we're very happy! I will tell anyone visiting Boston (even from Brooklyn) to stop by, at least for the raw bar.
I guess if you live in Boston you should go here at least once. I went on a Saturday in the early fall so there were plenty oF tourist still about town. The place was so crowded and disorganized. It was a total shit show. We had to wait for about 30 minutes when they finally sat us they brought us to a booth that only children could fit in. We finally got them to move us to a better table. We ordered . The server was pleasant . Food came out quickly. I got raw oysters , clam chowda, and the fried oysters. I know I know fat pig I am. All were delicious especially the fried oysters. probably won't come back b/c of the crazy atmosphere but the food was great.
(3)
Anthony D.
The staff was fine and accommodating the raw seafood was good. How can they ruin that? The stuffed lobster my friend and I both had and agreed it was bland and not very good. Our wives had the special that the staff recommended it was a very bland and lack luster piece of haddock. We spent $100.00 on wine and managed to get the bill to $500.00 for four no desert or bar drinks. Too much $$$$ for the quality.BTW the chairs are uncomfortable.
(2)
Josephine P.
Biggest tourist trap ever. Really no matter how 'great' their clam chowder is, or any of their food for that matter, trust me you can find way better for WAY cheaper somewhere else. Maybe a smaller place that isn't a chain and has skethy claims to fame which trick people to eat there. I hate the service here. They are so rude and really don't care at all about their customers. I once tried to buy a lobster stuffed animal and the manager and hostess literally turned their backs to me and resumed their conversation when I inquired where I could purchase it. Wow. I think their conversation was about a waitress who they believed was stealing tips... yeah I hope she was because their establishment apparently sucks anyways.
(1)
Wendy L.
Clearly, you go there for the history--the longest standing restaurant in the US. Chowder was great! I had a lobster roll, it's the mayo kind, although not a fan, it was still a lobster roll with great lobster meat. Rest of the family are not seafood fans, so they ordered something else. It was an interesting experience with the historic perspective, but definitely a touristy thing. But I am glad to have eaten there!
(3)
Michelle S.
We stopped in to the Union Oyster House one day for lunch because I'd been there but my partner had not. Being the oldest restaurant on the books I felt she needed to experience as I'd done a few years back. We started off with a cup of the fish chowder and a cup of the clam chowder. The clam chowder was outstanding as advertised but we sent back the fish chowder. There was absolutely no taste to the fish chowder whatsoever. I was amazed at it. And the fish bits in it were mushy. Just nasty but they obligingly replaced it with a cup of the clam chowder. I felt bad that my partner had gotten the fish chowder and had a bad experience with it since I suggested we come here but the clam chowder made up for it. It really is good. My partner got the cakes sampler for lunch and I got the fish and chips. The fish and chips was nice with perfectly fried, super fresh fish. The cakes, not so good. Each had a distinct, odd taste to them but each was nothing more than a ball of breading. Again, feeling bad, I shared my fish and chips. Glad we don't have to go back there again. The experience was enough to say we've done it and don't need to do it again. Union Oyster House better step it up if they want to remain the oldest restaurant.
(2)
Jordan D.
The place is an institution folks. If you're in the area, you have to go. Just expect to to wait for a spot at the bar, depending on the time of day and don't be a retard and get chicken or a burger. Go with the crab cakes and raw bar and a Sam Adams seasonal. A bit pricey though.
(4)
Lauren H.
Get the baked Scrod. This is a flaky white fish that is a young Cod and is only found in the Boston area. It is delicious. If you want to sit at the "JFK table" you have to have a party of 4. Tried to sit there with just me and a friend and they wouldn't let us. We sat near it though. Very good food. Great service too.
(5)
Jen T.
This was one of the first meals of our trip and the last where we blindly followed a suggestion out of our guidebook without checking it against Yelp. Blargh. The guidebook we had singled out Union Oyster as the "best raw bar" in all of the Boston. And knowing how good Boston's seafood should be, we had high expectations. Unfortunately, once I saw that they prided themselves as the "oldest restaurant in America," I should've figured that it was a tourist trap! My mom and I shared half-dozen oysters on the half-shell, a bowl of clam chowder, and seared fish. My biggest complaint is that as an oyster house that has the best "raw bar" served us juicy Blue Point oysters on a random plate--no ice under it or anything--and the oysters were room-temperature/lukewarm. I didn't think too much of it originally, but we're lucky we didn't get food poisoning or anything. The fish was good, and the clam chowder was the norm. However, it's a tourist trap, especially since it's right off the Freedom Trail. I don't think local Bostonians eat here. Overpriced and not that great. Half of the restaurant is also pitch-dark. I'd recommend Neptune's a few blocks away for some fresh seafood that's actually worth it.
(2)
sheev p.
If you are looking for less price and good service, I will suggest this place. there is no decoration on oyster plate but who cares if you want to just enjoy oyster in less price. Peoples who serves oysters are very friendly. If you have some special guest and want to impress him/her then you can visit Neptune Oyster bar.
(4)
Ames F.
One of my fave seafood spots because... --It's historic (oldest continually operating restaurant in the country), makes for a great story, and the ambience is equally right for romantic dinners, nice family outings, bringing out of town'ers, and even happy hour (at the oyster bar). --Location, location, location. --The raw bar -- This is probably why everybody but me goes there. I'm just not a fan of bivalves (scallops being the only exception). --Seafood Newburg -- I'm a sucker for super-rich creamy sauce on scallops and lobster (hence, the hips). --The turf food is good for those who don't like the surf food.
(4)
Kelly R.
Loved this place! We didn't have dinner here, just stopped in for oysters and wine and it was a perfect choice. Loved the food and drinks, loved the history and loved the live oyster shucking. We sat at the oyster bar and it was a really fun experience. Those guys know what they're doing!
(5)
April P.
First and maybe last time here. Sit at bar instead of table. Service is mediocre. Oysters are warm. Tons of flies flying around you and your food. Nothing special about this place. Chowder was tasty but I wouldn't get anything else.
(2)
David C.
Union Oyster House, sandwiched in between Faneuil Hall and Boston's historic North End, is the epitome of a tourist trap. "The oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S.," Union obviously has history on its side, and that is enough to keep it running regardless of the quality of the restaurant. That being said, the food is overpriced and underwhelming, and the restaurant itself is a little claustrophobic despite being quite large. Taking all this into consideration, I still managed to enjoy my one and only Union experience. Our waitress was the lovely mothering type, referring to everyone in my party as "babe" and "hon." And despite the cramped quarters, I actually enjoyed the layout of the restaurant. It kind of reminded me of the inside of an old ship. I had the lobster ravioli for my meal, but found it sadly lacking in lobster. For the price, I definitely expected more. My mom and my boyfriend ordered the Ye Olde Seafood Platter and the sauteed seafood medley, respectively, and similarly found themselves wanting (not so much in my mom's case--she had plenty of fried goodness). We were never at a loss for attentive service, however, and that was enough for me in the end. I'm sure I would have felt quite differently had I been the one to foot the bill. : )
(3)
Gavin P.
First place I ever ate at in the city of Boston and an experience I won't soon forget. The staff was exceptional- inviting, helpful, and full of Boston charm. I ordered the Broiled Scrod (honestly, because it was on the cheaper side of the menu) but it's relatively cheaper price was not indicative of its flavor. It was FANTASTIC! Incredibly fresh and very delicious. At first glance it looks like a small portion but believe me it's a perfect amount and enough to satiate your palate and stomach. The baked potato I got with it was also delicious and it went well with the fish. It took a little bit for the food to come out but the sheer ambiance and authentic New England decor was enough to pass the time. My mother ordered the haddock and said it was the best she had ever had, my sister who is not a big seafood fan ordered the chicken and was very pleased. It was such a great experience that we returned the very next day and were greeted warmly like old friends. Super fresh lobster roll, another great experience! Will definitely be back anytime I'm in Boston and I will recommend this to anyone visiting the city. It is a MUST VISIT!
(5)
Janell H.
Great clam chowder, great Sam Adams beer on tap brewed just for the Union Oyster House and great time sitting at the bar. I am a tourist but enjoyed my beer, oysters and chowder along with the entertaining conversation from the bar tender. Was not doing the Freedom Trail but the food and beer trail. ;-)
(4)
Anthony N.
In search of the "best" clam chowder in Boston, I decided to come here since it is popular and it is the "first" restaurant in Boston. Unfortunately this place did not deliver when it comes to the clam chowder. For me, it was pretty blah and standard. It's not bad but I guess I was looking for something more special. Definitely not the best clam chowder I ever had. On the plus side; however, this place is "historic" and it is convenient for tourists since it is off the "red trail"
(3)
Christine K.
Expect it to be busy. By virtue of the fact that it is right near many tourist attractions and is a tourist spot in its own right, being the oldest restaurant in America still in operation. There is generally a wait, even for a late lunch on a weekday. If you can find a spot at the oyster bar (and like oysters) sit there. It's fascinating to watch the oyster shucking. No, really. Or sit at the bar, where you can order off the full menu while guessing all the faces on the painting of all the famous people who have eaten there, from Bill Clinton to Bobby Orr (You don't know who Bobby Orr is? Get out of my review!) There is a legend in case you want to check your work. Or you can sit in the booth JFK sat in when he ate there. The food is great. There are oysters, of course. The biggest that I have ever seen! This visit, they were featuring Barnstables (Cape Cod) and Blue Point (Connecticut shore). They were gorgeous. Shrimp cocktail is 5 very large shrimp, and the cocktail sauce is amazing! Ask for an extra. The clam chowder is hands down the best I have ever tasted. Ever. The crab cakes were full of meat, nicely seasoned. The french fries were also the best I have ever tasted; hot and golden, with great flavor. The coleslaw was the only disappointment. It was lousy. Too bad, but I'm not even going to ding a star for that. They have a full bar and a decent selection of beers, including the Sam Adams Colonial Ale, which is apparently brewed just for them.
(5)
Gerardo F.
I am deeply conflicted between liking this place and willing to question why this is such a Boston institution (aside of the history). The service was impressive and courteous - something that I now conclude does not exist in most of Boston. The decor and atmosphere are really what makes this place awesome and so unique (again, history matters). But when it comes to the food.... this is where things go downhill. The entrees my friend and i got (shrimps and fried calamaris) tasted and smelled bizarre (kind of like a mix of Vaseline and liqueur). We then got THE meal that UOH is most known for: fried oysters. These were pretty good, but the sauces offered were disgusting. Finally, the deserts were simply unimpressive. Overall, all i can say that it is a shame that a place with so much history and great service is let down by decent/mediocre food. A worthwhile meal, but nothing spectacular.
(3)
Mike N.
We knew it was a tourist place when we chose to go here and it didn't disappoint in that regard. Food was less than spectacular and the service was spotty with the help more interested in gossiping amongst themselves than waiting on tables. Surely Boston has better seafood than what is served here for the prices charged here.
(2)
Karin G.
This was fun! Oldest resto in America. Very historic and well-preserved space. Clam chowder was to die for, loved my crab cakes as well. They were trying a new crab cake recipe that day, one that the server said had much more crab than before. It was a clear winner, although I didnt have the previous cakes to compare. Service was excellent: friendly and attentive. Is there better food elsewhere, probably, but the adventure of this place makes up for it. This is a Boston must-do in my opinion.
(4)
Soroosh A.
First time visiting Boston...how can you not go to America's oldest restaurant. Blasphemy otherwise! So on our walk to find Freedom along the Freedom Trail in Boston, we stopped at the Union Oyster House for lunch. Of course we always get what the city is famous for. So Boston being famous for its seafood, we ordered a half dozen oysters, half dozen clams, clam chowder and a crab cake sandwich. First the bad: the crab cake sandwich was eh. I would not order it again. The bread is huge, tastes like cardboard and the sandwich is just not that good. The good: Oysters and Clams! Always love watching the shuckers do their thing. Such a struggle to open that shell, but within lies a hidden pearl! The beautiful, slimy, meaty oyster/clam just waiting to be eaten. Before eating here, I was never a huge fan of oysters. But Union Oyster House changed my world. When that oyster hits your palate, you are just hit with a shock that excites your entire body. You feel energized. You can taste that salty ocean water on your lips and feel the ocean breeze running through your hair. Oysters are fresh to death! The best: Clam Chowder! Probably the best I have ever had. So creamy and thick! Bountiful chunks of clams! Other places, you often feel like you are mining for gold as you search the chowder for the last bits of the clams. At the Oyster House, you feel like with every spoon you have hit the jackpot! mmmm, so good! With all that said, I would strongly recommend you sit at the original Oyster Bar! Vastly different experience than sitting anywhere else! Shuckers will tell you stories! Your neighbors will surely strike up a conversation! Just a great eating environment! Stay Classy Union Oyster House! Stay Classy!
(4)
Phil M.
Being here before, I knew what to expect. I know it's a tourist trap but it happens to be an outstanding seafood restaurant in Boston with the tastiest and coldest raw Oysters on the planet. Service is always top notch as well. My American Bouillabaisse had plenty of everything in a rich buttery broth. Everything from Lobster to filet. It was delicious. The recommended beers told to us by our server was perfect. Harpoon Dark! I must find that beer in NY now. The chowder was great as well.I think this place is a must to try out especially if you've never been to Boston.
(5)
Nick D.
I've been to Union Oyster House once before about 11-years ago on my first visit to Boston and thought I'd try them out again, on my second trip to this awesome city. I wasn't really wowed during my first visit but thought it was worth a second shot. I understand that this spot caters mostly to the tourists, but you can't turn down eating in the oldest restaurant in America, as so they state, which I believe, because their decor and furnishings are probably as old as the resto and a couple of their servers too, but I digress. I went on a Sunday for lunch so the resto wasn't packed at all. Upon getting seated, it took about 10-minutes before my server acknowledged me and when she did, I made sure to place my order at the same time. For starters, I ordered their Lobster Bisque for $6.95 and for my meal, I ordered the Seafood Cake combo, which came with a Crab Cake, Lobster Cake and Fish Cake for $17.95. My Lobster Bisque was creamy and had slight pieces of Lobster inside. The bisque was flavorful but just good, I've had much better Lobster Bisque elsewhere. Upon finishing my bisque, my server grabbed my bowl and it took another 10-12 minutes for my meal to come out. When it did come out, I was slightly disappointed. There were the three cakes, but they were the size of half of a mini cupcake, sitting on a huge bed greens and roasted potatoes. The food was alright, the cakes didn't taste quite fresh, almost similar to what you could get at Costco or something, which I hope wasn't the case. So, I finished my plate with much more to be desired. I wanted to pay my bill and I felt like my server was avoiding my area. It wasn't just me either, a couple other tables near me were making similar remarks about the slow service. So again, when she came with the check, I handed her my card, sight unseen. When all was said and done, my solo lunch took an hour and 45-minutes. Really? Overall, if you're looking for good seafood go elsewhere, if you're visiting Boston for the first time and must do the tourist traps then, go for it, but you've been warned.
(1)
Remie M.
Finally deciding what to eat for dinner. . . esp when it has been raining all day do 2 hurricane Irene. . . My first time in the area, u can feel the historic-ness (is that even a word?! hehehe) in this place We were seated upstairs near a window that overlooked the oldest bar in Boston. The atmosphere reminded me of a house during colonial time. This place wasn't busy at all maybe b/c the smart ppl stayed home during the hurricane warnings and such, but i wanted 2 c what's boston was all abt and wht its known for and was only in town for a wknd! hahahaha and i was hungry! hahaha the waitress approached us and was a true "bostonian" with her accent. . . i was facinated with. . .bahhhhhhstun! hehehe we ordered the lobster ravioli, 2 medium steamed lobsters that came with mussels, bowl of clam chowwwdahhh, and oysters. The oysters were super small and thin. . .lobster was great. . .lobster ravioli was my favorite!!! and the chowdahhhh was one of the best chowdahhh's i've ever had! Before we got out our food, they serve u cornbread. . .which would've tasted much better if it wasn't cold. For dessert we took home boston creme pie! We left so full we couldn't even walk! this place is an oh kay place. . .
(3)
Monlia W.
Boasting its title as America's Oldest Restaurant, this place is great for history buffs, but not so much for foodies. Their clam chowder was average and so was the seafood. This place is more known for its historical presence more than anything and they milk it with their prices. It is definitely a place to visit of you want a small snack or just to fill your hungry weary tourists, but on the upside, the quality of their food is way better than legal seafood.
(3)
Shannon M.
We came here for dinner on my birthday to round out my birthday meals 0/2. See review: yelp.com/biz/anastos-cor… . Having read the Yelp reviews I didn't have the highest expectations for this place, but hoped for the best. It claims to be the oldest restaurant in America and I had planned on getting lobster (how can you mess up lobster right?), so we figured we'd give it a try. Like the other reviewers we found it way overpriced for the quality of food and service. The restaurant was pretty packed when we were there and they gave us a table on the third floor. This was a bit difficult for our 89 year old grandmother to navigate, but we complied seeing that there were few tables open. The third floor was very hot at least a few degrees hotter than the second and first floors-uncomfortably hot. The tables are all cramped together and the chairs are super uncomfortable even for the folks in our party with tiny tushies. By the time our beer got to us from the 2nd floor it was kind of warm, our waitress was obviously overwhelmed having to tend to many tables, and our food was sub-par. Most of the entrees come with one side the best of which is a baked potato still wrapped in tinfoil. My husband wanted to try the "best baked beans" since we were in Boston. They were OK but not worth the seven bucks they charge for a side of baked beans. I had the lobster and had the worst experience I've ever had with lobster. It was nearly impossible to get out of the shell. We broke two metal claw crackers trying to get the claws open until I finally just gave up. I don't understand if it was the way it was prepared or just really poor quality tools but it was bad. None of us wanted to stay for dessert. We were too hot, uncomfortable and cramped to even think about being able to enjoy it. Also, the restaurant has a gimicky gift shop inside.
(1)
Jennifer C.
I hate to give this historic Boston (rather, national) landmark only two stars, but based off my experience here, I've definitely experienced better. A friend and I came here for an impromptu lunch as were walking the Freedom Trail (sorry, we were tourists). I didn't have oysters, but I did try their fish and chips. And if memory serves me right, my friend went with a burger. Sad to say but neither of us were remotely impressed. Believe me, I so wanted to be impressed, in fact, I walked in with a bias, expecting to be impressed. Hopeful that America's oldest restaurant would do me right and knock my proverbial socks off. But alas, that did not happen and all my high hopes were dashed. I'm a fan of their seemingly undefiled decor. Nothing seemed to have changed in the "x" amount of years the restaurant's been in operation, which could be seen as a salute to maintaining it's historic integrity or if you are jaded, perhaps a gimmicky come-hither to lure patrons who care more about that sort of thing rather than say, umm.... the food? I'm of the first camp, but don't think it didn't cross my mind after my meal that the other school of thought could possibly have been half true. (Btw, my friend was a lot less kind in his opinion of Union Oyster House.) Perhaps I (or we) did not order the tried-and-true staples of this restaurant, and if given the opportunity for a second chance, I'd probably give it another go so that I'd not only discover what those staple dishes are -- since I didn't succeed in pinning the tail on the donkey the first time around -- but to also redeem my deflated positive bias for UOH.
(2)
Dixon T.
We sat at the oyster bar and had some of the best oysters I've ever ate. It was fun to see the tourists pour into the place, the shucker give the brush off to his girlfriend, and listen to just how far people traveled apparently to just eat here. Sadly, the bar is rather popular and people will hover right on top of you waiting for you to slurp down your last oyster and give up your seat. Considering what one pays for a dozen oysters lately, the shuckers should try harder to discourage the hovering. One star off for that.... As for the restaurant? I couldn't tell you. The place is called the oyster house, so that's what we stuck to.
(4)
Jon W.
1.5 stars. Poo poo. Jon-- The wife and I, devoted foodies both, had to come visit the oldest continuously open restaurant in the US of A. It was a good thing our friend advised us that it was a tourist trap. Because it was. Complete with a gift store and fanny-pack wearing retirees (sorry dad!). We came by just to have some oysters and beers while we were waiting for our table at Neptune Oyster to be ready (and that's the way to go!). Secret hint: sit at the oyster bar, because that's the only place where the oysters are freshly shucked. A seat in the dining room comes with its own risks! I was bummed that they only offered "native" oysters and little variety. The bartender kept trying to push the clam chowder on us, but we weren't biting. The native oysters were so-so, and the novelty of sitting at the bar where Daniel Webster was a regular did appeal to this history buff, but save your hard-earned clams for other, more fresh and delicious places. Jenny-- I agree with the husband. When a restaurant has "oyster" in their name, you wouldn't expect to be so underwhelmed with the oysters. The other guys around the bar seemed to be enjoying their food, but they were all chowing down on clam chowder and other assorted fried seafood. I would save my money and stomach space for Neptune Oyster. Their oysters were much better! Tip: if you really want some lobster-themed gifts for tourists, they have a whole bunch here but they are pretty pricey.
(1)
Catherine S.
Sure, this place is a tourist trap, but it's a good one that's full of tradition. Some friends were visiting for the weekend recently, so I took them there for lunch. There was a bit of a wait (no surprise, Saturday), but it wasn't too long and we were able to hang out at the bar first. The seafood is good--not amazing, not horrible, but it gets the job done! They also have options like burgers and chicken sandwiches for the anti-seafood. Their cornbread is awesome--so moist! And I had the clam chowder (super creamy) and clam cake (nothing special, but satisfying). So I'd recommend going here if just for the historic nostalgia, but also to get your seafood fix while in Boston.
(4)
Brian L.
Such a great, historic place! Good seafood and good service, great atmosphere. It's a beautiful building in a great old part of town and it's a wonderful experience to enjoy a good meal knowing that you're sharing something others have been sharing for nearly 200 years. Also, the cornbread was great. :-)
(5)
Aboud Y.
OMG...Bad, bad, bad. Do yourself a favor and avoid this tourist trap. Its horrrrrible.
(1)
Kat P.
I was less than impressed. The food is waaaaay overpriced but this is a tourist spot so what can you expect. But we arrived at 1pm on a Friday and waited over 45 mins for our food! All we did was order a bowl of chowder and a platter of fried fish. How on earth can it take 45 mins to throw that together. People that sat down after us got served first. For over $30 for a bowl of soup and fried fish for lunch, I expect better service!
(2)
Sara M.
While planning my first trip to Boston, food finds was my first concern. Union Oyster House naturally peaked my curiosity as being listed as the "Oldest Restaurant in America." I typically dedicate a good amount of time prior to each trip making sure I research the best restaurants options that truly envelope the character of the city I'm visiting. Thanks to fellow yelpers, I soon realized Union Oyster House was not only pricey, but received mixed reviews on whether the food quality was worth the hefty price tag. I'm a young Midwest girl traveling on a budget, so if I'm going to be spending $100 on a meal for two, I want to be sure that that food is the best I've ever tasted. After much back and forth I finally decided that Union Oyster House was worth a trip. Having seen many positive reviews on the raw bar, we opted to skip a full blown meal and snack on some oysters instead our way through the Freedom Trail. This ended up being the perfect decision in order to experience the history of this restaurant without spending a lot. Not only was the raw bar an intimate and fun experience, the oysters were fresh and reasonably priced. You'll be elbow to elbow with your fellow tourist, but this just adds to the nature of the small raw bar. The oyster shuckers are amusing and friendly. Here you'll truly feel the neighborly love of Boston. After telling the oyster shucking staff we were from Chicago, he proceeded to dump a handful of Union Oyster House coasters into my purse, "as a souvenir". At $11.95 - $14.95 a half dozen, you'll be able to skip the wait for a table, try some true Boston delicacies, and say you've eaten at the Oldest Restaurant in America without maxing out your vacation budget. It's a win-win situation. Now I still can't say whether or not the dining food is worth the price, but I can say that the Raw Bar is a great alternative. While you're there, be sure to sample Sam Adam Colonial Ale. Sam Adams specially brews a unique beer for this restaurant, and this restaurant only. It is the only place you will be able to try it, so if you're a craft brew lover - do not miss this. All in all, Union Oyster House keeps its historical ambiance and provides a wonderful raw bar experience. So plop down where history once sat, shoot a oyster back, and enjoy the Boston love because there aren't many places like this one.
(3)
Chad D.
The reason to go to the Union Oyster House is for the history. It is the oldest restaurant in the United States and that alone makes it a must visit. If you go during peak dining hours, I highly recommend making a reservation by calling the restaurant or on open table. I would recommend showing up 15 to 20 minutes early so that you can have a seat at their wonderful bar downstairs before your reservation. The staff is very knowledgeable, but at times have been a little slow. I would attribute the slower service due to how busy they are and explaining how to crack a lobster to all of the non-Boston locals such as myself. Good thing that I didn't have a problem wearing the bib, because I sure needed it. I would recommend the clam chowder soup and any dish with a lobster tail or a full lobster.
(4)
Linda E.
The oysters were fresh, mussels were huge and yummy, and the clam with bacon was delish!! Service was nice, a little too much, I felt rushed and it was empty on the bar side and open until 11 and it was only 9pm. Shots of tequila are chilled and huge! Cheers!
(3)
Elias K.
I guess I can't give a full review. We were doing the tourist thing in Boston and our tour guide recommended the Union Oyster House for their clam chowder. We had other plans for lunch, but we decided to stop in and have a bowl anyway. Got to say I loved the sense of history. The decor isn't maybe the snappiest, but you definitely feel like you're someplace special. The staff was very friendly and helpful, despite us making it clear that chowder was all we wanted. We were served promptly and checked on regularly. As for the point of the whole visit, the chowder was excellent. We tried several of the recent Chowderfest winners during our weekend in Boston, and this was the consensus number one pick of the whole family. I can't say much either way about their whole dining experience, but for tourists, and those looking to grab a quick bite of tasty chowder, the Union Oyster House gets my full recommendation.
(4)
Maria L.
The decor is 5 stars, and so is the staff. The food though..not so much. Arguably NOT the best chowder in town. Chewy clams and all around mediocre food. The clam cakes were average. Actually, the best thing may be the complimentary corn bread! Go here for the history and some decent food but don't expect to be blown away by the cuisine.
(3)
Roma B.
Excited to eat here for the 1st time, I made a restaurant week reservation for me & a friend. The place smelled awesome. We had delicious cornbread & clam chowder. The rest of the meal was a DISASTER. My Calamari although abundant was chewier than bubble gum & flavorless. I bagged it to give to a co-worker who found it equally BAD. We both had the pan seared red snapper entree, that was overcooked to the point where it was more like a piece of tough fried chicken. The mashed potatoes were ok but VERY thick & goopy like paste. Caught up in conversation & not wanting to be fussy we trudged through the meal, hopeful for desert. WOMP, WOMP. Indian pudding was not set, more like watery poo & the apple cobbler was a nutty, mushy, hot mess. GROSS!
(1)
Robin W.
Great food, great service! I give it a thumbs up!
(5)
Daniel F.
the second you walk into the restaurant, you can tell this restaurant is a historic site opening since 1826. I called them at 4pm to make 6pm reservations and we got there 15 minutes early. We were directed to the 2nd floor seating going up the wooden stairs. The waitress was quick with our orders but forgot to give us water when we asked for it twice. I ordered the half dozen native oysters which were just incredibly fresh and tasty. The restaurant also had a special menu for april mondays and tuesdays for about 25 dollars where you get the clam chowder an entree of salmon or haddock and a dessert. I was excited about the clam chowder after reading some of the reviews on here but after trying it, i think it's just average. There weren't even 2 pieces of clam in there (mostly potatoes). The haddock I felt was a little tasteless, but the dish my gf ordered was amazing. she ordered the scallop over pasta. The scallops were AMAZING!!! I couldn't help but rob a few of her scallops while she tried to defend her plate with her utensils lol. The dessert was great, we had the Warm Apple Cobbler with a scoop of ice cream on top. I enjoyed the food and The atmosphere was great. But like i said, there were just some disappointments in the meal that brings it down a star. bottom line: I will definitely return to see what else it has to offer. Check it out yourself if you're ever in Boston.
(4)
Will C.
Stick to the quickstyle bar area and oyster bar downstairs, the rest is too touristy. The lobster was tasty, but I have definitely tasted better. The wait was really taxing when there is so much free room downstairs. I would have stayed downstairs with the bar waitress who was way more attentive than the bitter old ladies up stairs. The clam chowder was kickass, but honestly the clam chowder was good everywhere in Boston. The Lobster Ravioli was heavy with cheese sauce, my girlfriend said a vodka sauce would have made it much better. I would pass on our main course: UNION SPECIAL LOBSTER-Baked Medium Lobster with New England Seafood Stuffing,Topped with its Claws Lazyman's Style, but the Baked Potato was GOOD
(2)
David R.
How can you pass up the oldest restaurant in America? The toothpick was invented here! The facility really shows its age, though, and the atmosphere was a bit too drowsily grandpa for me. I could overlook it if the food was stellar, but it was in the B/B- range. I had chowder, fried calamari, and a grilled swordfish special (I know, not a North Atlantic fish). A couple of my friends were still tipsy from the Red Sox game, so we tipped the patient waitress a bit extra for putting up with our bullshit. Like my fellow Chicagoan Alison M., I wouldn't come back here but now I can say that I've been to the oldest restaurant in the U.S.
(3)
Mary L.
Tourists love to go here, and they have tons of reviews on yelp...but I will never go back. Their staff was incredibly rude, possibly because they had a long day with the st pattys day crowd, but we were there early afternoon, and the place was dead. We decided to just get chowder (which was delicious) and go to the north end for dinner. I do not need snotty waitstaff.
(2)
Milkey S.
A bit touristy but the food was good. I had clam chowder and blackened scallops. Both were good. Not "fine" dining but not bad either. Lots of tourists through the door during my late - 3:30 p.m. - lunch. Overall, enjoyable.
(3)
Jack M.
Good food, nice atmosphere (oldest restaurant in America) but completely overpriced. For something close to $20 you can get an appetizer of 4 raw clams and a couple shrimp. Yippee. Food here is pretty good - I still can't recommend that fish sandwich enough. And the scallops were cooked perfectly. But it's just utterly overpriced, kids. -- Oh and the service: wow - such typical Boston waitresses. A nearby couple obviously from out of town asked the waitress about a certain dish - and the waitress replied super-fast "Oh-it's-my-favorite-i-love-it". I have never heard such a fake statement from a waitress in all my life. The customer actually fell for it and got the whatever-it-was. The service was very harsh - "Hows-your-food-folks" etc. Really they are saying "you are bothering me please get out of here". Kind of a bother.
(3)
Anthony I.
Charm, history, oysters, cold beer and bartenders with inviting smiles who are quick to make you feel at home.
(4)
YT C.
Great dining experience with character. Made an online reservation for 7:30 on a Thurs - maybe because it's Nov - but got it. Got there on time - they paged me and everything flowed very smoothly. While waiting in the bar, the bar tender was very nice and there was even a Benjamin Franklin imitator in full regalia just hanging around... not sure if he was with the restaurant or just stopping by. They gave me a small table for 2 but I asked for a bigger space. No problem - they found another space for me in a booth. Ordered the lobster scampi over spagetti -- great presentation (no veggies though) but pretty comparable to Red Lobster. But the real reason is to get a part of history. You get all that ! Narrow hallways and stairways - wood flooring - 100+ year old portraits and yes, even a souvenir store. Everything was relatively modest in pricing - even the unbleached T-shirt was just $10. Booths / tables are narrow - so if you are "wide" - you may not want a booth. Parked at the nearby #7 Parcel parking lot (the restaurant will validate it and you pay just $1 ) Enjoy ! I'll have to bring the kids next time I visit Boston !
(4)
Kat K.
I only wanted to eat here because of it claiming the oldest countinuously operating restaurant in the country... Well it was okay. The lobster was decent and the oysters was okay.. Maybe i shoulda checked yelp first! Our server was friendly but only if you can actually get a hold of her. It was very very hard to get a refill on drinks. She never really checked on us. Well... I won't be back... but I am glad I ate here because of its history.
(3)
Rana A.
This place has been open since 1867, that's amazing!!! You can totally feel the history in this place!! As for the food, I had a bowl of clam chowder which was great and split an order of calamari which was all right (overly breaded and not fried completely which left the batter a bit wet) I would recommend going to this place because it's a piece of history, but if you're looking for a seafood place that will blow your mind, check out No Name (according to Josh C.)
(4)
Gregory K.
it's kind of surprising to see that this place only has a three star rating. yeah, it's a tourist trap because it's right smack on the freedom trail... but where else are you gonna eat oysters and clam chowder (er...chowdah) after your eyes have starting drooping out of your sockets from following a tiny painted red line across Boston. The Clam chowder was one of the most best versions i have had in quite a while. It was cool how i finally was able to eat chowder in New England and picking this restaurant wasn't a disappointment. The Oysters...damnnn..never had raw oysters so smooth as those. it was like eating air, you didn't even realize that by the end of 2 minutes, you downed 3 oysters. Great Food, Great ambiance...pretty spot on place. GO here if ur ever in boston for oysters
(4)
Chris S.
Call it touristy or whatever else you want to call it but the oysters were awesome and my clam chowder was amazing. I went there for the history as well but walked away being very happy with my meal. However, I recently had a friend who went to the restaurant and got food poisoning so be careful.
(3)
michelle r.
Sadly, the worst seafood I had in Boston. Our oysters were not shucked properly & had bits of broken shell in them. Also, little neck clams were revolting. If this place were to open it's doors today, it would probably go out of business. The fact that it's on the Freedom Trail & holds the title of "oldest restaurant in the US" is all that's keeping it open in my opinion. our server however did nothing wrong whatsoever. she was cordial and looked after us, but we did not want to make a fuss over the food. we just paid the bill and left. the two points are for the Chowder. very, very good! want good seafood? take the T out to kenmore & eat at Island Creek Oyster Bar. A+ awesome.
(2)
Kristine M.
A few years ago, I went here and got the oyster soup. It was decent and the atmosphere was cool, but I never went back because I prefer Atlantic Fish to meet my sit-down seafood restaurant needs. Then today my out-of-towner in-laws went there for lunch and brought back some clam chowder for us. They were VERY stingy on the clams. Even my neighborhood pub puts way more clams than this place. It was extremely creamy and a little salty. Disappointing. They're clearly coasting on their name and "oldest restaurant" title.
(2)
Don F.
This was our first stop when we hit Boston a few weeks ago. I wasn't familiar with the place, but I was on a week long mission to eat seafood while on the east coast. My wife and I sat at the oyster bar and had a great experience. Both gentlemen behind the bar took good care of everyone at the bar. Shucking oysters and clams, serving up chowder and beer, and telling stories of the past 40 years working there. It was exactly the food experience I was looking for, and a great way to start our trip. I am a huge fan of oysters on the half shell, and cooked clams, but I had never had clams on the half shell until that day. It took a few to acquire the taste, but then it was on. The chowder was very good, and the cornbread was sweet, but it was all about the raw seafood and the conversation for me. Maybe next time we will try something off the menu, or maybe not. I'm sure all the food is good. After all, you don't stay in business that long by sucking, but if you get a chance to go you have to hang at the oyster bar for awhile.
(4)
Harry C.
Oysters and scallops tasted fresh. The service was friendly. The decor is historic and adds and interesting background.
(4)
Michael C.
A friend told me to hit this place up so I did. I also learned along the way that it's the first restaurant in America. Whether that's true or not, I don't know but what I do know is that they serve some of the best tasting raw shellfish out there! I had raw oysters and raw clams(littlenecks) that were just scrumptious. It's a little pricey, but was well worth it in my opinion. Recommendations: Raw oysters and clams(littlenecks)
(4)
Gary H.
lived in Boston for over 16 years-went here quite a bit.live in the "burbs"now and hadn't been in several years-went into town with some friends who had never eaten here and wanted to try it-always enjoyed it-so,ok. actually,i was looking forward to going again. soooooo disappointed! as there for lunch-ordered 3 beers and a coffee-fine,no problem. warm cornbread-moist and good-again,no problem.then,it began-first,my chowder-lukewarm(I can deal),fried seafood platter to split-fries cold,1 scallop,1 clam,couple of shrimp,and rest was a small piece of fish,and calamar of varying sizes.Also,all the fried seafood was lukewarm. We ordered 2 orders of steamers-waitress comes back-no steamers that day. Come on-you're known for having seafood(especially lobsters and steamers) i let it go,since it was New Years Day,but still.... I actually wanted their shore dinner"(something else they're known for)-not available at lunch. Wonder why,since everything in a shore dinner is available individually. My friends had salmon-she loved it,shrimp and scallop with sundried tomato cream sauce-he said it was good,and cajun fried shrimp-he said it was ok. I had a lobster-one claw,totally empty-rest was good,but only good. everyone had coffee-i was the only one that had dessert-my favorite thing in the world-indian pudding. ok,but not as good as it used to be.All in all-very disappointed-especially for $200.00-not including tip. they seem to be resting on their laurels of being the oldest restaurant and knowing tourists will always come here-too bad-they're doing themselves,Boston,regulars,and tourists a huge disservice.
(2)
Lauren B.
sat at the bar for some apps and drinks. Bartender was very nice and friendly- that was probably the only positive. Wine list was over priced, and limited. Oysters were not even shucked, you had to basically pry them out of their shell. They were dried out and looked like they had been sitting open for a while. Steamers were chewy and tough. There were broken shells everywhere. They didnt even feel steamed, some of them were cold. For a place that has Oyster in the name, they should have more of a selection of oysters to choose from! Go to Kingfish or Neptunes-- both are SO much better!
(1)
Bryan K.
Have wanted to come here since my Grandfather told me to a few years ago. He had eaten here when he was my age and lived in Boston. It is a very interesting building and cozy feel. The food was average. I liked the chowder very much. No problems with ith being a tourist trap. It just seemed like an average seafood place when it came down to the food. It is the atmosphere and the history that really makes this place.
(3)
joanne C.
This place is our tradition every time we come into town for the Boston Marathon. After the big race we come here for dinner with a ton of oysters and lobster and it never disappoints. So the service isn't great, but really, it's more of an experience. The waitresses are about as old as the restaurant, so it goes with the territory. Don't expect a 5STAR experience, just enjoy it for what it is -- good seafood with a great historic atmosphere.
(4)
Chinh T.
The seafood's really fresh and I enjoyed the Cape Cod Cherrystone & Cape Cod Littlenecks I had. The clam chowder comes w/ a lot of clams! I also ordered the Fish & Chips, which I didn't care for much because it came out as 2 large squares of fried fish & not smaller pieces like fish & chips should be. The fish was fresh, but I didn't like the block-sized portion. The fries & cole slaw it came w/ were also very blah. Nice touristy place to go to I guess, but I wasn't impressed by any of the food except for the oysters. The average age at this restaurant is probably around 45-50 though.
(3)
J S.
Great food with a wonderful story! Oldest restaurant in the US. They even have their own ale, which I highly recommend.
(4)
William G.
This place was definitely an interesting experience. The oldest continually operating restaurant in these United States, it should have the most Yelp reviews of any restaurant. In an effort to be any different than those who have come before, I shall give the viewpoint of a southern tourist. Looking for someplace interesting to eat in Boston, someone knew of this. They were able to accomodate our reservation for 14 with a couple days notice. The food was terrific. I had the lobster ravioli, a very tasty dish and highly recommended by the house. Every meal here comes with corn bread, something well appreciated by the southern palate. I also had the opportunity to try the clam chowder. I had 4 bowls of it in 4 different places over the trip, so while I certainly would rate it the best I had in Boston, better check with a local for a full report on whether this is actually tops in town. The rest of my party had assorted other dishes, with reviews ranging from yay to run of the mill. But my food was all to the positive, although portion sizes were small for the price. Speaking of which, the price is the only thing keeping this place from a fifth star. I suppose if I was there with an older crowd, it would have been fine. As it was, we had students with us on a very small per diem, and this place blew them out of the water. My meal was in the low to mid $30 region. For that price, I expect high quality, and I got mid-to-high quality, for which I would expect about 50% more lobster ravioli than I received. Lots of the seafood is market price, so no one ordered that and I cannot speak for it. Still, a little extra money to say I ate in a uniquely Boston place was satisfactory. The service was top notch. You can eat downstairs at a bar, and there's multiple levels of restaurants as you go up the stairs. All of the staff we met were friendly, helpful, and efficient. They definitely tended towards an older waitstaff, which fit with the spirit of the place. The giftshop had some neat items to commemorate the visit, and the attendant there was more than willing to take pictures of the group. I'm not saying, I suppose, that it isn't a tourist trap. But if it is, it's the nicest one in which I have ever found myself.
(4)
Mark R.
Really enjoyed the history of the place more than the food. It is an amazing building and neighborhood to see so I recommend you check it out. Food was ok. Had oysters and clam chowder. Not bad. But nothing super special. The place is special though. Bartender was really friendly and fun.
(3)
Michelle W.
The boy and I only came for drinks, so can't say much about the food, but do expect to wait an hour for a table. Service at the bar was good. Can't say much else about this place....
(4)
Ian C.
have been to here twice. First time was about 2 years ago for dinner. The clam chowder was really good. Last week we visited Boston again and just tried the oyster bar. It's expensive but the oysters were yummy and sweet. It's very good as the oysters I've tried in Sydney fish market.
(4)
Yalcin T.
Unbelievable check in time, 75 min!!! Say hello to Matt at the reception from us. Also the entry level manager Troy who couldn't do anything but apologize while Matt sending others to 1st floor to enjoy their food. The food was below average; one wonders how they were able to keep open after all these years with this level of menu, service and performance.
(1)
Ju L.
Pros: 3 different seating options. Bar staff is friendly, unlike the receptionist. Cons: Clam chowder doesn't compare to what I had in Wellfleet, MA. Tourist trap.
(3)
Valery C.
Ye Olde Union Oyster House isn't the sort of place I ordinarily go to for food, and I'm not recommending them for that, but its definitely worth a visit in some form to appreciate the stately building, old atmosphere, and remarkable old fixtures. Inside, they have a small gift shop on the right side. On the left, there are a few choices for seating, including a round raw bar, booth seats, main dining room, and bar. I think there's also an upstairs dining area. We slid into a cozy (read: tight), white, slatted wood booth. Each of the booths seem to feature a bit of local history; ours discussed a publication that used to be published on the upper level on the Union Oyster House building during the colonial period. Wait staff were direct and competent. We ordered some IPAs then went for a sampling of the food. The New England clam chowder was very classic, super thick and creamy with a few clams and potatoes, pretty tasty. The cold seafood sampler included (2 each) very fresh raw oysters and cherrystones, and nicely done cocktail shrimp, retaining a crisp on biting. Mussels were supposed to be Basque style but couldn't tell, broth was watery and not impressive; mussels were ok, a mix of plump, yellow toned ones and very small, paler ones in a large bowl with two garlicky, toasted bread slices. The blackened sea scallops were well prepared, but a bit too heavy on the seasoning. Could pass on the accompaniments: red potato mash too gummy and sweet potato mash too sweet. My recommendation? Get a seat at the raw bar, knock down some raw oysters and other seafood with a beer and soak in the atmosphere.
(3)
Amanda J.
I think that my recent dinner at Union Oyster House was really just one big reminder of why I hate tourist traps in my own city and why I avoid Faneuil Hall as much as possible... My friend and I were in desperate need of some catching up and she suggested Union Oyster House for a Restaurant Week dinner. We made a reservation for 7:00 and were looking forward to some great New England seafood. So we get there and check in about 6:50 or so. And at 7:30 we were seated... so we waited the same 40 minutes that parties without reservations did. Organization wasn't so hot... The RW menu was a well kept secret. We had to ask for it after we were given the standard menu and abandoned immediately by our waitress. We each ordered different apps and entrees. My friend's lobster raviolis were to-die-for and the highlight of the night. My salad was less than stellar... lettuce that was over-dressed with 3 tomato slices and a few poorly cooked beets. Entrees arrive. My friend's cod was alright, a bit greasy. Her sides of mashed potatoes and veggies were standard. My entree was... interesting. Seafood ravioli with shrimp, scallops, and an enormous amount of sauce. The ravioli was good, the shrimp had the tails left on and the scallops were overcooked. Oh and you couldn't even see the food under the big ocean of sauce. For dessert we each got apple crisp. It was decent really, I can't complain. Nothing stellar, but certainly not bad. I don't think we'd be going back. If it hadn't been at RW prices, I would've complained about the food... certainly not worth it.
(2)
Pete A.
The clam chowder is wonderful. The beer is... well, beer. As befits a touristy place, the entrees decent but about 20% overpriced. Don't get me wrong -- it's certainly not bad and you really do want to eat here at least once. Also, as a Dartmouth grad, I have a soft spot for a place where our most famous alumnus allegedly downed about 30 oysters. But don't expect too much.
(3)
Timothy S.
My wife and I stopped at the Union Oyster House after completing the Freedom Trail. I was looking forward a cold beer and a bite to eat. The beer selection was pretty good. What I was most disappointed about was the quality of the oysters. I would rate them a 4 out of 10. They looked terrible and tasted bad. The shrimp cocktail was average.
(2)
Anamaria B.
If you want to eat at a place with a little presidential history (JFK used to love eating here. He even had a favorite booth that the restaurant lets people sit in) and old style booths, this is your place. The food was pretty good. Since we're not from the East Coast, we tried a lot...crab cakes, oysters, clam chowder, blah blah blah. The clam chowder was impressive. Usually, I order clam chowder and it's more like potato chowder with a clam garnish, but this clam chowder was actually stuffed with clams. They also serve UNLIMITED cornbread which is mouth watering. The service is great because the people working their have awesome personalities. It may seem slow at times, but it's only because there are so many people there. We went around 2 pm and it was still packed. It's worth checking out.
(4)
Liza A.
Soo disappointed!! I ordered the Lobster Newburg for $35, the sauce was flavorless, there was hardly any lobster, and it was overcooked. My boyfriend ordered the swordfish, which was overcooked and dried out, such an expensive waste! We've come here before just for oysters, steamers, and chowder, which are all good. If you feel like going there once because it's historic, stick to those with drinks and sit at the oyster bar if you can, then get your dinner somewhere else.
(1)
M B.
This place is nothing special. Definitely a tourist trap. The food was mediocre and overpriced. Service was meh The best part of the experience was the ambiance if the restaurant. But you don't need to dine there to experience that.
(2)
Gerald H.
Awesome service. I sat at the bar and ordered the famous clam chowder and lobster roll. Both were fresh and delicious. The bar tender was nice and provided great service.
(5)
Michael C.
A classic...always great seafood.
(4)
Michael W.
Over rated. Chowder was ok and cost a bundle. They were closed early so that's all we got.
(2)
E S.
Great service and atmosphere; however the food is far too expensive. The lobster ravioli was bland and the portion was small ($28). I expect higher quality and/or more food at this price point. Beer was reasonably priced for Boston, Blue Moon ($6.50). I won't be back. There are many restaurants in Boston that offer higher value in both taste and price.
(3)
George M.
Okay it's right on the Freedom Trail so it's overrun with tourists. And it's crowded. But it's worth the trouble. I had a cup of chowder and a beer at the oyster bar downstairs and the chowder was awesome.
(3)
Christine J.
Being the oldest active restaurant in America it was an experience in itself. There is even a booth dedicated to JFK. I liked that the menu had the history behind it on the back. For an appetizer we ordered the seafood sampler and the clam chowder. As for meals, we ordered a lobster roll and a crab cake sandwich. My #1 recommendation is the chowder hands down!!! The crab cake sandwich was disappointing. The lobster roll was yummy.
(4)
Stephanie H.
went during the afternoon. front bar was pretty backed but once we got inside it was empty. LOVE the historic feel to it . friend & i went just to get some oysters. ive never been a fan/really had any so i was pleasantly surprised. we just got two beers on tap & a plate of oysters -two different kinds (new york & a local one. id recommend the local one). on the pricey side but great atmosphere, good beer & decent oysters. i wouldnt mind going back to try the food. bartender was friendly & as the oysters were tiny that day, he gave us extra.
(3)
Bill R.
A must if you are in Bean-town. If you go, you have to sit a the Oyster Bar. Many fun people and the characters that open the Oysters are part of the meal. Every time I go back east I make it a point to share a few dozen with the wife. Living history and worth your time.
(4)
D L.
Service was terrible. Waitress was not pleasant. Tourist trap don't go. For the price I would expect better service and better food. Would not go back.
(1)
Jenny T.
My boyfriend always wanted to try his first oyster here. Was directed by hostess to sit at one of the booths. We walked over to the booths to find all 4 of them dirty with dishes from the previous party. Another couple came over and was told the same thing by another hostess. We manage to flag down a waitress and instead of taking 2 seconds to clear away the booths she proceed to give us a 1 minute lecture about how we just have to stand here and wait until they come to clear the booths. It would've taken her literally 2 seconds, but she just went on and on. My boyfriend and I just left. The other couple said they were going to do the same. Very bad customer service. Will not come again.
(1)
Armen N.
In summary, the food is bland and expensive. Came here with much reservation based on existing reviews, but my friends wanted to experience "the oldest restaurant in America." It does have a little bit of the old Boston charm, but that's about it. I ordered the American Bouillabaisse. One would expect "Bouillabaisse " to have big flavors that enhance the fresh seafood, unfortunately this lacked any flavor, including basic salt seasoning. I also sampled my friends seafood newburg, which was better but still bland and overly heavy. The chowder which was just OK. The star here is the cornbread, which is really good but no reason to make a visit. Steer clear!
(1)
Alan S.
So there is already a ton of reviews, so I'll keep this simple. The clam chowder was good and the cornbread amazing. I also tried the sampler which was more of a 3 star, and the fish and chips looked nice but I didn't have any. If I went back I'd have the bowl of chowder and ask for an extra piece or two of cornbread and that would be a great $10 lunch.
(4)
Brigette R.
Arrived pretty late to meet friends. Sat at the bar, pretty cool watching them clean the oysters. Ordered clam chowder, cornbread, beer, and half a dozen oysters. Great company and enjoyed the casual scene at the bar. Bartender was friendly , food was served fast. Only complaint I thought my cornbread was kinda dry. Other wise my oysters were pretty good, wish I remembered the type I ate. Good experience, I would go back and try the other oysters to compare.
(4)
Ralphie A.
Great place and atmosphere The food is amazing ! Clam chowder is to die for and corn bread is delicious!
(4)
Amy B.
We had a lobster meal with mussels. For a seafood restaurant in Boston, I wouldn't expect the mussels to be filled, and I mean filled with sand. They have us a new batch again, filled with sand. Finally the third batch actually ha clean mussels. I don't know if they get lazy as the night goes on or just didn't care about a small table of two. Either way, shame on them for screwing up a basic dish not once, but twice.
(2)
Joe S.
Food was fabulous. But even tho not crowded, the service left a lot to be desired. Our waitress left us for long periods w/o asking how things were, etc. had to get up and find someone just to pay the check. Not good Service Management. Need to be more like our Old Town Trolley driver "Fred", who suggested it.
(4)
Matt E.
I'm pretty sure they're just relying on tourists rather than any actual people in Boston. The restaurant gets to say they're the oldest continuously run restaurant in the country (1826). They've been featured in countless food shows and I came here as a tourist for that reason alone. Between the high prices and the bad reviews I stuck to a seat at the bar for a beer and clam chowder (and complimentary corn bread and old bay chips). The bowl of chowder was about $8 and was a modest portion, it wasn't that hot when it got to me but other than that it was very good. The cornbread was also delicious. For a beer I got a Sam Adams Brick Red, a beer offered year around but only in a handful of Boston bars (that too was a little pricier than normal). The service I got at the bar was decent and I don't have any big complaints overall. I might not rush back here in the future but from my limited experience I wouldn't dissuade anyone from coming here either.
(3)
L L.
I brought the kids here after we went to the Big Apple Circus on City Hall Plaza. The location is great, which allowed me to show the kids the Haymarket and cobblestone streets for a brief history lesson. The restaurant is listed as the Oldest Restaurant in America. I had lobster salad and fish chowder - both were fine. Kids had a cup of soup and Caesar salads which had too much dressing for them. Lunch for 3 was $58. If this did not have the historical connection then I doubt we would have visited. Price is high for what we ate.
(3)
R J.
Looked good, not real busy on a Sunday night, but great chowder
(3)
Melissa M.
Alright fine, we didn't eat here, but me and my two girlfriends had a couple of oyster shooters which were deeeelightful. We also got six oysters and they were deliciuos as well - and...I hate oysters. The bartender was hilarious. And then there is Steve, who is an extremely large man - like 100 feet tall (after shooting an oyster) and so nice. They gave us great recommendations for food in the North End, pastry shops and super helpful. They really wanted us to enjoy our trip here and all Boston has to offer. It is really nice when they take the time (probably over and over) to talk to the tourists who really want the most out of their trip.
(5)
Lanes H.
A bit tourist-y... this place would be great for dinner with your friends from out of town. We were seated at the Kennedy booth, which had memorabilia and historical plaques that pointed to how JFK frequented the place. The food is good; nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary for a traditional place like this. Go here if you want to catch up with an old friend, dear family members, Father's Day and with business clients.
(3)
Ashley S.
Eh. You pay for the cool history, but the food isn't too great. My fiance and I got the Hot Oyster House Sampler for an appetizer. Seemed overcooked, overly greasy and some were bland. I had the lazy man lobster dinner, I guess it tasted /okay/ but it was just breadcrumbs and a metric shit ton of butter over some mediocre lobster. Meh. The best parts about it were the cornbread and the history, you definitely feel like you just stepped out of a time machine when you come here, so for that I'll give it an extra star. Also good luck finding parking under 35 dollars, as it is Boston.
(3)
Scott K.
Visiting Boston and hearing about it all the time from tour guides and advertisements, along with a coworker's recommendation, I decided why not? So my parents and I went in to the quaint little restaurant. We ordered a bowl of clam chowder, oysters, Littleneck clams, scrod, and the seafood stew. The ambience was nice, like you traveled back 50 years. However, seating was a bit cramped. I'm all about the atmosphere but let's get to the food. Clam chowder tasted like they opened a can of Progresso soup and added a little more clams in it, and to top it off was horribly over-priced. The oysters were the biggest disappointment. A good oyster needs to cold, and fresh. The oysters we got were not ice cold, but slightly cooler than room temp, and didn't taste very fresh either. To top it off, there were pieces of cracked shells still in it, and presentation was terrible. Price per oyster was decent, had we been in Hawaii, but we're in Boston where the seafood is a stone's throw away, and was 150% more expensive than the restaurants around it. Littleneck clams were the only decent things here, but even they weren't ice cold like they should be, and, you guessed it, over-priced. Our main entrees was so-so at best. Seafood stew was too much starch, not enough seafood, and the flavors did not complement each other but took away from the experience. Scrod filet was overcooked, dry, and still had bones in it. It is a nice historic sight, but that's not enough to save the food. There are plenty of tastier (and cheaper) places to eat in Boston. When you can't get your namesake right, something is terribly wrong. I love the city of Boston, but I do not share that love with the Union Oyster House.
(1)
Alex R.
According to legend, Union Oyster House is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. I visited for the first time the other day and found a seat at the oyster bar. I had a half dozen oysters and some shrimp cocktail. Both were pretty solid but nothing over-the-top great that you can't get anywhere else, especially in this part of the world. Speaking from a historical point of view, it's a pretty cool place to take a walk around in, with the exception of the tacky gift shop. I won't hold that against the place since it's not the place's fault that it's original location became ground zero for tourism in Boston. I'd go back under the right circumstances I guess. Service was fine.
(3)
Jade N.
Ill be the first to tell you the best places to eat in New England are the fish markets and hole in the wall joints along the water, however this restaurant isn't a bad choice if visiting the Boston area and not sure where to go for good seafood. The seafood is all amazingly fresh and tasty and the fact that this place is the oldest restaurant in the US helps bring that Boston experience alive. The steamers and little necks were cooked perfectly. My lobster was "boiled" just right. If you have lobster in New England, that's really the best way to have it! Boiled with butter! Yum-O. The Oysters were all local (thank goodness). The corn bread served with dinner was very yummy but a tad on the dry side. Overall a little pricey but nonetheless a great dining experience while in Boston!
(3)
Shirley L.
I feel like this place has such low ratings here on Yelp because of the tourists. Seriously...if you're going to go out to eat around the tourists attractions, don't complain about the prices. For those of you who eat clam chowder out of a Progresso Can, you've never had REAL clam chowder so that's not even a fair review. The service was awesome. My boyfriend and I sat at the oyster bar, and the guys there were very outgoing and friendly. I liked that they shucked the oysters right in front of you. My boyfriend ordered a Corona but there was something on the top of the bottle, the guys at the bar easily replaced it with a new one. There was a little girl, who sat next to us, and ate her first oyster there with her dad. The guy who worked at the bar was nice enough to clean the shell of the oyster she ate for her to keep for memories. I thought that was sweet of him. The prices are a bit on the pricey side but what do you expect? You're at a tourist hot spot! Everything around the Quincy Market area are pricey. You might as well choose a place that has fresh quality seafood. The oysters are really fresh! You can't go to the Union OYSTER House and not have oysters...c'mon! For those oyster lovers out there, it's definitely worth trying, even if you're from Boston! (which I am, btw) The sauces are right in front of you, which is also very convenient. I also love clam chowder, so I decided to try it here. I LOVED it! Although it was a small cup, I savored every bite. The clam chowder was loaded with clams, not like other places where it's all potatoes. It was very creamy and delightful. It was also nice to get freshly baked corn bread for free :) Haven't tried the lobster roll or mussels yet, but that'll be for next time. There's a good reason this is the oldest restaurant in America...It's because it's great!
(5)
Howard T.
Boston has been on my bucket list and the family and I finally got the chance to head out there. As were looking for places to eat, Union Oyster House seems to be one of the most mentioned places. So through yelp, we made our lunch reservations to check out this historical landmark and what it had to offer. You can't miss this place. There's a ginormous sign on the rooftop. As you make your way into the restaurant you'll noticed how tight and cramped it is. Of course people back in the day probably had an average height of 5'5". The staff was very friendly and we were seated at the upper levels. I was suprised that this place could seat so many people. Possible fire hazard? Anyways, we Ordered: Clam Chowder Seafood Platter Lobster Roll Dozen fresh oysters Mussels Basque style I have to say that the food was simply...OK. It wasn't spectacular. The mussles and oysters were tiny. The Chowder was good but didn't blow me away. I agree with a previous reviewer about the Lobster Roll, lacked any flavor and a bit overpriced. I'm from LA and I think food out here has become very similar if not even better than what I had at Union. One amazing item you get is the cornbread. I love me some cornbread... I can only recommend coming here for it's historical value only and to say you've been there.
(3)
Sharra C.
I can sum this place up in one word, 'nostalgic'. I found out about Union Oyster House through a Yelp search and was so very glad that I did! Walking in was like going back into time, the 19th century to be exact. What we didn't know is that the several levels of the restaurant offer different items. There's an oyster bar (self-explanatory) whereas there's a floor for appetizers/lunch, and a top floor for full menu items. The dishes were flavorful and plentiful. Not cheap, but well worth the money spent! My advise is this: If planning on dinning in for dinner, get there EARLY! There was a wait and the seating is limited!!! My friends and I are visiting Boston again this up-and-coming fall and we WILL be dining at UOH again! Bring your appetite, your camera, and enjoy this stop on the historic 'freedom trail'.
(4)
Scott S.
How can you not love eating at the oldest restaurant in the USA!! Super friendly people. And the food was good. We had oysters, chowder, long neck clams as a mid day snack on the freedom trail walk. Great stop.
(4)
Chris S.
The food here is good, but not great. It's a bit over priced. There must be some sort of "historic place tax" built into their prices. They do have a special Sam Adams beer that's only sold here, however. It was good, but not great. Which is fitting; seems to be their theme.
(3)
Peggy B.
Went to celebrate our anniversary it was horrible the waitress had no clue what she was doing ( I am a waitress). They had no steamers??? Food took forever and when we ordered a drink as our dinner was served they FINALY came to the table when we were done eating.. Should have stayed at the bar the bartender was amazing but I don't drink and wanted to sit a table that we were told a 45 min wait and waited an hour and a half definitely not worth going back
(1)
Keith F.
I was told that I was required to stop here for oysters and chowder, and if someone gives me orders tied to food, I oblige. Considering its location and reputation, it doesn't take much to figure out this place has 'tourist trap' written all over it. However, I was a tourist, thus had no qualms. The oysters were good, though I lack the palette to differentiate from any other raw oysters I've eaten. Leaving off the Old Bay and Tabasco might have helped, but that just seemed silly. The Clam Chowder however was something that I will remember. Being from landlocked Minnesota, I don't know that I've ever fully experienced Clam Chowder. There might be better 'chowdahs' in Boston but I enjoyed what I had here. Being frank, this place just allowed me to cross "Boston Clam Chowder and Oysters" off my food bucket list.
(4)
Andy M.
Under the recommendation of a close friend and intrigue of being America's oldest restaurant we went to this place for dinner as we were unable to get into Neptune Oyster Bar. We had to wait 5-10 minutes as they set up a table for 5 but were them promptly seated and setup with corn bread and menus. After placing our orders it took another 10ish minutes to receive our food. We were clear that we were sharing food but our waitress failed to provide us with extra plates and so we asked a waitress who was running past our table. The food was ok, a little disappointing as we'd heard that Boston was known for it's seafood. Our main dishes were ok, filling but not much flavour or taste. Our lazy man's lobster was cold and after informing a waitress she offered to re-heat it for us. I was surprised at this as restaurants in Melbourne would make a new one. She took our dish away back into the kitchen and didn't return with it for over 15 minutes. We were disappointed with this and not very impressed.
(2)
lysa p.
Ehh it was just okay. Nothing had much flavor. Go for the ambiance only!
(2)
Epi I.
Came here for dinner. When we walked in, there were staff at the door but since there's two dining floors we were asked what we were having, WTF! We didn't know at that time. We didn't know if only appetizers were served in the lower level or upper. Us, not knowing if we were having dinner or appetizers, we said dinner. They sent us upstairs. When we got upstairs we talked to our waitress and she told us the staff at the door should've sat us downstairs since there were tables there. We just wanted to have oysters and wine. We ordered oysters and when they arrived, the presentation left a lot to be desired. It was a plain plate with the oysters on plate. Not even ice or lettuce or something else to make the oysters appetizing. We ordered a white wine and wine was nicely chilled and was good. Afterwards we checked the upstairs and it looks like the oldest Oyster House in Boston. Booths are high and outdated. It smells musty and it's dark. Downstairs looks a little bit better. I looked around and it looked like everyone just wanted to experience a piece of history and that's all. Prices for food according to the menu were high for what you were getting. I recommend looking elsewhere unless you don't care. My 2 stars are for our server and for the wine we drank.
(2)
Summer S.
Pretty interesting from a historical perspective. Food variety limited. Did taste an oyster and had a seafood special which was fine.
(3)
Benson Y.
You know that this place has to be good when you look through the window and there are a ton of people sitting around the oyster bar, eating them almost as fast as the guy can shuck them. The atmosphere is definitely takes you back to another era with the stone in the walls, the wood seats and antiques hanging on the walls or on shelves. I only went in for a snack, a dozen oysters and clam chowder (or is that chowdah?). The oysters were meaty and delicious. The chowder was creamy, fresh and tasty. I would definitely go back to try a full dinner.
(4)
Yu W.
The place is very unique due to its history. We love the way it remains as old style. You can hear noise when you walk through their old-wood floor (may not be well maintained, but I like it). The oyster was PERFECT and DELICIOUS!! The crab-cake, or should say "crab-pancake" was huge and thick.
(4)
Hion L.
So on search for best restaurants in Boston, I came across, the oldest restaurant in the US. The title is a bit controversial since the Pink Adobe in Sante Fe has been around longer but this is prior to the US purchase from Mexico and the restaurant itself has only been there since 1944. But as you walk into the restaurant, you can feel the history. Maybe not as much as in historic Williamsburg, but it is still there. The food was definitely delicious. The mussels, basque style were very tender and flavorful. The littleneck clams were also fresh and tasty although maybe a bit gritty, but we were forewarned of this on the menu. They do live in the sand, so you can't be totally surprised by this. Clam chowder was nice and creamy. For main entrees, the american bouillabase is a unique dish. It is like a stew based on a mirepoix broth of carrots, onion, and celery. I found it a bit bland and one-dimensional, but would be good for someone who is into having an unadulterated seafood soup. The lobster scampi is a fantastically rich dish with already rich lobster. The garlic butter adds a great flavor dimension and is so good on top of the linguine noodles. The lobster newburg is the ultimate in creamy lobster fare as it is served on top of a flaky pastry shell. The shore dinner is a no frills straight lobster with potatoes and corn, reminiscent of the wonderful beachside clambakes of a bygone era. The Boston style baked beans were very good, in that it did not have an overly powerful sweetness. The Indian corn pudding is a must try, as it is one of the most unusual desserts I have had. Sweet, with a slight bitterness, it was a very unusual take on a corn based dessert. I can't even tell if it was good or not, it was just bizarre, like peanut soup. Overall, I would say the food was very good, but I have to downgrade the rating due to the ridiculous wait. During peak times, it can be well over and hour and we had to wait an hour and a half. If the restaurant is packed, I can fully understand this, but they had about a dozen of empty seats and booths near the bar area that was closed off. Not cool when you are supposed to be operating at full throttle and poor planning if it was due to staffing.
(3)
Ahad D.
Ok, so the place is really old. It looked old, felt old and smelled old. Nostalgia aside, the seafood was pretty good, the decor was boring and the service was poor. If you are over 6 feet and more than 180 pounds, you won't fit in the prehistoric rest room, so ask for a dozen extra towelettes to clean up if you use your hands to crack any shells. There is a gift store in the lobby, but you can pick up better trinkets at the mall around the corner. I suggest taking a picture outside and moving on.
(2)
Nick N.
We had to stop by the oldest restaurant in America on our trip to Boston. Service was just ok. The food was ok. The Union Favorites had a mini lobster cake, crab cake, and fish cake; they were tasty but small. The oysters are good fresh. The corn bread was good too. Prices you would expect from a seafood restaurant.
(3)
Christopher L.
Their clam chowder and their cornbread are amazing. Looking forward to next time.
(5)
Matavee F.
There were few waitresses but there were so many customer we've been waited for our food for an hour.had no clue that took forever I will never come back again ever
(1)
Ms. M.
Is it touristy? Sure. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't join the crowds anyway for some history, good eats, and friendly service. Everything we had was pleasing to the taste buds, from the free corn bread to the clam chowder to the fried oysters to the lobster roll to all the sides we got with our entrees. Prices are on the high side, but the unique setting and the fresh and well-prepared seafood make the experience worthwhile.
(4)
Frank L.
I"m a little suspicious when this restaurant claims to be the "oldest restaurant in America," but this is Boston so maybe it's possible. I've been here about 5 times and enjoyed myself every time. It's quaint and fun. The chowder may be the best in town. It's certainly better than Legal Seafood's over-hyped chowder. Sometimes I'll be in the neighborhood and just look for a seat at the always crowded oyster bar. That may be my favorite part of this place. Their aren't an oyster house for nothing. Great tasting fresh shucked oysters. But please get them at the oyster bar to guarantee that they are only minutes old.
(5)
Faith M.
Good food, great history. I wanted to experience the oldest restaurant in the US and although it was a bit pricey, it was totally worth it. They have the best corn bread I have ever tasted- will never forget that cornbread :))))
(4)
Ryan G.
It is just ok. Clam chowder was very good. Oysters were too small. Calamari was terrible. Waitress in the bar area was very plesant. A+. But our waitress who was about the age of my mom was little cranky. C-
(3)
Jamie S.
Union's is a fine lil piece of touristy Boston. Went here last night for mah lady's alumni event. Nice spread, buffy wings (pretty tasty), oysters (love love love oysters! holy S), scallops wrapped in bacon (unremarkable), and crabcakes (not so great), meatballs (what??!?!? meatballs at a seafood place? no thanks, I can buy stop n shop brand meatballs and make them better than these clowns...just an easy thing to make for a big party) and all GRATIS !!! Even the first drink was on the hizzy. Good deal. Good place to come for beers, the oysters are pretty good but for $15 a half-dozen there are better deals out there. Overall, pretty solid place.
(3)
Victor A.
I know this is a tourist trap but its America's oldest restaurant. Est. 1826. How can you not at least check it out? Went with a couple local Bostonians that have funny enough never been. The reviews are mixed at best so I was hesitant but sometimes you need to background check the bad reviewers cause sometimes its a common denominator type situation. Just a heads up. Walked in. It smelled great. That perfect seafood restaurant smell. First floor had wood planked low ceilings very early America tavern style. Was seated on the second floor. Corn bread was awesome. Warm and toasty. Clam chowder was great. Can't say it was mind blowing but they're not reinventing the wheel. They invented it. The seafood sampler app was disappointing. They didn't shuck properly and the shrimp was of questionable quality. Had the lobster scampi which was good. All in all food was tasty and ambience is perfect. And to boot it's historically relevant. A must visit if you're in town. Cliche smiche.
(4)
Kevin C.
Stopped here for a quick dinner, ended up spending a lot more than I expected. The prices are typical of tourist traps just like it all across the city, and I wasn't too impressed with the clam chowder. The beers they have on tap are fun (try the Harpoon Porter), but after all was said and done, we were basically overcharged for some decent oysters and a couple cups of clam chowder. On the other hand, service was fast and friendly, and there's a bartender/server there who looks almost-but-not-quite like Steve Austin and is built like a brick shithouse who might be the nicest person in the world. So there's that.
(3)
Jonathan R.
Worst oysters that I have ever had. They open the shells VERTICALLY so the brine comes out before the oyster is even fully opened. Such a waste. And only one type of oyster. Weird for an oyster house. Fried food was good though.
(2)
Robert M.
Walk the extra 20 feet to one of the Pub's, this is horrible. This is such a tourist trap now. If you are looking too see where a Kennedy planted his butt 40 years ago, then by all means. I am sure at some point in it's history it wanted to serve the people of Boston, now ...not so much. The food is not that good (verging on bad), the service is even worse. At our table, we had an order of fish and chips and Crab Cakes. The crab cakes were served with mash potatoes and Boston Baked Beans and one ice tea. On the fish and chips, the fries were good. The cole slaw was passable. The fish was raw. I mean one of the two peaces was RAW, tough, rubbery, cold RAW. The other piece was just nasty. Fortunately, the waitress took it off the bill. Crab cakes were not very good. The beaked beans were really good and the mashed potatoes were mashed. I got one glass of iced tea. The waitress showed up to take the order, bring the food and then refill the water and bring a bill. When she refilled the water, we had been done eating for about 20 minutes. Obviously there was not much to eat given the fish was RAW!. So for a glass of tea, fries, slaw, mashed potatoes and baked beans, I paid about $26.00. Just remember, they took the Fish and Chips off the bill. This is my $26.00 lesson. I will never, ever go there again. It was my second trip in 4 years and still no improvement, just Yelp.
(1)
Eric S.
The best points of Union Oyster House are the historic building with paintings of old ships and a booth where John F. Kennedy ate, not to mention delicious cornbread, Indian pudding and one of the best clam chowders in Boston. The fisherman's pie and oyster and pasta dish are quite tasty as well, but as many have pointed out on here, the prices are higher than establishments of similar quality and the wait can be long if you don't make a reservation. Go at least once for the experience but give less tourist-oriented places a try also
(4)
Zoey L.
It's a pity we arrived too late, but we still enjoyed our dinner very much. Love the Lobsters! But not the Chowder.
(4)
Gastronomic D.
Oldest restaurant in america... I can say I've been there... The food edible kinda.....
(2)
Mochi K.
The seafood is not flavored well at all. The fish was bland, the New England Clam Chowder was edible but nothing special.The corn bread was good. Have a drink at the bar and get a appetizer but don't sit down for dinner. The building has a lot of history, I give it that.
(2)
Jeffrey W.
Everyone loves the Union Oyster House. It's a little touristy, near Quincy Market, and known to be the older restaurant in Boston, but the character that brings is worth the price. You ask for a table upstairs (they must be a fire hazard), and you sit in a place that it isn't hard to imagine men from a hundred years ago dining in. The food is good, but you pay for the history and atmosphere.
(4)
Kristen M.
No lobster bisque but they have a lobster tank when you walk in??? Ugh. Two stars for ambiance and history just wish it would've been more. It is a cool looking bar and the second you walk in you can tell that you are surrounded by history but the actual menu didn't look too promising. After a drink we got up and left.
(2)
Paul H.
I think the tour books over-hype this place. I was expecting something special, and ended up with something I could have gotten at a million different places in Boston at a lower price. My tip - stop in the bar area for some clam chowder just so you can say you've been to the oldest restaurant in the country.
(3)
Mona W.
My quest to search for the best Clam Chowder might be over. (As soon as I said that, someone is going to disagree. There's always a better place somewhere else, isn't it?) Friend of mine recommended this place and I was glad to have tried it while I was in Boston. The clam chowder was phenomenal. It was creamy and velvety with the perfect mix of clams and potato chucks. Having a cup of such in a chilly winter night was certainly a treat. It was just flawless. Unfortunately other dishes were less memorable. We had the hot oyster house sampler. Baked Stuffed Cherrystones from the sampler was nice but everything else were just mediocre. Lazy man's lobster was disappointing. The sauce was so overwhelmingly bitter you can barely taste the lobster. 5 stars for the Chowda, 3 stars for other dishes, 3 stars for the service. We waited a while for the food and our server was not really particularly friendly. The seats and the tables were tiny! I guess people in the old days were really a lot skinnier.
(3)
Jimmy D.
I went there over the weekend for a trip I planned with my gf. We came during the afternoon and decided to sit at the bar and order some cold beers and oysters. It took the bartenders forever to get our beers, and even longer to help us put in our order for oysters. Being that it was mid-afternoon and the place was not busy, it was really annoying. We ended up ordering a dozen oysters and the first 6 came out ice cold, and the other 6 came out kind of cool. They looked and tasted so-so. I've had much better oysters at happy hours or at chain restaurants. Long story short, my gf did not feel great later that evening and I'm pretty sure it was from here. Before we ate here all we had was fruit, toast, lots of water, and that beer I mentioned. During our whole tour of Boston, this was probably the worst spot we ate at.
(1)
Leo K.
I am not sure if it is because I am jaded by amazing seafood, but i found this place to be okay. I have definitely had better at less interesting locations and spots. Got the oysters here, Lobster Ravioli, and Pasta with seafood. All tasted great and seasoned well, and tons of flavor, but not sure if I would choose this place over the many places I have gone to in Maine and in NYC. I would say this place must be visited, being a land mark and all, but for me once will be enough to say i went here.
(3)
Hide S.
This place was phenomenal. I went there by myself at the bar seeking for some good oysters and lobster. I got seashell combination and a large oyster for about $50 for the dinner time. I think it really worse it plus I did not have to wait for the work in like some place in N End. I would recommend this place to anyone for any occasion. If you like the bar atmosphere and like the seafood, this defenitely is the best place for you to spend some time at night!
It's not the best seafood I've ever had, but it's one of those places that if you've never been to to you have to go at least once. The bartenders and staff are very accommodating. Longest running restaurant in America definitely delivered. For 50 bucks the feast dinner was probably the way to go but I got the "Lazyman lobster". Way too much claw meat for $35 in my opinion came with one side (rice was flavorless) too much breadcrumbs and no salad. My wife enjoyed the seafood Newburgh. It was very heavy and rich for my taste. Raw bar oysters and clams were fresh and delicious. We had a party of 8 and they split us into two separate tables which wasn't great. I probably wouldn't go back but thought it was cool for ambiance and being a tourist destination.
(3)
Carter N.
The spectrum of Yelp reviews give a good idea of what this place is like. The positives are 1) Ultra historic building and interior, with lots of info to explain, 2) The nicest wait staff I had in Boston, almost like they're diner waitresses, but even friendlier and more personable, 3) Good corn bread that comes with the meal and, 4) Good, traditional clam chowder (thick!). But for cuisine, it doesn't really stack up to a lot of the seafood places in Boston (and you can see that in the ratings). The oysters were good (blue points), but the fried mussels and clams weren't great. The haddock special (seafood stuffing), was too salty and not exciting, had a very generic taste to it. The oysters rockefeller were heavy on the spinach, not scrumptious. Come here for the history, you might get to sit in JFK's favorite booth. I'd never been in a restaurant with such cool old booths.
(3)
Randy B.
I enjoyed the nostalgia, the story, the food -- it was cool! I think the story goes, it is the oldest continiously opened restaurant in the USA (the qualifier here is that there are older restaurants, but they may have closed for a period of time). It feels old, and has all the charm that goes along with it. For example, a tiny furry friend ran across the floor. Strangely, it didn't bother our group - because since it is on a pier/dock area...shouldn't some critters be expected? We mentioned it to our server, who followed up on it! With that said, the food was great - albeit pricey. The table we had was by the window, with an excellent street view of all things happening. The services was very good, too. It was really fun, and I'd go back again.
(4)
Rebecca L.
I love the ambiance of the restaurant- cozy, warm lighting, great street views from the windows, you can feel the history around you. The service take away from the time travel. The hostess yelling names over the loudspeaker for tables, waitresses in apron smocks- really? smocks at a self-proclaimed "fine dining" establishment? We made reservations 3 days ahead for a Saturday night. We arrived early were given a terrible table near a main walkway between two of the dining rooms with very little space. The waitstaff kept having to ask us to push in until I decided we just needed to move our table back. For reservations we should have been given a much better table, or if there was a clear issue the staff could have offered us a different table. Food is ok- a solid 3 stars. We started with some Sam Adams Boston Brick Red (yum) Onion Soup Gratinee and the corn bread- very creamy. Soup was very rich and flavorful, lots of cheese on top which didn't help the heaviness of the soup but the flavor was spot on. We split the fried fisherman's platter and the swordfish. Fried fish was good- definitely cooked perfectly in a light corn breading. The shrimp and scallops were pretty big which made up for the fact there was only 2-3 of each. Swordfish was good- cooked perfectly but lacked enough seasoning. Asparagus was steamed- a little overdone, i would have preferred roasted. Mashed potatoes were tasty. It's a Boston institution- you have to try it at least once. This place knows that it will get you in the door for its history and can charge $30 for a dinner that's worth closer to $20. Based on the other reviews I would be interested in trying the raw bar downstairs.
(3)
Jeff C.
On 7/15/12 we Arrived at Union Oyster House at 4:45 for 5:00 reservation. The restuarant was crowded with a few people waiting. We were seated around 5:10. We were seated on the top floor in a booth after my request.The girl was going to seat us at a small table wher everyone walked by. The last time we went to your restuarant it was not as crowded. Everything was better, the table location,service, and the food. Last time we sat near the oyster bar downstairs(seat was open this time reserve sign).The last time the waitress was a older very very very nice lady. This time,very young and ok. We gave her a nice tip because she was the only emplyee we met that smiled. When we entered the restuarant the receptionist looked tired and her english was not good( no smile).When she called our names we were told to go upstairs. A very young girl with another tired unfriendly face met us at the top of the stairs.A tired older lady took our drink orders with another man bringing water. When waitress came my wife had a half dozen oysters which were very good. We both ordered the seafood platter which came right away. The seafood platter was not that good. The fried clams were overcooked and dry. The fried scallops,fish, and oysters were good(only 3 shrimp). Me and my wife made a coment that a food at Red Lobster was better. We had such a wonderful dining experience the last time we went to your retuarant we wanted to return to Boston just to eat their. I booked a room at the Millinium Hotel because it was close to your restuarant and attractions. Your restuarant was the main focus of the trip because my wife loves seafood so much and enjoyed your food and service. We both said maybe because we came to the Oyster House during the busy time of year is why the expierence was so much different. I thought I had picked everything right,the time,hotel,restuarant,and city.When the dinner did not go right the whole trip seemed like a waste of money. I hope your restuarant has not changed since my last trip(spoiled by success). The only reason things were different was because it is harder to duplicate our expierence when the restuarant is not busy to a time when it is busy.
(2)
gary S.
I agree with the three stars. The oysters were great. The cornbread super!!!!! I ordered pan seared haddock. Tasteless !!!! That was a surprise because everything else was great. Too bad. Pricey. But if you like heritage and great cornbread. Then stop by.
(3)
Randy E.
After leaning my brother would be in Boston for a quick weekend, I planned a last minute trip from New York to visit. When in Rome? We snuck into the Union Oyster House for a traditional New England dinner and we weren't disappointed. If you don't start with the Union Oyster House Sampler, you're simply doing it wrong. This assortment of Union Grilled Oysters, Baked Stuffed Cherrystones, Clams Casino, Oysters Rockefeller and Shrimp Scampi get your visit off on the right foot! I found the seafood to be fresh and prepared perfectly, with service that matches. The clam chowder was expertly prepared and exactly what you would expect for a New England seafood establishment. To visit and not order the clam chowder would be nothing less than a sin. I enjoyed the select oysters and was not disappointed while my brother savored the crab cakes with Newburg sauce. Needless to say we ended up with leftovers and the desire to return to the Union Oyster House to enjoy some of their other perfectly prepared specialties. This place is bursting with history, and their decor shows their pride in preserving the past. The booths upstairs are solid wood and the area is dimly lit. You'll also find the booth where John F. Kennedy preferred to dine is visibly marked and adds to your experience. You might as well do yourself the favor of parking in a nearby garage. Most of the establishments in the neighborhood validate, and you should take the opportunity to explore the neighborhood.
This was our first visit to Boston and Union Oyster House was recommended by several friends. The service and atmosphere were great but other than the clam chowder, the food was pretty bland. I don't typically add pepper/salt to my dishes & had to add both to my meal (chicken & mashed potatoes). We'd probably go back, but just for drinks & maybe some chowder.
(3)
JieHeen Y.
The first time food was cold, slow, and not fresh. Oysters not fresh. Gave a second chance since it is so famous. Went there with friends and service was bad. Couldn't find a waitress. Food was slow. Ordered a fried appetizer plate. Everything was fried too much, became hard and no longer very crunchy or juicy. Even fries didn't taste good. Not good, not good, not good. Expensive all the while... Can't find even one thing I like.
(1)
Jessica G.
From a tourist's perspective, I love this place and would definitely recommend coming here for the overall experience. I've been here a couple of times during various visits to Boston over the years. As other reviewers have mentioned, this place is well known as the oldest continually operating restaurant in the U.S. and just for that fact, the amazing building, decor and the sense of being in Boston that sitting in that restaurant brings you, I would suggest anyone come here at least once. The location is great, right on the Freedom Trail and close to those beautiful North End cannolis. With respect to the food, we thought it was solid. On our last visit, my boyfriend had a variety of oysters and the biggest lobster we had ever seen. He seemed to enjoy them very much and was quite satisfied with his meal overall. I had a filet which was, while not the best I've ever had, perfectly respectable. We have always had good experiences with most of the staff. The bartenders are cool and the waitstaff friendly and helpful.
(4)
Matt C.
I went on the first night of my honeymoon and had an awesome experience. I have to break down the order a bit: --clam chowder was 5/5 and corn bread with it was 4/5 --shrimp ravioli was 4/5 (portion is small, but quite tasty) --littleneck clams were 4/5. --atmosphere 5/5 I didn't get the oysters, but the seafood I got was great. I'd say well worth the trip and cost.
(5)
Sfo B.
excellent seafood, especially lobsters. often crowded. price is higher than average.
(2)
Louis P.
I took my parents here from Colorado due to their famous history & clam chowda... Very disappointing... Food wasn't very good by any means and to make things worse, the service was horrific! Our waitress didn't come to check on us at all! Once was enough, just to say I've been here, but NEVER EVER again!
(2)
Scott S.
Ok here is the deal. If you like the freshest oysters and cherrystone clams this is your place. While obviously catering to alot of tourists, this is a place where the locals go. Just as the name says Union Oyster House the oysters are the best anywhere in the world. The clam chowders good and the other menu items but their speciality is oysters and shellfish. Belly up onto the oyster bar and it will be one of the best experiences you have ever had if your a fan of excellent shellfish and a great old world atmosphere. Service is old world style. While it may not be the quickest service in the world it's certainly a little more relaxed.
(4)
Cyndi K.
Food was awesome!! Service was good. Very historic building, but long wait for table. Make a reservation
(5)
David L.
Best chowder in town! This is the first restaurant in America and their food is really good too. The only reason I'm giving this establishment 4/5 stars is because the last time I went we didn't get the best service. Besides that, the atmosphere is very old and gives you the feel that you're back in the 1700s. In the summer expect to see Ben Franklin or Paul Revere stop on by for a pint! They like to come in and cool off once in a awhile while doing tours down the street. I recommend going here, but if you're looking to just get a bowl of chowder with their AMAZING corn bread (I could eat that shiz all day!), just step up to the bar and order a bowl. You'll get much better service there. Also, I highly suggest you grab a Sam Adams Brick Red. You can only get this lager on tap and only at a handful of pubs in Boston. Cheers!
(4)
Linda T.
was told to come here cause it's a must try and its the oldest restaurant in america.. is that true? def a tourist trap place. food was very meh. it reminds me of red lobster.. had clam chowder, oysters, boiled lobster, baked clams. you're better off getting a variety of fresh oysters elsewhere (neptunes). and clam chowder at atlantic fish & co.
um, why am i even bothering to write a review? ok - u.o.h. rocks in terms of things to do with your friends/family who are visiting from south of the mason dixon line. The place has a lot goin for it: (1) on the freedom trail (2) close to other tourist attractions (3) has a gift shop (4) old photos and paintings (5) little plaques or signs that explain things about the past That said, be warned that this will not be the best meal of your life or anything close to it. You have probably tasted better oysters, better chowder, better lobster rolls, better crabcakes, better fish n chips, etc etc etc. And, you will have to wait for a table even if you have a reservation (you should still make a reservation!!!!). All that said, you should visit this dark, old woody establishment at least once, because old things are cool, and well, people come to Boston to see old things. Just don't bring any foodies with you, less you want an earful of complainin.
(3)
Jennifer W.
Loved the chowder, loved our darling server Linda & my cohort had outstanding Lobster Scampi two consecutive evenings. Great oyster bar & will sit there next time 'round!
(4)
Ligaya T.
I could see the American flag waving in the wind from our table. How authentic is that? ;) Oldest continuous running restaurant, eh? The three levels are unique and historical charm draws the tourists. Probably cuz it's in every guidebook in existence. But hey. When we came in Benjamin Franklin greeted us. It cost $2 to have a photo with him. We needed to do something during our hour and a half wait. The staff was excellent, timely and kind. And served us promptly when waiting for drinks at the bar. Lobster was pricey ($38 for 1 1/4 lbs) and sides were basic but tasty. Though they had good bread and a pitcher of water on the table, always wise idea. Good place for groups of under 8, families but not a romantic date spot. Quintessential New England.
(3)
Dave M.
Don't waste what could be a good meal on mediocrity. The seafood was tough and not seasoned, the bread crumbs were soggy and the wait staff treat every one like annoying tourists. In short, if your going for the food, don't. If you are going to be waited on, don't. If you are going to say you've been there...well I don't what to tell you...just I wish I hadn't missed a better meal in the North end.
(1)
Benjamin D.
This food was terrible - the seafood was raw.
(1)
Sarah W.
Four starts for the food. But the website says that you can either park in a lot and get validated, or use their valet parking. So I took off a star for this parking experience. My boyfriend and I are visiting Boston and it's cold out, of course, so we want to drive. The lot that UOH validates is full. So we figure we'll just use the valet. We drive around twice, and there's no sign of a valet guy. We wait probably 15 minutes and finally find a guy, and it still takes another 10 minutes for him to finally take our car. Then, he gives my boyfriend his personal cell number and tells us to call him 15 minutes before we want our car. I've never heard of such a system. Bizarre. They either need more guys working valet on a Saturday night or have agreements with more than one parking garage. Sure, food was pricey but we enjoyed it. Service was pretty good, just took awhile for us to put our order in.
(3)
Jess K.
I haven't gone here during the day (or for food) but this is a fun place to hang out at night. The DJ will listen to your requests and it is easy enough to find a place to sit or a place to dance. The crowd this place attracts is slightly quirkly but that makes it more laid back and fun. The drinks are well made and the prices are reasonable. There is no cover charge at the door which is very original in Faneuil Hall so that is reason enough to check it out. If you don't like it, just leave!
(4)
sugi o.
i know that this place is a "tourist trap" but had to stop by during my recent trip into beantown. it's the oldest restaurant! my husband and i stopped off and sat at the bar. we ordered half a dozen oysters and a bowl of clam chowder just to experience the restaurant. they shucked all the oysters in front of us and they were fresh. the chowder was delicious - rich, creamy, loaded with all the fixings and came w/a side of cornbread. the table was definitely old and lopsided, they had to put some coasters under my bowl of soup to level it out. but it gives the place character! the dudes at the bar were super nice, chatted it up with them and learned more about the restaurant. glad we stopped off and did a little taste... i really enjoyed the experience of a quick little bite at the bar but am not sure i'd eat a full dinner here or not based on the reviews. so if ur debating making a stop, i'd recommend eating at the bar and having a drink and some oysters.
(4)
Todd L.
We visited this place on Friday, July 16th. We came into town for the weekend and wanted some great seafood. This place was excellent. There were four people in our party. We tried the Lobster, Clams, Scallops, and Scrod. All of the food was absolutely excellent! The service was really great as well. This place has so much history and it was nice to eat at the oldest restaurant in the United States.
(5)
G. B.
As a visitor to Boston, had to go here because it's so originally old. Having said that, the service was fine and the food was good. Nothing was extraordinary.
(3)
Teak L.
Final Decision: Oldest restaurant, oldest menu, OLD NASTY FOOD... So we made several trips into Boston and many times when we leave Logan Airport, we would see the signs for the Union Oyster House, so we finally kicked our curiosity...boy was it a mistake. I read some of the reviews off another website, which spoke of the poor quality of food that was put out and how the temperature control and there were flies all over...boy was that review on the dot. So we placed our order for food and they brought out a couple of baskets of crackers and assorted breads. After grabbing a cracker with some dark herbs, I was about to bite into it but noticed a gigantic fly and then a miniature mosquito crawling all over the crackers...I was like WTH... I pointed this out to the waitress and she just nonchalantly grabbed another basket and too this one away...not even apologizing for it. This basically set the tone for the bad meal. Items ordered: Oyster House Clam chowder - mediocre at best...for a restaurant that boasts to be one of the oldest, you'd think that they would have refined the taste and flavors, but i guess the recipe is still the same YE OLDE crusty chowder Lobster Scampi - bland nothing too exciting Seafood Newburg - I think I can make a better dish with the available ingredients. Once we got our food it was almost as if the waitresses decided to disappear into thin air. I really don't understand how this restaurant is still rated so highly, with the outrageous prices, poor quality of food, horrible conditions the food is kept and presented, you'd think more people would get food poisoning than any other restaurant ever. I would never go here ever again nor recommend anyone else to come here.
(1)
Parks M.
Well... I guess the only thing I can get from our visit is the fact I can check off that I have actually eaten here. What a disappointment. This was easily the worst meal I have had in Boston, from the food to the service--I guess the only thing that keeps this place open is people like me who thought they would eat at the oldest restaurant in America. I will never back, and will not recommend this place to anyone. There are too many other great seafood places in Boston to waste your time here.
(1)
Chris H.
Love it! The seafood here is awesome, I know its a fairly touristy place, but the dishes are much better than you would expect from somewhere like this. Grab a drink in the bar downstairs before dinner, and book ahead to get a table as it gets busy.
(5)
Angela D.
great food. great history!
(5)
Eric W.
Line was too much at Neptune, settled for Union Oyster House and settling it was indeed. At $14 for 1/2 doz oysters were lackluster and dry, no brine and cheesy cocktail/horseradish in plastic cups? Even the lemons were hard and lifeless. Don't believe people saying oysters were good. They weren't for me at all on this trip. First time, last time. Been there officially.
(2)
DJ M.
unionoysterhouse.com/Pag… The toothpick was first used in the United States at the Union Oyster House. This is the OLDEST RESTAURANT IN AMERICA! Oh sorry, didn't mean to scream, but hey this needs a shout out. Since 1826 this treasure has only had three owners. A favorite place for the Kennedy's to dine and JFK's favorite booth has been dedicated to him in his memory. Lets talk about the food and layout. You walk into the Oyster Bar, where they are serving drinks and shucking oysters, right then and there! It is awesome to watch how quickly they can do it. The restaurant itself is divided into floors and rooms, that all have names. Decor is to marvel at! The food, awe yes! Oyster stew is the very best! The clam chowder is very good! The hot oyster sampler is a great way to taste and share a variety of house favorites, which has grilled oysters, baked stuffed cherrystones, some of the best clams casino you will ever eat, as well as the oysters Rockefeller, plus shrimp scampi . Do have the clams casino and the oysters Rockefeller! The lazy man's lobster is unique and awesome, it has chunks of lobster baked in a casserole with sherry wine, bread crumbs and butter. They serve lobster just about anyway you can imagine. The lobster raviolis are wonderful! The crusted haddock is so good! They have a nice variety of fresh fish and shellfish served many different ways. The fried Boston scrod makes a great sandwich or fish and chips. The lobster roll is pricey, but It is loaded with lobster. They make a great Newburg sauce, creamy and laced with sherry for those scallops and shrimp to swim in. I have been here many times and I would return again and again and again. The Union Oyster House IS wheelchair accessible!
(5)
Rhonda H.
It was fun to be at Boston's oldest restaurant to see the historical memorabilia and the neat, old building. We sat in a booth across from the John F Kennedy booth. I ordered the fried oysters, which I rarely see on a menu even at the biggest an best seafood restaurants. They were delicious! They were mild flavored, not "fishy", and the coating was light in texture, not heavy or greasy. Perfect!
(4)
A H.
This place is very old and historical, so that's cool. But the food isn't really that great. We got the broiled seafood platter, which is tiny for like 30 bucks. The fish was fresh, but there was so little. Grrr. The cornbread was yummy, though. All in all, I think we went and enjoyed it more for the tourist attractiveness than anything else.
(3)
Kurtis V.
You cant go wrong with the oldest operating restaurant in the United States. The regular sit-down menu fare is average, but I always sit at the bar and simply eat oysters on the half shell fresh until i can no longer eat anymore.
(3)
Yasuyuki K.
Excellent for eating.
(5)
Kristen S.
I'm from Philadelphia. We decided to take a little Historical/Cultural trip to Boston. My cousin and I wanted to have a real New England clam chowder and Fish and Chips. We went on the "Freedom Trail" tour which I definitely suggest. They gave us a coupon book that included a free cup of chowder (or chowda) for the Union Oyster House. So that's where we went, it was really busy for a Monday lunch which was a good sign, but bad for hungry tourists! So we decided to get the quicker seat at the bar which we then realized the bartender seemed pretty weeded, however, he was surprisingly pleasant for being the overly busy bartender. He took care of our order, forgot a side of Boston Baked beans but with the free chowder and cornbread that comes with every meal we didn't miss them! We were full! The chowder was creamy and delicious and had large pieces of clams. The cornbread was warm and a healthy portion for being free with the meal and the Fish and Chips were crispy on the outside and light, flaky and juicy on the inside. Everything was delicious and despite what seemed to be a fairly understaffed busy day, the staff was still pleasant and attentive.
(5)
Filip T.
Good god, the food here is awful.
(1)
Lilly K.
Oldest continuous restaurant in the US! So I'm from California and we really...don't have much history, so I was completely STOKED! when entering this place. There's something about stepping into history that is exciting. The atmosphere is VERY colonial, almost too much so, but I love it when people try to emulate other time periods so I enjoyed this a lot. Anyway, so a friend and I stepped in for a meal. There was a wait but they let us go into the bar and order some appetizers. We both got clam chowders and I got some oysters. The oysters were good but the clam chowder BEST CLAM CHOWDER EVER! I essentially tried every clam chowder I could get my hands on. This one wins hands down. The meal itself was a little disappointing. The cornbread they gave us was DELICIOUS. But the fish was okay (I had swordfish haddock and tuna), mashed potatoes tasted a bit odd, they were really creamy but they almost didn't taste like mashed potatoes. Despite this the portions were HUGE. Two people could have easily shared this meal. It's great for the history that I'm sure you pay for, but the food itself is nothing to write home about.
(3)
Erica L.
I should have listened when that bean-town native I went to school with told me not to eat anything but the oysters and clam chowder at this pricey tourist trap. Lesson learned, but I certainly paid the price. Shared app, two mains, 1 beer and our bill came up to $87. Some of the worst food I've ever had. My boyfriend and I tried the softshell crab (a "chef's" special) and seafood in a sherry sauce. Looking back, I don't know what we were thinking. We may have been discouraged from ordering an order of oysters after our seafood platter appetizer (2 oysters, 2 clams, 2 shrimp-- all decent, nothing to get excited about) was presented to us with cocktail sauce and horseradish in fast-food plastic cups. Really, for a $15 appetizer, they can't use real dishes? The softshell crab was really disappointing- greasy, fishy-- I've had much better in Montreal. It was also really ugly-- it came atop a heap (literally, probably 3 inches tall) of really oily rice, and dotted with greasy sugar-snap peas. Weird. 80s. The seafood in a sherry sauce was sickening. My boyfriend took to rubbing the sauce off of the maybe 6 or 7 over-cooked scallops in order to salvage what was edible from a mess of over-sugared, gloopy sauce. When he was done, there was probably 2 cups of sauce left on his plate. Put that menu down! If you must experience "the oldest restaurant in America," make sure to ask for the Kennedy Booth and don't eat anything but oysters and chowder. Or stay at the oyster bar on the first floor. The bartenders down there were fun.
(2)
Nikki B.
I'm not sure how I lived in Boston for a year and never once visited this place, but that was the impetus for me and my boyfriend to choose the Union Oyster House for our dinner venue a few nights ago. The place itself is historical- stepping through the door is kind of exciting in that "seeing a bit of history" kind of way.. looking at the old bar, realizing that quite a few of America's famous men ate there, it's all quite a bit to take in. We were quickly seated upstairs and they whisked out some cornbread for us to eat while we perused the menu. We settled on a seafood appetizer sampler of clams, oysters, and shrimp, a plate of clams casino, and the fish sampler with scrod, salmon, and scallops. I enjoyed my oysters from the appetizer sampler so much I ordered a dozen more raw oysters to enjoy.. they were SO incredibly good, I would definitely come back and just eat oysters to my hearts content. The rest of the food was also very good, my boyfriend particularly loved the salmon (He doesn't do raw seafood like me). My main gripes are the price and the service.. our waitress was friendly but she took forever to take our order and bring us drinks, and wasn't very good about checking in and getting us refills. The price was expensive.. this was to be expected given the location and, of course, the history of the place, but don't come here if you're not expecting to have a big bite taken out of your wallet for the night!
(4)
Kelsey C.
Who: you're craving seafood, dining with pescatarians, or just trying to find a restaurant that pleases the only Boston girl from a deeper south than yourself and your visiting Aussie friend What: lobster ravioli appetizer because the cream sauce is so wonderfully rich and heavy you'll be overwhelmed by the 3rd ravioli AND there's chunks of lobster floating inside. My friend also enjoyed his clam chowder, and I judged his mussels appetizer to be decent, not great, just decent. Proceed with caution on the lobster roll. Though my friend thoroughly enjoyed the lobster salad in the roll, she found the bread a bit stale around the edges. It satisfies the craving but go with the ravioli otherwise. When: you want to enjoy good but not extraordinary, fresh but not fresh off the boat, slightly pricey but reasonably priced seafood while wearing a t-shirt and/or Ugg boots Where: this casual, conveniently located, seafood restaurant that feels like a bar Why: generous portions of reasonably fresh, well-made seafood in a restaurant quiet enough for civilized conversation but loud enough to fill in awkward silences.
(3)
Lorena C.
After several recomendation from a lots of people. Me and my boyfriend decided to have lunch on our last day visiting Boston. I was lucky that we got there early enough to not wait for a table because when we were leaving the line to be seated was huge. To begin the waitress was AWESOME, fast attentive, fast.. They welcome you with corn bread which was delish. We ordeer the seafood platter, the burger trio and two beers. Just a quick snack. The food was served fast and was sooo good. I would definetely recomend this place not only for the food and service but for what it represents, it has a great history and is decorated in a cute way. It makes you feel like your part of history.
(4)
Julie B.
I kicked off restaurant week with lunch at Union Oyster House on Sunday. I loved the old New England feel of the restaurant but it was clear that the place was a big tourist spot. The hostesses treated us like we were waiting to go on a ride at Disney World and barely even made eye contact before shooing us upstairs. They also were keeping the restaurant week deal pretty under wraps and it didn't seem like anyone around us even had the RW menus. We had called in advance to make sure that they were serving the RW lunch on Sunday and no one really seemed to even know what we were talking about. If i could rate the restaurant solely on the amount of food received for the $20.10 price tag, I would easily give it 5 stars. We started off with a piece of cornbread each, then chose between clam chowder and mussels for appetizers. My friends seemed to love their chowder and I was shocked when a huge bowl of mussels was placed in front of me with 2 pieces of garlic bread. I expected that I would get a pretty small bowl for the RW deal. The mussels were delicious and the sauce they were in was really wonderful. For entrees, we chose between fried oysters with french fries or salmon with potatoes. I've never had oysters before so I decided to take a chance. The plate was filled with oysters and fries and was a pretty huge portion. I wasn't too crazy about the oysters - not sure if that's my own personal taste or the way they were made. I also wasn't thrilled with the two dessert choices we had because I don't like apple crisp and had never heard of Indian pudding. I went with the pudding and barely touched it - again this might just be my own taste. Even with the dessert, I think the RW menu was a really good deal, I'm just not sure I'd go back and pay full price here. As for our server, she was a little crazy but nice. She contributed to the "Am I on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride?" feeling I had but gave my friends and I a pretty good laugh in the end. I do have one complaint to add: I HATE when you order sodas/drinks at restaurants and they basically give you a shot glass worth of soda filled to the brim with ice. I had a feeling that the touristy spot would be serving these types of drinks but tried anyway. I ordered a diet coke and think I was given a shot glass full of flat Dr. Pepper , then got charged $2 for it. This isn't the biggest deal but it's just a personal pet peeve. If I'm paying for a drink, I don't want to finish it in 1 sip. :)
(3)
C D.
Disappointing way to end a visit in such a great city known for its sea food. Union Oyster house is obviously a tourist trap although in the past it actually had good food. Those days are gone. I went in for lunch with a group of four and we were seated immediately. Our hostess brought us some corn bread to start of with (it was dry and to salty) and then we ordered oysters, steamers and variations of fish. The food was overall OK but definitely not the fresh flavor of sea that I experienced in the past. The steamers were good but weren't washed properly. The fish was just your average piece of fish. We ended up paying quite a lot for a vary mediocre meal.
(2)
Hank C.
Well, to say the least, the lobster dinner was tasty, although more hype than actually great. For the price ($50) I could've gone up and had a feast in Maine. That being said, there's a nice selection of local brews and a big tank for displaying the lobsters downstairs, and a store attached for people who are there as tourists. It's definitely a mixed building, combining small stairs through multiple buildings and walking through many little rooms packed with tables. One of the oldest restaurants in the US (it claims), it's a nice place for a piece of history - but I would go find a less crowded place for lobster. The crabcakes, ice tea, and chowder - all average, but served relatively quickly compared to most places. Oh, due to all the stairs, not really handicapped friendly, though there are seats on the main floor, if you have someone with movement limitations, I'd call ahead and have them hold something for you, otherwise it's too packed regularly and you'll have to wait quite a while.
(3)
Elizabeth G.
Plain and simple, folks: don't go here for any reason other than the oysters. Union Oyster House has other charms, but they all revolve around the oysters. Eat some oysters at the horseshoe-shaped bar while you read about the building's 200-plus-year history. Order a Sam Adams or some mediocre wine because hey, what sauvignon blanc *doesn't* taste good with the salty deliciousness of oysters? Chat up the bartenders, who are always good-natured and gregarious in spite of the tremendous wrist strain they must be suffering to shuck oysters at a speed to keep up with the crowds coming in. Listen to the accents of the people next to you at the bar and try to figure out where they are visiting from; eavesdrop on their impressions of the Freedom Trail. Perhaps even strike up a conversation with a stranger. Laugh as the bartender holds up a lobster with a fork in one claw and a napkin in the other, and tourists take a picture with the lobster. Order a second round of oysters and stick around long enough to see the bartender present the same joke a second, or maybe even a third, time. Wonder how he has the patience to do this all day every day. Venture upstairs to admire the low ceilings and oh-so-old booths and woodwork, and to see JFK's favorite booth. Do not go upstairs to eat dinner. Other than the oysters, the food here is disgusting. The clam chowder and the fish-n-chips might be OK, but that's it. The ravioli come with alfredo sauce that tastes like it comes from a jar; my fiance has a cast-iron stomach but this was one dish that made him ill. Quality-to-price ratio is quite low. Come on! What are you expecting? Every tourist who walks the Freedom Trail stops here. But they do have some delicious oysters.
(4)
Lisa S.
Yummo, the oldest restaurant in continuous operation in the US and the oysters are the best...omg...the best chowda and beeah evah.....really, the chowder is divine and I try to stop for a cup every time I am in Boston, then slug down a Sam Adams with it. They also have the best corn bread ever. I always try to sit upstairs in JFK's booth just for shits and giggles.
(4)
CeeCee A.
Back in August 2010, I went to Boston for a few days. I read the reviews, which weren't that great, but it's historic. Although I didn't really want to go, we went anyway, just to say we did. So, my expectations were really low. When we went inside for lunch, we were warmly greeted, and shown to our table inside. From the outside, the place didn't look that big, but when we were following our hostess ALL the way in the back, we realized it was a pretty big place! It was lunchtime, and it was really sunny outside. However, it was REALLY dark inside. We were thinking that maybe we should have sat at the raw bar. But, we decided to stay where we were. We had to use our cell phone light to see the menus. Our server was nice and helpful, at first. She hardly came to our table to check on us. We kept hoping she would come by and refill our water glasses. We flagged down another server, and she looked like she felt bad and did it. We even asked that same server for the check, and then finally our server showed up. She just put the check on the table and walked away. We ordered the Cherrystone Clams, Clam Chowder, Baked Beans, Seafood Platter. We weren't impressed by the chowder, beans and platter; it was just okay. The clams were very good. We felt that it was pretty pricey. However, if we had sat at the bar and just had the clams, maybe we would have felt differently. My experience here was just okay. I can officially say that I went here, but if I'm ever in town again, I don't plan on returning.
(2)
Maggie S.
Decent food, great service... But we saw a mouse! Either the same one several times or several of them, right while we were eating. Definitely put a damper on the evening for us. Management seemed less than enthusiastic about the issue (maybe we aren't the first to see one...)
(2)
Beck N.
Meh. I wanted to love this place for the history & the tourist factor, but things kept holding me back. We took some friends from out of town here for lunch...the restaurant had an old Boston feel & the raw bar looked really cool. But having to go upstairs to use the restroom using a tiny staircase is an accident waiting to happen. The food was alright for what it was. The guys enjoyed the steamers (as the menu warns - they are sandy), the seafood platter & the lazy man's lobster. Though I would suggest if you don't eat seafood, do not eat here. Most times I will reluctantly go to a restaurant with the hubby so he can get his seafood fix. I will not be returning here. My "medium" cheeseburger was well done & crunchy. I get that it's not their "thing," but still. That said, the service was great. Our server was on point & very attentive.
(3)
jake b.
Only went there for the Oyster bar which was great. After a long wait, we sat down to a messy counter which made we wonder how sanitary the place was, then I remembered I'm eating raw oysters and might get sick from them as well. Look past the mess but watch out for the slanted counter top as things tend to slide a lot. Guys behind the bar were very busy but nice and on top of things. Pretty authentic place.
(4)
Chris B.
Definitely 3* restaurant. This is a tourist trap if I've ever seen one -- but worth a visit just so you don't have to go again later. Extremely hard to get good service here. We sat at the casual section, had nobody come by after like 5 min, so we moved to the oyster bar. That was a fun scene -- but still, these are oyster shuckers more than customer-facing barmen. Very interesting to watch what's going on though -- especially since the oyster bar has the beer taps which service the main dining room, so you can see the drinks going up and down the dumbwaiter. Couple of notes: 1) If you order oysters from the bar, they'll shuck them freshly for you. If you order oysters from the lounge or the restaurant -- they use PRE SHUCKED OYSTERS from a box. Sure, they might have been shucked "recently" a good 30 minutes or hour earlier, but in my opinion this is completely unacceptable. A fly was buzzing around, and the oysters looked like crap. 2) These aren't the nicest oysters around... they're cheaper than Neptune Oyster, but they really just aren't very good. At Neptune they say things like, "Med size, low brine, pea finish with citrus notes" -- and the oysters are plump, juicy, and taste just like that. At Union -- they taste like "oyster" but we didn't really taste any particular flavor beyond that. 3) The way they shuck the oyster is using a knife on a rock such that all of the oyster's liquid is dumped out onto the rock... so you really don't get any awesome oyster juices... 4) The guy definitely was inspecting each oyster, and throwing out a good number of "rejects" -- glad to see the quality control. However, I think he was only inspecting one side of the oyster -- there was no flipping of the oyster to see if both sides were good (as they do at Neptune). Not sure which approach is the normal way to do it for the east coast -- I don't have enough Oyster experience. 5) Steamed mussels were pretty solid. All in all, I'd probably just grab a beer there (we had gotten some wine, but didn't really work out for us with the scene and flavors) and maybe some oysters and mussels if a friend from out of town wanted to go. That said, been there, done that, and now I'll stick to Neptune.
(3)
Hal R.
Touristy de tourist, however the food is good, in a cool location, and you can't get more authentic Boston seafood than a place like this. Also, oldest continuous bar in the US, so they know how to pour a drink. Got to go at least once.
(3)
Cherie C.
3.5 stars. It's an historic restaurant, so you have to try it once when you're in Boston. But remember it's an oyster house, not a fancypants place. It's loud (ridiculously so at times). The servers are harried (but efficient). The seafood was quality. We had a selection of oysters for an appetizers, and they were tasty if not a bit sandy. But that's the risk you run when you order oysters. We started at the bar with a cocktail. The bar (or the very cool original raw bar) would be the place I'd return with guests. You get the experience but can escape quickly. Our meals were good. The fish was fresh, the sides well-prepared. Portions were big; I had lunch for the next day. The chowder was thick with clams. This was not milky broth with some clams. This was clam soup with cream added. I'll go back with tourists if I must, but I'd prefer to just visit the bar. But it is NOT bad food at all. Just a bit expensive for a fish house.
(4)
John K.
The first time I ate here, it was a year ago. I had the seafood bouillabaisse and, though it was good, I didn't think it was the best I've had. I don't remember exactly why I felt that way, as I wasn't a Yelper a year ago and didn't write down my thoughts. I do remember enjoying the experience of dining in such a historic place. Everything about the place reminds you of how historic it is. Not that it's run-down, but they make it a point with the new and restored wall decor to remind you that it's the oldest restaurant in the States. I recently visited this restaurant again on my trip to Boston a week ago. This time, I was with several friends and we opted to get snacks or smaller meals along with some drinks in the bar, which is separate from the dining areas and allows guests to seat themselves wherever tables are available. The bar menu has a fair amount of hearty meals, though it's just a fraction of what's available in the restaurant. We ordered a dozen native oysters to start. I should've known to get their namesake oysters when I came last year. These were possibly the best raw, no-frills oysters I've ever had! We all loved them so much that we ordered another dozen. We devoured them in seconds. For my personal snack, I got Clams Casino. It's clams baked with cheese and a little piece of bacon in each. I never knew baked clams could be so good! I could've eaten a dozen more of these! I also had a cup of clam chowdah. I personally prefer Manhattan clam chowder (sorry, New Englanders), but you can't find that in Boston. The chowdah was good, if not memorable. Service is good, timely and friendly, which is remarkable because this place (both times I've been here) always seems to be packed and bustling with people. With its obvious historic attraction, this is a popular tourist destination. If the bar is full or you want to dine with the full menu, expect to wait up to an hour for a table. I don't know if they take reservations.
(4)
Ed R.
The food was barely okay. Started off with an open mind not reading reviews (big mistake) and ordered two lobsters, shrimp and scallops in tomato cream sauce and then some clam chowder soup. The meal ended with Boston cream pie and a lava cake. To start off the food came before my soup (which the waitress forgot) so I ate both at the same time. Barely choked down a few bites of the soup. The shrimp and scallops in tomato sauce was barely okay - the shrimp was mediocre and the scallops dry and flavorless. The sauce was by far the best part of the meal. Both of the lobsters were dry, unsatisfactory. The end of the meal came with two deserts - both were not good. I've had better Boston cream pie in Iowa. To top off the bad food, our waitress practically forgot about us. I had to ask or water refills... Eating a fairly pricey meal and asking for water refills? No thanks. The only thing this place has going is it's the oldest eatery in Boston or whatever... And at that the decor is cheesy. There is a mcdonalds down the block, I suggest you save your party of 4 a few hundred bucks and dine there.
(1)
Armin A.
The food is generally overpriced. They serve exactly what you get if you order a decent seafood dish in a good but not upscale restaurant for $15 but they charge $30 for it. There is absolutely no difference in terms of the quality or presentation. The oysters were OK but a little dry. The service marginally gets 3 stars. If you really want to experience dining in a very old restaurant, then just go their bar, get a drink, order half a dozen oysters and call it the night.
(2)
Sara C.
i read so much about this place, all the reviews, all the recommendations. even strangers we met in boston recommended this place. so after having some happy hour drinks, my friends and i walk into this place....just a tad bit tipsy. it was dinner time but surprisingly we were sat down fairly quickly even with a group of 7 of us. ok, the layout of the restaurant is quite strange and very confusing especially after a drink or two. we walk through what we thought was the front door and approached the first counter where two waitstaff was standing and told them "party of 7". the guy says "how many?", i repeated "party of 7". and he says "ok, just go right over to the hostess over there and she can help you". uh...............wth........ok. we turned around and oh! there's the hostess sitting behind a little booth right smack in the middle of the room. after a few of minutes of waiting, she directed us up stairs and told us someone up there is waiting for us. we stumbled up the stairs and...oh! another hostess counter. i'm starting to think i need to lay off the booze now....lol anyway, the restaurant kind of reminds me of an old italian restaurant where mobster would hang out back in new york. all the dining tables were closely situated, i could have easily reached behind me and shared a plate with the table next to us. its a dim place, seems very popular as the place was quite packed. the waitstaff seem very patient with our obnoxiousness but you can still tell our server was having "one of those days". naturally, at a place called the oyster house, we had to try the oysters. i shared the oyster sampler with my friend which came with two of each kind of oysters with wild rice and some jumbo shrimps. the rest of our party ordered a some appetizers, some steam mussels, and of course beer to wash it all down with. the food was not bad. we opted to eat light since we were already planning on having lobster else where later that evening. visiting boston for the first time, i would recommend a quick visit here and have some oysters.... then try the lobster specials a couple doors down the way. *my 100th review* yipeeeee for oysters! *featured on the travel channel*
(3)
Anne C.
I would give 4 stars for my experience at their bar downstairs, and 3 stars for my dining experience up on the third floor. This is my story: Had 5:30 dinner reservations on Saturday, March 17th for four. We came into the city around 2pm to have some beers at a few Irish pubs with a couple visiting us from upstate NY. Well that didn't happen once we saw the lines to get into anywhere that served booze were about 50-100 people long. We never stood a chance- St. Patrick's Day on a sunny 60 degree Saturday with the Bruins in town? Forget about it. Somehow managed to grab one seat at the bar at Hillstones, and we camped out there for about 2 hours drinking Sam Adams and munching on french fries. Left to walk around Faneuil Hall area to see the Irish Step Dancing, then decided to try to grab a seat at the Union Oyster House bar for one more drink before dinner. The line to get into their main bar downstairs was wrapped around the building, but since we had reservation, we went in through the main dining room and walked right back into the bar and took a seat. Awesome. Within about 20 minutes they asked us if we wanted to be seated early, so up to the third floor we went. The place itself is obviously very old, but not in a gross or tacky way. The history of the building and restaurant is printed on their menu, and it's quite interesting. The vibe is warm and cozy, not too cramped. Our server was a charming older lady from South Boston who get props for graciously listening to us bitch about their ridiculous alcohol policies. No doubles, no more than one drink in front of you at a time, no shots (in the dining room at least.) The food was pretty good but nothing to consider authentic or special. They do start you off with warm hunks of cornbread that were delicious. I ordered the chowder which they proclaim to be famous, but to me was totally generic and served lukewarm. BOO. Between the four of us we split fried calamari (YUM), the broiled seafood platter (not a huge amount of food for a "platter" and the white fish was a tad overcooked) and native raw oysters on the half shell. Although our server couldn't remember where our oysters came from, they were pretty good. They also weren't fully disconnected from the lower shell. Kinda weird when you're restaurant is called an oyster house. Prices were pretty high, but that's to be expected for a restaurant in this area. Afterwards we went back down to the main bar area for a few more drinks, since we knew there wasn't a chance in hell of getting into another bar. We were able to grab 2 seats, and stayed there for about 2 more hours. The place was packed to capacity by the time we left, but it was a fun environment nonetheless. The bartenders were really busting ass, and considering the amount of drunk girls waving twenties at them from every direction, they were getting drinks out FAST. Props to them. Ok I've gotta share this little story with you. The four of us are down at the main bar having a great time (we are 2 married couples). At one point our friend leaves her husband to find the restrooms. While she's gone, her husband is approached by a pretty young thing who is clearly DTF. My happily married friend is playing it off innocently enough, not leading her on, just finding amusement from the situation in general. The girl takes our her phone to get his # when his wife comes up from behind her and asks "I'm sorry am I interrupting something?" Of course the poor girl is mortified and immediately turns back to her group of friends behind us. Extremely awkward, right? Well it was even more awkward when 30 minutes later we hear a beer bottle drop and people start cheering and crying, because that girl has just been proposed to by her boyfriend- on St. Patrick's Day, in the middle of a crowded bar, with an emerald engagement ring. That marriage, like being in Boston on St. Parick's Day, was doomed from the start.
(4)
Willy L.
I was in Boston and when in Boston you have to eat lobster, so this review is going to be short and sweet. I ordered a bottle of white and 3lb lobster, strapped my bib on and went to town. So tender I didn't even need to dip in butter. The wine option choosen for me went well with the lobster. I can't speak for the rest of the menu, location is good and easy to find. Lot's of history in the adjoining area.
(4)
Lorence L.
100% glad I have been to the oldest continuously established restaurant in the US. For me the best part about UOH is the historical significance of it. 1) It being the oldest and 2) This was a favorite stop of JFK and family, they have the booth they sat at memorialized which was cool to see. The clam chowder was tasty and hot. Service was friendly.
(3)
Saweena K.
They ain't lying... Union Oyster House has THE BEST CLAM CHOWDER!!! We also tried a fried clam roll and fried oyster roll. Wow, the portions are HUMONGOUS! Everything was really good. Oh, I can't forget to mention the cornbread.... I wish they gave us a whole basket. I think if we had shared one roll and each have a bowl of clam chowder, we would have been good. By the way, DO NOT put Tabasco sauce in your clam chowder.... it totally ruins the taste.
(4)
Good M.
Their clam chowder is fresh and heavenly, arguably one of Boston's best... too bad I had to wait over 25 minutes for it! I ordered 2 large containers of chowda to go, the front area staff were men in their teens/early twenties who didn't seem like they gave a damn that patrons from all over the world comes here and the restaurant has a reputation to live up to. One excuse after another, from miscommunications to running out of plastic spoons. Food is good, too bad their guest service hasn't improved since the 18th century!
(3)
Apolinaras S.
Atmosphere: Solid 5 stars. My in-laws from out of town enjoyed having lunch with wifey and I. My dad-in-law is a history buff, so he was soaking it all in. It was interesting to see the owner (old Italian lady in her 80s) sitting by the window and looking through the mail and etc. Service: Solid 4 stars. Waitress was knowledgeable, but may have handled too many tables at the same time. Food:... 2 stars. Chowder may have been good, but I have had much better. Crab cakes were so filled with breading, I was wondering if there was any crab in them at all. Fish cakes and other dishes were sub-par too. Verdict: want to soak in history - take a walk down the Freedom Trail and get food from some less historic joint that spends more attention on satisfaction of your taste buds.
(2)
Niko X.
Like many other native Bostonians, I'd never eaten here while living in Boston. It wasn't until nearly 30 years after my birth that I got the opportunity...this time as a tourist in my own native city. I'm normally the guy who downs--with a passion--any business tourists would regard as a must-see...but in this case either I'm growing soft in my adulthood or I've experienced the real mccoy. While I'm not sure if I truly believe its claim as "America's Oldest Restaurant" the building sure does seem as such. A narrow short doorway welcomes patrons as they file into the very cramped waiting area (if you could call it that). The street level is a rousing oyster bar / small restaurant room with a few tables. The host staff are attentive and sent us up the stairs to the second hostess. Both downstairs and upstairs were healthily busy, but there was a table available so the wait was nil. The stairs are creeky, the decor is old--and not in a contrived way, and the staff are all real old school. While it took a bit of time for her to introduce herself, our waitress was the very picture of Yankee coldness. Now for the unacquainted, these people often initially come off as rude and cold...but it's really just a trick. Once this women came back after her hurried and glib introduction she became sweeter with every visit. As I've said before in past reviews, New Englanders do appear cold and aloof on first impression, but in reality they are as sweet and accommodating as any overzealous Minnesotan. A delicious cornbread was served ahead of our meal. I'd recommend using lots of butter, since the Union Oyster House is about spoiling yourself, and not watching your weight. We each ordered cups of clam chowder, an order of garlic wine steamed muscles, and the seafood sampler plate which included fried oysters, clams, scrod, shrimp, squid, onion rings and french fries. The clam chowder was to die for...among the best I've ever had. While I don't know if it was homemade it surely tasted like it. My only complaint is that it didn't have lots of pieces of clam. The muscles were absolutely perfect and delicious. There were also a tremendous deal at $12.95 for a heaping plate of nearly 2 dozen. The garlic wine broth was mild and perfectly complimented the strong flavor of the muscles. The fried sampler plate was HUGE. The batter was light and reminded me a bit of tempura. All the items on the plate were cooked perfectly, and not overdone at all. The oysters and clams were especially tasty. I had budgeted about $70 dollars for this outing and was very pleased when the total came out less than $50. I would most definitely dine here again when in New England. Union Oyster House is easily categorized as one of ol' Niko's NOT TO BE MISSED restaurants!
(5)
Michael R.
I love this place, It's the Quintessential Oyster House filled with fresh Seafood and American History, They even sat me at JFK's personal booth without me asking, in addition a lively bar scene & raw bar is a big plus!!
(5)
Drea M.
I can't believe some schmuck gives this place anything less than 4 stars. The chowda is fantastic! The cornbread, served warm, fresh & moist. Oysters, Mmmmm.
(4)
Vivienne J.
I wish I didn't have to give this 2 stars, but... A few hours after our experience there of a 30 minute wait for a table with a great cocktail waitress, oysters on the half shell, great clam chowder, great scrod, great lobster ravioli, a good waitress, cozy historical setting, and coffee...my honey got food poisoning. My stomache wasn't terribly happy, either, but at least I didn't get it like he did. We think it was the oysters here - everything else we had that day (breakfast 6-8 hours earlier and cannolis with coffee 2-3 hours earlier) had been cooked, and we both had felt great when we were seated at our table for dinner. Other than that it was a good meal and fun experience. I can't rate somewhere highly if we get sick. Sorry. This would normally only be a one star rating because of the sickness, but we had such a good time otherwise that I felt it warranted a second star for that. I wouldn't go back though, and it's very likely neither of us will ever have uncooked oysters again.
(2)
E D.
I wish I could give half stars, but since I can't, the place is getting 3 instead of 3.5 The place is neat and I loved looking at the pictures and other things on the walls. I thought the service was good (not great, just good). The oysters were okay, the shrimp cocktail was okay, the pizza was okay. Prices were steep, though I will say that considering where in Boston it is located and the hype that comes with it, I can understand (sort of). Over all, not a bad place to go once or twice, but I would not make a habit out of visiting this restaurant/
(3)
Sara L.
The food wasn't spectacular, but it was the ambiance that really made the experience fun. Food is the same you can get anywhere else, good and very fresh, but the setting is magnificent. I love the old timber beams on the ceilings, and the creaky stairs, and the hustle and bustle. I also loved that the little old lady owner was there the whole time, sitting at her desk, watching the madness unfold. There is a lot of noise here, lots of clinking, clanging, and creaking, lots of steam by the bar. It smells great, everyone was friendly, and it was a fun thing to do once in your life.
(5)
Jayme H.
This place is horrible. I can't believe people are still coming here! The food is bland and significantly overpriced, and the waitstaff is seriously rude. Our shrimp cocktail came on a bed of wilted lettuce with a plastic to-go container of cocktail sauce. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they got the shrimp from a Market Basket clearance sale (locals will know what I mean). The only redeeming quality of this restaurant were the small bags of oyster crackers on each table. Without them I would have left starved. I do NOT recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Seth W.
Interesting atmosphere, expensive prices and so so customer service equals an overrated dining experience. The clam chowder was really good, but for 8 bucks a bowl it better be! Overall I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for anything but history (at that might be sketchy at best)!
(2)
Matt T.
Youve seen this place on the Travel Channel. Every travel book says come here. And with good reason. This place has been around since the 1800's. And it has the feeling of being that old. Its seen more people come in and out of its door then most places in this country. It has the typical, touristy gift shop on the side, filled with mindless meanderings. Its located in the heart of Boston, so good luck finding some decent parking, however since Boston rocks, you can get some awesome public transportation and get right there easier then driving around for a few hours looking to park. And bonus points if you get to sit in JFK's favorite booth. Its in the back, I sat in it, and it was awesome.
(4)
Brian S.
Went here for a few beers with a friend. This review is only about the bar area, no food. The reason we chose this place was because of the beers that they have on tap. Union Oyster House has a special relationship with Sam Adams and is the only place I know of where they still pour Sam Adams' Boston 375 Ale. It's called something else now, but is supposedly the same brew. They also had the brand new Brick Red which I haven't seen at other bars yet. We went on a Monday night, so the atmosphere was super-quiet. They had the game on but I don't recall if there was any sound. The bartender was friendly enough, and was attentive. What was really great is that he let us try the different brews before we bought a pint; a nice touch. Nothing particularly outstanding about the place, though. It seemed as if it was closing around 9PM (even though the bar is open 'til 12) so it kind of felt weird being there. The history is pretty neat, but other than that it's just like any other bar I've been to. I'm sure it would be a different story had we bought some food.
(3)
Kristi W.
I went there on a Tuesday night, but walked in @ 9:25, the restaurant closes @ 9:30, but we were given a table without complaint, we even had a service with a smile! I wanted to take my friend to a restaurant in Boston that had some history. This place has it all and location to boot. We had the mixed greens salad and a nice bottle of wine. The cornbread was classic New England and served warm. I had the fried scallops and they did not disappoint. They were large and well cooked. As someone who easily overcooks scallops every time, I know it can be difficult to get them just right. I had a baked potato for my side that was also well cooked if not over-sized. We didn't have the deserts, but I would go back to UOH anytime I have a visiting friend or family member who wants a classic Boston experience.
(5)
Andra Z.
One of my favorite things about living in New England is the ability to go to an old seafood restaurant. You know, not the fusion-Asian thing where you can get wasabi encrusted salmon in a soy glaze next to a lobster with all the trimmings. I mean like a place you can get all those old seafood classics like lobster newburg or stuffies. Sign me up! Union Oyster House is just that. Of course, it's a totes tourist trap being in Fanueil Hall and all that. But, the old fashioned seafood is totes nom. And of course the prices are high. Again, I wouldn't ever come here if I weren't showing tourists around.
(4)
D S.
RIDICULOUSLY SMALL PORTIONS, SKY HIGH PRICES Sitting at the bar was a really nice environment, staff was very friendly and the raw items were of a good quality. Better off going to Legal Seafood.
(1)
Scott J.
This review focuses only on the Union Oyster House's famous clam chowder, so I don't have too much to say other than it was exceptionally good. Was it the best I've ever had? Very close to Legal Seafoods, which I still have yet to top. I appreciated the service (I sat in the bar portion) and that they honored my Unofficial Tours' coupon to receive the chowder for free. They included the usual hot cornbread along with the oyster crackers. I was glad to be treated with the same respect as a paying customer. It was after 3 PM on a Saturday in the Summer, with lots of patrons at an odd time to eat. I was taken good care of in America's oldest restaurant and I'd definitely go back to try a meal, though prices seem high since it's a big tourist trap. Even so, it's a cool place to eat, and I think that's worth paying a premium.
(4)
rosie l.
stopped by here for the same known reason probably any non local (or tourist..ahem) would be coming here for - ..i hear it's famous for it complimentary corn bread. AND there's something about it being the oldest restaurant in the country, woopty-freakin-doo. what? does that mean you get to charge me for every refill i order? Oh. it does? ah, well..fuck, i'lll have some water. the restaurant was abundantly packed for a monday evening, but i had made a reservation upon the recommendation of the hostess, who, by the time i had gotten to the restaurant 15 minutes early, still had no idea when i would be seated. this ignorance kinda spread throughout the restaurant because it seemed our server must have been pinned down in front of the same 24-hour rambo marathon as the host and smacked brutally around the head with baseball bat made out of frozen stupid. no matter how many times i asked for simple items, or something about the menu, my questions were always returned with an "i don't know" or nothing at all. my entre was a gracious serving of sauteed shrimp over pasta with a butter garlic sauce. the word that comes to mind that best describes this is - SAFE. there was hardly enough garlic to excite my palate. it took no risks and pushed no envelopes. an envelope would move more if you put it in front of a friggin glacier. despite this i thoroughly enjoyed a loaded cup of clam chowdah, shared seasonal oysters and feasted on my corn bread - which they're famous for.
(4)
Jackie D.
Tourist trap. Wanted to try this place cause of its history but the food is blah and the place smelled terrible. Total disappointment. The only reason I gave it two stars, is b/c of their corn bread. Don't waste your money, just order the corn bread and eat a meal at Neptunes.
(2)
Angband A.
The raw oysters here are pretty good, but the main entrees were quite disappointing. I had the crab cake, which was very average, and my dining partner had the only vegetarian item on the menu, the mushroom ravioli, which was very expensive and equally awful. It is clear that this place is bit of a tourist trap. Nevertheless, the decor is charming, and the restaurant itself, despite its age, is pretty clean.
(2)
Vicki B.
We went to this iconic restaurant excited to experience what they claim to be the "oldest restaurant in America". Unfortunately some of the food tasted like it was left over from that time period. My daughter had the crab cake sandwich which arrived on a plain hamburger bun with a slice of tomato. My other daughter had a very dry overcooked hamburger. No sauce, no condiments on the table, nothing! They also wanted ketchup to go with the fries and there was none to be found. Our waitress disappeared and never showed up again to re-fill water glass, drinks, ask how the food was -- again, nothing! The seafood newburg was very average. The sauce was not too bad, but the puff pastry was hard as a rock. The scallops (only 2 of them in the dish!) were cooked nicely but the shrimp was hard and rubbery. My husband had the lobster ($41) and he said it tasted old and overcooked. We all agreed the cornbread was pretty good though. Do yourself a big favor and just take a picture of this restaurant and move on to someplace where the service and food is at least decent.
(1)
Alex M.
Lobster lovers dream place! I would recommend the "shore dinner" on the menu
(5)
Keith W.
Back again in Boston, I thought I give this place another try. Ordered the traditional New England feast, and again, another great meal. The lobster was fresh, with a nice texture and sweetness that's rare to find back home in California. The steamers were huge, and full of flavor, although somewhat gritty. This meal came with Indian pudding, which was something I never had... and while not bad, maybe more of an acquired taste... to me it was sort of like eating malt-o-meal mixed with loads of brown sugar and maple syrup.
(4)
Diana D.
If in Boston you have to visit the Union Oyster House for a bowl of chowda. The Legal Seafood Company makes a better chowda, but this place makes up in character and history. What made it extra special was the fact that we came into the restaurant trying to flee from the pouring summer rain storms. The chowda was perfect and the surroundings cozy. It was very busy so getting a table meant waiting over an hour, but the booths were perfect to catch a brew & bowl of chowda. Good place to take a break from the Freedom Trail.
(4)
Chili L.
Great place to eat. It looks like every plate a person had looked awesome. LOTS of history here so yeah i guess its kind of a tourist trap (hence the 4 stars). I had Oysters! baked beans, and all sorts of Crab Legs. TIP~the place has a gift shop for tourists. Its VERY expensive.
(4)
Juli R.
Okay I was pretty disappointed. I only went because of all the hype on this place. Food was mediocre at best. If your here simply because it's a historical landmark then take your picture out front, browse the gift shop, then go eat somewhere else and save some $$ because this place is expensive. My fish was over cooked and not very exciting, desert was boring and cold. The only thing I had that was decent was the oysters on the 1/2 shell and my glass of water.
(2)
Ralf T.
great place to eat.. a bit overpriced and maybe not a candidate for a second visit... staff is friendly, they are well organised .. chowder is GREAT
(3)
David C.
Love the clam chowder there so I always stop by when I'm in boston. I sat next to the Kennedy booth this time. It's always interesting to just look around the place to see the amount of history in that building.
(4)
Carson E.
Frankly, the only thing that earns this place a full three stars is that it is officially OLD AS HELL and thus, very historically compelling. I mean, the place is officially revolutionary colonial old. The decor and vibe screams, "We the people..." and that is great. Wall to wall wood, leather, rope, and wall murals. (Not to mention the great ancient oyster bar on the main level and the dumb-waiters delivering beer and food to the upstairs dining rooms! So cool.) BUT!!! OK...now...decor and vibe aside....let' just be honest here people. Bostonians, tourists, fellow-Yelpers....it's truth time...... this place is 90% tourist destination and 10% restaurant. And hey, nothing against tourist destinations! I've given it a full three stars worth for it's wood, murals, decor, historic value, and yes...great oysters. But other than that? Let it be known....Meh. I have no idea what the other reviewers are writing about with the praise for the clam chowder. It's $6 for a tiny cup and $8 for a bowl and either way, it's a tasty but creamy mess with (last time) NO clams and hardly any potatoes or anything else either. The last time I was there it might as well have been a cream of clam flavored cream soup. Thank God there were soup crackers to add some texture. The fries...eh... Also, at our most recent vist, our beers were room temp...which may have been an attempt to keep the revolutionary war feel going but..I don't know. I don't want to totally bag on this place. The staff are kind, fast, and knowledgeable. The oysters really are terrific. (We had 3 dozen and put them away in five minutes.) It's just...I don't know... this place seems like underutilized potential. My big suggestion would be for them to re-evaluate the prices on everything. Yeah, you're a stop on the Freedom Trail. Sweet. But don't use that as an excuse to be an overpriced and lazy tourist trap. You're the Union Oyster House! Let's get some clams and potatoes in the chowder! Let's have the chowder be $4 a bowl! Let's have ice cold beer! I guess I just see it for what it could be....overflowing with happy folks loving life, pounding oysters, and writing home about this place that "has to be experienced!" in Boston. So...for me...yeah...it's A-OK. I'm sure I'll be back. But when I go, I'll stick to the oysters at the oyster bar and enjoy the history of the place....
(3)
R C.
I notice that many of the negative comments about this place have to do with $. Too expensive. My wife and I were lucky to visit Boston during their Restaurant week. We had a three course lunch for $28, We started with a cup ot the Boston Classic, Clam Chowder. It was perfect. Loads of clams, soft, not chewy. Also the potatoes were not mushy but firm. I have always prefered San Francisco Clam Chowder, but I have to say this was delicious. They serve it with a side of warm corn bread. which was very good. My wife ordered the Broiled Salmon which comes with vegetables and mashed potatoes. The filet had a nice outer crust while the inside was tender and flaky. She gave it a thumbs up! I went with fried oysters with slaw and potatoes. I know, I know, many of you oyster purists will think I am crazy for ordering fried oysters. What can I say? I like them. For dessert we ordered the bread pudding. It was good, but by the time dessert came, we were full. The ambience here is great. As you all know, it is a very old building, but it does not look run down, it is actually very charming. We had a really nice dining experience.
(4)
Kevin H.
Delicious steamed mussels and clam chowder. Average on the oysters. Sit at the bar avoid the 45 min wait.
(4)
Molly S.
Boo. I came here with a group of 6 while in town for a conference. I just tagged along with friends, so I didn't even know where we were going or anything about this place. It's a crappy and expensive tourist trap with really mediocre food and pretty terrible service. Here's the most annoying part: I ordered a lobster roll (at $22, it's one of the least expensive meals on the menu). I figured it would come with fries or something, but it said nothing about fries, there are no fries on the menu, and there are a la carte sides next to it on the menu, so I thought, okay, (expensive) a la carte sandwich. Both my friend and I ordered sides of onion rings to go with our sandwiches. Not only did the waitress fail to tell us that the lobster rolls indeed DO come with fries, she also neglected to tell us that ONE order of onion rings is enough for at least 4 people. So we ended up with ridiculous amounts of food (I mean SERIOUSLY ridiculous amounts of food), none of which was cheap to begin with. I realize it's in her interest to rack up the total, but this was just lack of thoughtfulness or courtesy. I honestly think she didn't even think about it. It really should have been obvious to her that this would be too much food, and she really should have warned us. I don't enjoy dropping almost $50 for a bunch of food I can't even eat (we couldn't take leftovers with us because we weren't going home right away, and our hotel rooms didn't have fridges anyway). Just in general, our waitress was really goofy and scattered. She seemed confused at simple questions, and was generally just awkward. It kind of pisses me off that she probably makes a lot in tips just because this place is such an expensive tourist trap. Not saying she's getting rich waiting tables, but I know a lot of waiters working their asses off for way less. The food: Fried calamari was fine, but it's fried calamari...hard to mess up. Stuffed clams were pretty meh. My Rhode Islander friend was disappointed. Onion rings were actually really good. (And we had enough of them for pete's sake!) The lobster roll was meh. I'd never had one before, but I generally know what it's supposed to be like, and this was blah. Kind of unexciting lobster salad on a really dry roll. My east coast friends assured me this was NOT a good lobster roll. There's a lot of excellent food in Boston. Don't waste your time here.
(2)
minna t.
Experience the restaurant for its history but don't come with high expectations of the food. The food is decent. I've tried oysters on the half shell, oysters rockefeller, the bouillabaisse & the boiled lobster.
(3)
Josh S.
Do you want snotty, uninterested servers? If so, you're in luck, because I have been here three times over the years and each time, I'm amazed how this place can get along with its utter lack of customer service. I once had a date completely botched from this restaurant (they basically ignored us, and when the server did pay attention to us, they were rude). Alright, IF the food was of amazing quality, I might consider coming back. Aaaaactulay, no I wouldn't.
(1)
Jeanne N.
The service at Union Oyster House gives me the feeling that I'm at my grandmother's house. There's something soothing about the atmosphere and even the food. The food is mediocre for the price, but it has a homemade feel to it, which I like. I ordered the fried calamari, which came out in a ridiculously over-sized portion. I also ordered the pan-friend haddock, which was hardly seasoned, breaded, and fried. The fish was very fresh. For dessert, I had to try the Indian pudding. It was certainly a unique taste, one that is likely acquired. It was worth trying for the New England experience. The lighting is very dim in the restaurant, so beware, sleepy folks!
(4)
Nina L.
My brothers, sister and assorted hangers-on dropped in on a recent Saturday and waited for seats to open at the bar. In about 10 minutes, we were all seated and awaiting our dozens of oysters. The oyster shuckers were pleasant if not really tolerant of our questions (who could blame them?) and soon we were up to our elbows in fresh, delicious oysters. It wasn't so much a meal as an experience. Go with the flow.
(5)
Andy P.
Go for the atmosphere. Food us fresh but a bit pricey. Bar is grest for waiting and people watching. Only negative was they were out of steamers the evening we were there.
(4)
Sean K.
Lived in Boston 9 years and I've overlooked this place for places like B&G ostyers. I don't hang out in the Faneuil Hall much for a good reason. I was dragged to the area for a pubcrawl and decided to pay tribute to Boston's history by stopping by this place for a platter of oysters and a bowel of clam chowder. Sat at the oyster bar and enjoyed a dozen oysters. Sure, it's nice seeing the guys shucking oysters but not so nice to have dozen oysters just thrown and piled onto a platter. I'm not a snob about presentation but it was definitely lacking. Sure, the oysters were fresh and tasty but for the price they charge for their dozen oysters, I expect a little more than dirty bottles of tabascos sitting at the bar and grimey bar tables. As for the clam chowder, it was nothing special. Really disappointed. Well, I could at least check off Union Oyster House as "been there and done that " but I certainly will not be back. I guess the tourists will sustain the tradition of this place but if they really want the locals to return, they need to step it up.
(2)
Tiff S.
Based on the history and location of this restaurant, I really wish I could stand up and say to those who bash Union Oyster House "NO!! YOU ARE WRONG!"....and lecture them on their yelp superiority complex. ....Except I cannot because they were right! The food at this place was unimpressive. For entree I ordered the lobster Newburg (description: generous portions of lobster meat simmered in a rich sherry sauce, served on a baked pastry shell with rice pilaf). They weren't kidding about the sherry sauce, it was so rich after a while I had to scrape off the sauce so I can taste the lobster. Out of the entire dinner the only thing I liked was the cup of clam chowder we ordered as appetizer. Sorry Union Oyster House, I know you are part of the American History...but you really need to step up to the plate.
(2)
Emily S.
4 stars for the ambiance, service and the tiniest oysters we've ever had. My dad tells me that the small oysters are the most flavorful. Maybe I'm just used to giant fill your mouth in one shot type of oyster. Maybe I don't know what a good oyster is about. We were vacationing in Boston and had to, HAD TO visit the oldest restaurant in the country. The chowda was very delicious.
(4)
Rachel H.
What a disappointment! I realIy wanted to like this place! I went with my dad who drove in for the occasion. The only good thing about the meal was the Sam Adams and my dad's company. Here is what I found: 1. Dry oysters. There was no liquor at all! Blandest blue points I've ever had. 2. Price. Out of control for what you get. 3. Service was meh. Felt bad for our server, as she was being harassed by this troupe of tourists behind us, and I've been there. But still.. 4. Bland fish. I had the fisherman's broiled platter, and it was no good. Save your money. Go to the Daily Catch for seafood and Neptune's Oysters instead. I wish I had been to this place when it wasn't a tourist trap, like in 1826.
(1)
Wen L.
I can't say that this place will blow your mind in terms of the food, but being there is enough to leave you with a lasting impression... This place is historical, and you can feel it the minute you enter. This isn't a place for you if you're looking for trendy, chic, or even sceney. It's a place for you to get a real-deal seafood meal. You definitely must get the clam chowder. It probably won't be the best you'll ever taste, but it's still great. Growing up in the Chesapeake Bay area, I'm used to amazing-tasting seafood. New England offers just as an amazing seafood experience as The Bay, but you're better off 'shopping around' for it while in Boston. I think since UOH is so close to Faneuil Hall, it tends to cater more to tourists and such... but it still is a place I'd recommend to go for the experience. Their beers (btw) ---GREAT!
(3)
Eileen L.
I loved the corn bread and clam chowder soup. The oyster, muscles, and lobster ravoli was amazing. I have to say the wait is terrible. But luckily next door there are some great bars to watch a game and grab Boston Lager. The waitress was friendly and provided great service. What I loved most about this establishment is the decor. I learned a little bit more about American history reading about the history of this restaurant. I couldn't believe I was in one of America's oldest operating establishments. The bar offered entertainment with lots of TV and games on while I waited for our table.
(4)
Bob B.
So me and a buddy did the freedom trail recently. For the pub crawl part we hit, among a couple of other stops, Union Oyster. We tried a couple of small apps - keyword is small. The shrimp cocktail was ridiculously small. I guess it is aptly named. We received 5 shrimp that had to be 60 count size. For $13.50, we thought we would get more. We then tried an oyster but those guys were huge. Actually huge doesn't do them justice. The good news is that they were pretty good as well - very fresh and tasty. Our bartender told us that this place was the oldest restaurant in Boston. That was the same message given us by a few other places so it sounds like there is a battle still going on for this designation. But whether it is in fact the oldest or not, it does seem to be a right of passage to visit this old pub.
(3)
Rusty S.
Wow, this is one kool place with some history! I've been to Boston twice and made it to Union Oyster House both times. This place is a staple of Boston and should not be missed. Don't forget to ask about seasonal specials Sam Adams provides them with. That's right Sam Adams makes a custom beer just for this place. We have never tried the oyster bar but we did the full dinner. The clam chowder soup is awesome! The only reason I gave 4 stars is because I leave too much money there with every visit. In all honesty it's more like 4.5 stars. If you're in Boston, don't miss this place!!!
(4)
Daniel F.
the raw oyster bar downstair is the place to be, much better than the one in quincy market/fanuel hall. don't order when you are seated upstairs. Also, order the small lobster instead of the medium because they are bascially the same size. The waitresses kept telling everybody to order the medium and that the small is too small. Not true. All the fried foods are good. Been coming here for many years now. Always get a kick eating out of the oldest restaurant in America.
(3)
Sandy A.
Best clam chowdah of my life.
(5)
Jim P.
I can absolutely guarantee that you will not leave here thinking, "What a fantastic meal!", "What great service!" or, "What a great value!". Nah, it's just okay, happy -hour type fried food. Service ranges from bored to irritable and prices are pretty steep, even by city standards. Still, you may be watching the History Channel someday and they'll talk about The Union Oyster House and all the history behind it, and you'll be able to turn to your kid and say, "I ate there". and he'll say, "Yeah? How was it?" and you'll say "It sorta sucked. But it's really old." Is it worth it? Your call.
(2)
Xavier S.
Excellent clam chowder. The native oysters are very good as well. I recommend the fish sandwich if you have a big appetite after the starters. Top it off with a cold bloody mary. A bit pricey, but worthy to check out while in Boston.
(4)
Katie W.
I find it interesting and completely expected that 90% of the reviews of this restaurant are from non-Bostonians. Sure, it's the oldest restaurant in the country. If you're not from the area it might even be worth it to stop by. From what I can recall (entertaining visitors with family in the past) the clam chowder is great and the oysters are fresh. In my opinion, entertaining out-of-towners is the one and only excuse to dine here. There are less expensive, higher quality seafood restaurants with better ambiance and a shorter wait all over the city.
(2)
Nicole P.
The place itself is very cool. I ate here 15 years ago and remember it being better. Somehow my husband's oysters were so bad he only ate 2 of the 6. I say somehow because with Oyster in the name-they need to get that right. He had oysters at a few other spots in Boston and liked every other one better. We were so underwhelmed with the selection-mainly huge fried portions-we went for apps and they were meh. There are 100 people working and service was only so-so. Disappointing.
(2)
Allison S.
When we first walked in, it was like a maze to get to our seat. We saw about 3 different hostesses and walked 3 flights of stairs. When we finally sat down, we got to take in the atmosphere of "America's Oldest Restaurant" - according to their place mats. The artwork on the walls was beautiful as well as the paneled ceilings. The food was decent, but the oysters were to die for. I could have eaten them all night (and I probably should have ordered that for dinner too). After an appetizer of New England clam chowder (which was a little thin, but very tasty), I ordered the haddock, the chef's specialty according to the menu, and forgot that haddock had little to no taste without squeezing an entire lemon on it. I'd go back, but only for the oysters. They were absolutely delectable.
(3)
Adam W.
Thumbs down. Overpriced, bland food, so-so service. History lures in tourists, but I bet you they don't get many repeats.
(2)
Kyle D.
This restaurant has excellent clam chowder. It is rich and creamy with just enough salt in it. Even though it is the oyster house, I have never tried the oysters because I am not a big fan of them. But you should atleast try the clam chowder. The only complaint I have that keeps it from being five star, other than the fact I have not tried any other of its other food, is that it has a small bar area. I hear their dining area is bigger, but the bar is cramped. There is nothing like sitting at a spacious bar with a tall glass of beer and tasty clam chowder. If this place gets a larger bar area I will go back and try some of their other food, and if I like their other food in addition to the clam chowder, I will update my review to make it a five star. Hopefully, other people have made the same suggestions and hopefully management there will take these changes under consideration.
(4)
Kimberly N.
Local establishment with the coldest Sam Adam's beer and best lobster roll ever!
(5)
Theresa C.
I've only been here for drinks and appetizers but it's been great each and every time! The grilled oysters are some of the best oysters I've ever had! I've also had the mussels which were awesome!! The service is great and no matter how busy it's been I've never had a problem getting prompt and friendly service. I love the old pub atmosphere at the bar. I truly feel this is a great spot to stop for a beer and a bite. One of these days I'll have to have an actual meal here.
(4)
Xtina R.
I know this is the oldest restaurant in America, but seriously...give me a break, pure joke status. This place is the epitome of a tourist trap (which I knew before going but had friends from out of town who wanted to check it out) I may be spoiled when it comes to seafood, the Cape is totally where it's at....any seafood restaurant in the Cape puts UOH to shame. I ordered steamed little necks (which are basically mini clams) for about $12 and got 6...6..nearly died when I saw the portion!!!!! My haddock was eh not that great either, greasy and the bread crumbs were gross..my boyfriend's soft shell crab has literally 2 bites of meat...this place is such a rip off (thinking about e-mailing the restaurant because I just can't get over it) If you want seafood in the city go to Seaport or somewhere in the North end.
(1)
Sarah E.
This was my first time in Boston and I just had to try America's oldest restaurant. It was incredible! The service was impeccable!! We walked in and were seated immediately upstairs and greeted by our very busy waitress within minutes of sitting down. I wish I could recall her name, but she was attentive without being annoying. Each of us ordered our own bowl of clam chowder (so very tasty) and corn bread (nice and fluffy). We shared their calamari (perfection), baked beans (the best I've ever had), and the Boston Creme Pie (delicious). We had a taste of Boston and left completely satisfied and mystified that this place would receive anything less than 5 stars. I would highly recommend this place and intend to stop by here on my next visit to Boston, which I hope is very soon.
(5)
Andy F.
It's super cool eating at the oldest restaurant in America. The wait is usually ridiculous, so make a reservation. The building is very cool, the food is about average. I'm a fan of raw shellfish, but can tolerate steamed/grilled. However, I wasn't too happy with the grilled oyster and clam platter. The lobster was tasty, although not the best I had in Boston. The cornbread they give you was AMAZING though. Their beer selection is pretty decent (Sam Adams makes a Colonial Ale just for this place, although it's a not so tasty brown ale). I just think it's a cool atmosphere inside, even if the food is average.
(4)
Karen J.
Stopped by this restaurant while walking on the freedom trail as a tourist. Just order a standard lobster - medium size 1.25 lb cause I traveled alone.The food wasn't as bad as other reviewer stated. It did taste great! I think as long as the seafood is fresh, there is not too much chance for the restaurant ruin the delicous favor. right?
(5)
Lynn P.
Their clam chowder & corn bread are amazing~! So, good. Their fried sea food platter...pretty decent, nothing special. The price....expensive for what you get... I would go there for soup but for their other foods...too expensive since there's nothing special about them.
(3)
Angelique S.
Lobster roll was definitely not the best in faneuil hall, as the waitress claimed. It was very plain (no onions - like the waitress said it came with) and my bun was over grilled; burnt. I've had way better lobsters rolls!
(2)
Ed K.
This seafood restaurant located on the Freedom Trail is the oldest restaurant not only in Boston, but in the US as well.....It is just a stone's throw from the "Boston Stone"....the point at which all distances were originally measured in Boston....The restaurant looks just as old from the inside as from the outside...I had "one order" ( half-dozen) Oysters and Oyster House Clam Chowder.....since I was there early, I had a Bloody Mary as well...the oysters were quite small, but very flavorful....the clam chowder was equally as flavorful.....a little expensive, especially if ya want a dozen ( 2 orders )....but well worth it....you've gotta stop here when you're in Boston....
(4)
R B.
Lousy. One star is too much. I live in Boston and brought friends with me from out of town who wanted the "touristy" feel. Well, they got it -- and they're never going back. We went in and sat at the ~10 seat raw bar. The guy behind the bar didn't even have the courtesy to say he'll be right with us. 5-10 minutes passed and he STILL didn't even acknowledge that we were there which is ridiculous considering there's only about 10 seats he has to worry about. This really bugs me. (he's a short guy with glasses and tats all over his arms -- he should be fired) Then, we waited 45 minutes for a table at 3pm, well after the lunch rush. Food is really expensive and NOT good. If you're a tourist you can find much better for cheaper. Also, the beer was flat and warm, so much so that our waitress agreed with us (she must have heard this before) and walked to another one of their bars to get us a better poured round (a pint of Miller Lite was over $5). As a Boston resident, I'm NEVER going back. When I have friends from out of town, I'm warning them to stay away. To sum this up for you tourists: Walk by, maybe peek your head in, but move on. TOTALLY not worth it.
(1)
Dan L.
For the longest running restaurant in America this is just mediocre. They oysters are great, but the rest of the food is just OK, nothing special. I know of numerous places around town that serve better seafood dishes. As far as the atmosphere I will give it a 5 because you just have that feeling that so many important people in this country have dined here so that aura lingers int he back of your mind. For a tourist I'd say go simply because how often can someone say I've been to the oldest restaurant in America? That's pretty cool to be able to say I think. For a local, you will and should know of better places for seafood!
(3)
Denise B.
So it is the oldest restaurant in the US. A historical landmark I am told. For that reason we came here. And by the end of the night, we all regretted it. Let me back up: 6 hungry girls, that have been cooped in a hotel room all day in training classes about pharmaceutical drugs. We are hungry, and tired, so our main goal is to eat some good food that is quick and go back home. But one of the girls heard about this place and was told that we HAD to go here. So we trot over here. Get there, and on a Tuesday night, during a Red Sox game, it's pretty busy. Both at the bar and the restaurant. We are told it's a 30 minute wait but that we can eat appetizers and drinks at the bar, which we would have done anyway with dinner, so we decide to do that. We snag a table. Get some oysters (delicious) and a shrimp cocktail (refreshing) to go along with our beers and drinks. 1 hour later we are still waiting. Now we are torn: do we leave and go finish off with entrees somewhere else that can seat and serve us? Or do we wait, as it's already been an hour and it can't be that much longer. We ask the hostess. She says to just wait 2 minutes. It is still 30 more minutes before we get seated and by then we are all agitated. The food was OK, the clam chowder amazing (creamy yummy and flavorful) and the lobster ravioli (also creamy and full of flavor and some good chunks of lobster) the appetizer portion was perfect for what I was needing. Evey thing else seemed okay, no one in the group raved but that might have been because we were all wishing we were in our hotel rooms in bed. So though my meal was pretty good, the whole experience gets dampened by the long wait that felt like it never ended.
(3)
Pam F.
Sat at the old bar and had a great time. Liked the historical aspect of the place. Only tried mussels which were very good.
(4)
Lana K.
It's a great location and definitely FEELS historical. Good to take your tourist buddies if you want clam chowder or a decent raw bar. But the prices were ridiculous considering the quality of the rest of the food we got. I wouldn't recommend this place for good seafood. Go to Legal's...or pretty much any other restaurant in Boston.
(2)
David M.
The best recommendation I can give anyone is to go here, but only for lunch. This is the oldest restaurant in the U.S. and it looks like it (in a good way). It sits right on the freedom trail (a must do in Boston) and is about halfway through. I would recommend to walk the freedom trail beginning about 10am and you should hit this place about lunch time. While they are the oldest restaurant in the U.S., they certainly are not the best. Service is very informal, we were told to grab a table of our choosing. We ordered a raw sampler, oysters, clams and shrimp which all tasted good but not great. I had the chowder. It was good but was done in a more thick style. Toward the end of my chowder, I started to feel ill. I had fish as an entree, I think it was Boston Scrod. It came with fries and Boston Baked Beans. The fries were cold and the beans comparable to something from a can. The fish was dry and just so-so. I hardly ate the entree. The service was very iffy, the waitress seemed to care but maybe they were short staffed or just did not feel like hustling. I wanted to get out of there and back to the hotel quickly as I was starting to feel very sick to my stomach. I had to hunt down the server for the bill. In the meantime my co-worker bought a shirt from their gift shop. The clerk did not say a thing to him while ringing him up, very rude. I had not eaten breakfast so I do not know the source of my illness. It took about 12 hours to feel better after resting a while at the hotel. I cannot say for certain that the food made me ill, but I have my suspicions it was the raw shellfish. I had oysters on about 4 occasions over the past 2 weeks without problems though. In all, I still recommend visiting here, if only for the history. Be sure to look all around including upstairs.
(3)
Emma S.
incredibly long wait, touristy, but a required Boston experience. The beer selection (always an important criteria for me) was poor. However, the food was surprisingly delicious, although I felt overpriced. You did get a lot for your money, however. And the quality of seafood was excellent. Not a repeat place, but a nice place to take visitors to get a taste of "historic Boston."
(3)
Matty B.
I hate to write this review, but I had a rare miss today at the UOH! First off, the staff there is outstanding and the service at the bar is top notch. They are attentive and friendly without being overbearing and add to the overall UOH experience. However, the food (raw bar) today was awful! We started with the chowder, which I must say was as creamy and decadent as ever. We then ordered two shrimp cocktails and a half dozen oyster on the half shell. The bartender had mentioned that the Blue Points were awesome today, full and meaty, which I noted as the larger the oyster doesn't correlate to a better taste. They were brutal...huge oysters with a strange after taste and no briny sea flavor one might expect. I ate two just to be polite and left the others untouched. The shrimp cocktails looked raw and uncooked. Five small translucent shrimp per order that lacked any flavor or the 'snap' one expects with a solid cocktail. We even asked if they were undercooked and were told that is how they prepare shrimp. The bartender even brought a third order out for our review that looked even worse. All in all it wasn't the best day for the food at the UOH. I'd still recommend giving it a shot, but check out the selection of shellfish before committing to an order.
(3)
Amanda C.
If you are eating with someone who has no taste buds and likes to pay for bad food and equally bad service, Union Oyster House is for you. I have a philosophy when it comes to food, if a restaurant is in the middle of "tourist hell" (any place with a Hard Rock Cafe in the area) do not eat there. The food doesn't have to taste good because the owners know people will come due to the foot traffic. As I walked in, I was immediately thrown off by the gift shop and the slogan, "Oldest restaurant in America". If you are visiting the New England area....I am sure you are going to run into a lot more Oldest Restaurants so don't pee your pants from excitement. Gift shops to me are always a bad sign because 9 times out of 10, the shot glass is going to be of better use to you rather than wasting your money. As we waited an hour, longer than the quoted time, I enjoyed a 7 dollar Sam Adams. When it came to ordering, I looked hopelessly at the menu. Everything seemed so bland and very boring. As I was looking, some overly sweet corn bread was plopped onto the table. It was not tasty, I liked the prepackaged oyster crackers for the soup better. The food is expensive. If you eat there, expect to pay market price for a lot of their items. Since I wasn't moved to spend money, I opted for their "Number 1" clam chowder and a side salad. Well, I am from the South and I think I have made better clam chowder on my own. It wasn't even hot. The salad was good though, but it was just baby spinach and romaine with 3 unripe baby tomatoes and cucumbers. Yet it was 5.95, so I would advise to just go to the grocery store and buy a bag of salad and call it a day. My friends ordered the baked scrod. Boring, lifeless, and overly buttered, I was happy to say I did not waste my money on that meal. Looking around the room at what people were eating, I would have rather ate the hot dog off the children's menu in the end. Too bad I am not 12. Lastly, the service is what killed me. Rude hostess and waitress. Being a waitress before, I know it is annoying to split checks, but I have done it. Yet, when we wanted it done, she said "Sure" hurried off and basically plopped the new checks down annoyingly. Do not waste your time dining here. Take the time to walk to the North and eat at a nice Italian place on the North End or take the subway to Cambridge and eat at a local place were they care about what they are serving. Union Oyster House will not be tried again!
(1)
Andy K.
The clam chowder was good, but not great. I got the fish and chips which were also mediocre. The food wasn't bad but it wasn't great, the restaurant itself was pretty decent though. Their specially brewed Sam Adam's beer was really bad. Some may enjoy it, but not me. It tasted like flat beer, no bite, with a little fruit punch in it.
(2)
Liz M.
Although I can see how this could be a tourist spot, I thought it was fun (but then again I was a tourist). Wait was not bad at all and service was attentive and friendly. Fun for history buffs, since this is the oldest operating restaurant in the country. Not fine dining, much more of a family restaurant in a historical atmosphere. Delicious cornbread (almost more like cake than bread). Ordered the broiled scallops, which had some type of breading and boiled potatos. Pretty good and filling. Fun touristy place to visit, not super expensive and you get a ton of food.
(4)
V Y.
Been here serveral times and I've decided to stick with the oysters/clams from the raw bar and the sauteed shrimp and scallops entree. I'd come back for just that dish. It's creamy but light and not overwhelming. Yum-O! Everything else here seems mediocre and not exactly consistant. But it's a great place to try at least once. This place has a rustic feel to it. Servers are mellow and they just do their thing... Very comfortable laid back setting.
(3)
Mike T.
Apparently Daniel Webster used to eat 3 dozen oysters and drink 6 brandy's at the bar which explains how he met the devil and gives me hope that if a drunk seafood nut can write the dictionary I may still do something amazing. Take a small group and sit at the seafood bar and watch as shellfish experts shuck the crap out of stubborn Oysters. This place is not for the squeamish. Communal pots of cocktail sauce and horseradish line the bar and a worn rock is used to help shuck the oysters. Its sort of like a stone age salad bar without a sneeze guard. The bar tenders are reserved and salty but efficient . No its not cheap but its unique if you go towards the end of the evening when there are no tourists or large groups. I like the historical feel even if there is a gift shop. Look straight ahead and drink enough so that your peripheral vision will eventually give out and you wont even notice the gift shop.
(4)
Tawn N.
The Union Oyster House had the best oysters that I've had in a long time. The oysters guys were friendly and found us a couple of seats at the oyster bar. Two ice cold glasses of Boston Lager were immediately set in front us as we waited for our oysters. Shortly there after a platter of oyster on the half shell were set in front of us. I started to squeeze a little lemon, a bit of horseradish, a bit of cocktail sauce and then slurp. The perfect symphony of brininess, sweetness, tartness finished with the gulp of the lager made me feel joy. It was fantastic!!! It does not matter that there was only one kind of oyster and not 12 different kinds like most oyster bar that I've been visited. What matters was the only kind that they had were the best I've had in a long long long time.
(4)
Lisa T.
My favorite seafood restaurant in Boston! Reasons: 1) The atmosphere and architecture is absolutely adorable. It's the oldest restaurant in Boston, and there are hints of that here and there. 2) The complimentary corn bread that they serve is the best I know. They sell the mix in the gift shop on the 1st floor! 3) The historical U-shaped oyster bar on the 1st floor makes for a great stop if you're not around for dinner. There's also usually no wait, whereas dinner time can get crowded. Beer, oysters and chowder. Heaven. 4) The clam chowder beats anything I've ever had at Legal Seafoods. Hence, it is the best clam chowder you can get in New England. 5) The Lazy Man's Lobster is my single favorite American seafood dish I've ever had. Squeeze on lots of lemon! Warning: some of the other stuff is bland, so choose wisely. Ask your waiter for his favorites. Sam Adams Boston Lager goes great with any meal here, so if you're one of those people who was never into having a beer with your food, this is the time to try it.
(4)
Formicas F.
Great place to stop in for some history. we tried Boston Creme Pie and crab cakes and they were decent. It is the oldest place in Boston to eat so it's not fine dining but worth the experience to sit at the same tables Paul Revere and Sam Adams ate at. If you like history, you will love eating here (it's not about the food at this joint).
(3)
Kristen D.
Was looking for a seafood place to go to dinner with my boyfriend one night during restaurant week. Neither of us had been before, and it seemed like I've lived her too long to never have experienced Boston's oldest restaurant. I wasn't expecting gourmet, five star treatment, but I was expecting a LOT more than we received. The raw bar has a nice vibe and the guys there were personable and fun, but we were only there a few minutes before being seating at our very loud table upstairs. Our waitress had a shaky (at best) command of the English language and seemed upset with us when we asked for the restaurant week menu. Apps were fine, nothing to write home about. My boyfriend's cod entree was similar--bland and underwhelming. For my entree I ordered "shrimp and scallops in a light basil cream sauce over seafood ravioli." What I got might as well have been a vat of cream soup. I LOVE heavy cream and pasta but even for me, this was too much. You couldn't even see any of the actual food and I had to poke my fork around in the sauce looking for the edibles. Both the scallops and shrimp were tough and overcooked and the seafood ravioli was filled with something hard and inedible. Incredibly unappetizing. I knew this place was touristy and more about the atmosphere/experience, but the food was absolutely atrocious. Would not go back, nor would I recommend.
(1)
Daniel L.
The food was decent enough. Great oysters and fish. The ambience is pretty rustic and a little humid at times but it was not bad at all. It wasn't the kind of restaurant where you are dying to go back but it was a good eat none the less.
(4)
David H.
From a historical prospective it was awesome! But for lobster, go to atlantic seafood co! Union is overpriced and touristy!
(3)
Serena H.
Clam chowda was YUMmy! I ordered the Salmon for dinner and it was ok. Underseasoned but cooked ok. Old school restaurant and a bit touristy. Veggies were gross. Overcooked in this yucky sauce.
(3)
Brendan C.
It's funny to read reviews of the Union Oyster House that say the oysters were the highlight. I was so terribly disappointed in the oysters here that I was prompted to do my first yelp review. A couple of my buddies and I were looking for a snack while in the area, and oysters fit the bill. Since Jeremy had never been to our nation's oldest restaurant, it seemed necessary to hit up the UOH. We got drinks and oysters, but the oysters were awful. They were a) not shucked, b) not on ice, c) accompanied by condiments served in plastic take-out containers, and d) unaccompanied by the proper utensils. Now, I know that the UOH has a captive audience with all the out-of-towners that must flood the place all summer. Surely this must give a restaurant bad habits. But as a resident of the culinary wonderland that is Boston, I'm disappointed that so many that will visit the city will get such poor service. We paid ~$60 for three drinks and a dozen oysters. That's more than enough to get oysters on fucking ice. Why no ice? You are giving me raw seafood. Put that shit on ice. And why are the cocktail sauce and horseradish in to-go containers? Who has ever order oysters to go? Ever? The whole thing just reeks of cost-cutting and short-sighted management. Don't give this place your money. I won't ever again.
(2)
Hailey T.
I gotta say that I've eaten a lot of clam chowder ad this is right up there with the best of it. Surprisingly, my mom and I didn't have to wait to be seated, we managed to snag a booth near the entrance. The clam chowder was good, they don't skimp on the clams at all which is a nice surprise and the cornbread was pretty good, not the best ever but it was cold and rainy out and it hit the spot. My mom had shrimp and rice which she said was really yummy. I had the lobster salad roll, also a good choice, but I felt like I should have ordered it on a warmer day and picked a warm entree. It was, however, full of lobster meat and taste very fresh. I recommed it. As for it being a tourist trap....yes it is, duh look at the location and the advertising. That said, it wasn't full of obnoxious people, I viewed it as a lot of people looking for good food with a side of history. We've all been tourists at some point, I don't grimace at those who visit my area, that's business, so I'd say to disregard the snarky comments about tourists and try it, local or first time out of towner if you want to say you've been to "the oldest restaurant in America."
(4)
Joe R.
This is a must-visit restaurant in Boston. You can get oysters a-plenty in the downstairs oyster bar or head upstairs to the dining area. The surrounding area pubs also offer a great option for post-dining activities.
(4)
Danielle N.
Okay so after walking for two hours along the Freedom trail, I was dying for some famous Crab cakes at the "oldest restaurant in America"! I was with my Mom, around 3pm during a Wednesday in April 2012 ... it wasn't crowded and yet once we took a table it took our server over 15 mins to greet us. She was absent-minded at best and then took another 10 mins to get our menus and drink orders. Sadly, this is not the worst part. I ordered the crab cakes and my mom had the Seafood "cake" platter with the fish cakes, salmon cakes and the crab cakes. Long story short my crab cakes were WELLLLL over done, dark and burnt looking, and then after taking a bite I literally spit it back out, without swallowing. There was this nasty seasoning in them and I could not even finish a bite. The salmon cakes and fish cakes did NOT have that seasoning, so my mom was able to choke her meal partly down. Again... the damn server did NOT return to check on us for over 15 mins. The silver lining to this HORRIBLE experience was that she took my gross crab sh**cakes off our check. Needless to say, I would never recommend this crap-hole place to anyone.
(1)
Alexander M.
Credited as America's oldest restaurant (est. 1826), the Union Oyster House is housed within a typically (for that period) quaint and strangely laid out building. Due to its age, there are many nooks and crannies within the building and mst of them have been given over to diners. This all adds to an informal atmosphere. The service is friendly and helpful, and although our food took a little bit of time to arrive - there were around 20 of us - it wasn't so slow as to irritate. The menu consists mainly of seafood, with clams, crabs and lobsters taking pride of place - there are even veggie and carnivorous options for those who don't eat fish. I happen to be a big clam chowder fan, so would recommend that. Everyone was well satisfied with their food - in fact the portions are typically large so be prepared to leave some on your plate (or ask for starter portions). They also carry a good selection of local beers. Pricing is on the higher side of the average in the US, but it is certainly an interesting place to spend a lunchtime or evening with an almost european feel to it.
(4)
Brian D.
We were called to our table early then told it was a mistake and asked to wait another fifteen minutes. We were seated by the window. Very cool history, the pub next door is even older. When our server finally arrived the complimentary corn bread was great and I think the clam chowder is some of the best I've ever had. The restaurant gets busy early and has a bit of a feel of a diner loud, busy, kids running around, the waiters leave community water pitchers on your table and the service was marginal, but we loved the experience. Eat with your fingers and feel relaxed.
(4)
Lindsay R.
Nom. 'nuff said
(4)
Clint U.
YOU COME HERE FOR HISTORY...and a few of the items off the menu...Don't expect a Bobby Flay throwdown any time soon here. Any grandmother worth her salt can win handsdown against this place. You come here for history. This is the oldest brick building in Boston built somewhere in 1740. The restaurant has been in operation since 1826, the oldest restaurant in the United States. They claim the toothpick was first used here. One our country's most famous drunk, Daniel Webster, ate breakfast here everyday when he was in town...a few dozen oysters and a pint of brandy.....darn good thing we didnt have cars in those days. Now on to the food. New England Clam Chowder: 5 stars. This is one of the best clam chowders you can taste. This is why you come here..AFTER the history. Grilled Sea Scallops: 4.5 Stars. It was excellent. Slightly crisp on the outside, tender and moist on the inside. Would have rated higher if it was served better...they were piled on each other, which made the bottom ones kinda steamed. Still EXCELLENT. Crab cakes: 1 star Go to BALTIMORE for crab cakes. These were awful. You will do better in the frozen food freezer in your supermarket.. Too much breading and spices...WHERE WAS THE CRAB????? Cole slaw: 1 star I felt like i was eating a head of cabbage. Very little dressing and taste. Our table threw it all away. Fried Fish Platter: 2 stars You can get the same quality at any diner. Raw Oysters: Hard for me to rate this because the only thing that the restaurant adds to the flavor is the knife used to shuck it. It is so variable hour to hour on raw oysters in general. If you like it...you have belly up to the bar and have a half dozen or so., take a shot of brandy..and pretend to be Daniel Webster. Summary: Come here and order a cup or bowl of New England Clam Chowder, share a plate of grilled sea scallops with your party. and then go down the street to any highly rated estabilshments for a real Boston dinner. You will be happy happy. You will have also touched a piece of US history at the same time.
(3)
Len S.
The food is ok, service is friendly, the ambiance is the real draw. When I say the food is ok, I mean its boiled and broiled and baked and sauteed but it lacks any real character. The dishes are pretty standard seafood fare and nothing stands out with a unique flavor, actually they could stand to use a little more sodium on certain dishes. I had the lobster and some oysters which were decent but not great. I think I like the idea that this is an old old old building and restaurant more than what arrives on the table. I guess this is to be expected considering its location along the Freedom Trail and relative proximity to all things historic in downtown Boston.
(2)
Juan C.
This place is great. Full of history and the perfect lunch or dinner after walking The Freedom Trail. Have the clam chowder with the corn bread and maybe a lobster roll. Boston Rob is behind the counter upstairs. He'll take care of you and give you stories!
(4)
Bridget L.
Booo, indeed. No. No. No. We went here for the history, which is really cool, and knew it was a tourist trap, but seriously it was such a waste of money! The food was just flat out bad. I honestly thought I was eating frozen Gordon's, and my oysters were very fishy. Our server was pretty bad too. Go in and check out the gift shop if you want to be touristy, but don't stay for a meal. Check out the cheeky Summer Shack instead if you want quality seafood.
(1)
Pauline L.
As a first time out of towner in beantown, my first foray into what's considered touristy is to get myself a seafood chowdown. Cathy H. and co. took this newbie to this quaint huge house that I swear you can see the salty sailors and barnacled old colonials drink themselves down. The oyster bar is ripping alive with people willing to dare salmonella by scarfing down massive amounts of raw shellfish. The cooks on deck were always ready for a pose and were clearly enjoying their work. First off, Tom H. ordered a double order of raw oysters and cherrystones. Surprisingly I preferred the sweetness of the cherrystones to the savory sea flavors of the oysters... plus points for that! I ordered the Shore Dinner with a medium lobster in drawn butter, steamed mussels, creamy Boston Clam Chowder, and a cup of rice pilaf....I didn't care how much this was going to hurt, I was going to make it through this: woman vs. food...game on! The clam chowder was really delicious. The potato to clam ratio is just right, and the soup had the right thick consistency I look for in a chowder. With my lobster bib on, I was ready to start cracking heads....but the kitchen decided to give me the red hottie in lazyman's fashion: they cracked it for me. I think I shocked some people when I started sucking out the brains of the lobster...umm...any good Asian chick knows that the brains are the shite, and I don't waste food especially when it's costing me market price! And the lobster was succulent. The steamed mussels were excellent in the hot broth, and there were more than the 15 the waitress told me...the only thing I thought was okay was the rice pilaf...it was kinda dry, but I didn't come all the way to Boston to scarf down an Uncle Ben's reject. Decor was like an old town feel...but everything colonial has an old town feel...definitely a plus and the staff was super nice.
(4)
Jef S.
Bland, unexciting seafood in the middle of the F-Hall/Haymarket area, the Union Oyster house purports to be the oldest operating restaurant in the United States. It shows, too: an old colonial building with low ceilings and a cramped staircaseup to the dining room. The dining room is a bit nicer, but still old and somewhat dilapidated. The raw bar offers the same shells that you can get all over Boston, but slightly cheaper. The compromise is that the oysters and clams aren't anything innovative or unique: they're standard Capes, whereas I like a good Kumamoto or PEI variety now and then. Dinner was something white baked with butter and crumbs. It was okay. The chowder was better, but a bit thin. The rolls at the table were nice, as was the server. You can do much better for seafood and traditional fare in Boston, but if your grandma's in town and Legal or Turner's is too rich for her blood, head over to UOH. She'll love it. Will you? My advice is to fill up on the bread.
(3)
CA T.
Nice historic building and atmosphere. Food was pretty good for a touristy place. Great cornbread, great clam chowder, decent grilled salmon. Crab cakes not as good but not terrible either. Worth it for a fun Boston experience.
(3)
Doc H.
Oldest restaurant in the states. That's what they say and I'm going to go ahead and believe them... A pleasant place that seems a little small at first near the shucking bar, but turns out to be actually quite large. Some guy directed us aloofly to our table upstairs where we met a real greeter. A pleasant young lady who welcomed us with warm fresh, perfectly moist, cornbread. Apps included oysters which were great; fresh and absent any graininess that makes me normally unable to appreciate them. The Chowdah was creamy and well packed with potatoes, celery and clam. Being pretty filled by this time I started to feel the slightest regret that I also ordered the union specially with a trio of seafood cakes; in order of deliciousness: 1. Lobster, 2. Crab, 3.fish Also tried the fried calamari which was solid as expected and had to order the baked beans after all the great reviews. Apparently Sam Adams brews a beeya just for the oyster house called a colonial ale. It was a complex and strong series of flavours that I wasn't expecting at first, but began to settle into by the second half. A nice historical meal to add to a trip, but not sure how often I would go if I lived in Boston. There's a good chance I could live on the cornbread and Chowdah alone!
(4)
Michelle K.
okay.. so we had to come eat when we visited. we NEEDED the Boston clam chowder.. we CRAVED those oysters and lobster, and we were glad we came. even on a weeknight, the wait was super long. this place seems to be packed regularly. we should have called ahead but figured it wouldn't be too bad on a weeknight.. right? the wait was around 45 min but we had to eat here. America's first restaurant.. we had to experience it. so we put our names in and walked around right outside for a while. we visited the holocaust memorial and walked around the Quincy market which is super close by. then we came back to sit and wait at the bar with our Sam Adams beer. when it was time to be seated we were taken all the way up and through the entire restaurant to the top floor in a tiny little booth that looked like it was the same wood from the 1900's. we ordered clam chowder which was _sooo_ good. i haven't had it like this before - so rich and tasty. we also shared a sample of raw oysters which were so cold and buttery. just great. my boyfriend and i both ordered the Maine lobster steamed. we had a great time cracking it open and eating it. it was made perfectly. we washed it down with Boston's own local beer. i wish i had room to try the legendary Boston creme pie, but i was way too stuffed. of course as visitors to the city, we enjoyed dining in the first restaurant and I'm sure there are better and cheaper places to eat, we really loved the experience. i can now say that i have eaten and the oldest restaurant in America!.
(4)
Kate S.
I think I ordered the wrong thing. The bouillabaisse was just ok. Pretty bland and the seafood was just OK. But other peeps I was with were raving about their meals, so I'd go back and give it another shot. It's super old skool New England seafood style (or at least what I think that is - what do I know, I'm from California) - no frills, fresh seafood, lots of lobster, wooden tables and rickety floors. Good stuff. Someone told me it was the oldest restaurant in the US - I think they were probably right. If you go, save some time to visit Bell in Hand tavern afterwards - great pub!
(3)
Tom C.
Just spent the 4th in Boston. It was our first Independence Day in Beantown but definately not our last. This is the place to be! The fireworks and general celebration are just remarkable. Had lunch at Union Oyster House. This was about our third or fourth time here. I'll agree, you mostly go here for the raw bar. I've always found them to have a good selection of very fresh and tasty oysters. Vic likes the clams. We started with a bowl of chowder. It's really very, very good chowder. My half-dozen oysters were tasty and fresh. They came with cocktail sauce, horseradish, lemon and that vinegar stuff I never use. Then we demolished a 2-lb lobster. It was not a Maine lobster and it showed. A little chewy and not as sweet as one would like... but not bad. The place is often very busy and loud, but that's the deal here. Yeah... I'd go somewhere else for a nice fish dinner. But the raw bar is the attraction.
(3)
Ellen L.
Pricey with not much for decor or taste. Honestly, the only reason why this place is even "good", is that they milk the history behind the restaurant and for historical reasons, can get people to go repeatedly. The tables are teeeeny! and the place is teeny. It's always SO tight that it's uncomfortable. The inside feels very run down. I understand it's supposed to be the old rustic feeling, but rustic doesn't mean i have to feel like the place is dirty. It's in the middle of a bunch of bars in Fanueil though, which makes going out afterwards easy. Now it's just a problem of actually getting there that annoys me. Just like the rest of Fanueil, it's a giant tourist trap. There are much better seafood places in Boston. Even the chain restaurant, Legal, is better. Oysters are average - nothing special. The wait is so long to get into this place on a weekend evening. Don't waste your time.
(3)
Jeff B.
While walking on the Freedom Trail, we decided to stop by the Union Oyster House for some world famous clam chowder at the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the nation. We told them that we wanted lunch, so we avoided the noisy (in a good way) clam bar and went to the darkened room upstairs. It's quaint and if you have time, a nice place to enjoy a meal. The service was terrible. The waitress seemed annoyed that we were even there, and then ignored our basic needs. Water didn't come until halfway through the meal, and then the pitcher was left on the table. We figured that was standard so we used it, and woosh...it was gone in a minute. Rude, that was pretty much it. The food was actually pretty good. We enjoyed a simple ceaser salad that was well prepared and the best clam chowder we had in Boston. That's not saying a whole lot, since the best clam chowder seems to still come from California.
(3)
Kolohe C.
I have to admit, as a history buff, I like the architecture as it's historical and supposedly been around since the 1700's. That's about the extent of it for me. The food is another story. The clam chowder was alright(I could get the same thing at our waterfront in my city) and the seafood was awful. The only thing really good was the cornbread! Then again, what should I expect for a tourist trap? Go for the ambiance and history,not the food.
(2)
Kevin J.
The best seafood I've ever had. This place is known as the "Oldest Restaurant on America" and it certainly looks that way inside. I love the old, Colonial America feeling inside. I'm coming back here every time I'm in Boston.
(5)
Zachary Sam Z.
I got a gift certificate here when I moved to the area, so when my parents visited I figured I'd take them there. I'd definitely recommend a reservation, as we still waited for 30 minutes (20 minutes after our reservation time) with one. I can only imagine what it would have been like as a walk-in. The food was good. Tried the appetizer, a bit of clam chowder (very good), and the Seafood Newburg - very good, but very rich. It will leave you in a food coma for sure. The waitress was awesome, great at giving recommendations, and very friendly. Overall, a great experience except for the late start.
(4)
Dorothy L.
This is like the oldest restaurant in Boston. Of course I had to come here for the historical value. I ordered a half dozen of the oysters and got to see the shucker work his magic. The raw bar was super crowded. I can't say I was particularly fond of the food. I think Swan's Oyster Depot in San Francisco tastes better!!!
(2)
Claudia H.
It was a busy Sunday afternoon and we were thankful for a seat at the crowded bar in the oldest restaurant in America. I'm not sure about the historical accuracy of this statement however, as the Warren Tavern in Charlestown and the Bell in Hand pub on the opposite side of the street make similar claims. Whatever, our fellow patrons didn't seem to be at Union Oyster House for this reason. They were watching sports and chowing down as though at any sports bar in America. I wasn't really in the mood for Oysters, or Lobster, so I ordered Clam Chowder and a Crab Cake Sandwich. The male server was extremely busy, but doing an impressive job of keeping everyone happy. He seemed to enjoy making a bit of a show and loudly proclaiming things such as "I've never seen the place so busy, it's crazzzy!" First off, we were served warm corn bread which is always a pleasure, especially when not expected. However, that was the peak of the culinary experience as the Crab Cake Sandwich which arrived was dry, bland and served with a grotesquely large portion of fries. Of course I had no self control and ending up eating the lot.... Gasping for water by the end and very much regretting it.
(3)
Jay R.
Overall, a great meal. The best oyster I've ever had.
(4)
Wendy S.
I have not been here in 20 years, and it is still an amazing building and going strong. The food was good, not outstanding, but still pretty solid. We had fresh steamers (Ipswich) that were wonderful- no sand and very fresh. The raw oysters were fresh, briny but a bit on the small side. I had the lobster- steamed perfectly, delicious, but the corn bread was dry, and the vegetable not cooked well enough. My friends had the baked seafood platter (haddock, scallops, shrimp) over pasta, and they were not impressed. No seasoning and bland- that was disappointing. The prices are OK for the area- $29.00 for a 1 1/4-1 1/2 lobster meal. The server was friendly and did keep our water glasses filled, but never found the wine cooler for our wine until the bottle was almost empty. So, it is fun to go to the place where Benjamin Franklin ate oysters and drank beer? Yes, it is- the bar and history are unique. Is it the best food ever? No, but you can't go wrong if you stick to lobster, oysters, steamers and clam chowder.
(3)
Ned H.
HEADLINE: Do not be reeled in like the rest of the lemming touristas upstairs to a table to be ignored by the waitstaff ... sit your ass down at the raw-bar-in-the-round at street level for raw seafood on the half-shell and mugs of brew ... period!!! Pity the fools!!! Really, PITY them. I've been coming here for 30 some odd years ... EVERY time I visit Beantown, I always find a way to get over to this place near Faneuil to stroll in and sit my ass down on a stool right at the raw-bar-in-the-round downstairs here. Do NOT be tempted upstairs to be seated at a table and be fed a full meal. If there isn't a stool available at the bar ...... wait!!! WAIT!!!!, goddammitt, for a bar stool to open up, for you will not be disappointed Lemming touristas deserve the humbling and less-than-adequate experience in food and drink upstairs ... NOT YOU!!! Now ... THIS is what you do when you come here ... and ONLY this ... A mug of Sam Adams ... the tap system is just off to the right of the raw bar and they'll pour you a fresh, cold one right there. Indeed, les miserables dining upstairs have to get their mugs of brew from down here, sent up by a dumb-waiter contraption next to the tap system downstairs ... waiting for less than cold beer? ... no way, Jose! NOT YOU!!! Next ... "A half dozen of your finest Cherrystones, my good man!" When you sit at the raw bar, they shuck these bad boys for you right before your eyes. Again, for les miserables dining upstairs, they usually have a dozen plates of each shellfish (clams and oysters) PRE-SHUCKED and on plates to be sent up by same dumb-waiter contraption as the beer. These are usually limp, warm, and drained of that fabulous juicy goodness omnipresent in a just-shucked clam. REFRAIN!!! NOT YOU!!! These clams enjoyed downstairs at the raw bar, while labeled Cherrystones, are much closer to Quahogs in size ... they're enormous ... pink ... plump .... juicy ... icy cold, just having been harvested from their resting beds of shaved ice ... and incredibly full of flavor. Half a dozen to a plate. The raw bar has bowls of fresh horseradish and red cocktail sauce strategically positioned around the bar to accompany your wedge of lemon and seafood treasure. Take clamshell in left hand, sprinkle with lemon wedge juice, a dollop of cocktail sauce, and then a dollop of horseradish ..... STEP AWAY FROM THE FORK!!! ... and simply slurp this juicy, hedonistic goodness in one huge, noisy slurp right out of the shell. Chew ... feel that bad boy fight back against your jaw in terms of its freshness ... swallow ... feel that funny little feeling in your loins (just for a moment, weirdo, you're out in public) and finally, slurp the remaining juices from said shell. Repeat five more times. Repeat order a mug a' Sammy Repeat order a mug a' Sammy Repeat order another plate of a half dozen of these beauties Repeat clamshell ritual six more times REFRAIN from ordering the chowdah!!! This is a temple ... nay, a veritable altar ... built to worship raw shellfish ... nothing cooked should come between you and this religious epiphany. NOT YOU!!! Repeat order a mug a' Sammy Repeat order one last mug a' Sammy. Wipe your chin, your shirt, your pants, probably your shoes and socks, and most definitely your neighbors to the left and right with your napkin or sleeve to remove the delicious clam liquor, lemon juice, horseradish, cocktail sauce and ale that now anoints them. Burp. NAY, BELCH with all the gusto of a North Atlantic seaman ... or woman, for that matter. Salute the plaque commemorating that Noah Webster used to frequent this very raw bar often and, legend has it, never left before quaffing several tankards of brandy and as many as six plates of clams. Bow to the team picture of the 1999 Ryder Cup team grouped around the bar, including a young Tiger Woods, that came into town to have dinner one night right there at the same raw bar as you're sitting at now. The 1999 Ryder Cup (the 33rd Ryder Cup) Matches were held between September 24 and September 26 at The Country Club in Brookline, MA, one of the oldest country clubs in the United States, and the finish caused great controversy. A remarkable comeback by the American team helped propel the U.S. to a 14.5-13.5 victory after trailing 10-6 heading into the final day. The U.S. went 8-3-1 in singles matches to seal the first American victory since 1993. Pay, leaving your beer meister and chief shucker a handsome, well-earned tip. And walk out onto the sidewalk, knowing that les miserables upstairs have enjoyed NONE of the same savory, sensory delights, in their right and proper environs, as you have. NOT THEM!!! Now, go ... GO home to house or hotel, and dream of the next time you'll be able to sit where Noah Webster did centuries ago, and slurp clam and brew just as he.
(4)
Amanda L.
So of course Union gets wicked extra points for being the oldest continuous running restaurant in America. And it gets double points for NOT tasting like the oldest continuous running restaurant in America. I have never been disappointed here. The clam chowder is excellent, one of the best in the city. Everything I've had on their menu is always super fresh and amazing. The prices are a little steep, but what do you expect?? I especially love the ambiance of the place, it definitely knows how to keep that old world flair to it. The service, from what I remember, could use a little bit of work, but I don't think I can justify knocking off any stars. I mean, come on, it's a Boston landmark!
(5)
Barbara S.
So let me start of by saying that I first went to Union Oyster House 8 years ago, and I have nothing but fond memories from that experience. That has since changed. I had friends in from out of state who wanted something "classic Boston." Like I said, I had fond memories of this place, and they have all the classic New England food. There was a group of 7 of us, and we knew that it would be hard to get a table. We called to make a reservation and were informed that they did not take reservations. Granted, we were trying to eat on July 4, but when we got there, they clearly had a reservation list. Problem No. 1. Things only went downhill. We arrived at 7 p.m. and were told that our wait would be an hour, no more than an hour and fifteen minutes. We go to the bar to grab drinks. At this point, there were only five of us; three of us wanted the same thing, then one cosmo and one iced tea (just a plain ol' iced tea...I was thirsty.) As we started saying what we wanted, the bartender threw up his hands and told us to slow down; he couldn't take a big order. He then walked away for a solid five minutes. Problem No. 2. Finally we get our drinks (my iced tea was in a high ball glass...gone in two sips). Again, there were only five of us, and three of us were standing. We were only taking up two stools. We order a second round of drinks which gets to us a little faster, although the bartender gave us the bill and decided to keep my friend's credit card. Problem No. 3. At this point, we've been waiting an hour. We start to check on our table. The hostess informs us that we have another hour to wait. "We told you it would be an hour forty-five to two hours." Um, no, no you didn't. We wouldn't have stayed. Problem No. 4. The party of 10 immediately before us on the wait list didn't show, and the hostess told us we were next. She then proceeded to call the group of 8 after us. Problem No. 5. And here's where I got really pissed. After ordering two rounds of drinks (which were overpriced) and being treated like crap by the bar staff and the hostesses, a group of college guys comes in. 5 of us, 5 of them. We're still only using two chairs. The bartender says to us, "Are you done?" Us: "We're not sure; we're waiting for a table." Bartender: "We need these chairs. You have to move." He then places down an order of 5 oysters for these guys who push us out of the way. HUGE PROBLEM NO. 1 At this point, I lost my patience. I had waited an hour and forty-five minutes, was being told it would still be another half an hour, and I was no longer allowed to sit at the bar and wait? I grabbed my boyfriend and ditched. So let me get this straight, you make your patrons wait two hours and refuse to let them sit at the bar? I can get better food and better service at a lower price with fewer tourists elsewhere. Never again will I go to Union.
(1)
Colby B.
My boyfriend and I visited UOH this afternoon looking for a tasty lunch that would include tasty mussels. We were greeted by a nice lady who brought us to a small booth right near the entrance. The second the door opened, our area felt a chilly draft. We ordered the shrimp cocktail (13.something) and while the shrimp were tasty, there were only FIVE! For that price, I'd expect more than five little shrimp. One star for the shrimp. Our server only checked on us once the rest of our order was ready, and we had bone dry water glasses. She brought our mussels and bowl of chowder (clam) and we dug right in. Not only was the portion of mussels tiny compared to most restaurants but they all had beards on them, and you could tell they were waiting under a heating lamp and lost most of their moisture. They were dry and chewy, and the use of red onion instead of say yellow or a shallot combined with how DIRTY the mussels were made the 'broth' disgustingly gray. The chowder was OK, nothing to write home about. Creamy thick chowder but the only chunks were potatoes and clams. No celery, bacon, or onions. Boring. If it weren't for the horrible service (between finishing the shrimp cocktail and the arrival of our entrees we waited a good 20 minutes...for mussels and soup that is kept hot. That pickup takes 5 minutes at the most. They weren't even busy! Also our server would go a good 15 minutes without even walking by our table.) and disgustingly unclean mussels that had the chewy beards still attached, I couldn't give more than 2 stars. A terrible tourist trap!!
(2)
Kara R.
My husband and I stopped here on our way along the freedom trail. Yes, it's a tourist trap. But guess what? We're tourists! The cornbread was delicious and the waitress was great about keeping our water glasses full (we were HOT!). We ended up ordered the crab cakes, a cup of chowder (we had a coupon for a free cup with any entree) and a side salad. First off, 6 bucks for a small plate of spring mix, two cucumber slices, some red onion, and one cherry tomato is too much. The balsamic was pretty mediocre too. However, being on vacation and eating a lot of garbage I was craving something green so I paid for it. The chowder was very thick but not too amazing. I felt like it lacked seasoning. It had a medium amount of clams in it. Not mindblowing. The crab cakes were delicious. They came with a sauce, slaw, and mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were crazy thick and creamy. I felt like each bite had 300 calories so I didn't dig into it very much. The crab cakes were delicious, though. Best part of the meal. Definitely more "crab" than "cake". The sauce it came with was a nice accent and I really enjoyed their tartar sauce. I think a cocktail sauce would have been nice too, but they didn't provide us with any. Decent food, a nice reasonable boston lunch for us tourists, but I don't think we'd ever go back.
(3)
T S.
We ate at the Union Oyster House for the experience and its historical significance. Aside from this point, I would NOT recommend anyone to eat here. The food is below average (way disappointing) and well overpriced. Clam chowder: they claim that this is their more famous/popular dish. We found it to be a super creamy soup full of potatoes. Good luck finding seafood in here. Not worth the money. Raw oysters: small and tasteless. I've tasted better oysters on the West Coast and even in chain restaurants like McCormick & Schmick's. Entrees: TOO MUCH CREAM on everything! They drown the food in cream that you can't even tell what you are eating. Made us all feel sick at the end. Beware if you order dishes with cream. Vegetables were not fresh. We ended up eating just the main seafood but not anything else. Service: sloooow. Expect to wait at least 30 min for your food. If you need drinks, you better ask or they will forget about you.
(1)
M-A G.
Excellent oyster bar. Old school. Cool and hip but still with style. A must go for people who love fresh seafood in a bar atmosphere.
(5)
Andy A.
If you want oysters this is really the place not to go. The poorest setection (usually one) and the service is poor. Great building and the food is good but they rush you in and rush you out. Book a table, sit down and look at the decor, then leave and eat somewhere else.
(2)
Andy T.
Eeew. This place is like eating at your senile Grandma's. Maybe she once knew how to cook but it really isn't the case anymore. Service is mediocre, the menu is overpriced and the seafood is better almost anywhere else. Even the oysters were not that great. With Neptune Oyster in walking distance why would anyone eat here? An order of mussels were cooked in way too much butter, I love me some butter, but really, this was bad. Couldn't taste the mussels in all the grease. Oysters were not shucked properly and presented with mediocre sauces, and they were not un-fresh but did not taste too lively either. This place is hanging on to it's existence banking on history, location, and tourist money. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Melanie Rose P.
The reviews that totally bash this place are somewhat annoying. I understand that this is not the most mind-blowing, fine-dining, out of this world seafood experience that you might ever have in Boston, but seriously, it's pretty darn good when you consider that you're NOT really going there for the food. That being said, I was in Boston last weekend for the first time since I was 3 years old. My boyfriend is a huge history buff, so of course we hung out around the Faneuil Hall area most of the time. We decided to give the UOH a try LAST MINUTE on a Saturday night. We arrived and there was a 45-60 minute wait. We went over to Green Dragon to grab a beer while we waited and when we came back, we chatted up with the very friendly hostesses (who were highly accomodating in getting us a table). On to the food: We ordered the chowda, which I thought was YUMMY, but my boyfriend didn't like as much (he is biased because he thinks Green Dragon is the best in the Universe and nothing compares). We also got the bouillabaisse and a "Medium" lobster to share. The bouillabaisse was gigantic and chock full of shellfish and half a lobster. The lobster was also delicious. Our waitress seemed extremely busy and stressed out (it was only her and another lady sharing the duties of one large room), but was outgoing and smiling at us nonetheless....we appreciated that. The feel of the place is very historical, which is honestly why you go there to begin with. Our good meal was a perk. It wasn't cheap, but it was LOBSTER in the oldest restaurant in the country...so come on! If that review doesn't prove that we were satisfied, the next afternoon before heading to the airport, we decided to head back over to experience the Raw Bar. We had some more chowda and a dozen Blue Points. Delish.
(4)
Joan F.
The history is amazing. My family and I went, and we loved everything about it. The wait for dinner was around 45 minutes, but the hostess suggested "the light supper menu", so we took a booth by the oyster bar. It was a sunday night, so I was surprised at how busy it was. The food was alright, but what made it excellent was the amazingly fantastic service. We had this cute little red-headed waitress named Eva. She was fantastic, kind, and very speedy. She made the experience worthwhile. She gave us some tips on where to go throughout Boston and was very helpful. We liked the food, but will come back because of the service.
(5)
Joseluis A.
an experience. not cheap. awesome building. friendly service, especially downstairs by the bar. good chowder. fresh blue point oysters. a nice place to visit once in a while.
(4)
Elisa L.
Very overrated tourist trap. I went there on a Monday night with a friend from out of town and had to wait an hour for a table for two. When we got upstairs, we saw plenty of empty tables. The first waitress we had was atrocious and had a serious attitude problem. She didn't bother explaining the dishes when my friend asked about how something was made and was very rude when we asked for a drink menu. I've never been to a restaurant that didn't even have a menu before so it was odd. The food took forever to come even though we had ordered soup and mussels for appetizers. The booth seats were uncomfortable and made for a tight squeeze. For the very expensive menu you can get much better food elsewhere. I will never eat here again.
(2)
Matt W.
Union Oyster House is old. Like, the oldest restaurant in America. This is really impressive if you are not from Europe. It is a bit pricey, which cost it a star, but they've got excellent Cherrystone oysters, and Anton is the single greatest oyster shucker in the history of shellfish. They also always have Sam Adams' special local beer on tap, which cannot be said of a lot of the more touristy bars around town. It's busy in the summer, but spring and fall are great. Don't bother with reservations. Just go to the raw bar. That's really what this place is for. Other food is fine, but why bother when you can have oysters?
(4)
Valentina D.
Funny. I never went to the venerable Union Oyster House when I lived in Boston, not once. I passed it almost every day walking home from work, gazed at the cheery interior and the hordes of tourists slurping down Bluepoints and munching oyster fritters, and would just think "nah." I've always been a completely unapologetic snob when it comes to tourist traps. But I was back in town for a Halloween reunion, and M and I were nostalgic for the old neighborhood. We agreed we'd give the UOH a try, and walked in at the odd-duck hour of 4. it was still pretty crowded, considering, so we took a seat at the bar. Our red-haird, total townie bartender greeted us with the THICKEST of Bahston brogues (How ah yah? What can I do yah fo-ah?). we wondered if he discarded the accent when he walked out the door, a Shakesperian actor with perfect diction simply earning a buck, but after a bit of conversing it was clear that he was the real deal. Anyway, the food was actually quite ok. The oysters in my roll were plump and juicy, the coleslaw creamy and unhealthy, and the beers...well, beery. Mike kept up an easy patter with us and our adjoining bar-mates, and M. and I reminisced about the good old days while some sports event or other played on the old TV above the bar. Bartender Mike was friendly and competent, which is more than I can say for most of the restaurant folk in Miami; he was a font of lore about the politician regulars from nearby City Hall and regaled us with tales of his no-good fellow waiters. We turned down an offer for Boston Cream Pie (Mike, to his credit, was not surprised) and left, a bit lodgy from all the grease but happy to have spent some time in that venerable Boston institution. You can skip Durgin Park at Faneuil Hall, and don't necessarily have to take a ride in the swan boats in the Garden, but if you want to indulge in one touristy activity, well, you could do worse than the Oyster House.
(3)
Fida C.
The reason to come here is not for the food, though the food is solid. Today, I had a lobster roll. The lobster salad was great, the roll itself was fine. The pickle was excellent, as were the fries and slaw. Usually when I'm here I eat from the raw bar; it's also solid with nice, fresh shellfish. People rave about the new England clam chowder, but that is not my thing so I can't speak to it. Many years ago, I ate in the restaurant from the dinner menu -- it was meh. Maybe it's better now, but these days I stick with the bar menu. The reason to come here is for the Experience. First, the restaurant is almost 200 years old. How cool is that? Second, sit in the bar (you'll be seated immediately instead of waiting in a long line) and expose yourself to the bizarre and wonderful clientele, which are a strange mix of tourists and crusty locals. I love this place. I know it is a tourist trap, but consider me caught.
(4)
Tony C.
oysters were the best around...
(5)
Jason B.
Let me start off by saying: Lifelong Boston Resident Here. Never having been to the Union, despite living in Boston most of my life, we decided we had to give it a try. As soon as you enter, you realize that this is in fact, the oldest restaurant in America. There is no place to stand and wait for a table where you do not feel like you are in someone's way. After dodging people for about 10 minutes, we got seats at the bar to wait. Nice enough bar, bland people/bartender. Had a few drinks, totally fine. Our table was on the third floor, and anyone who has problems with narrow spaces/claustrophobia/vertigo should be warned - the stairs are narrow, steep and scary. Very old world. The service was slow, but it was a very busy Saturday. There were no "I waited 30 minutes for a beer" moments, but just generally slow. The clam chowder is right up there. I won't say it's the best in Boston, but it's goddamn good. A plate of sliders yielded almost nothing but fresh guys - only one bad guy that I recall. The linguine with mussels and clams was okay - sauce was watery and pasta was overcooked. The baked stuffed shrimp was pretty good - it's hard to do this dish well, and they fell victim to the classic "dry stuffing/overcooked shrimp" pitfall, but B+ for effort. Atmosphere = cool Chowder = good Fresh seafood = good Complex dishes = not so good 3.5 stars for Union.
(3)
Tantri B.
came here because i love oyster and since im strolling down around quincy market, me and a friend decided to try this one. First impression: the seating is too casual (you can basically sit wherever you want)..and the server was okay (not the best service i've ever had so far)...the oysters are good though. will reconsider if i have to come back again.
(3)
K T.
If you need to experience history, walk the Freedom Trail. The service was almost non existent, the food barely edible and it's just another old building save your money.
(1)
Andrew K.
Oldest restaurant in America, and simply the best place to obtain the old Boston favorites, which are baked beans, and crab cakes, and chowdahs, and that warm seafood that you want to eat on a rainy day. I don't think the prices are too bad given the history of the place or the quality of the food.
(5)
Aaron S.
I had lunch here catching up with an old friend, who suggested the place. Sitting in the cramped booths with your back at a 90 degree angle to the wall, I momentarily forgot that we were not actually on a boat, but bodily comfort became immaterial once the food was on the table. I had what was essentially a seafood pot pie, with scallops and cod mashed potatoes. It was heartily delicious and went great with the Harpoon ale the server recommended. The service was attentive, helpful, and full of local charm. I spent some time agonizing over all the choices on the menu, and look forward to going back to try some more of them.
(4)
Charles G.
Steeped in history and the best chowder ever!!!
(4)
Meredith K.
Definitely a tourist trap in many ways, but there are some pros for locals too! The 'old union beer' brewed by Sam Adams for them is tasty - it's got a hint of molasses, but not overpowering. The oysters are great - and it's the oldest restaurant in the country which is sort of cool. Steamed lobster with fresh drawn butter and clam chowder are also great. I'd probably skip the rest of the food though.... and seriously - sit at the bar, tables are super tight (and booths are tiny). But here's the negative about this place: on a night when they weren't super busy - we finished our beers for at least 20 minutes before the bartender asked if we wanted another (I expect them to be on top of that), they forgot our food twice (people next to us ordered after us and got steamed lobsters before we got our oysters). Once we had to ask for it and the second time the guy said oh crap I forgot to put this in do you still want it? I mean cool he admitted he forgot but there were only 2 other people at the bar besides us - there wasn't much to remember.
(3)
Kevin M.
Service was excellent, food wasn't. Met up with friends in Boston on Saturday and we went over to the Union Oyster House. They sat us immediately and the service was great. Then the food came. We had a calamari appetizer -- it was ok, but I've had better calamari. For the meal I had the fried scrod and a friend had the chicken club. The scrod was ok, but not exciting. My friend's chicken club was very dry. Interesting experience to try out the oldest restaurant in the country, but I'd recommend against it if you are going for the food.
(2)
Busy L.
Have been a lifelong Boston resident and just went here. Always avoided in the past and thought of as a tourist trap. Great place to go and just sit at the raw bar and grab a dozen oysters and chowder. One of those Bucket List restaurants you should go to with incredible history.
(4)
Sophie W.
We came in for a beer and ended up trying the two things we had read about on Yelp-- the chowder and the corn bread. The chowder was good, but not great - creamy, but in a weird, foamy kind of way where the cream was not well seasoned and felt a bit empty. Still, not too bad. The corn bread, on the other hand, was AMAZING -- not like the cake-like corn bread you tend to get a lot of in Boston (where it's too sweet and has the consistency of yellow cake). No, this was true, good corn bread. We were already really full from a prior meal, but had no problems scarfing that down. Might be worth coming back to try a full meal just to get some more of it!
(3)
David H.
Ye olde tourist trap! We had appetizers then decided to leave before ordering dinner from this place. The Shrimp Cocktail I had could have been straight from a Costco shrimp ring. I don't know if JFK liked this place, but to me it seems like Long John Silvers in a historic building.
(2)
Han P.
Great oysters, great lobsters, and great beer (ask for their special Sam Adams Colonial). Every time I come to Boston, I'll stop by here for either dinner with clients or a quick sit down at the raw bar. If you're a seafood lover, this is a must. Oh forgot, their clam chowder is one of the best I've had.
(4)
Wendy C.
You won't get the best seafood experience here, but you'll appreciate the historical significance of this place being the oldest restaurant in America. The stalls and oyster bar where Daniel Webster was a regular customer are still in their original positions. This building dates back to the pre-revolutionary days and started serving food in 1826. Their ingredients and style of cooking may not have changed much since then. The food can either be bland or starchy. The cornbread was pretty good, but I was not pleased with the clam chowder. It was too salty and the potato to clam ratio was 3 to 1. The Ye Olde Seafood Platter of deep fried shrimp, clams, scallops, calamari, oysters and filet of fish topped with onion rings was big enough to feed 2 people. The portion size was generous but also seriously lacking in the flavor department. This place is better off operating as a museum than a restaurant. If I do come back here, it won't be for the food.
(2)
D. A.
I am a sucker for a gimick, and being 'the oldest restaurant' worked on me. Everytime I visited Boston as a tourist I would go. I enjoy their 'lazyman's lobster' casserole and their chowda'. In general, it can take a long time to get seated during peak times and I don't think they take reservations, so you have to show up and wait; there is not much space to wait in either. Now that I live in Boston, I don't go. I think there are better places to get seafood for cheaper. I would still go back when I have guests, but in my opion it is more touristy than local.
(3)
Laura A.
Why does this only have 3 stars? This place was amazing! Being a big Disney fan, I was quite excited to step in this part of town, it felt like Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom! Very quaint and historical looking. Now the food. The cornbread was AMAZING! I ate it slowly just so I could savor every bite. The clam chowder was the best I've ever had in my life. If only I had a bread bowl from Boudin to put it in, I could've died happy right there. My boyfriend and I split the fish and chips, which were very good as well. Top it off with one of their delicious coffees with liquor, and BAM! You have yourself and amazing meal.
(5)
Patryk D.
Hmmm...America's Oldest Restaurant needs to get with the times...apparently Union Oyster House doesn't live up to its name...oysters were mediocre at best...thank goodness for the delicious clam chowder!
(2)
Julie Z.
I had the crabcake with salad. It was okay, nothing special, My friend got the crabcake sandwich and it was 1000x better. My crabcake was dry. My other friend got the famous clam chowder and i thought it was good. very rich. But, I am not a clam chowder person but it was worth a try! I enjoyed it, the waiter was nice. I think my favorite part of the meal was the cornbread. I LOVED IT. semi sweet and soft. the entrees were alil pricey tho.
(3)
Ruben Z.
Lobstet ravioli and chawda was excellent
(5)
Anna G.
There was a long wait to get into this place but we had read that the chowder was worth the wait. It was pretty tasty but it was full of grit! Crunching on grit is probably one of my least favorite things to do in life. The cornbread was sweeter than I normally like, but pretty tasty. I wouldn't recommend this place because it's nothing fantastic.
(2)
Bessie B.
Unique ambiance in that the structure is very old and the layout is sort of all over the place. Good seafood & friendly staff. Conveniently located for you tourists who are visiting the city. Take a break from the freedom trail and have a pint! Though the location has not remained the same you can say you visited the oldest American restaurant.
(4)
Aaron C.
There's a reason why this is the nation's oldest restaurant and still standing. If you are going to eat just make a reservation for the heck of it. Cuts your waiting time in half or less. First off, the oysters are very very tasty. I've learned that bigger isn't always better; the smaller oysters are much more savory than the "bigger" ones. The seafood here is according to taste because everyone's not accustomed to the way they cook it here. Most of its either boiled or broiled more the less, but it depends on what you order too. I've been here on several occasions and sometimes its excellent and sometimes its average. The pasta is actually very filling as compared to the lobster or fish just by itself. Lobster ravioli is very good indeed. Please do not go here to order fish and chips, or crab cakes, that's just finger foods you could find anywhere else.
(4)
Alison M.
Another historic stop on the Freedom Trail that offers more than just reading. Apparently, Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S., and has had all sorts of famous patrons throughout the years (including JFK), which is kind of cool. We stopped by to enjoy a few beers and some oysters, but we didn't make it upstairs to the dining room to see JFK's famed booth. The oysters were good (but pricey), and the beer menu was pretty limited. I probably wouldn't go back, but I'm glad to say I've been here.
(3)
J.F. D.
Given the history (oldest restaurant in the U.S....connections to many famous Bostonians) it's worth stopping in just to say you've done it. The building and the atmosphere are very cool. The food is nothing special. About the same as you'd find in any Massachusetts seaside tavern. A good place for lunch...the dinner prices looked really unreasonable given the so-so food. I'm not a raw bar kind of guy, so I can't speak to that part of the menu. The clam chowder is probably made on site, but it tasted like it was from a can. I had crab cakes (average) and my daughter had broiled scallops (somewhat above average). Our waitress was very prompt and friendly. So, aside from the history, it was nothing remarkable, but still a good place to visit.
(3)
A M.
Well I'm in Boston, so I guess I have to go to the Union Oyster house. The oldest restaurant in the United States currently operating. The place is definitely a classic. I love the oyster bar and the general feel of this place. It is cool to think that folks were eating oysters in this same spot a couple hundred years ago. We sat at the bar and I have to say the service was fantastic. The bartender that served us was very friendly and competent. The food itself was just okay. The clam chowder was the best I've ever had. The bartender told me they make a new batch hourly and never keep any overnight. The oysters however were not that good. They were small and kind of dry which was weird. They were also served with prepacked cocktail and horseradish in these plastic cups. They were probably the worst oysters I've ever had in boston in all my visits. Matt ordered mussels which were okay, but nothing special. They were served with really good buttery, cheesy, garlic bread. Also tried the clams casino which were a little better than average with some nice breading and bacon. The best thing about this place is the service and meeting the other tourists at the bar. Sat next to a fun french couple who ordered nachos and said it was their favorite "american" food. This is a place you should go at least once... well, maybe only once.
(3)
Alyssa N.
I didn't eat here, but rather was silly enough to venture down to the area on St. Patrick's day. Anyway, the bartenders were quick, professional, and made yummy drinks (I'm not a big beer fan). I give them points for not trying to pack the place just b/c it was a Green Friday. I was able to move in the bar area, more than I could've expected.
(2)
Brenden L.
This place can be a little pricey but the seafood is very good. The oysters are among the best in the city and the historical aspect of the place pushes into the realm of one of downtown's best places to get a meal.
(4)
Bob R.
Ate here once before with wife/grown-up kids and thought the food was OK but overpriced. This time, stopped by with a friend who had never been to Boston (we were dropping someone off from Maine) and figured I'd do a "once over" of the town with a quick bite to eat. Sat at the original bar and ate, what else, oysters. Two different kinds - was a little turned off when one of the guys behind the bar announced to the other that they should "use up" one of the varieties (it was implied that they would get thrown out tomorrow). The oysters were great so we ordered more, requesting just one variety which we liked more. We each had a bowl of chowder which was also fantastic. Add a couple of beers (Sam Adams - when in Rome...) and chat with some tourists from out of town and you have a great little meal. Oysters, chowder and beer is the way to do this place - then walk to Mike's in the North End for desert and life is good.
(4)
Julius L.
I don't know about other ppl, but the oyster were great when I came. I sat at the oyster bar had a few drinkings, some oysters, clam chowder and then a few more. The friendly bartender cracked and prepared them right there. Delicious little suckers. The clam chowder was so good. The walls were also decorated with pictures of ppl who had been there before. (It was the place where the Union soliders got their pay check... I thought it was pretty cool, then again I had been drinking for a while)
(4)
Ellen S.
Went here on valentine's Day after seeing Dirty Dancing - I had never eaten here before and was unaware of how big the place is. I had a yummy crabcake sandwich. I'm definitely interested in going back to try some other menu items - we sat in the lounge, it was perfect as we just wanted something casual at the time.
(4)
Ada C.
This is right along the Freedom Trail, so we decided to stop in since it is the oldest restaurant in America. The outside is very unassuming, so it's easy to pass by and miss it. The oysters and the fish soup were pretty good, but that was basically it. Everything else was ehh. We did receive excellent service though; our server was really nice and attentive. Since we came during lunch, it was busy. Would definitely not return as there are much better options elsewhere.
(2)
Joseph P. S.
I must admit that there is not much left to say about this restaurant. After registering at the hotel, it was our next stop. Had to eat at a place in existence this long. The chowder was tasty, but not the best and the oyster stew was watery with a just put together flavor. The scrod with mashed and slaw was tasty, but tiny for the price and the salad with grilled shrimp just ok. I liked the people, but just found the experience less that it should have been.
(3)
Sherie J.
Fried Clams...I flew 3000 Miles for FRIED CLAMS! Go...you're gonna love it.
(4)
Christina S.
Another overrated seafood place in Boston. Average food at best. The clam chowder was definitely lacking and unfortunately got raves on Foodnetwork -- which was the only reason I actually braved the parking situation, my temperamental GPS, and the weather in order to try this "fabulous" place. However, I really love the history behind Union Oyster House, as this is a historical landmark open since 1826. The interior was interesting and provoked thoughts of historical figures eating here well over a century ago. I would probably bring out of town guests at least once just because of the history of this place, which was my favorite part of the whole experience. Go for the history.
(3)
Matt S.
A required stop on any trip when I'm living in Boston and someone visits me (or, now, when I return to Boston). YES! it's tourist trappy. That doesn't mean substandard. Since I first moved to Boston in 1999 (I never visited it during previous visits), my standard has been the chowda (cup or bowl), a pint of Harpoon Munich Dark, and the cornbread (with Cabot Butter and freshly grated horseradish). It's the only meal I feel I can count on (aside from the bulgogi at Kayuga or Buk Kyung, the mustard greens and dofu skin with pork at Taiwan Cafe, or the omelets at Mass Ave Diner in Central Square Cambridge) that I have not made myself. Always consistent, always good. I've had the scrod, too, which along with bringing to mind the "Boston Latin Joke," is excellent. The raw bar is killer, too (great littlenecks). I think people either are put off by the kitsch (or the crowds) or they just hear about the touristy rep or they recover from the bill (it can be steep). But don't believe any review below four stars. I've been to better seafood joints overall (and you really need to get OUT of Boston), but this place is solid.
(5)
Tulie L.
Ok Since I came here back in May, I thought I should Yelp about it.. it's fun, especially for a tourist. The place has a scary eri feeling, like it's haunted. It might be do to the fact that the place has been there for centuries. The oysters were yummy, and the food was a fair deal, considering it's considered a site of attraction for tourist, and it's located very near other great site places..
(4)
Roland A.
They label themselves the oldest restaurant in the US. Can't verify that as there's one of those in pretty much every American city I've been to. Can verify that the clam chowder is thick and delicious, the catch of the day mild and at the same time tasty and the micro brewery beer yummy. Hefeweizen for the win!
(4)
Steve N.
ONLY for oysters/clams and then ONLY at the oyster bar. they put a live lobster in the front window and when touruists peer in at it the shuckers throw snowballs at the window, man, you should see those suckers jump. freekin' hilarious.
(2)
Zack M.
While I enjoyed stopping by, the food is nothing special... The lobster was pretty bad and lacked meat, though the steamers were fairly good. A fun place because of the ambiance and decor, but there has got to be a better place to get fresh seafood, even for tourists such as me.
(3)
Matthew P.
What I was told was the oldest restaurant in the United States and one of the great seafood spots in the Boston area was nothing more than an extreme disappointment and a waste of money. After passing several fun looking places where one could sit outside and enjoy the weather, we found ourselves sitting in a VERY dated building with an atmosphere that could be topped by any number of Red Lobster establishments (yes, it was that bad). And to top it off, we had what could have been one of the most depressing and LAME waitresses of all time. Not only did she forget to tell us about a crab leg special that sounded quite appealing once I heard it being pitched to another table, yet she didn't even smile once. And to top it all off, I woke up at six the next morning with a really bad case of FOOD POISONING! If it were up to me they would call this place the Union Shit House. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
(1)
Steven K.
Let me offer a contrary minority opinion. We five lunched there today and all were mightily disappointed. The food ranged from bad to lackluster. For example, the cherrystones were served warm and not on a bed of ice. They'd obviously been opened way before being ordered. The crabcakes were covered in some kind of goo which we scraped off. The seafood pie was gelatinous and the shrimps inside tasted unfresh. The clam chowder was having a bad day. So what was good? Unfortunately nothing, including the service, which, while cheerful, was inefficient. Sorry to be a grouch about this historic landmark, but someone in the kitchen has given up.
(1)
Paul W.
We flew into Boston, checked in to the hotel, and then headed to the Union Oyster Bar. We sat at the bar just inside, and had oysters. They were so good! We met up with Eric and Gabriella , some locals, who were there for some oysters and then off to the hockey game in town. A couple of other people met us as we were saying we just arrived an hour or so ago in town from California. Friendly bar, good drinks, and excellent oysters. I also ordered a bowl of clam chowder that we shared. It was hot and good! We rated this place as an excellent experience.
(5)
Shawn P.
This claims to be the oldest restaurant in the USA and after walking in, I believe it. In fact, I think a couple of the staff members may have been then when it opened in 1826. I went for lunch and was seated at the bar which contoured toward me, leading to the fear that something would end up on my lap at some point. Pictures of famous (and not so famous) people riddled the walls. There is even a booth that JFK sat at (although I'm not sure I would want to sit there....). I had a good local pint exclusive to the Union Oyster house. I kept it simple:Oysters and clam chowder. There were three varieties available including the standard Wellfleet and Blue Point. They were shucked and presented in typical fashion. There was a little grit but it wasn't a disaster. Despite the negative reviews, I found the chowder was delicious. It was rich, filling and stuffed with clams. This is a historical landmark and yes, a tourist trap, and although not the most spectacular of restaurants, it fits the bill with just the right amount of cheesiness and history matched with a pretty decent brew and a good bowl of chowder.
(4)
Ames N.
Long wait for dinner, no call service , you just have to stand around and wait. We ended up eating at the oyster bar. While expensive it was delicious. The older gentleman was not friendly or engaging in conversation, however the younger gentleman was able to hold a conversation and gave us many facts about oysters and lobsters. I believe if you are not friendly or know how to converse, you should be placed in the back to wash dishes and not with tourists. We had oysters, half were blue point and the other half from the bay. Delicious and shucked right in front of you. 16.50 for half dozen. Chowder was good, creamy with some large clams. Finally mussels were small but good. Two beers came to be around 80 with tip. Long wait, large bill but worth it. It would be better if you got friendlier staff.
(3)
Kent H.
What can I say about their Lobster dish and a bag of clams to go with it. The stuffing on top of the lobster was the perfect combination for this baked lobster dish. Juicy and tender lobster meat just waiting to get pulled out of it's shell. The oysters were okay, nothing special.
(4)
Svetlana S.
Worst place ever I won't go there again to have oysters ever again. 1. Over priced. 2. Bad service. 3. Oysters come out dirty. They piled oysters on top of each other and shells dirtied the oysters itself. Server said "Well you should never wash oysters!" I asked her if she washed they before shackling them and why she put them on top of each other and not next to each other. She just looked at me as if I was stupid and walked way.
(1)
Jocelyn C.
Alright guys, let's get real. This place is a tourist trap. Pitch: oldest tavern in America. Pros: get a bowl of late night chowda Cons: said chowda is hella expensive and NOT THAT GOOD. Pros: comes with sweet cornbread with a nice crust Cons: the crust is the only good part Pros: bouncer at door cool as shit Cons: waitress just wants to go home Stumble on down to Hanover if you need a late night snack. You'll ask yourself why you, Yelper and food lover extreme, burned one of your precious Boston meals here.
(3)
Casey R.
Atmosphere is obviously second to none. The clam chowder is very good. Lobster was average but that could just be that I'm not crazy about lobster.
(3)
Richard P.
I had a great time here. The atmosphere is great. Colonial stylings inside and out, and rather rustic feeling. Clam chowder is 'okay'... but what is spectacular is the oyster bar. I once brought my brother here and we had the fish and chips. It was pretty decent, albeit, the price was a little heart wrenching.
(3)
Larry W.
I genuinely did not enjoy my experience here, which was surprising given that the place has been around for two hundred years and should by all rights have something good going on with it... The waitress showed very little attention to our table of two, including botching our side orders and then bringing the wrong replacement dish. Particularly compared to Legal (the other mega-famous seafood restaurant in Boston, where I've never had a bad meal - except at the Logan location), Union's quality is poor and the portions small. The chowder had an excellent aroma and taste, though this was mostly from the broth as clams made up a relatively small fraction of the mixture. We did enjoy a pleasant few minutes at the bar before eating, so I won't knock them down to one star. But the bottom line remains: don't eat here, go to Legal or some other seafood restaurant.
(2)
Ann C.
one of the oldest restaurants in the country (try to be seated upstairs- cozy and quaint). oysters were fresh, salmon over rice pilaf was ok. besides the historical atmosphere- the place is average.
(2)
K S.
This place is exactly what you should expect. Service is very grood. Ambience is the real reason to go, right? I mean like, it's in a tourist area. Still, the food is pretty good. I would give the food 3 stars and the location and building a 5.
(4)
Juggy W.
1 word - overrated. I actually prefer McCormicks over this place. The oyster stew didnt have much flavor - its just oysters boiled in milk and heavy cream. The appetizer sampler was okay... again... most of them lacking strong flavors. the stuffed fish was good but on the dry side... but anyway... if ur visiting this "america's oldest restaurant".... make sure you visit its restroom on the top floor... it looks like america's oldest restroom... yuck.
(3)
Andrew F.
Booo! I can't count the number of things that were lame about this place but I do know that the biggest crime here is the pricing; the food is totally sub-par, at best, but you'll pay hotel restaurant prices for this junk. The lobster was its one almost-redeeming factor, but I was a lobster virgin so don't take my word for it. Do not expect to taste anything imaginative or even pseudo-savory here; they even managed to screw up the lemonade (and I went in there starving so the bar was set pretty low). If you're from the Northwest, take comfort in knowing that NW seafood trounces what they offer over here, especially the oysters. NW oyster conisseurs steer clear. The waitress sensed our discontent ad hooked us up with some free Boston creme pie - which was lame too!@#$% Keep walking to the north end for something fondly memorable.
(2)
Michael P.
I was staying in a hotel around the corner and the gentleman at the front desk recommend that I go to the Union Oyster House for a lobster dinner. He mentioned that locals and tourists frequent the place. Anyway, we sit down at a booth and order our food. I'm checking out the decor which wasn't very impressive, but the place is old as hell. Anyway, what do I see... a very large mouse munching on some food at the table across from me. Without startling my wife who would have undoubtedly screamed, I told her to grab her purse and that we needed to leave ASAP. No questions asked! So if you feel like chilling with the rodents, check out the Union Oyster House. In all fairness, this poor review and rating is not based on the food, as I never had the opportunity to eat, but rather the unsanitary conditions in the establishment.
(1)
Jen R.
Definitely a tourist stopping point but the food is decent reliable seafood. The oysters are expensive but well worth it.
(5)
Bryan B.
Okay so I went here a couple weeks ago with my family and I was excited to eat at "the oldest restaurant in America" and have some of what I had heard was the best chowder in Boston. I was disappointed. The food was expensive and mediocre at best. The chowder was not all it's cracked up to be. My dad and I shared the appetizer sampler and honestly the best thing on there was the clams casino. Honestly the grilled oyster thing they're so famous for was really not anything i would even consider getting again. For my entree I had the American bouillabaisse. There was a whole half a lobster in it which was delicious but everything else in it was just okay and some even bad. The mussels and clams were decent but the fish that was in it (cod I think) was awful and when my dad tried a steamer he ended up having sand stuck in his mouth for the rest of the meal. The broth everything was in was actually good until I started actually eating a lot of it and then the overall fishiness of it hit me and it was no longer that good. For the amount of money we paid this place was really nothing special. The only saving grace was that my raw oysters were fresh and delicious however fresh oysters are good pretty much all the time.
(3)
Tetsu N.
When in Boston, I never pass the chance to go to Union Oyster House. I love recommending this restaurant when taking customers to dinner after a long day of conferences. American history isn't very long, but early American history has a magic all its own, and the history of early America washes over you when entering the restaurant. It has seating on three stories and with narrow staircases and heavy wooden support pillars, you are transported to another world. There is a small "doll house" showing the Union Oyster house in years past, and the main bar is apparently the same bar that was installed when the restaurant opened. The oysters are all great, and much larger than what I find in the local supermarket in California, so it's always a pleasure to drop by here for a little escape from the reality of work.
(4)
Collin N.
Literally my favorite restaurant in the world. Great raw bar.
(5)
Sara D.
I know, I know. This place is a tourist trap, but hey, I'm a tourist, so it was exactly what I was looking for. We had a party of 10 which the restaurant accommodated well. I started off with a half dozen of the Native Oysters which were great and ordered the medium lobster entree to follow. The lobster was good (but not the best I've had - that honor goes to Emerils in Las Vegas), but there was a lot of lobster meat. The service was fantastic and everyone had a good time. Love this place! Total New England charm. Hope it stays in business for another 100 years!
(4)
Ken A.
While on a cheapo Wah Fung bus daytrip from NYC, was looking to avoid the all too easy to fall into canned experiences and mercantile culinary bloviations of the ubiquitous Cheesecake Factory and Cold Stone Creamery (heading to a strip mall near your double wide!) came across this place-(how do I find 'em?)great waitstaff- couldn't have been more accomodating,n seafood ta die 4!Supebly fresh, n seasoned with practiced subtlety- pan seared haddock was the best I'd had since Haddock Braemar @ the Candleriggs on the Lighthouse Trail in Nova Scotia! Chowdah was well.... sublime. Bass Ale was served @ proper cellar temp, not icy at all, and a hitherto unsampled (by meself) dessert of "Indian Pudding" was a revelation of what can be accomplished with the humblest of ingredients.To quote someone more popular n au courant than myself, "Yummo!"
(5)
John T.
Had the oyster chowder, it was awful all butter and milk no flavor although you can tell the oysters are really fresh. The lobster and steamers were really fresh and sweet. The menu is simple. No fancy new style cooking They kept the tradition going on alive with simple fresh seafood. And it is really cool to eat in the oldest restaurant in America.
(3)
Crystal J.
I don't understand why this place is so "famous". It's disgusting! We went on a weeknight, and paid a gazillion dollars for rotten tasting food. I don't mean gross...I mean my lobster newberg was like...friggin rotten. The old waitress wasn't even making eye contact when she took our order. Then she dropped a plate and spilled butter and crackers everywhere, along with my flat soda. Then one of the waiters kept trying to come over and socialize with us and tell us his life story for no reason. VERY unprofessional. I don't get it. All this hype just because it's an old building and been around forever. Let it die, Boston. Let it die... before someone else does from food poisoning. YUCK!
(1)
Rebecca Y.
Take your parents when the come to town after you've finished your Duck Tour. The raw bar is good - the other food - well, you're not coming here for the food. Show your parents the Kennedy's table and enjoy a true landmark restuarant.
(3)
So S.
YES!! Touch me everyone 'cause I sat in the KENNEDY booth----sure I could only afford the appetizers but it is well worth the experience! Love the stuffed clams---so many appetizer options. If I could afford to go back, I would. The seafood is excellent but really digs into your wallet. The oyster bar downstairs is a hot spot ---serve very fresh raw clams (not really my thing) and some good conversations. Oldest restaurant in Boston so attracts ALOT of tourists!! Very big establishment and gets very loud.
(4)
Erin G.
last night a friend and i tried out the Restaurant Week menu at the Oyster House. Reserving a table was easy, the staff was friendly, and a friend of a friend, Sean works behind the bar shucking oysters, so i kept busy while i waited for my friend to arrive. We sat upstairs in the tiny dark dining room. this isn't a complaint, i think the atmosphere is charming and appropriate for the oldest restaurant in America. I started with Union Grilled Oysters which we decent, but i far prefer raw oysters anyway so i glossed over this version. For dinner, the Seafood medley which was supposed to come served on pasta with a white wine and herb sauce. the chef must have forgotten the 'wine and herb' because it was served in a plain buttery cream sauce. that was both strange and disappointing. the silver lining here was the heaping mound of seafood, mussels, scallops, shrimp and half of a lobster tail. i guess that made up for the cream sauce because i tore into it like a wild animal, leaving the pasta to its own devices. i made a vain attempt at the dessert, because, well it was included, but i couldn't get more than a few bites of warm apple cobbler (fresh apples not canned - woo hoo!) before waving my napkin in surrender. i gave the Oyster House three stars for atmosphere and because the food was average, not exceptional. but i recommend it because of it's singular charm and the half moon bar in the entry where you can plop down, tease Sean and slurp oysters. mmm...
(3)
P G.
Some of the best clam chowder you will ever find, combined with oysters that just slide down your throat....oh and a beer, now that's heaven. We lucked out and got to sit at the bar. Turns out this place seats over 200 people. You'd never know it as it twists and turns and has all sorts of nooks and crannies. Check it out when you're done doing the Freedom Trail.
(4)
Daniel H.
the food was good but definitely costs more than it is worth. maybe they can get away with that since it's the oldest restaurant in America.
(3)
Jessica N.
This place is VERY tasty. The food is just amazing. I got the lobster ravioli and the clam chowder and it was so great. Even the dinner rolls are tasty. However, the wait at this place is ATROCIOUS. We had a "reservation" and still had to wait 2 hours. If you want to visit here, don't go on a Fri or Sat night cause you will loose your mind. It is well worth the wait, but nerve wrecking. My grandparents paid for dinner, but I seem to remember the prices being high. But what do you expect...this is one of the oldest restaurants around.
(4)
Jimmy T.
In the mood for fried fish? Fried shrimp? Fried scallop? Fried ocean?? Then this is the place for you. Don't order too much, you'll go home with indigestion. That being said, the food is still good, but just in small portions. Sitting at one of the booths was cool, albeit uncomfortable. A lot of things can be overlooked for it being so cute and historical.
(3)
Lindsay M.
Yikes. I was honestly excited to go here, but after the meal I got and the sub-par service, I won't be coming back. I ordered the salmon Cesar salad. For $17, and being in Boston, the salmon should be pretty dang good, right? Wrong. Accompanied with store bought iceberg and romaine lettuce, the rubbery center and undercooked salmon wasn't a hit. I had to return it and waited over 10 min for another. It was not even worth it. I got a club soda with lime, as well and somehow the bill came to $20?? No "I'm sorry for the wait and the inconvenience we'll take half off" compromise. Pretty upsetting. No thanks! Go to The Fours for a sports bar and great salmon Cesar salad!!
(2)
Chhai M.
I came in on a Wednesday or Thursday with a friend in the middle of a rainy day, and the place was still filled with people, though we were able to get a seat in about 10 minutes. We ordered two clam chowdah's and a dozen oysters along with 2 or 3 pints. The chowder was decent, and the oysters were phenomenal, but what really made our day was our waitress with classic "tough love" Bostonian personality who made sure we never ran out of corn bread or beer. Very personable and didn't play favorites with locals or tourists (of which there were many, myself included). Oh, and Sam Adams makes speciality beers for the place, so keep an eye out!
(4)
Ted C.
I'm going to say that you go here partially for the food and partially for the experience. Even with a reservation we still ended up waiting about 20 minutes. However, it passed pretty quickly between browsing through the gift shop, walking around the space and taking pictures of the restaurant which is interesting, even if the food may not be number one. The food is a little pricey, well it's not just a 'little pricey' it's pricey. We got a sampler which was okay two of everything-the oysters and shrimp but the cherrystones were meh. The chowder was good and hearty, definitely worth it while the scrod was pretty good, nothing special but the potatoes were cooked well. Definitely worth a stop but be expected to pay for it.
(4)
Sarah M.
Go for the experience, not for a good meal. The food was so poor and dull I am actually having a tough time writing about it. Service and people were great, need to say that. I just think they make so much dough from tourist they stop caring about the food. When a 7 year old mentions her feet are sticking to the floor and said burger is better at a chain that speaks volumes. Anyway. I got a $32 plate of well cooked unflavorful fish and 3 small unseasoned potatoes. I also got really poorly shucked (REALLY?!?) oysters. I pulled shells out of every one. And presentation was laughable. I was just shocked, and being a local... Sad. Take pride people!!!
(2)
Kristina M.
I went here yesterday for the tourist attraction. It was simply that. The service at the bar was very poor. There was one gentleman who was friendly and tried to be attentive but was over whelmed with the amount of people who come pouring in. The other two weren't attentive or friendly at all. We sat with 4 empty glasses for 20 minutes before getting anyone's attention. The food was HORRIBLE!!! The clam chowder was room temperature and the oyster crackers were warmer than the soup. I couldn't complain because of the extremely POOR service at the bar. My lobster roll was probably one of the worst I had in Boston. It was tuff and didn't taste fresh. To top it off it was served on a piece of lettuce that was DEAD and brown. Unless you want to say you had a beverage and went to the oldest bar and restaurant save your money. This place is HORRIBLE!!
(1)
Andrew J.
I was in Boston to drop my son off at college and we went to Union Oyster House for our farewell dinner. This place is legendary....almost 200 years old on a cobblestone street, just next to Quincy market. It was primetime on a Saturday night and the place was packed. We had an 8:00 pm reservation and the table was ready right on time. The staff worked together with military precision. Everyone was super friendly and we enjoyed our meals...roasted oysters and lobster Newburg...and a slice of Boston cream pie of course. Super loud and casual... plenty of patrons in shorts. Not cheap, but worth a visit.
(4)
Natalie P.
Union Oyster House is known as being the oldest restaurant in America so, of course, we had to go check it out. We didn't consider coming here when we initially planned our trip but after hearing it was famous and a few people telling us to go we decided to make reservations and just do it. We arrived and checked in. The place is really quite charming. You can tell it's an old building the way it is built and laid out. There were tons of people also waiting and a nice oyster bar in the front lobby area. We were seated in one of the upstairs dining areas and were given cornbread and butter to start off with. So this cornbread. I love cornbread. It was probably the best cornbread north of the Mason Dixon. It was moist which is a tough feat for most cornbreads and had the texture of homemade pound cake. It was a little sweet but I loved it. Plus 1 star. Everything went downhill from there. We ordered a dozen oysters to start. Now, this being an oyster house I expected a little more than what we received. A dinner plate with sloppily shucked oysters is what we got. They were good but I expect any fresh oysters to taste good. I was more disappointed with the technical side of things. Shucking was messy. There wasn't even any separation from the abductor so we had to work at it a little. Am I being a snob? I don't know. I just expected more from a place called an oyster house? I ordered the American bouillabaisse for my entree. Lobster, mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, fish, carrots and potatoes in a saffron broth. It was okay. That's all I can really say. It was nothing to write home about. I could probably make it myself. I think my main issue here again is the disappointment. It is sad when the boiled potatoes are the best part of the dish. Hubs ordered a sampler that came with oysters Rockefeller, clams casino, some shrimp, and some other cooked oysters done a certain way that I can't remember the name for. His dish was borderline inedible. The shrimp was about 10 minutes overdone and everything else was bland, greasy, and just not good. Our total came to about $150 which included two glasses of wine. One hundred and fifty dollars. A seafood restaurant that costs this much for two people should definitely be of higher quality. I would not recommend this place at all for dining. It's not worth the money. At best, stop in and look at the gift shop if you absolutely have to see the place but don't eat here unless you want to be robbed and left feeling disappointed and grossly underwhelmed.
(2)
Beth M.
Came here a few times, I enjoy the complementary corn bread its freshly made and rich with ingredients, the decor is filled with history very small seating areas, The oysters and clam chowder are decent, Service was okay just very hectic.
(3)
Hannah S.
Wow! This place is a must. I ordered the 1/2 raw oysters & clam chowder & both were phenomenal! Seriously. I'm from Houston and we have decent oysters but these are so buttery and smooth and just super eatable. The food isn't the only good thing about this place, service is quick, friendly and to the point. And can I just say that if you're a Harry Potter fan you will enjoy the 3 story old historic awesomeness of this building. J.K Rowling HAD to have used this for inspiration! 5 stars all the way.
(5)
Robert S.
The good. The service was great and the Indian pudding was as good as I've ever had. Atmosphere and historical value made it worth the trip. Horseradish was fresh and powerful. The bad Oysters we OK, but not cold enough and poorly shucked. There was no corn in the corn bread and the clam chowder as gritty and not as good as the bowl I had at Quincy market earlier today.
(3)
Erin L.
Went there because a friend recommended it to me. It is understandable that we had to wait a while for our lobster and seafood platter since the restaurant was fully occupied. Service is not bad, and the food was great!
I'll amend my prior review a bit. So I took some out-of-town relatives here since they enjoy seafood and wanted some history. Fortunately for them, we were given the Kennedy Booth, to my relatives' pleasure. The food was better than I expected, but my bar was low. The fried clams were surprisingly good, as it was lightly battered and well-fried. The restaurant didn't have steamers (this was about 1 pm!), but the mussels in wine sauce was plentiful and wasn't overcooked. The clam chowder was much better than I thought, as it was more clam flavor than cream flavor. Granted, it wasn't thin, but cream didn't overwhelm the chowder. Service this last time was much better than before. However, you'll still pay a pretty penny for history.
(3)
Elizabeth W.
I went here twice on my visit to Boston. The first time I was pretty drunk, and consequently everything seemed pretty great. The second time I went back in the daylight and sober, and it was really not that awesome. It's neat since it's old, but there has to be better seafood for your money in that part of town. I would suggest you look for it rather than checking out the union oyster house.
(3)
Caroline H.
We stopped here after a long day of sight seeing, and we loved it! This is America's oldest restaurant! There is so much character throughout the place! We sat at the bar, as it was kind of later in the evening. Our bartender was really nice and asked us several questions. I started with a Sam Adams beer only made for the Union Oyster House! It was very good. We shared clam chowder and it was amazing, it was actually our favorite on our trip to Boston. It was full of clams and super creamy! For our main course we split a variety of oysters. I had told the bartender I liked really spicy, so he made mine spicy and a separate one for my husband. Good service, great soup, yummy beer and fresh oysters.
(5)
Joey N.
It's a 250 year old hyped up tourist trap...overpriced seafood and clam chowder claiming to be fresh. No thank you and never again for this spot. It's a nice restaurant with a great staff and exceptional service...unfortunately the food falls short. This is a great spot to bring kids but not to venture twice.
(3)
Leesa H.
Overrated One of those places to go just to say you went. Lobster was over cooked. Overpriced. Experienced subtle racism as well. I will not return.
(1)
Margaret Z.
Just OK but mostly a big ol' tourist trap. I was brought here by a friend who lives in Boston because, of course I had to visit "America's Oldest Restaurant". I will say that I enjoyed this place more for the historical value than the food. When you first walk in, you must locate the hostess. That hostess then sends you to another hostess, who invariably tells you to go upstairs and talk to yet another hostess. Union Oyster is located just a couple blocks from Quincy Market. You can certainly tell the age of the restaurant once indoors and I watched nervously as older tourists bearing walking canes struggled to make it up the sets of rickety wood stairs... The menu offerings, in my opinion, are extremely overpriced. The dinner entrees are all close to $30 each and lunch runs closer to the $20 range per plate. My friend and I split a dozen oysters and the crab cakes. The oysters were pretty good - definitely fresh, juicy, and generously sized... but extremely grainy. The crab cakes were very mediocre. Yes, I'm from Maryland so I hold crab cakes to a higher standard... but these were just bland and dry. Our waitress was nice but ended up spilling oyster "juice" on my friend and seemed unsympathetic at best. There are better places to spend your money on in Boston - leave the history to the Freedom Trail.
(2)
Riley B.
I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Union Oyster House. It is obviously a historic and touristy stop (as well as rather overpriced) but the meal itself was great. My dad and I started with the house red ale, which was good but not mind blowing. Next was the corn bread, which was easily the best I've ever had. It was tempting to eat every last bite, but had to save room for more food. My dad had clam chowder and oysters, the typical meal. I had the fish and chips, which were a pleasant surprise as well. Very tasty all around, and the bartenders were entertaining as well. The food wasn't amazing outside of the corn bread but I would definitely go back.
(4)
Steve M.
Chowdah outstanding. Oysters very fresh and tasty. Lobster roll and fish and chips to die for. Out waitress extremely personable and quick. A must stop in Boston.
(4)
Tim S.
Fine - this is an historic restaurant. So maybe you want to go and have some clam chowder or oysters or something. But I really would not recommend it. It's fairly expensive for what amounts to standard pub food. And the atmosphere isn't so different from the tons of other old Boston taverns. At most, I'd recommend this for people who really want to eat at this specific restaurant in order to say that they have. Other than that, I'd avoid it.
(3)
Monica G.
I know that this is the oldest restaurant every....but the food is only average. The service we experience was good. Oh, the corn bread served before your meal is excellent.
(3)
Judith C.
The Union Oyster House is located on the Freedom Trail on Union St. and is near the New England Holocaust Memorial. It boasts about being the oldest continually running restaurant in America and is adjacent to many other establishments highlighting how old they are. In short, this place is a tourist trap. My party and I came here on a whim when the wait times for all the places we initially wanted to go to were ridiculous (lookin' at you, Neptune). We had about a 40 min wait. The place is huge, with a second floor that has multiple rooms. It was loud and boisterous, as we were standing right next to the bar. I ordered the single medium lobster ($40) while others ordered entrees. My boyfriend's entree ended up being a huge plate of fried foods and that cost like $30 -_- My friend was also not satisfied with his order. For me, the lobster was pretty good. It was my first time eating a lobster all by myself! I felt very accomplished. Anyway, overall, the food was WAY overpriced for the quality.
(2)
Georgia B.
Okay, I know that it is a touristy place to visit, but I have to go the Union Oyster House every time I visit Boston. I love it! I think I mostly love the atmosphere, the weatheredness (is that a word?), and their bartenders (they make bad-ass, strong drinks). My friend and I had just arrived in Boston at 5pm on a Thursday, dropped off our luggage at our hotel, then headed to the UOH. The bartender set us up very well with a few rounds of VERY strong cocktails. We also had a couple appetizers to try and absorb the alcohol (not really sure if the plan worked?!). When we did sit down for dinner, our lovely waitress helped us continue with those mighty strong cocktails and dinner. Honestly, I've never been disappointed with the food here, but this time I cannot honestly tell you about the food because the company and drink were so fabulous that I didn't pay much attention to our meal. All in all, thumbs up....and have a tequila and grapefruit for me at the bar!
(5)
Jessica C.
Give that this place was opened in the 1800's and is one of the oldest restaurants in the area, it was great. I haven't tried Neptunes in North End... so I don't have THAT much to compare it to, but what I CAN say is that there was a real homey feel to the place. I didn't go upstairs or anything, but the restaurant is like a 3 story house, very old, and has a lot of character especially with the staff and how attentive they were....the ppl kept piling in and it was only 5PM. The oyster bar had only like 12 seats, very intimate and 2 shuckers. We actually didn't have to wait that long. It was a little intimidating since the shuckers would yell out "who's waiting for oyster bar?!?" in their thick Boston accents and you'd reallly have to speak up or else someone else would steal your spot. So we waited for 10-15 min... I wandered to the gift shop and was entertained by the tanks of live lobster as well :) So we were seated on the end of the bar, very nice, right next to the littl beer elevator they send up and down, I was very amused, I want one in my own home.. We had the local and the blue point oysters, very fresh, but one drawback was that there was no wash to go with it.. only the usual horseradish, tabasco, red sauce and lemon. yummy nevertheless. It was a fun environment to be in, the ppl sitting next to us chatted it up and it was like 20 questions, they kept joking about how oysters make you wanna kiss right there, uh yeah.. the Red Sox game was on.. and even tho they lost that night...oysters and beer, I was a happy camper :)
(4)
Mark L.
Was in town for a business trip and decided to try the Union Oyster House. The staff was polite and cheerful, getting seated took much less than the estimated 20 minute wait, and the food was good and plentiful. The only down side was being an out-of-towner looking for parking during rush hour. We found plenty nearby, but driving around an unfamiliar area looking for a spot in busy traffic is often frustrating.
(4)
Ray D.
Haddock and scrod enjoyed by all with parsley and potatoes and French fries respectfully. Definitely $$$; and worth it! BUT -watch out for the wooden chairs in the dining room - definitely designed for the petite posterior.
(4)
Enor Z.
This place is interesting to visit just once. Not worth going back again. The food is pricy and not exactly delicious. I had to wait one and a half hours for a table for three, and thirty minutes for our food, and we finished the food in ten minutes. If you have to go, make a reservation.
(3)
victoria r.
SOOO GOOD! I was not even that hungry when I sat down, yet the plates being served around me made me want to test everything. The cornbread they serve in place of bread hit the spot. The clams casino were also great. The oyster chowder was delicious. We also ordered the trio of cakes (fish cake, oyster cake, and i believe lobster cake). Affordable, cozy, delicious. The downstairs section is slightly cuter but they have a more limited menu. Also, make a note that the bathrooms are extremely narrow and small! Our waitress was such a delight. NO complaints here! Not to mention it looked like the type of place you would see in a movie... Can't pass this place up!
(4)
Megan S.
I suppose at some point you have to eat at the oldest restaurant in Boston. It might as well be when your parents are in town so they can foot the bill. This place is PRICEY. The clam chowder is indeed excellent. The rest of the food was ok. The ambiance was a step above TGIF. You're really paying for history, so take the time to read all the articles on the walls: it will make you feel better about dropping $30 on some fish. Hot tip: This was the first restaurant to carry Sam Adam's beer, so now they get their own beer, Colonial Brew, that can only be found here.
(3)
Jaime K.
Overrated and tourist trap. Poor service and dirty. For the money I spent on a poor meal and overall experience there I could have gone to Atlantic Fish Company for some real top-quality seafood. The oysters were definitely nothing special at all either. It is amusing though to listen to all of the tourists try their best "pahk the cah" impersonations. And i'm pretty sure the bartenders, guys shucking oysters, etc are told to purposely to give their strongest bahston accent even if they have one or not. There is no point for me to eat at this place.
(1)
Rain W.
This was my first visit to Boston and so we stopped here to eat lunch. It was very busy so the wait staff were a little sporadic. We opted to eat lunch in the restaurant area. The food was great and they were accommodating of my gluten issues. I would stop by here again.
(4)
Bob B.
Absolutely disappointed as a tourist visiting this place. The 2 girls up front are complete idiots that do not care about customers. Typical rude and dumb16 year olds... They do not know what they are doing and are dismissive of customers. The African American girl was a brat. I was told 3 different things as I drove in and during the time I was waiting. I wasted my entire night here thinking a table was waiting for me. END RESULT: We didn't even eat here... After all of that... Not worth it. Do not go here. It's a tourist trap. The management is lucky that the restaurant is a historical place. No reason to go here. Go to other famous Boston establishments.
(1)
Anonymous P.
Whatever. I would be angry if I got served this garbage at a fast food establishment.
(1)
Enay V.
not good for a vegan but everyone I was with loved their food - prices were out of this world but what can you expect at a famous restaurant. I give it so few stars because of the parking & prices - but if you're looking for quality food - it deserves a full 5
(3)
C L.
Go for the history, not the food.
(1)
Chuck k.
Great space, adequate service. My buddy loves their scallops, I have had the lobster ravioli (which was great) and the steak, which was just OK. There is often a long wait on weekends, so put your name in and head to the nearest pub for a drink or two.
(3)
Adam G.
I appreciate the Union Oyster House for both it's food and history. This place seems to get a lukewarm Yelp reception but I have had several great experiences here, both at the bar and sitting at a table The staff have always been professional and friendly since I was there. I will admit the Clam Chowder is not my absolute favorite kind but it is excellent and it is true to what a New England Clam Chowder is really supposed to be. The fact that JFK hung out here before he was President doesn't hurt either. A nice spot on the Freedom Trail and a refreshing difference from the douche-packed bars on Union St.
(4)
Jerrica J.
Went to Boston last week to visit my best friend. Found this place on Yelp of course! Didn't get the best of reviews, but it was close to Quincy Market so we wanted to try a seafood restaurant that wasn't a "chain" I'm glad we didn't fall for the tourist trick where they take you upstairs and give you this three page overpriced menu. We opted to sit downstairs at the oyster bar and order from the limited bar menu. Clam Chowder was good. Creamy, fresh and tons of clams inside. I'm just glad it didnt taste like Campells soup ;) I also ordered the fish (cod) sandwich. The waitress forgot to bring some tartar sauce with it, but once you had it, it was definitely a good sandwich! A great tourist place, but I wouldn't be a regular there if I lived in Boston :)
(4)
Alice W.
Fresh oysters and delicious hot clam chowder, what more do I need to say? If youre ever visiting Boston, you definitely have to come visit this place. If not for the food, come for the history it holds. You can tell this place is legit and hasnt changed it's ways since when it probably first opened. As soon as you walk in you notice the wooden interior, smell of seafood, and the old school oyster bar. If you can, I would recommend sitting here. You can watch the friendliest guys behind the bar shuck fresh oysters and place them straight in front of you. Pair a dozen of these fresh oysters oysters with hot fresh clam chowder and youre set. The clam chowder comes out steaming hot and has that semi-thick delicious creamy texture that was perfect on that cold day, but really, you know it would be perfect for any day. I only popped in here for a snack, but can't wait to come back next time for a full on meal like lunch or dinner to try some of their other seafood items. Next time I'm back in Boston, I'm definitely back coming here again.
(5)
Mrs. G.
Boo this place. Go to legal seafoods down the street instead. I was so disapointed by this place. The cornbread is dry, the waitstaff was lazy and unprofessional. Food not what I expected. Broiled scallops were way too fishy and the clam strips breading was subpar. The only thing this place has going for it is it's unique history.
(1)
Kara G.
Two words - Tourist Trap. But since my "other dad" Georgie told me and Scuba Steve that we had to stop by for a pint, we made the requisite visit. Picture this: we walk in, order Sam Adams summer brew (draft pints, of course), consume oysters, chowdah, and split a lobstah roll (in that order) when all of a sudden, who walks in a plops down next to Scuba Steve??? Ben Franklin. Yup. It was wicked cool. P.S. You could buy a new house instead of having the lobstah roll. My suggestion? skip the roll.
(2)
Dennis M.
The Union Oyster house was one of the most interesting restaurants I went to on my trip to Boston. That it's filled with history goes without saying. The raw oysters were great, very meaty. The Clam Chowder is the best! Very reasonable priced and our waitress was funny and very attentive. Great experience! It maintains a suitably old-fashioned tavern decor, with lots of weathered wood and a casual atmosphere. Tourists and locals rub shoulders to slurp down oysters and tuck into thick chowders and substantial pieces of grilled or baked fish. Bivalve lovers gather around the old-school raw bar to sample fresh cherrystones, littlenecks and steamers. Desserts include hot Indian pudding, homemade gingerbread and warm apple cobbler.
(3)
David L.
The food was alright. This is more touristy than most places around and it shows, in food quality and in billing. The space itself was pretty nice, I sat upstairs and the seats were very rustic, not a bad thing. The raw bar itself was very good, I've got a soft spot for fresh clams/oysters. My dinner though, was just alright. I had a sampling of three different fish (grilled I think) and two of the cuts were overdone and quite a bit greasy, that was unexpected. All in all, it's a halfway decent place but with so many options just around the corner, I can't say I'll be back.
(2)
Mark K.
Great place for a history buff like myself. Tasty food. Had a Sam Adams Colonial Ale - which was pretty awesome, and only served here.
(4)
Angel S.
The food is not that good, service not charming at all. The only reason for going there, is the history (but this doesn't worth price)
(2)
May W.
We stopped by to have beer and oysters as a snack during our Freedom Trail excursions. The house oysters were $14 for a half dozen and were pretty small with some sandy-ness. The bartender during that afternoon was really friendly and nice. That's all I have to say.
(2)
Nader T.
How could you pass up the oldest restaurant in America? Well, you can't quite do that, but if you knew how bad the food was with only a limited amount of time to spare in the city, you just might consider it! Service was condescending, surly, and indifferent. They get three stars by sole virtue of the fact that they've been around a long time and I'm all for history. The food just sucked BIG TIME. And it's really disappointing when you go to Boston, thinking you're gonna get some mighty fine New England lobster and, well, you realize you'd probably have done better going to your local Red Lobster. Ach! It kills me! Some might say it's a matter of taste. This place had NONE.
(3)
Tom v.
I've been a resident of Cambridge for 22 years, and have occasionally taken out of town visitors to the Oyster House. Of cours it's overpriced. That should be a given, when you consider its location next to Boston's original tourist destination, as well as its name as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country. It isn't a place you go to all the time, nor would you go there if all you wanted was a great meal. No, it's a combination of food, atmosphere and mystique. Having said that, I have to speak up in defense of old Oyster House, in light of the bitchy, whiny reviews that were posted today. At no point in time when I was there was the food terrible or disgusting or any of the things mentioned in these reviews. In fact, I'd say the chefs here have a pretty clear handle on what constitutes a decent New England Clam Chowder. If you go there with an open mind, enjoy the atmosphere, realize that the 'House has its specialities (I mean, who would go there for a BURGER of all things??) and understand that you are paying extra for the experience, you'd find it difficult, objectively speaking, to award this restaurant a negative rating.
(4)
David C.
This is by no means the best seafood in Boston, but it is without doubt a venerable Bostonian treasure. Located on the edge of the old Scollay Square area, it is housed in one of the few buildings not demolished in the disastrous 1960s renovation that built the City Hall monstrosity across the street. It is the oldest restaurant in Boston and possibly America, and has fed everyone from Daniel Webster and the Abolitionists to the Kennedys. We save this restaurant for violent, bitterly cold winter snowstorms, when the warmth of its nooks and crannies, especially on the ground floor, make a perfect haven. Other places cook better chowder, but the lobster is as good as anywhere. And they still serve fish cakes and baked beans, a one-time Boston staple that has virtually disappeared from downtown. In the summer, the place is a hot, muggy tourist trap with interminable lines, bad service, and rushed food, but on a weeknight in winter, it is one of our favorites.
(4)
Brad B.
It was fun to goto a historical landmark and eat. It was fun to sit at the oldest restaurant in America. It was fun to actually see inside after seeing it on the Travel Channel so much. It was fun! The food was good. I had to have oysters (I mean, you go hear, and don't have oysters? Really? Who does that). They were good. Not the best oysters that I have ever had, but they were good. Would go back and try to sit at the bar and have them. The clam chowder was very good. Not the best that I have had, but very good. How could you have bad clam chowder in Boston? Had the mussels as well. Very good. They were sweet and tender, and a great portion to them. The waitstaff was very friendly and a lot of fun. You can tell that they get sick of the same old questions, and banter (since this is a such a historical place - it is mostly tourists) - but they were patient. Would recommend, however try to go away from the touristy times of the year - then you will run into locals.
(4)
Virginia M.
pretty good for a touristy place. went here for lunch and dinner the next day (would not of had lunch here if i knew ahead of time my group was going here for dinner) had the clam chowder for lunch and the lobster for dinner.
(3)
Jane B.
Do yourself a favor and make a reservation if you can. My father came in to town and stayed around the corner at the Bostonian, so this was an easy dinner place. I called and made a reservation without problem...in fact we showed up early and they sat us almost right away. This was also during the week, so that might have helped. Service was good and the ambiance of the place is very fun. The food is hit or miss. The last time I was there (when pops was in town) our table ordered: Onion Soup Gratinee - average, a bit flat. Clam Chowder - I'm guessing it was good as the bowls were practically licked clean. Ye Olde Seafood Platter (deep fried shrimp, clams, scallops, calamari, oysters and filet of fish topped with onion rings) which was an enormous portion! Broiled Swordfish - rather good. Lazy Man's Lobster - chunks of lobster meat baked with seasoned bread crumbs, sherry wine, drawn butter served en casserole - Dad seemed pleased. It's definitely not the best food in the world, but tis worth visiting at least once for the history alone. Heck, you could even ask to sit in the JFK booth. ;)
(4)
erica c.
This is a total tourist destination, and if you have never been, than by all means go. The food is good but def. not on the top of my list for fine dining. It is of course very cool to experience dining at a place that is practically as old as this city! I ordered a pasta and seafood dish which was good. The fish dishes here can be hit or miss. If you haven't been, check it out.....the area it is in is a nice intro to old school Boston but not my favorite areas in our fine city.
I agree, the clam chowder is the best. Another great place is called Boston Chowda in Faneuil Hall. The Union Oyster House is definitely an experience though - the oldest restaurant in America. It's cozy and very Bostonian. Great stop on the freedom trail tour.
(3)
Britney A.
The first restaurant in America :) But....I expected a bit more. The oysters were good as was obviously the Samuel Adams Beer Yum!
(4)
wsl l.
Ive ate at the dining area and had the cooked dinner menu.. and though its fresh seafood it really lacks flavor. So my rating is for the raw bar only. When ever I'm in Fanueil I have to make a stop here.. even if its crowded at the raw bar. Literally elbow to elbow and its first come first serve. Its the ppl at the raw bar that make my experience here fun and a loyal patron. I love Jimmy!! Hes the most amusing guy standing there chucking out oysters and cherry stones. He has endless jokes and stories and he really takes care of you. Go here and have a few glasses of wine, cherry stones, oysters and rub elbows with some of out of townees. Its fun. !!
(5)
Lauren W.
Looking at most of these reviews, most of them look like they're coming from tourists. Honestly, given it's the history and location next to Faneuil hall, it's going to be expensive. That's a given. You're paying for the history here, for the ambiance, and for the location right on the freedom trail. The foods decent, good chowder and french onion soup, and free cornbread. That being said, it's a great place to bring out-of-towners and tour some history.
(4)
Liz V.
Loved it! Great to experience a piece of American History. Service was kind and fast, best Clam Chowder I've ever had.
(5)
Lisa F.
Sometimes places are famous for one thing. At the Union Oyster House, the oysters are definitely the stars. Those meaty, succulent Boston Natives were oh so good! Everything else paled in comparison. We also got some Cherrystones and they were good (not as good as the oysters). The clam chowder was full of clams, and our waitress was very friendly. Other than the 45 minute wait (we didn't call ahead for reservations), we were slightly disappointed by the broiled seafood platter. The salmon and sword fish was a tad dry and tasteless, and the shrimps, scallops and scrod saved the entree. Given it's famous and historical nature, I'd probably return the next time I'm in town. Of course, I'll make sure to have oysters only!
(4)
Andrea H.
I cannot say enough good things about this place. I am NOT a seafood lover, but my husband is, and he was in heaven with his lobster. I went with safe fish and chips. OUr VERY helpful waitress encourage dme to have it, said it whould be ok for my tastes, bruoght over some extra items for us, and the fish was exquisite! Really amazing. Loved everything about it, just a very very nice dinner, nice atmosphere, and for the amunt of food, the prices was excellent!
(5)
Sam A.
Like the summer I spent shoveling pig manure... NEVER AGAIN! I would rather eat out of a dumpster. A "friend" from Boston reccommended this place and the joke was on me, I hope they ask me for a Washington DC reccommendation so I can return the favor. Onto the review... Booth was tiny but that's expected in historical buildings, had the clam chowder as an app and it was good but tastes no different than a can of Chunkys Clam Chowder. Ordered the fried seafood platter because I was in the mood for something extra bad for me. I loved the three scallops, but the fish, clams, calamari (three tiny rings), french fries, and onion rings were terrible. Eating there felt like punishment.
(1)
janey m.
PEOPLE! Lend me your ears. This is the oldest place in Boston (1796) And the future kind of France used to live here on the 2nd floor (1826) For those two points at least, you must go and see this place. Oh yeah, they do Oysters
(5)
irene p.
i don't know about the actual food, but i came here only to eat clam chowder and BOY WAS IT AWESOME. we came on saint patty's day and obviously government center was PACKED, but they were still able to seat us very quickly for lunch. we sat down, the seating was very strange - you have to move the table over to sit down n iono it was just strange. as corny as it sounds, it was so inspiring to come into this restaurant where literally so much history happened and all the people who were a part of our early history gathered to eat. back to food - the cornbread came out on a mini skillet n it was a little dry but very tasty. the clam chowder was so creamy so delicious. the small cup was definitely enough to fill your stomach up. although i did get bits of clam that still had a little grit, but i mean potatoes, cream, clam, carrots...the list goes on. does NOT get better. come here for a great time, come with good company, n learn about early american history.
(4)
Todd W.
I took family and an out of town guest here a week or so ago for lunch... figured the history and ambiance would be of interest and I was in the mood for seafood. I had been a couple years ago and couldn't remember why I had not been back. I have since regretted that I did not complain about the food while I was there. The chowder was fine - robust chunks of potato, good clams and clam flavor in a perfectly ok and a creamy not gluey base. Service was Boston blue collar serviceable and efficient. I had the fried scallops - the breading was soggy and they were bleeding like a rare steak that had not been rested. My mom had fried clams and they tasted burnt - they must not have changed the oil overnight or something. A carnivore had the burger and it looked just awful. I was reminded that my previous visit experience included some very dirty and poorly shucked oysters. I won't be going back - skip the history and go to Kingfish Hall on the opposite corner of Faniuel Hall Mktplace. Same prices, MUCH better seafood.
(1)
Victoria J.
My dear friend and I always go here after work if we're looking for a place to have some delicious New England seafood and one too many Sam Adams from the tap. The oysters are divine, cornbread amazing, and fried platters unbelievable. The atmosphere is kind of kooky, but what do you expect from a restaurant that prides itself in being one of the first in the country and very Bostonian. The Lazy Man's Lobster is buttery, crispy, and sweet - delicious! They always have specials on the side of the menu that change often. My friend had the scallops once and they were the sweetest I had every tried. I have had many found memories here - good beer, good food, and good company. This place will always have a special place in my heart.
(5)
Katie C.
Only three stars? No way! This place is historical, it's been around since the 1800s and the service is still strong and true. Great seafood selections with yummy lobsters and oysters. This is the place to come if you're visiting Boston.
(4)
Leyani L.
It was something that it needed to be done; as a local at least but know that it wasn't my top priority or my go to seafood restaurant in the city---- this one would be Mare, Ostra or James Hook. As soon as I walked in the restaurant smelled like a fish tank, I know it's a seafood restaurant but not even Yankee Lobster smells like this. My lobster roll was good. My date's risotto was very delicious; I mean that sauce was excellent. The place looks very old and warned out but again, it's the oldest running restaurant in America. It was ok, again it was more of an experience but wouldn't come back or recommend people here.
(3)
kevin k.
for an outsider, this is a good place to visit. went with family and the food was good. the oyster was not so good. dont get me wrong. i just had better one elsewhere.
(4)
Enrique D.
um , hello?! it's new england. there are plenty of historical sights. plenty of seafood places. totally over priced. dirty. annoying. did i mention dirty? just stand outside near the vents on the sidewalk... RATS anyone? smells of centuries of dead rodents. u can only imagine what goes on there when the lights go off. now i appreciate history and the rustic look and feel of a place with years under its belt, but thats no excuse for filth. decor is terrible for the 4 star prices , you would think they could "class it up" a bit. food is good... yes GOOD. not great, not amazing, not "wow i wanna pay top dollar for lobster and oysters good" - just good. like i said this is new england, you can have $8.99 lobster and .50 cent oysters up and down the same street , all coming in through the back door from the same supplier, TRUST ME I WORKED THE AREA FOR YEARS. save ur money and stand outside , take a photo if ur a tourist and move on.
(1)
B W.
I've wanted to try this place for years but have been turned off by the wait. So - in town on a Monday around 3pm I was happy to find out we could be seated right away. The building is really cool and we walked through many rooms to ge tto our upstairs table. First shocker was the menu prices, but you're in a tourist attraction that I assumed had wonderful food. The chowder was so-so. Nothing special. My order of steamers for one was so bad I didn't finish it after paying $15.00 for it. The broth was tasteless and the butter was NOT real, it actually tasted gross. Shining star of the day was the cornbread - which is the best i have ever had. Leaving there with a $100+ lunch bill for a party of three with OK service and blah food is enough to turn me away. Did it - Done...many better choices in the city!
(2)
Sara M.
I have been to the Union Oyster House at least three times now and never was impressed. The food is overpriced and it is most certainly a tourist trap. I believe they think they can get away with their mediocre food and high prices because it is the oldest in the country. However, our service has never been good (forgetting things we ordered, couldn't explain their specials, never came to check on us, etc.) and I have had better seafood at Legals. If you want to go there, I would suggest making a reservation and just getting drinks with oysters.
(2)
Janet M.
Boston Clam Chowder was pretty good but service was so slow during lunch time. Sat at the bar and basically had to throw the bill and credit card at the bartender to get his attention. Will definitely try to find other places to find Clam Chowder.
(2)
Lee Ann M.
The historic building was very cool. The corn bread was yummy and fresh. I had the lazy man's lobster--chunks of fresh lobster in butter covered with bread crumbs and baked :) Boyfriend had the lobster newburg--which he enjoyed but rice was a little mushy.
(4)
Alden W.
Only giving it an extra star cause it's the oldest restaurant in America. Nothing we ordered was particularly good. The scallops were very chewy. We didn't try the raw oysters (personally I don't eat raw oysters outside of New Orleans) which might be their saving grace.
(2)
Stella N.
This is based solely on the cornbread. I have never actually been to this restaurant, but I received two packages of their cornbread mix as a gift and I just ordered three more. What can I say, best cornbread ever. When in Boston, I will make UOH a must do priority.
(4)
Larry P.
This is a good spot for the true Boston experience - if you don't mind spending a few bucks. It's a cool historic oyster bar that is almost 200 years old. so the prices are not cheap. The seafood is fresh and well prepared, but not spectacular. However, it is a great place for a beer, some fresh oysters and clam chowder, and if you eat at the bar and watch a Red Sox game, you'll get the true Boston experience. I would not go here for a nice meal at a table. The service is slow and unfriendly and the presentation is poor. For anything but a bar meal you will feel ripped off.
(3)
Zoe T.
I have eaten here twice. The first time it was fine. I sat at the bar with my father. We had oysters and and talked and enjoyed the pleasant midday downstairs vibe. However the second time I came here with my father we ate dinner upstairs. The formal dining area is historic but still felt a bit unclean to me, but I let it slide, thinking its clean enough. When me and my father were seated we were promptly greeted by our waiter who was friendly but not the best waiter ever but she took our orders correctly and was quick. Food was expensive and had a lackluster appeal. But its based in tradition so all the selections are old. Anyways I decided to get the broiled seafood platter and my father got some fried seafood and we both shared oysters from the same plate. When are oysters arrived I thought they tasted worse then before but nothing a little lemon can't fix. The rest of my food I ordered was bland and disappointing. Our meal came to a total of 100 dollars for oysters two seafood platters and two iced teas. So it was an expensive meal for bad food. Know what, that's not the worst part, I got food poisoning from the oysters. You know how I know it was the oysters because my father was sick just like me and we were the only ones who got sick and it was the only food we had shared. So basically I paid to get food poisoning from a food that's in the name of the restaurant. We called about it but since it was right before Christmas the people who answered were distracted and didn't bother listening to my father. Luckily I could keep food down and could mostly get out of bed by Christmas. I still felt awful for a two weeks after getting sick. So in short don't go there unless you want to get possibly sick, and pay way way too much money for average food. I don't think I will eat oysters for a while.
(1)
Brendan T.
My rating of the Union Oyster House includes a 'bump' in recognition of its ambiance and history, but the food was still top-notch and I enjoyed the transition from the more forrmal dining area to the more relaxed pub after dinner to watch the Red Sox game with the locals.
(4)
Jamie G.
This place is basically just an expensive tourist trap. They do have amazing corn bread, and really good clam chowder. I also had a side salad- which was just a disappointing bunch of lettuce with a few tomatoes and cucumbers and red onions, and the ranch dressing was gross! And it was like $6.50. Ugh. It is very nice inside and we had decent service, but I would not ever come back here unless I had touristy friends who loved seafood and wouldn't mind paying an arm and a leg for it.
(2)
Jamie S.
We took shelter from the rain at Ye Olde Union Oyster House, a place we have frequented before on visits. We shared more clam chowder which was very flavorful but not as clam-filled as James Hook. The seafood chowder here did not have as much flavor, much better off sticking with the clam version. We enjoyed a side of baked beans. I was very pleased with my order of steamers, fresh with the right amount of briny taste. Besides the fish chowder, I would recommend all the dishes we tried. Service can be mixed here, on this visit our waitress was a big grump, but I do remember have pleasant waitresses on past trips.
(4)
Hannah F.
It's a fun place to go and see...but the food doesn't really meet expectations. I've been a few times--mostly taking visiting friends--and the experience has been the same each time. The oysters were just ok. For some reason I always end up with shell bits in them...definitely a bad crunch when you're trying to eat. Presentation is lacking and I really have to agree with other posts that have made light of the plastic containers for the sauces. Weird. The food overall is meh. Seems to be hit or miss. The chowder is great. Fabulous. The one thing that's a must when you go. Everything else that I've had (steak, a couple fish dishes...) is ok. I've actually had pretty good luck with service. The last time I was there it was great...drinks came quickly, our waitress always checked up on us...just right. That said, I have a great appreciation for this place. Amazing building, amazing history. It's just fun to go in and poke around. Read everything on the walls. It's a great place to take friends who aren't from around here or even some who are and just sit at the oyster bar. I've never done the bar myself but it always looks like fun. How can you pass up a trip to the oldest restaurant in Boston?
(3)
Erica S.
The mid-range reviews are pretty accurate for this place. It's more about the history than the food. Service was mediocre and food was okay. Nothing to write home about for this Texan. We were actually disappointed that we didn't just eat at Legal Seafood a second time. Glad to have dined here to say I have, but would not return again.
(3)
Connie L.
what i heart about this place... FREE DELICIOUS cornbread, and AMAZING lobster raviolli. i try to go as often as possible, especially if someone's visiting from out of town, after all it is the oldest restaurant in the u.s of a. they make really good boston baked beans. i really enjoy the oyster appetizers - all very fresh and delicious. (never really enjoyed oyster before this place, even asked if they were clams the first time. oh how silly of me.) always packed though, make reservations! my boyfriend tells me that jfk always sat at table 13 when he'd go. perhaps it's the food. and the view. oh, they also have a cute gift shop filled with lobster souvenirs: my friend got a bombass lobster claw oven mit for his mom.
(4)
Miguel d.
Old fashioned seafood in "America's Oldest Restaurant." I've had better, to be honest. So much for that.
(3)
Mike D.
Oldest restaurant in America. On the freedom trail (I believe). Go there for oysters, duh, and the oysters are great. Its a cool place to go. Probably a big tourist destination, and locals know that, so if you are going for a relaxing time, I would assume that it might be hectic at times...so its your fault for not going to a more relaxing place!
(5)
Peter C.
I was recently on vacation in Boston with my girlfriend. It being my first time there and my girlfriend's third time, I let her pick the places to go. She had been here a few times and loved it every time. So as I always do with restaurants I checked out the Yelp reviews and was disappointed with the mediocre reviews. However, I trusted my girlfriend and decided to give it a shot. The "experience" started when walking up the street lined with Irish pubs. I noticed that every single one had a sign for a lobster special for around 10 bucks ( how could you go wrong!). This got my appetite going for some lobster. We arrive and are immediately seated. Being the oldest restaurant in America I expected it to feel older but all i got was the feeling that the whole place was designed to feel old without actually being old. Now we come to the most important part. The food. Before i get started with the food i should mention that a 2 pound lobster cost 50 bucks!!!. The 1.25 pound was a bargain at 30 bucks. Now at this point I think to myself, how could this lobster be so much better that it would be worth triple the price of the other places. Since i decided my wallet couldn't handle the consequences of that decision i went with a $5.95 cup of clam chowder and the $17.50 seafood pie. My girlfriend and I decided to share the fried calamari. The soup did not have enough clams in it to warrant such a high price. the calamari was the greasiest fried calamari I've ever eaten. The seafood pie was a scoop of mashed potatoes over a soupy mixture of tasteless miniscule shrimp and what appeared to be diced oysters. I think at this point i should have saved some money and gone next door for some $10 lobster. Overall impression: a restaurant that may have been better in the past but now is nothing more than a tourist trap with bad overpriced seafood.
(1)
S Z.
Walking by and spotted the inside oyster bar from outside the window. The authentic, old school bar had an actual slant, so you had to put coasters under your bowl of "chowdah." Being from Jersey, this chowder was the best I've had! Also, the staff shucking my oysters was very friendly. The oysters were fresh and delicious. Nostalgic spot with great seafood.
(4)
Monica V.
This was difficult to rate only b/c I want to separate the bar from the restaurant. The bar: Definitely good for tourists or if your family is visiting. The bartenders are great people, always accommodating and their oysters are as good as the service. I would give them 3-4 stars. The restaurant: However, the restaurant is a different story. I've dined there about three times, hoping that the time before was just a bad day for them. I would start at the bar, and feel great b/c their service is awesome as mentioned above. But from the moment we get seated at a table to the very end, just absolutely horrible service. The servers always have a bad attitude. You ask for recommendations and they'll tell you what they DON'T like (why would you sabotage your own restaurant like that?). Also the seating is so uncomfortable, I understand the aura of historic character, but if you expect us to sit for more than an hour for dinner you should have benches more than 9" deep. And the food? Subpar and nothing special, I've had better seafood at other Boston restaurants. I give the restaurant 2 stars. The point of the story: Stick to the bar for some beers and oysters and some good local chatter. Otherwise, take your meal somewhere else.
(3)
Christopher N.
Um.....not a very good experience here. I had the oyster stew to start and it was....well, basically it was like oysters floating in milk. Whoever thought that oysters would become the next breakfast cereal hit -- shame on them! Horrible. And for 14 bucks!? Even worse. The main course was mediocre and the size of the bill was certainly not a reflection of the size of the meal. I can say, however, that the wait staff was very friendly and efficient. I don't think I will ever return to give them a second chance -- I'm not a big financial risk-taker.
(1)
Kristin N.
I've lived in Boston my whole life and get tired of the tourist traps just like any other resident so after reading these reviews, I was a bit skeptic that the Union Oyster House was in fact the tourist trap everyone says it is. Regardless, I took my boyfriend there for his 30th birthday. I figured, he likes seafood, he likes history...why not. We had a FABULOUS time! Word of advice...make reservations! We did and thank god! We were early and grabbed a drink at the bar. This is where the most amazing thing happened. At first glance there were no seats, then a group of guys scooted down for us, revealing two perfect seats. And the bar tender was the right consistency of nice / informative / courteous and attentive. I look like I'm 16 and that fact that he ushered my hand away when I forked over my license was a big plus for me. Right after we finish our drink we get called and ascend the stairs to the multiple hostess booths. Why were people complaining about this? It's a three story restaurant, how else would they get organized than to have a hostess on each floor? But be warned, the second hostess will give you a number! Remember it because without it, the third hostess will be very confused. My boyfriend, who is all about seafood and even worked on lobster boats, LOVED his meal. I hate seafood and got the chicken which was equally amazing. Thumbs up Union Oyster House! Oh and they have Valet parking that's cheaper than the parking garage!
(5)
B. S.
The clams and oysters were great with the cocktail sauce they had. The cup of chowder was great as well. overpriced for what it is.
(4)
Hannah L.
this place looks so cute and old bostony, i took my cousin (from israel who was visiting MA for the first time) to eat here, to get a taste of boston. it has fun history and the interior is SO cute, it was an awesome experience. when you walk in you see the huge lobster tank (which was very interesting to my cousin) and 1700s style eating booths. the waitress was really nice, and thought it was totally cute we got a seafood sampler (2 mussels, 2 oysters and 2 shrimp), crab cake salad, calamari and of course, clam chowder. the food was very very yummy! so not only does it taste good, but the ambiance made it taste even better. we didn't have to wait to get a table for lunch, and it was a pretty seamless experience. i will definitely bring back more tourists here!
I wish someone had told me how horrible the food was at Union Oyster House! It would have saved us a lot of money because not only is the food horrible, it's expensive! We've lived in Boston going on 7 years now and never had been to Union Oyster House before. So last night, we decided to try it out. I mean, it is rich in history! We were served corn bread that was probably bought from BJ's or Costco. You know the kind; sheet bread cut into squares. It was dry and a bit weird to be served corn bread. I had fish and chips that were worse than any fried fish you could get from a side of the road clam shack. In fact, I've had way better fried fish at clam shacks! They did not remove the skin of the fish before frying it. The cost, $22. My husband ordered the seafood Nuremberg. It had one of those Pillsbury frozen puff pastries filled with one scallop, two shrimp, and two small lobster claws. The plate was half filled with rice and drenched in the lobster sauce. The sauce was probably from a can, maybe a jar. The cost, $28. Please, listen to me, go and grab a beer and some oysters at the raw bar downstairs if you want to say you've been to the oldest restaurant in Boston. Please do not try and have a proper sit down dinner here, it will be very disappointing!
(1)
Jennifer T.
My husband and I love this restaurant. We had the oysters rockafeller and they were delicious. We can't wait to go back here. Soon!
(5)
Chris S.
Good chowder. First taste of "little necks." The main course was some kind of seafood blend that looked like it was scooped out of a warming tray. The place itself was cool, but the food not memorable.
(2)
Natasha A.
Yeah i know its a Boston relic, and a must show to out of towners, but if you live in Boston, do not get seafood here! Everything is fried! In my book, why would you want to take the delicious fruits of the sea and than completely mask their flavor in deep fried batter? The only thing that should come fried is calamari, otherwise bake it, grill it or broil it.
(2)
Jason H.
TOURIST TRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you must go, don't order anything fried. Only go for the oysters or lobster. I would look elsewhere if you want good food. The only thing the have is the "Oldest" title.
(1)
Nicole D.
We snagged a seat at the bar and skipped the 45-60 min wait. They promptly gave us cornbread, which was great and the clam chowder is right at the bar, so we were served right away. We also ordered calamari/fried seafood platter, which was better than what we have in california. It came with fish, shrimp, calamari and scallops. If you're okay with sitting close to strangers and having tourists peering through the window, save yourself the wait and sit at the bar. The owner is busy, but nice enough, but we weren't really there for the service. Our total was about $60.
(4)
Clara L.
Two of my aunts and I went to Boston for a long weekend, for the Marathon specifically; so the next few reviews will be boston ones. We stayed in a hotel near Faneuil Hall, and our first craving of Bostonia cuisine was seafood, or more specifically clam chowder for my aunts. We were recommended to check out Union Oyster House by the hotel's concierge and she also mentioned it's Boston's oldest restaurant. So we walked over to Union St, and put our name in and had a 15-20 min wait. We sat at the bar and I tried the Sam Adams Brick Red (which I've never seen in DC bars) which was good. We finally got called and seated and ordered our lunch. I got the Crabcakes with Newburg Sauce, which is a creamy Sherry sauce, which was just delicious! I got the platter, so it came with 2 crab cakes, rice pilaf and veggies. I tried my hardest to finish everything, but there were a few bites I had to sacrifice and leave on the plate. It was very good, but guess I wasn't as hungry as I thought I was! This was a good first meal in the city of Boston =)
(4)
Rod S.
They rely too heavely on their "historical location and tourist trap mentality". Don't get me wrong it's real hard to screw up a good oyster and cold beer, but after that there are plenty of better restaurants in Greater Boston.
(3)
SS T.
Appalling. I have lived in the Boston area for 10 years and have always wanted to go to this restaurant. Not to understate it, but it was disgusting. Tourist trap. The wait for a table - 15 minutes during which we could "wait in the bar" - was artificial. When we got upstairs, it was barely half full. They just wanted us to buy drinks. Then, it took us an *hour* to order and get our food - the service was terrible - can't even go into all details but here are a few - too many spoons, not enough knives, no napkins, no booster seat for my 3 year old, very slow and yet oddly pushy service. Oddest of all, the hostess came to our table when the food came out and said "sorry the food took so long, the salmon takes a long time to grill" (defrost did she mean?) and the waitress says, "They did not order salmon," The hostess goes, "oh" and flounces off. ??? And the food literally made me sick. Oysters, clams, all of it. Yuk. It was truly disgusting. I was nauseous for hours afterward. Of course, later, all our native Boston friends told us, "oh, yes, we tried it 5 years ago, 10 years ago, whatever and it was *terrible.*" One colleague said his wife was sick for two days afterward. It seems to be one of those places that seems attractive for various reasons, but buyer beware. It seems a shame in these tight times to waste money at a place like this.
(1)
Allan E.
Though I live in CA, I have been to the Union Oyster House 5 times in the last two years, as I make it a regular stop on every trip to Boston. I always sit at the oyster bar, and go through my regular four course shelfish menu: half dozen oysters on the half shell, clam chowder, mussels (or steamers if you prefer), and then finish with a 2 1/2 to 3 pound lobster. (This is best to share with a friend). Start with a cold glass of Sam Adams, and then have the Stag's Leap Chardonnay. On one trip, I took a native Bostonian, who initialially chastized me for selecting such an obvious tourist trap. Upon leaving, his only comment was, "Wow, that was really good!"
(5)
Will N.
The Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in the US and it's obviously a huge cultural and historical landmark. That being said, it gets a ton of traffic from this status alone, but it's also a pretty solid restaurant (ranges from solid to excellent depending on what you get). The oysters are obviously the highlight and if you're a big half-shell fan you could sit at the beautiful stone oyster bar downstairs all day and slurp oysters. I'm in love with oysters so this is obviously a huge hit for me, and the oysters tip this one from four to five stars. They're fresh, taste great and the oyster bar staff are also the best people working in the place. Sitting at that bar is really a unique experience. If you don't sit down at the oyster bar here at some point, you're surely missing out on the full experience. The rest of the restaurant is a good sampling of what I'd call "New England seafood" and you can get a respectable lobster, lobster roll or clam chowder with no complaints. This is a seafood lover's place for sure and if you're a vegetarian or don't like seafood the Union Oyster House is not for you. You're sure to see lots of tourists here in the summer and you should try and get a seat downstairs (ask about the Kennedy Booth if you want) because downstairs is surely better than upstairs here. You'll get better service and a much better atmosphere. Either way, the Union Oyster House is a classic, distinctly old-fashioned and a place you should probably try to eat at at least once. As a huge seafood fan and a big-time New Englander, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
(5)
Christina S.
This place wasn't the best seafood place I have ever been to. Its really shabby inside and when I went to use the restroom, I didn't know how to get back to my table because of how maze-like the resteraunt is. I guess we sat at JFK's table, woohoo big deal and this resteraunt is suppose to be the oldest one in town or something like that. The service wasn't good at all and I probably won't go back.
(2)
Jonathan P.
We Went here because I saw it on the Travel Channel boasting " The Oldest restaurant in America" title. We walked in and took one look at the prices ($50 for one lobster) and decided to get the lobster next door, but we had to go back, everything looked so authentic and delicious. Walking up three flights of stairs you get a sense of the colonial feel of this restaurant, and once we were seated they brought us some of the best cornbread I have ever had, slightly sweet, warm, moist, served in huge chunks. Each bite you could really taste the corn, and if I closed my eyes I could imagine what it would be like to be sitting in this restaurant 200 years ago enjoying a very similar chunk of cornbread. . The old timey antique water pitcher added to the authenticity. We ordered the Oysters Rockefeller (after much debate on whether to try the raw oysters or the cold sampler) and although it was a little pricey $12.95 for a half dozen, they were delectable. Huge oysters, very fresh, and I think I found more than one in each shell. After slurping up the spinach and cheese sauce the oyster swere a pleasantly chewy, salty treat at the end. Oysters Rockefeller...delicioso. Follow the Oysters with another piece of cornbread . and then... I had to try the clam chowder, and I was pleasantly surprised, it lived up to the hype, thick creamy, full of clams with a a hint of salt water flavoring in the aftertaste. The clam chowder was great. Ye Olde Oyster House, pricey but tasty.
(4)
Stephanie H.
Went here with my in-laws and husband on Tuesday night. It was alright. Food was eh, and way overpriced for what it was. The booth was akward and had no real brething room. It could get to be noisy in there and the announcing of names on the loud speaker when a table was ready was a constant interruption. But it has a history and our waitress was great which are the only two reasons for two stars.
(2)
Vicki T.
We just spent a week in Boston on a family vacation. We arrived too late on our first night in town for a heavy dinner, so decided on a light meal at the Union Oyster House. We definitely made the right choice. The oyster stew was delicious, and the clam chowder was the best I have ever eaten. It was so good, that I found myself often ordering clam chowder elsewhere in Boston, but no other clam chowder came close to the quality that I had here. This is the place for clam chowder. My daughter said the special Sam Adams beer (only found at the Union Oyster House) was wonderful.
(3)
Tiff S.
Food was on the pricier side. i got the salmon, my friend got the scallop pasta. it was good, but not...GREAT. we went just because of the fact that they said they were the oldest restaurant in america. i would have rather have the food be great at some obscure place, than some place that is known for just its age.
(2)
Bridget B.
i liked the seafood newburg. they give you a lot of food though. i could never finish it in one sitting.
(4)
David h.
Tourist trap.
(2)
Big E.
Let me start by saying this place is painfully overpriced and teetering on tourist trap... but I gotta admit the food is AWESOME!!! It's really cute inside and service is good. The shrimp was amazing. So if you are in the area and have a wad of money burning a hole in your pocket, go ahead and splurge!
(4)
Joe C.
The food, the character, and the atmosphere were exactly what we were looking for during our brief visit to Boston. Sure, the place is a little touristy. There was a guy dressed like Paul Revere walking around outside. But there's really nothing wrong with being touristy. On occasion I will even eat at some of the touristy spots back home. If a place is good, it's good. When we first entered the restaurant it appeared to be quite busy. I was afraid we wouldn't get a table, but we were seated right away in a corner section away from the hustle & bustle. Our server was pleasant and our food arrived quickly. I had a fish sandwich and my guest I had crab cakes. Both were excellent.
(5)
Barney B.
Historic landmark aside, I always assumed this was a total tourist trap and have never placed a foot inside the place in my 11 years in town - well until this weekend. and it's not bad. the chowder was decent - the tables were tight (i.e. fat tourists need not apply) - and for a tourist spot in Fanueil Hall area, the price tag was decidedly normal. So, it is a place to hit if you are from out of town, and realize that any locals here are either employees or showing out-of-town friends the sites (like we were). But I guess that doesn't make it different than similar places in other cities.
(3)
Pilar P.
I have been here twice and love the old style a bout it.... This last time i went for just Clam Chowder .... I loved it and was short of licking the bowl clean... Don't know bout anything else but a muct go for chowder
(4)
Matt M.
The Union Oyster House is the main reason I joined Yelp today. My food, service, and atmosphere last weekend left me so angry that I wanted to rent a billboard and blast them. But that wouldn't help because of the excellent tourist trap marketing they have by being "America's Oldest Restaurant"........HA.... Wanna know something else ? America's oldest tavern 20 feet across the cobble stone ally isn't any better. The Bell In Hand has a dozen flat screens, all black decor and blasts out top 40 hits while the waitresses wear booty shorts. Anyway back to the Union Oyster House..... We came with a large group of 8 and was told 30 min wait, an hour went by and I asked again and they said the table was being cleared, 30 min later I ask again and they say they mixed up tables so we waited a another hour and by this time it was 9:30 when we were seated. We had 2 small children who were asleep and our Grandma who was ready to kill. After the 2 1/2 hour wait we were seated right by the dish room where we heard ear piercing slamming of plates and glasses every 5 seconds ...but hey at least we heard reviews of the Lady Gaga album by the whole wait staff the whole time we were dinning with a special rendition of Poker Face by a waiter giving pelvic thrusts into our wall separating us from the dish room. Now to the food...... We all ordered something different and kept it seafood. The prices are high but it is in a tourist area and I figured...OLDEST RESTAURANT ????? IT MUST BE WORTH EVERY PENNY ....RIGHT ? WRONG There was more lobster sticking to the shell tail than what was pulled out. It was so dry it almost sucked up half the butter in the bowl. My scallops that I asked to be braised were covered in bread crumbs and slopped up with tar tar sauce.......I ate one to amuse myself and it was so gummy and chewy it left a paste on the roof of my mouth. I sent it back and said "just throw these in the broiler with a little butter".......after a 45 MINUTE WAIT ON A RETURNED MEAL....which should have taken 5 minutes because by now it's 10:30 and we were almost the last table left in this DUMP. But amazingly they got it right....too bad everyone had finished their meal 30 minutes earlier and we just wanted to go to our hotel. Oh yes plus we recieved one round of water in the 2 hours we were there. We actually had grandma going to the wait staff area to fill up drinks.....one waitress said "thanks for the help, Granny"...we also got a round of beers 30 minutes after we ordered them and they were piss warm. But I had to say something to the manager. In my 28 years of eating I have never once asked to speak to a manager at a restaurant and I had some less than desirable meals but this was the ABSOLUTE WORST DINNING EXPERIENCE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. So this guy comes to our table all Rico Suave and has the look that he is about 5 martini's deep that night and says "Who has a problem?...hurry up we are closing".....we all dropped our jaws and I just went on a 10 minute rant and loud enough where the wait staff could hear me also. He took off a gracious 5% of a bill that was $396....hahahahahahaha HAHAHAHAHAHA This place is a joke and I have a feeling the owner passed it on to some idiot in the family and they have no idea was hospitality is let alone how to even prepare food. Please DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME HERE I BEG OF YOU. GO TO ATLANTIC FISH OR LEGAL SEAFOOD IF YOU WANT SEAFOOD IN THE CITY.
(1)
Ian C.
I'm a tourist when I go to Boston, so of course I'm going to hear about the Union Oyster House. And of course, I'm going to go. First time I was here was like 3 years ago and I came in here with a friend. We weren't too hungry, but thought we should at least give this a go. So, we walked in on a Sunday at like 8 and it wasn't crowded. Well, that's not entirely correct. The bar area where we sat wasn't crowded. Upstairs... well, that could have been filled, but I had no idea there was an upstairs. Anyway, I remember ordering the clam chowder and while it was good, I didn't think it was all that great. Then we got a bunch of oysters on the half-shell since my friend had never tried them. I love raw oysters, and these were pretty good. Initially my friend thought they were gross, but after downing a few more, started to enjoy them. Flashforward to this past weekend, I came here with my family for lunch and discovered the upstairs area. It's kind of cool that it's the oldest restaurant in the country-- it does have some history. We all got the chowder and this time it was really good. It was thick and creamy and there were huge chunks of clams, which also gave the chowder a good natural salty taste. It definitely did not need any extra salt or pepper added. For my meal, I got the oyster roll sandwich. I wish they had more items on the menu with oyster, but i guess there really aren't too many ways to prepare oyster. You either eat 'em raw, or fry 'em. Anyway, it came with fries and those fries were excellent. This was just lunch, but I finished my sandwich and fries and started to pick at other people's plates since they were full. I tried the lobster and crab cakes-- i wasn't a big fan. I also tried the scallops and mushrooms over pasta-- the scallops were good, but cooked just a little longer than they should have been. I also tried the fish and chips-- it was ok. Overall, I liked my dish-- this is the Union Oyster House, so they're definitely doing something right with the oysters. But everything else seemed kind of 'bleh' and the meals were pretty expensive. It is a tourist trap-- and I fell into it. Twice.
(3)
Alison N.
Returned to the scene of the drunken friend vs the lobsta. This time I went with a different friend and she was completely sober. We were on our way to the airport and decided to have a last bit of Boston seafood. When we arrived, we were told the wait was 15-20 min., so we opted to sit at the bar. The service there was prompt, although every time we ordered something, they brought us a new bill as if that was the last thing we were ordering. We made our way through 6 oysters, 6 cherrystones, a bowl of chowda and a lobsta with corn on the cob. It sounds like a lot of food, but damn it was good. We washed it all down with a pint of the Sam Adams Summer Ale. Yum! It tasted like a filtered Hefe. A much better experience than last time, hence the added star. The food was fresh and well prepared. They gave us corn instead of fries and kept our pint glasses full. What else can you ask for!
(4)
Annette P.
The food is decent but its the history that is important when visiting. I always thought that a souvenir shop in a restaurant is really cheesy - any way to make a buck!
(3)
KebShi L.
get the lobster roll and some oysters. a lil pricey but it's worth it.
(5)
Vicki J.
Just ok food, great service.
(3)
tim g.
It's been a while since I ate in the dining room. Years ago I had our office Christmas party at UOH and I remember it as OK, nothing great. My friend and I often drop in for oysters and beers at the bar. The oysters are excellent, shucked right in front of you. The beer is cold, and the shuckers/bartenders attentive, the clam chowder good, the oyster stew not so good. However when you dine in its a different story. I haven't had service this bad in a long time. We sat in the seat yourself bar area. There were two open booths, both dirty. We sat for about ten minutes before our table was cleared. They wiped it with a dry cloth, leaving sticky dried spills on the table. The booths are small, they are old - from another time when people were a lot smaller but that is OK, it goes with the antiquity of the building. In fact a picture showing the bar from 1930 reveals nothing has changed at all in at least the last 80+ years. Anyway they set the table with 4 placemats but 3 spoons and 4 napkins. We asked for a wet cloth to clean the table and another fork. Evcentually someone came back with a dry cloth and rewiped the table, no improvement. Whatever. We asked what kind of oysters they had today, she said Blue Point. This was strange because every time I sit at the bar they always have two varieties. We ordered 2 dozen oysters, two beers, and two kids meals and 2 sprites. She brought the beers on a wet (spilled beer) tray. She put the glasses on the table without a coaster or wiping them off, now the paper placemats are wet. I wiped up the mess with my napkin. Now we are short one napkin and one fork. Something is wrong with the sprites. Its not sprite, tastes like lemon tonic. We send them back and ask for 2 waters. The food comes out in a reasonable time. As my wife and I are both former servers, I feel there is nothing worse than being served your food but not having essential tools.. You sit there looking at your food but you can't eat it because you don't have a fork or napkin. The oysters are on a plate that is way too small. This means they have to stack them and the grit from the outside of the shell gets into the oyster below it. There are no lemons, the cocktail sauce is too small for a dozen, they are designed for a half dozen plate. The server should put 2 on a full dozen. There is plenty of horseradish, equal in volume to the cocktail sauce. Eventually we do get a fork, napkin, lemons. I go to the bar and refill my own cocktail sauce. I eat the oysters and try to spit out the bits of shell and grit. After we eat we stack all the plates to aid in the clearing of the small table. No plates are ever cleared from the table. The bill comes, the sprites were not removed. On the way out I hear a server call for a half plate of Blues. I check with the guys at the raw bar, sure enough they have Blue Points and Wellfleets. We would have liked to get half and half. Bottom line, avoid the dining room, sit at the raw bar. Really I should post 2 reviews, 1 star for the dinig room/sit down, and 4 for the raw bar. I would give the raw bar 5 stars but the seats are small and its tilted a lot so you have to prop up your plate with a stack of coasters so everything doesn't slide into your lap. I order a lot of oysters at many different restaurants and clearly UOH has the freshest most consistent oysters around. They have the volume to keep it that way.
(2)
Scott T.
I went here at Lunch time on a Monday. First, I am not a huge seafood person and I know this is a touristy place but I figured we would try it. This place is as old as it gets. The oldest restaurant in the U.S. Its old and dark. The staff was nice. I will give you the opinions of those that I went with. Like I said, I really don't eat a lot of seafood but I figured when in Rome so I tried the Grilled Oysters. My first one was pretty good but the next was much worse. If you like Oysters I guess you will like this place. The Fish and Chips were pretty good. I had a burger which was OK at best. Way too much bun to the point that I had to take the top off. A friend had the clam chowder and really liked it. My other friend ordered a Lobster Roll and did not care for it. Bottom Line: Only go here if you really..really love seafood and don't waste a dinner there. Go for Lunch.
(3)
Christopher M.
Waited over an hour for a table here based on other Yelp reviews and sorry, but it's not worth the wait or the money. It's not terrible, but out of four of us, who all ordered different things, the general consensus was that the food was bland and, well, fairly boring. This is obviously for tourists. The next time I come to Boston, I'll spend more time looking for something more for locals.
(2)
Chels G.
(Visited back in August '09) I went here twice during my week stay in Boston and I have never had such delicious food before in my life! The first night I ordered the three sliders with three different cheeses along with fries which were out of this world. The last day I was there I also got a burger hoping to repeat the three cheese sliders but alas, they change their menu it seems so I only got a regular burger while sitting at the bar. The bartender, Jimmy, was fun to talk to (they have to be) and gave me extra cherries in my Shirley temple which was nice since they were goooood cherries. I definitely miss this place, crave their food and their atmosphere. Seriously doubt there is a place like this on the West Coast that can match their style, quality of food and just the whole experience. What is even better is that they're not that expensive to eat at!
I think that going to Union Oyster House in Boston is kind of like wanting to go to Ketchup/Dolce/In N Out/Pinkberry in Los Angeles, in that you're already in the city and you just want to go there because you've seen it on TV. Ok, maybe that's Cheers, but still. Union Oyster House is kind of like an "event place," not a regular place that you go to all the time. I've only had fried seafood and the delicious clam chowder at Union and I have to say that I enjoyed both. The inside is not nearly as brightly lit as other places and it's not even close to modern, but it's not supposed to be. I enjoyed it for what it was - a tourist friendly, east coast seafood joint with some character. It can get pricey, but I still think that it's totally worth going to. I lived in the Boston area for years before I went to Union and now I can finally say "I've been there!" when I see the friendly red neon sign on TV. Don't get all dolled up to go, but enjoy it for what it is.
(3)
Joy W.
If you're willing to put up with the horrible service, come here to try some fresh seafood. I know it's a tourist trap, but the oysters and lobster were incredibly fresh and delicious. The clam chowder was thick and creamy, and the Boston cream pie was great to the last bite. But the service made what should have been a wonderful experience a very lukewarm one. When our table was ready, the hostess gestured toward the gift shop and said, "Go there," so we did, not realizing that she meant the second floor. Another staffer told us to go upstairs, and from there we met another bored hostess, who took us to our table. Our server was just awful, she yelled at us to speak up when she took our orders (it's noisy in there, but couldn't she have asked nicely?) and didn't check on us after we got our food, no water, no extra napkins, nothing. And lobster is a messy dish! My aunt ordered some extra food to go, which we got at the end but with no plastic utensils and when she asked from some, our server just looked at her blankly and then later threw some silver forks on our table. The food was very memorable but I just wish this had been a more pleasant experience.
(3)
Ladyjane S.
I have to say I am on the "yay" side of these polarized reviews... FIRST of all, its not really fair to give a bad review if you are vegetarian and didnt actually eat there or only ate french fries. Secondly, yeah the place is a bit shabby considering its like 5,000 years old and they like to advertise that. Personally, the only things I've ever ordered here (and the only things you should order) are the oysters and the chowda. Both of which are awesome and have never let me down. I've heard the lobsta is good too, but I've never tried. The cornbread is also AWESOME and free, which I love. Oh wait, I've also ordered the fried calamari which was also awesome. You cant come in here expecting a high-class dining experience. The service is a bit rough around the edges (hence, no 5 stars) but if you keep it simple, and maybe do not go when it is busy because the wait will just put you in a bad mood anyway, this place will not disappoint. Maybe you just have to be a very laid back person to really enjoy this place. oh yeah, and I do agree that the partial-shucking did annoy me somewhat but they were so fresh and tasty, I didnt really care once they went down.
(4)
Eric T.
Im not sure if im glad i ate here or not. A part of me is glad to have eaten in the oldest restaurant in America however, it is in my mind that i could have simply had a drink and a few appetizers and said the same instead of getting sucked into a full on meal at this tourist trap. Food was alright nothing to rave about. We ordered the hot oyster house sampler which was an assortment of clams, shrimp and oysters, a large lobster and the union special lobster (baked stuffed lobster). Not much to say about the whole lobster as there wasn't much to mess up there but the special lobster rather mediocre and in no way was it special. It was a busy night so service was slow, it was a dining experience that left me scratching my head, was i satisfied?....yes.....no.....yes.....ehhhhhh i guess?
(3)
Jake D.
Good chowda.
(3)
Ryan C.
I've eaten lunch quite a few times, but I've never got past their outstanding clam chowder. It's one of those things, when you know you love something and maybe you'll regret it if you don't get that which you crave. That is why I've gone here with the intention of trying something new and never suceeded in following through on that. Although I have tasted samples off my fellow diners plates at times. And while those samples may have been good, they were never good enough to make me regret sticking with the chowder. The chowder is served with a delicious corn cake (not corn bread), and so it is a very satisfying lunch. An interesting note: they claim to be the oldest restaurant that has been in continuous service in America. Probably any famous Bostonian you can think of, including all the Kennedy's has dined here.
(5)
Vanessa M.
Oh my. This place stinks. What a tourist trap it has become. I came here years ago when it was great and thought I could bring a friend(now husband) here to experience the same. Boy was I embarrassed. I won't even get into why. It was a horrible excuse for food. Except for the cornbread. That was good. But that's it.
(2)
Atrebor B.
I decided that this trip back to Boston since departing in 2007 would be dedicated to completing the tourist pilgrimage and to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes which culminated into a bundle of unfinished businesses a few years back. Naturally, paying the UOH was high on my "to-do" list given its historical significance and being touted as the "oldest restaurant in America". I sat in front of the raw bar with the fishy, oystery smells wafting into my nostrils from time to time. I can't say I enjoyed this and I must admit that the ambiance upstairs in terms of lighting and privacy were much better. I had the Seafood Newburg since its description sounded incredible, however, to be honest I was seriously underwhelmed. The thick glue of a sauce in which the scallops and prawns were drenched in was bland, appallingly orangey in colour, and tasted heavily of thick cream and only thick cream with no other discernable seasoning detected. The puff pastry was chewy, not fluffy and I had quite a struggle with my fork to tear it apart. The rice pilaf, being the standard side item was disappointing with the grains of rice heavily bloated and much too soft to the bite. Overall, I really can't recommend this place but it's something you can choose to experience for the sake of its history. I would say that approximately 95% of the patrons there that day were visitors, a plus though for UOH is the friendliness of the staff, this much I can safely attest to and appreciate.
(2)
Colin D.
Not bad but not great. Went to the bar and had the lobster roll which to be honest was a little bland. Service was great and the Sam Adams Red Brick was good but food wise you're better going to Neptune across the road.
(3)
Kristen J.
Esh. Shortly after landing in Boston, I went to Union Oyster House to try a real lobster roll. Being from San Diego by way of Chicago, I've only had two lobster rolls in my life (one by mail order, the other in Chicago). Both were better than this. To top it off, I was already two beers in on an empty stomach, so that says a lot.
(3)
April I.
Fresh shucked oysters, creamy clam chowder, fried clams, steamers, clams casino -- this is the typical fair at Union Oyster House. Yes it has the history (oldest restaurant maintaining continuous service in the U.S.) and the food is pretty good, but there's nothing that really jumps out as memorable about this place. It's good. It's not always clean. It's a tourist trap. I like the oysters and steamers and fried clams and clams casino. I like to sit at the bar. That's about it.
(3)
T M.
A large group of us stopped here on the way home to NYC from a ski trip near Maine. We google and found this restaurant. The fact that it was historic pulled us in. We made reservations in route and had a very friendly waitress. Unfortunately our food took a really long time even though they provided us with extra bread. Also there was one assistant to our waitress who was very rude and unkind to her colleagues right in front of us. It made everyone feel awkward and uncomfortable. The food was decent. One thing that needs to be upgraded, are the bathrooms.
(3)
A B.
I had a great dinner here a couple of weeks ago with my family. The food was very good, the service was excellent and nice and it was just a great time! I didn't think it was particularly touristy. I am used to New York City touristy, this place did not seem to have that type of obnoxious tourist vibe. I would definitely like to go back....maybe even try to sit at the JFK table!!!
(5)
Bryce S.
Huh. Are Freedom Trail tourists this gullible? I guess yes since we suckered ourselves in here once...and only once. If you're a hardcore oyster fanatic skip this restaurant. If you're a casual oyster eater, you might enjoy this place. I was going to make this brief but I have to explain the 2 stars...and this only pertains to the oysters: - The oysters were stored, but not served on ice. - Limited toppings: I got lemon, grated cheese, and some kind of shrimp-cocktail-like sauce. - Oysters were only 2/3 shucked--- forget slurping. You had to wrestle the oyster with a fork since it was still attached to the shell, making it a tattered mess by the time it's detached. Maybe if they supplied a shucking knife I'd have finished their job. - Lots of shell bits and no oyster liquor - Only one variety available on the day that we visited. Technically 2 varieties: you could get 1 at the raw bar (Blue Point) , and only 1 at the dining tables (from Delaware). So why can't you order Blue Points from your table? Ya got me. The only upside: it's reasonably priced. 6 oysters will cost you $11. Maybe it was an off day---we came in on a Monday when restaurants are notoriously lacking with food stock and with service. Maybe the other seafood's better. Maybe the food would have been better on another day when there's an A-team shucker. But if you put the word "oyster" in the restaurant's name, you should pay more attention to your flagship food.
(2)
Da C.
Awesome!!!!! Must go and try the lobster!!!! Best lobster in my life so far!!!!
(5)
Ben H.
Nothing special here......The oysters were ok, but like i said, nothing special. 2 dozen oysters, crab cakes, and 2 lbs of steamers and 1 beer for $80
(2)
TJ N.
Avoid. Avoid. AVOID. Tourist trap. Poorly schucked clams and oysters. Overpriced and dimly lit. To be honest, as a Bostonian, I would never dine here. We only went because we had out-of-town guests. Now I can even tell future out-of-town guests to skip this place. For the same price and better schucked clams, go to Atlantic Fish Company.
(1)
Amy Y.
I love it! We went there on Sunday night for dinner. the lobster scampi is so good and the fresh oysters... Again, today we went back to the Oyster bar, they are so fresh and sweet! The service was nice and fun~ I will go back next when I go to Boston!
(5)
Nicole M.
I have no right to even do a review of this place since I don't eat shellfish, nevermind oysters, but I'm on a reviewing rampage lately. I think the only thing I've ever eaten here was the corn bread and a plate of fries, but a friend from out of town liked the variety of oyster options. A total tourist trap, but hey, I'm a sucker for Boston history...
(2)
Charlie S.
This is a raw bar review only. I know I know, The Union Oyster House is a tourist trap (and they let you know if you're slow at noticing). What the hell? We were tourist and this place had seats available at the bar. It was around 3PM and time for an afternoon drink and snack. We ordered oysters, littleneck clams, and cherrystone clams with a bottle of a commonly poured California Sauvignon Blanc (sorry don't recall the name). The shellfish all tasted fresh, and the price seemed reasonable (around $11 per dozen). The bar scene was very laid back and friendly during the mid afternoon. Over the course of an hour or more, we chatted with both locals and tourist. Over all, it was what we were looking for at the time - a fairly quiet place with simple food and mindless conversation.
(3)
John C.
America's oldest restaurant does not disappoint. They serve the best clam chowder and you have to get one of the lobster meals. A dinner just for one could run up to around 50 dollars but you get so much delicious food I personally find it completely worth it. The place has great history and atmosphere and a must-visit when in Boston.
(5)
Elise J.
The best thing about this place is the cornbread. Veery touristy not recommended
(2)
Jenny L.
Went to dinner at Union Oyster House on a Thursday night. I would definitely recommend making reservations as the place gets pretty crowded, even at the bar. The restaurant is make up of multiple well-decorated rooms on different floors, which makes it unique. But trying to find your way around (especially when the hostess tells you your table number and asks you to give that number to the waitress to get your table) is a little difficult. I definitely expected better service for the price we're paying. I had Steamers and the American Bouillabaisse and all the seafood was really fresh and seasoned just right. While the service was pretty bad, the food was great. I would definitely recommend this place for good seafood and a unique atmosphere.
(4)
Tim H.
I guess if you've never been to Boston, like me, you have to come to this place. I mean, they have seafood, it's on the Freedom Trail, and it's the oldest frickin restaurant in continuous operation in America. I mean, George Washington probably ate here way back in the days, maybe not. Cool. Kinda weird too, because after taking a piss in the bathroom, Ben Franklin (well an impersonator) walks out of the stall and says what's up me. Waited for a good 40 minutes to be seated. Clam chowdah was good and was really looking forward to the oysters, side note: they ran out of Littlenecks, but was not amazed. I've had better in California. Meh, well at least they had Sam Adam's everything.
(3)
B R.
A good bowl of clam chowder was our mission, so we decided to give this place a whirl. We were sat at a booth in the 2nd floor dining room. This place definitely has the character you'd expect from an old (oldest) Boston restaurant. 4 bowls of chowder, a round of beers and a fried seafood platter for the table was exactly what we were looking for and in the end were satisfied. The chowder was thick and creamy, with great flavor. The seafood platter was a bit disappointing, but we were really just there for the chowder and quick experience. If I were to go back, I might bring some out-of-towners for the overall Boston experience, plus try some other dishes. The raw oyster bar looks like a good time as well.
(4)
Kevin L.
Great food. But what a wait????
(4)
Scarlett G.
mmm...cornbread...and spicy seafood noodley goodness. ugh...how i felt after. I think the seafood was fresh and all and cornbread homecooked, just heavy and alot of spice! Would recommend this if you plan to continue drinking OR if you DON'T want to run a cross country race in the am... on the other hand, the atmosphere was a dirty and ship-like, perfect! and i thought the dumbwaiter they had rigged up to carry draft beers from the 1st to 2nd floor was nifty nifty...
(3)
John A.
Who are these people who give the "Union Oyster House" three stars or more??? In a town where fresh seafood is god .... this place sucks. Virtually everything I've had on the menu is profoundly mediocre ...under spiced, over cooked, and nothing you can't get better in any small "hole in the wall" all over the city. So why did I give it even two stars???? The only good (no great) meals I've ever had there were at lunch (or just after the lunch rush at about 1:00 PM). Don't get a table ... get a seat at the raw bar ... get the oysters (or clams if that's your preference) opened as you watch ... order a beer or a glass of wine, and just enjoy the freshly opened taste along with a good drink. I've been there when the bartenders were great, chatty and personable, and just a great addition to the fresh shellfish. Again ... forget the dining room ... sit at the raw bar and enjoy. John
(2)
S L.
I loved their oyster and lobster. Best I've tried ever.
(5)
Kev H.
Four Words. Best. Clam. Chowder. Ever. I came to this place with family from out of state. They all just wanted to chuck oysters, but man oh man. I got more than what I bargained for. Deep fried calimari with tangy sauce on the side. nice fluffy coating and even the cornbread was awesome, nicely buttered and was made almost to perfection. Now for the Chowdah. It's so creamy but the THICKNESS, it's like a meld of creamy clam taste with enough thickness to make it taste like chowder and not like broth. These guys know their stuff, being the first must also mean being the best in some cases. I've had great chowders before, but not the best until now.
(5)
Mel S.
I love love love the food here. The Lobster scampi are my absolute favorite!
(4)
Allison R.
Oysters and beer, who knew?
(4)
Eduardo V.
Second time here. It may be a Tourist Trap.. but a very good tourist trap indeed. Clam Chowder is good, service is very good (even on a crowded night) and food is very good. Oysters on the Half Shell where very good. The Medium Lobster a treat and we had a good time. Will visit again.
(4)
Mel E.
I've been here once and I won't go back. I've had better clam chowder at BJ's (Burger Joint's) in California. The soup was crunchy. When I told the waitress it felt funky and I was done eating, she said the seafood was fresh and possibly had sand in it. GROSS! I want to eat food, not sand. I ended up with a burger. It was whatever, nothing special. One star for sure.
(1)
Rob C.
The food is horrible....really horrible...for anyone who understands seafood. However, got to go once just for the history, but have a good meal before you go.
(2)
Taylor H.
Unimpressive beer selection, acceptable seafood but good cornbread. Several locals recommended that we stop by - not worth the visit. Forgot to mention overpriced...
(2)
Daigo F.
The America's Oldest Restaurant? Pretty good title to have. I always take my out of town friends (mostly from Japan) there, and they love it. I am continuously surprised by how good it is too. Ain't cheap, but worth the experience. A friend from japan wanted to try Lobster for the first time. I took him there last night. It was pretty good, but he LOVED corn bread and clam chowder, and I agree. They are very good. I had Seafood with spicy marinara served over pasta, it was great. They give you plenty of food and nice old Boston atmosphere. A good place to take guests to place that serve "Boston Food."
(4)
Lori L.
Tourist Review: The clam chowda was definitely tops and the entertainment of the shuckers at the oyster bar was priceless.
(5)
Rosalyn M.
creamy clam chowder just the way i like it : )
(4)
Scott P.
Move along if the wait is longer than 45min. The food is good but not great. Best bet is to go next door and sit at the bar - same food and less wait.
(3)
Celeste F.
We had such a great time here. There were 3 of us in my group and we were there for lunch so we grabbed a seat up at the oyster bar. The guys joked and laughed with us, very friendly. The Clam Chowder was Fantastic- creamy and loaded. I had the crab cake Caesar salad- which was loaded with crab and not a lot of breading. The other two with me had fish and chips which they enjoyed crunchy flaky white fish. We also had some oysters since we were there and they were quite yummy. If you have a chance to sit up at the oyster station do it, there is so much history in those chairs, not to mention a lot of fun and good food.
(5)
Christiana R.
I was so excited to come here when I visited Boston! The cornbread before the meal was delicious. My sister and I ordered a clam chowder, the fish sandwich, fried calamari, and the fish and chips. The lunch portions of each dish were a good size and each dish was equally delicious!! I like the atmosphere; really cozy and warm, especially during the rainy Boston days... The service was fast and our meals were ready in a short amount of time. The restaurant has cute memorabilia hanging from the walls that reminds you that you're eating in a historical restaurant. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Ut T.
sweet cornbread is good. cherrystones were good. oysters were ok. i guess you just have to give it a try since it is the "oldest rest in america". but i think they are just hanging on by reputation.
(3)
Stacey G.
I had the clam chowder (chowda) and it was amazing!!!! I also had a salad and baked potato and it was tasty. My family loved all their food, the place was super busy which I take as good food - and it was! Recommended! I love the history of this place. I recommend getting a reservation (I got one and heard the people behind us had a 50 minute wait). It is touristy, not too pricey and a neat building.
(4)
Julia Z.
Very historical and a must go in Boston. Best corn bread I've ever had. Tried shrimp cocktail and oysters for starters; they might not be the best in town but still decent in taste. Their Pan Seared Haddock was tasty and recommended. Great service: warm, friendly, and helpful. If you enjoy historical settings, relaxing atmosphere, and good and moderately priced seafood this is the place to be!
(4)
Amanda C.
So here I am almost 2 years later after saying I wouldn't come back. This time, our kids wanted to come so we did, for them. We ordered the lunch portion of broiled shrimp. 5 small shrimp and fries for $18.95. Way too expensive. Again, food was just OK. We definatly won't be back.
(2)
Cisco R.
The clam chowder is a MUST at this place. It was hands down the best I've ever had. Now the bad part: I must admit the rest of the food was rather pedestrian. the crab cakes were decent, but nothing to scream at. I would've given it only two stars, but being it was my first time in Boston, I gave it an extra star for the decor (which was like dinining in an 17th century ship with all the salt stained wood lol). What also kept it from getting two stars was our waitress, who was to say the least, quite entertaining.
(3)
Soph I.
i had the crabcrakes, raw oysters, clam chowder, and a side of beans. they were all just good. not great. it was very crowded when i went. i had to wait in line outside and once i got inside, i had to wait about 15 minutes before the menu came. atmosphere is nice. waitress was friendly.
I gave this restaurant a 5-star rating because everything I had was outstanding but keep in mind that everything I adored was raw! Had I, I might have changed my rating. We had oysters galore, cherrystones, and chowdah! All were tasty. All the brine from the ocean was dreamy and super-fresh. I would definitely go back. We sat at the bar and the older gentleman shucking the oysters was a little odd, maybe even slightly PC-challenged. We asked him to take a pic of us and when he pressed the button, he shouted "Konichiwa!" because we're asian. Needless to say that there was no point in educating the poor soul that not all asians look alike or are japanese.
(5)
Rochelle R.
Actually, I would have given this place 1 star because the food was awful, but I had to give it one more star because of the history, the ambience and the bar. The place was crowded and my friend and I had to wait 30 to 45 minutes for a table. So, we plunkered ourselves in the bar and had some beeahz and oystahs. The oysters were not that great and looked a little dehydrated, but the bartender was nice and it was great to just look around and marvel that this place has been around since 1826. The main dining area was very charming. I ordered the broiled seafood platter which consisted of salmon, swordfish and scrod, grilled ship and scallops. I also ordered the Boston baked beans and my friend had the stuffed lobster. Although the fish was not dry, it had no flavor. My friend's lobster was bland and the stuffing was nasty. In fact, all the food was very bland. It was extremely disappointing since I really wanted to like the food especially because of the history. Ironically, I had better food at Legal Seafoods, which is corporate and I usually don't think much of corporate food. It was good to try out Union Oyster House, but I won't go back.
(2)
Christopher P.
3 of our 4 dinners arrived cold, and yet somehow they were all overcooked. Service was pleasant, but slow. All in all for the price one can do a lot better just up the road in the north end.
(2)
Eli R.
This place is downright awful! Sure, it's the oldest restaurant in the known Universe. Yes, JFK used to frequent it and every tradition has started there. Is this reason enough to serve "food" that would not be called food anyplace else? We were brought oysters and clams that were actually dry and smelled "funny". To a timid question "Are these fresh?", the waitress (btw, the first waitress in America also worked at this establishment) replied "Sure, they were just shucked". I've had an oyster or two in my day. These WERE NOT fresh! In Boston, of all places, it takes an effort to find oysters this bad. Add a surly attitude by the barkeep and you've got a perfect combination. In fairness, the place is quaint both inside and out. Go, look at it, but do not eat. You would not eat in a museum, would you?
(1)
Nicole B.
service was lacking. i ordered the steamers for one and they were good. but then again that didn't require much effort of the part of the chef. my boyfriend's oysters were dry (his description). but he said the expresso was very good. overall, i don't think i'll come running back.
(3)
Justin S.
Kind of touristy and overpriced. Food is good, not great. We ate from the raw bar and the oysters were served on a plate without ice. Still fun to be able to say you ate at the oldest restaurant in the United States.
(3)
KATE G.
GO ONLY WITH A DATE and sit ONLY at the crescent half bar up front first floor EAT ONLY oysters ( get a mix of sweet and salty) and DRINK ONLY beer. Do not go upstairs and get crappy food and service unless you are a minion or tourist.
(3)
Matt K.
The place had a weird soundtrack, service was meh and the drinks were on the pricier side. Skip.
(2)
Pooja N.
It's definitely touristy, but the food is pretty great. Portions for the entrees are huge! They don't have a drink menu, but do have several beers on tap. Prices are reasonable, especially given the location.
The food was off the chain. Our waitress was nothing to brag about. After our food arrived, we never saw her again until she brought the bill.
(5)
Gourmet G.
The Union Oyster House, designated a National Historic Landmark, is not only the oldest restaurant in Boston, but the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the country, in operation since 1826. A short walk from the complex of shops and restaurants known as Faneuil Hall, the restaurant has both an exterior and interior that fortunately have resisted change. The famous semi-circular Oyster Bar is the original. Exposed brick walls, weathered floors, low beamed ceilings, lots of dark wood, and Early American oil paintings and prints contribute to the sense of history that permeates the various dining areas. The Union Oyster House is not one of those institutions that flourishes despite a no-longer-deserved reputation or due simply to the tourist trade. The food is exceptional, as the locals who regularly flock here will tell you. This is one of my regular stops whenever I'm in Boston. The last time we were here, we started with the hot Oyster House Sampler for two, a medley of grilled oysters, baked stuffed cherrystone clams, Clams Casino, Oysters Rockefeller, and shrimp scampi. We couldn't resist adding an order of Mussels, Basque Style, steamed with garlic and white wine and served with buttery-moist garlic bread, perfect for sopping up every last drop of the broth. The famed Oyster House Clam Chowder, densely creamy and thick, is almost mandatory. Finding it difficult to choose one item from the many entrees, we selected two combo platters - the Sauteed Seafood Medley, a melange of shrimp, cherrystone clams, mussels, scrod, and calamari sauteed in a spicy marinara sauce and served over linguine, and the Broiled Seafood Platter, swordfish, salmon, scallops, scrod and grilled shrimp served with parsley new potatoes. Portions are hearty, so we were close to feeling stuffed, but for dessert we opted for Hot Indian Pudding, a cornmeal-based Native American tradition rich with cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, and warm Homemade Gingerbread.
(5)
Melissa B.
Very nice seafood place for a special occasion. Lively bar area for oysters. Always great service here also. Worth the wait.
(4)
sally w.
I would actually give this place 3 1/2 stars. It is the oldest restaurant so it is a must see in boston. I didn't go to the oyster bar since I think it is way too ridiculous to spend that much on half dozen oysters. Anyway, I went to the bar next door and tried their clam chowder instead. It was very good with lots of clams and potatoes and the consistency was thick and hearty. Compared to the chowder at boston chowda in quincy market, I preferred this place. It also came with a side of corn bread which had just the right amount of sweetness to it. I'm a fan of cornbread so it was quite a surprise to have it as a side to the chowder. If you want to go for the experience, I would say definitely pay a visit. But don't expect too much as far as the taste goes. Nothing amazing but worthwhile to check out.
(3)
Patrick N.
decent place for seafood, worth checking out for the history if nothing else.
(3)
Mabel C.
I like to take my friends from outside of boston here because I feel it is very historical. It is the only time I go though; I feel it is too expensive to eat on a regular basis, and the food is so-so.
(4)
B P.
Hype, hype, hype. Long..unnecessary wait (about an hour and a half with several open tables! ). The chowder and hot oyster house platter was good (or maybe we were very hungry after the wait and anything would have tasted awesome then!)but the entres were drenched in butter and cream! I love rich buttery and creamy food..if its done right..but there is a limit, it just felt wrong! The food was expensive and we were hungry..but we did not..rather could not eat most of the food...Sorry..wouldn't bother going there again! On the positive, loved the atmosphere and the company ;).
(2)
Irene F.
I really liked this place, but it was also the first place I got seafood in Boston, which may mean that I have eaten much better since and not made a very good comparison. I feel like it's a must-eat for your first visit to Boston. It's just a landmark...much like Casa Botin in Madrid, although I think Casa Botin is a bit better (just a bit ;P) The clam chowder was great, and we had some mussels and whatnot, the usual seafood fare, it was good but definitely kind of pricey. Eat there once with out of town friends, preferably if they're paying.
(4)
Brandon B.
Having passed by this place during my last visit I was determined to dine here my next visit to Boston. What an incredible waste. The food is not worth mentioning and not worth the price charged. It is not even a place you want to visit for a small snack as captain m. mentioned below. It is overpriced for that. I figured it would be worth eating at due to it's historical status. Half a dozen oysters, a small cup of clam chowder, a glass of lemonade and $30 later I soon realized I figured wrong.
(1)
Food A.
The cocktail napkins call this place the Ye Olde Union Oyster House, but I'm suggesting a name change to Ye-uck Old Union Oyster House. After an hour and a half wait at the bar, we were finally seated to our table, only to wait another 10 minutes for the waitress. I used to wait tables through college, so I can empathize with servers on a Friday night, but a 10 minute wait at the table is hard to swallow. Speaking of hard to swallow, that's exactly how I would describe the Broiled Seafood Platter. The fish was overcooked and dry, the scallops were undercooked, and the "new" potatoes were probably new a week ago. My suggestion - don't waste your time or money at this establishment. I get that they've been around for 185 years, but I'd be shocked to see that they made it to 200.
(1)
James C.
To be honest, this restaurant is a bit overrated and I think the average rating indicates this. I had the clam chowder here, amongst other items, and it tasted like someone in the back opened up a can of soup. It was nothing to write home about. However, the saving grace was that the sweet corn bread was delicious! Unfortunately, for a seafood restaurant, the corn bread should not outshine clam chowder.
(3)
Brian B.
Very historic palce. Worth getting to at least once. Can be crowded though. Clam chowder awesome, lobster roll very good, so are the oysters and clams. Pretty much everything good. Expensive but that's expected at a somewhat touristy place like this. Still, worth finding if you are in the area.
(3)
michelle w.
The oldest operating restaurant in the country. It is an interesting place- you feel like your stepping back in time. OK seafood, I wouldn't say its the best. I enjoy the oyster bar- highly recommend being served the fresh oysters right at the oyster bar, they're extremely tasty! The bar can be fun, I've been there for St Patty's Day and they turn it into a dance club. Who would have thought? But other nights I think they close by 11 p.m. Union is very much an overpriced touristy type place. I would recommend it to an out of towner, to experience dining at the oldest operating restaurant in the country.
(3)
A. D.
Quintessential MA. If I could give it 100 stars, I would. The food is always delicious, the "chowdah" is the bomb, and the whole ambiance of the place is just phenomenal. Whenever I'm in town, I get together with friends here. Being a MA native, this place just embodies "home" for me.
(5)
LT B.
From suggestion from a friend who went to BU, we went here to sample clam chowder. She was right....it was the best!!! Our meal came w/ a big piece of corn bread which went perfectly w/ the clam chowder and oyster crackers. We also got the trio of crab, lobster, and fish cakes, which was really good. I like the atmosphere. Apparently it's the "oldest restaurant in America" since 1826. It's a very charming and spacious restaurant with friendly servers. I will definitely come back here if I'm in Boston again.
(5)
jenilee p.
alright, union oyster house gets a little bit of a penalty automatically for being a tourist trap, and pre-shelling its oysters when you eat in the dining area. also, if you want good clam chowder, um... you won't have to look too far beyond the union oyster house to get a far tastier appetizer. however, i do have to note a couple things: 1) if you love oysters, skip the dining area. the oyster bar downstairs has a huge amount of history about it, and those shucking the oysters are a pleasure to talk to. the ones at the bar are the only oysters in the restaurant that are not pre-shucked. it's always a great late night venture when you've had a couple beers, want a couple more, and could go for some aphrodisiac goodness. 2) if you're a tourist, or hosting a tourist, and want to see some neat decor, then go ahead and sit in the dining area. it's cool. i won't deny it. paul revere lanterns, and all sorts of colonial themed goodness. i'd best recommend this if you're in town for only a day or two and want to go full out freedom trail theme.
(3)
Vanessa r.
Had a fantastic time! Had a big girls night and all the bartenders took care of us! Great place- would absolutely go back!
(5)
Alex L.
This was the first restaurant I ate at in Boston when my parents first visited. It was awful. It really was. I don't particularly remember what kind of fish I got, but it was dry and overcooked. It was not a memorably meal at all in a good sense, just a bad sense. I haven't been here in nearly 2 years, but I don't think the quality has improved. My parents recently visited and mistakenly went to this restaurant again and again had crummy food. They say they will remember when they visit next time, but I'm not sure they will, haha. Bottom line... I've gone, I've tried the oldest restaurant in the US, and I was not impressed. I will not return.
(1)
Rob A.
Wanted to eat at the restaurant itself, but decided to forgo the wait and foot the oyster bar instead. Supposedly this is one of the oldest restaurants in the US, so it was kinda cool to be a part of the history. Had a bowl of clam chowder, which was GD delicious...Boston folks really know how to make that stuff. Next up was the oysters. I normally don't eat raw oysters, but the ones I had here tasted as fresh as an oyster could be. We also got a 2lb lobster for the hell of it, which turned out to be a good call; never before had I seen a lobster that yielded so much meat. The oyster bartenders were top notch, they seemed like they were having a good time and engaged in amusing banter with the customers. We got a bonus celebrity cameo appearance when Benjamin Franklin came in for a bowl of chowder. I would have liked to converse with him about the bureacratic implications of centralized federal establishment vs. states rights, but I was too busy digging into my lobster. Not a bad little place, rich in history and good seafood. I would be a regular (at least to the oyster bar) if I lived in Boston.
(4)
Amy W.
My husband and I dined here with our 16 month old son and my parents. While most of us enjoyed our meals and the lovely atmosphere, my dad's broiled seafood platter contained two of the grayest, toughest, most disgusting scallops any of us have ever seen. Upon showing the waitress (after we'd finished eating everything but the scallops), she said she would show the chef. They dropped the check a few minutes later and nothing more was said about the scallops. Not so much as an apology. I am not one to get worked up and demand anything free, but at the very least someone should have been concerned and apologetic about it. It cast a rather disappointing shadow over the evening.
(2)
Andrea C.
I should of paid attention to the reviews. This place was very mediocre. We went for the tourist thing more than anything. We got seated fairly quickly and were quickly served cold cornbread and cold butter from a table next to us. The cornbread was good but it was still cold. For appetizers we had a half dozen of oysters and a bowl of clam chowder. The oysters were good, but it is hard to go wrong with oysters unless they are bad, which these were not. The clam chowder was tasty but not unique. My husband had the AMERICAN BOUILLABAISSE, which was absolutely huge and had almost every type of seafood in it. The best thing we can say about it was that is was huge, you had to wear a bib huge, but it was very very bland. My husband was very disappointed. I had the lobster ravioli which was a good portion as well and it was just mediocre. Nothing really stood out, not the cream sauce nor the ravioli. What made our evening so exciting though was our waitress. She was such a kick, we were really entertained and really enjoyed her. Other than that, we can check off the box for visiting "America's Oldest Restaurant."
(3)
Mark M.
Best clam chowda in Boston. If you like seafood, you have to try the Union Oyster House. Located in the heart of historic Boston, just visiting the place is an experience. The Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S. When in Boston, hop in the cah, drive to the Union Oyster House, order and beah and some chowda.
(4)
mary b.
Best cherrystone oysters I have had in a long while. Very meaty and big. Tried the clam and lobster roll. Clam was excellent, lobster roll was okay. A must see for it's history and quaint new england decor and charm. The side dishes of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes were delivious but came out cold. I must say the service was not the most attentive either but it was a saturday afternoon and packed with tourists. Not that busy though.
(3)
Eric And Sara D.
I give this place five stars because this is what Boston Seafood is all about. The place has been serving oysters before gasoline was invented. This place is perfect for showing out of towners what Boston is about, and that is, Seafood. I took my lovely to this place on a fall saturday a few weeks ago. I waited for a seat at the "Oyster Bar" where Daniel Webster sat 100 years ago to eat oysters and drink Brandy. Now besides all the history, this place has the freshest seafood there is. I had 3 dozen oysters with the Missus and fresh Harpoon IPA from the tap, I was in heaven! This is a seafood dream with Boston history wrapped around it. I highly recommend this place and it is even great in the middle of winter to watch some football and kick back.
(5)
Walt N.
Kind of a tourist trap on a very loud, crowded street just north of Quincy Market. We went expecting a "foodie" place with a large selection of oysters, so were somewhat disappointed to find a fairly standard pub with just one type. The oysters were fine, though.
(2)
K C.
Steamers=okay, oysters=left over from when Daniel Webster ate here. Go for the history and the ambience but not for the shellfish.
(2)
Kim K.
We went for lunch on a recent Saturday. Had a reservation which was good because there was a wait. They bring cornbread to the table, and I thought if this was any indication of their cuisine then we were in for a nice meal. The cornbread was slightly sweet and moist...yummy! I ordered the clam chowder and it was delicious. Things were going pretty good, and I had high hopes for the entrees. I ordered the seafood pie. It was "featured" in a box on the menu so I thought it must be a specialty of the house. It was almost inedible! The mashed potato "crust" was bland and there was very little seafood in the dish. My husband had the fried seafood platter and was happy with it. All in all, we thought it was overpriced and you are paying for the experience of dining in the oldest restaurant in the country. We sat next to the Kennedy Table where JFK liked to dine. That was pretty cool. If you want to experience some history, then this restaurant is fine. I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 2 because of this. Just don't expect really good food.
(3)
Lily T.
I recently came here to celebrate a scholastic achievement with my family (a party of 3). We came for lunch on a weekday, and the place didn't seem very busy. We were greeted by a host who could not be bothered to get up to show us to our table. She nodded her chin towards a booth and we made our way there. The booth looked cozy enough, and boy was it cozy. I guess it's a certain ambiance they're trying to put forward, but the table was about an inch from my body. The waitress did not greet us for 18 minutes (I happened to glance at my watch when we sat down because I was wondering why there were so few people here during what I assumed would be the lunch rush). When she did greet us, she took drink orders and ran away, despite our pleas that were in fact ready to order our meal. We ordered our food, and they came out more or less as expected. The fisherman's platter, fried clams, and a salad with some seafood cakes (crab cakes and lobster cakes from what I gathered). The fried food was over-battered and lukewarm by the time it arrived at our table. The seafood cakes that came with the salad looked like, and tasted like, they had been placed into the oven after being taken out of a box at your local grocery store's frozen foods section. The most fun little surprise came when we got our bill. This restaurant does not give patrons complementary refills on fountain sodas. Between the three of us, we had maybe 7 or 8 Diet Cokes. The charge was something like $2 for each one. Now, I can understand restaurants not giving complementary refills. No one is entitled a refill, fine. But the drinks we got were entirely ice and contained maybe 3 ounces of actual soda (and I'm being generous here). Seriously, $2 for 3 ounces of soda from a fountain, which probably cost the restaurant less than $0.03. And it's not like they made up for it by having a reasonably priced menu either. Other restaurants also happen to be nice enough to tell their customers that there are no complementary refills since, being in America, they understand that that is what the norm is in the US. Apparently, being the oldest restaurant in America does not clue them in to American restaurant norms. We came out of there vowing to never go again. Everything about it seems like they were trying to nickel and dime their patrons. They can save on seafood by making the dishes mostly batter! They can cram more people by shoving everyone together! They can have a higher operating margin by charging ridiculous prices for 3 ounces of soda! In the end, we tipped the waitress about 15% because she wasn't very good (20%-25% is my standard usually), but it would've been much less if we wanted to blame her for the restaurant's pricing policies (but I know, I know, that'd be unfair...). DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE. If you're in the mood for seafood, McCormick and Schmick's (which also has a delightful happy hour) is near there, or better yet, go to Legal Seafoods. The prices are comparable, and you'll DEFINITELY get better food, better service, and not feel like the restaurant is trying to nickel and dime every penny out of its customers. STAY AWAY!!!
(1)
Eric F.
-Relative to Neptune and Island Creek, all the raw seafood here (shrimp cocktail, oysters, clams) is seriously sub-par...I'd hesitate to even come here for the $1 oysters. -The most uncomfortable booth I've ever had the displeasure of sitting in. The seat
(1)
Emily L.
What a great place, full of history and character. We came during the slow period between lunch and dinner and snagged seats at the famous half-round marble bar. The stools were uncomfortable, but the place is hundreds of years old, and their delicious food more than made up for it. We started with oysters, obviously -- with fresh lemon and hot sauce, although they were also delicious plain, as they were fresh and local (from New Brunswick, Connecticut and Massachusetts.) We shared a dozen but could easily have eaten twice that many each, they were that delicious! Instead we moved on to clam chowder, which was just as revelatory -- creamy with chunks of potato and bacon, served with hot and slightly-sweet cornbread and butter. Oh my. Someday I would love to return for a full meal of mussels and lobster salad, but I have to say, sitting at the bar and chatting with the hardworking shuckers was pretty awesome anyway.
(4)
Nick L.
My first and only official "New England Clam Chowder." Delicious and creamy and filling. Great cornbread too. Tried the Boston Baked Beans (when in Boston) and was pleased but not wowed. Skip on those next time and grab a Sam Adams instead!
(5)
J C.
My wife and I had fun here. Super touristy but that was expected considering where its at, and i think its the old continuously operating eatery in north america? Oysters were decent, but I dont know how you eff up an oyster. The oyster bar dude was fun, attentive, and full of information. We sat next to a fella from mexico city that reminded me of he actor Manuel Ojeda which made for interesting conversation. I would say it is overpriced.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Touristy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Shaye S.
good place to hang out with friends but the food and drinks in here are way too expansive.
(3)Sandy K.
A bit of a tourist trap and we got trapped. Basically disappointed in the food. Good clam chowder but not amazing. The rest of dinner was just OK. Very nice server though. I am sure there are better seafood restaurants in Boston.
(2)Trey N.
Pricey but the food and atmosphere was good. Historic place to eat but had better but would return if visiting.
(4)Sisi Z.
It's probably not worth it for anything else, but the oyster bar is amazing. Don't order them off the menu if you're sitting at a table, last time I did they were pre-shelled and refrigerated. If you ask the hostess they will give you recipes for their clam chowder and corn bread (mmm... corn bread). Love the historical decor; I'd choose this place over Legal any day.
(4)Sudhanshu K.
Loved the clam chowder. You can tell that the chowder is extremely fresh. Had the crab cakes, which were good. the baked beans were done perfectly in my mind. My cousin had the lobster, which looked and tasted amazing. I would recommend the lobster over the crabcake.
(4)Al D.
Vastly overrated. Many better places to eat nearby. Wait staff was very rushed, and lacking in charm. Sort of a production-line mentality. The complimentary cornbread is sickly sweet and clashed with most of the dishes. Clams were way overcooked. Steamed lobster was nicely done though. Was really disappointed in the poor man's lobster: chunks of lobster meat soaked in mushy, under-seasoned bread crumbs. But the building is historical and nice to look at.
(2)Chris W.
Heavy on history and atmosphere-- but honestly felt as though we were being shuttled through like cattle. Food was not great- and overpriced. Did not match up with what I remembered from years ago... Perhaps we caught it on a bad day...
(2)Anna T.
Love the raw oysters here!!! We had pretty good food on top of the oysters. I had a salmon entree (special of the day) and it was cooked perfectly! I was soo dreadful that it'll come out overcooked but it surprised me. But nothing beats the oysters! Next time I'm just going to sit at the raw bar and chow away. Drooling thinking about it. Service is good but place is confusing but cute in its own old ways. Worth a try if you appreciate raw oysters.
(4)Bailey K.
This is a classic for locals and tourists alike. One of the oldest restaurants in the country this is a historic place with good food. The staff are friendly and helpful. This is a great place steeped in New England tradition that is a must if you are in Boston. The food is classic. excellent and fresh. Do not pass this by!
(4)Kyleigh K.
Ok place. It has a nice atmosphere, and the decorations are pretty cool. However, the food wasn't excellent, and for what you pay, the portion size isn't worth it.
(2)Dena N.
When I first learned to eat raw oysters, I did not like it too much. But when I ate it here, the oysters were so fresh and delicious that I am a huge fan of raw oysters now! The menu items are somewhat expensive and the food is nothing out of the ordinary. The only good thing about this place is the fresh oysters, but they are highly priced. Overall, I would come back to this place to eat the oysters (which I have done a few times), but not so much to have a full meal.
(3)Ivan I.
This is the OLDEST restaurant in America. AND, this is the first place I ate Lobster. I was on tour. Here's a video of it: youtube.com/watch?v=5ten… Place was really expensive, I think my meal cost like $80. I got the full shabang, you know, Lobster, potatoes, corn, CLAM CHOWDA, fuck it. EVERYTHING. FOR THE MOTHERFUCKING WIN. It was pretty great. That's about all I have to say about this place. I felt like a real American tearing that Lobster apart.
(5)Athena D.
Clam chowder, freaking awesome. The oysters were a bit small. I got the sauteed shrimp and scallops over rice pilaf based on other people's reviews, and there was a ton of sauce which might be awesome for some people, but it was a bit overwhelming for me. The fried seafood platter was lightly battered which is good, but they don't give you heaping portions like other seafood restaurants. Overall good food, and the ambiance is great. Definitely got the old timey boston historical feel down. Make reservations!!
(4)Kyndall W.
Fish and chips were just ok. The clam chowder and oysters were excellent. The atmosphere is cool especially if you sit at the bar. Great lunch location along the freedom trail.
(4)Karen M.
The restaurant was interesting to see because of their history. However, the food here was awful. The clam chowder was luke warm and runny with loads of mini chunks of potatoes and no clams. The fish platter was deep fried with poor quality fish. It is a complete tourist trap with lousy food.
(1)Mike M.
Oldest restaurant in america lives up to it's name. I recommend the chowder and lobster cakes, both awesome. Also if you have a choice of where to sit, go for the upstairs dining rooms. They make you feel like you're back in time.
(5)Gregg P.
My wife and I ate here mainly because it is the oldest restaurant in the US. We had a couple appetizers late in the evening and they were ok. Nothing special, but at the same time they weren't bad. Had a Sam Adams beer that is brewed just for this restaurant alone and that was quite tasty.
(3)Annie E.
Here's the deal: Is Union Oyster House Touristy? Yes. But you can say you ate in America's oldest restaurant. Is there typically a long wait? Yes. So ask for a table with the bar menu. Does it have the thickest and creamiest clam chowder in Boston I've found so far? You better believe it. Whenever friends come into town I take them here and they love it. But just for the clam chowder, mussels, and corn bread that comes with your meal.
(4)Christina Z.
Great (free) corn bread and really delicious New England clam chowder - thinner in consistency than I'm used to and almost a little tangy but very very good, my favorite version so far! Overall, menu items seem overpriced - tried the crab cakes entree, nothing particularly unique or special but still quite tasty, probably wouldn't order them again though for the price (around $18 I think). The atmosphere/feel of the place is really nice and cozy, cute little gift shop and free souvenir postcards/brochures :) Not sure if the "oldest restaurant in America" claim is actually true though, but it's quaint and fun nonetheless!
(4)t h.
Belly up to the oyster bar and be entertained!! Good times for sure
(5)Matt S.
Stay away, it is old and should be closed. The overweight lady upstairs was totally rude, food was terrible, had to wait close to an hour for food and it came out cold. 3 out of 5 people in our party had the clam chowder and all 3 of those people ended up sick that night. Good luck on finding your waitress. The only negative on my wonderful week in Boston.
(1)Thao T.
Boston Clam Chowder didn't impress me much - really. Perhaps, I shouldn't have settled here for Clam Chowder. On the other hand, their oysters and mussels were delicious! I'd recommend only their oyster bar.
(3)Peggy M.
This was a must stop for lunch, on our second trip to the area, after being here 12 years ago. I remember having the fish chowder and thinking it was to die for and couldn't wait to have it again. Sadly to say, I was disappointed this time around. Either it was overblown in my memory, or it wasn't the same recipe. Hubby said the same about his clam chowder. The hostess was indifferent, acted like she hated her job, and put us upstairs in the back of a room all by ourselves instead of a window seat (that there were plenty of, although we did get up and move to one). She did the same thing to another couple, who I think actually left the restaurant. I liked the feeling and history of it, but that's about it. I can't give a review on anything other than the 2 chowders, but didn't think they were all that great...I wish we would've waited and eaten in the food court down the street at the big touristy area, (wish I could remember the name of it...something Quincy.)
(2)Jenn W.
The broiled scallops were cooked perfectly... Buttery and beautiful. Blue point oysters were also nice. Our waitress was very cool. However....the place is totally overpriced for what you get. $18 for some scallops over spring mix they pulled out of a bag and threw some dressing on? My dining companions all had the same reaction. Good, but not worth the price. Also, the tables are extremely uncomfortable and close. Yes, I realize this is a historic establishment and they're trying to preserve the way things were. That doesn't necessarily equate to a great dining experience. Next time I'm in that section of Boston, I'll try a different seafood place.
(3)Rebecca N.
I still think this place is the bomb and I've lived in Boston for over 12 years. The oysters are yummy, I've gotten. The fish and chip, the fried clams, the chowder and c'mon! Free cornbread! Don't forget to get a side of baked beans.
(5)Sarah S.
Best scallops I have ever had! This place fantastic. My boyfriend and I were visiting from Chicago and walked into this place for some lunch. Glad we did! The cornbead is amazing! The shrimp and scallops were the best I've had. Very tender and flavorful with tge rice and sauce. They also have a Sam Adams beer that is brewed specially for them and only available at tge restaurant! This is a historic landmark which is uniquely decorated so you have much to see and learn about while you wait for your food.
(5)Don W.
Once when I lived in New York, we drove to Boston for the Clam Chowder at the Union Oyster House. The chowder is really good but it was also an excuse for a road trip. So it was four hours to Boston, two hours at the Union Oyster House and other tourist attractions, then four hours home. And worth it. The chowder is 5 star quality, but they lose a star because it's too damn touristy. Not that I minded when I was a tourist. Anyway, if I was hungry, in the neighborhood, and it wasn't too crowded, I'd stop for chowder.
(4)Amanda G.
It's a cool little place, and the history behind it adds to the atmosphere. Their clam chowder was the best I've had in Boston so far. Oysters weren't bad either. Unfortunately, service was sub par, and my friend's meal was barely cooked. It took forever to be sent back and cooked more, and we still had to pay the full price. So first experience was average, but I definitely want to go back.
(3)Laurie B.
The building gets five stars. The rest, well. I guess you have to make reservations just to be able to see the historical building. It was great. There are many better places to eat in Boston that have more reasonable prices for the same seafood. The oysters were fresh and good. The salad was warm and the fish was cold, so they didn't pay much attention to the temperature. It was very busy that night, but for the price, I expected much better.
(2)Greg S.
I stumbled into this bar (quite literally) my first full day in town. I must have been early as I ended up sitting at the oyster bar. I am unfamiliar with local oysters so had some of each. The cherrystone clams are really good too. It was a fun time.
(4)Andrew A.
Almost two centuries of great seafood served continuously, and it tastes like it. I love the historical setting and the food and service were excellent. I took it down to 4 stars because it's a tad overpriced, in my opinion, but worth going at least once.
(4)Miike G.
Delicious cornbread! Yummy cajun salmon. Great mashed potatoes. Only thing not authentic was the Asian grandma waitress with the heavy accent!
(4)Matthew S.
fresh oysters piles of fried seafood in your face. an 18th century vibe. this place is badass
(4)Sarah A.
Like others have said it's cool to go and experience this place for the historical significance and the interesting old decor, but the food is not that great. They serve some yummy cornbread but every entree I have ever had here has been pretty unremarkable. Not really bad, just not something I think is worth paying a lot of money for. I'd recommend everyone go in, have a drink and maybe some oysters so we can keep the oldest restaurant in Boston open, but find another place in the area to have dinner. I highly recommend the Kinsale Irish pub up by the government station T stop as a much better and seriously cheaper alternative. See my review of the Kinsale.
(2)Renee B.
My husband and daughter spent this evening PUKING thanks to Union Oyster!!! We went there today excited to eat lunch with our family in a historic restaurant and were at first charmed by the creaking floors and wooden embellishments - but our visit quickly turned into a BIG disappointment with TERRIBLE service and HORRIBLE food! Our waitress took our order then disappeared for over 45 min until she showed up with our soup. The "famous" clam chowder was thick and gummy - and way over-salted! And the crab cakes - shaped like a hockey puck - contained more breading than crab - and tasted just plain awful! SAVE YOUR MONEY and AVOID THIS PLACE!!! You will thank me.
(1)Valerie J.
It's the oldest restaurant in America. Steeped in Bostonian history, Kennedy had a favorite booth here, now memorialized by a sign. It's a good restaurant, but remember you are also paying for the whole experience (Faneiul area, old tymie, historic). I am a huge oyster fan, and I have never been disappointed by the oysters here the three times I've been. My only comment is that the last time I went, they only had one type of oyster available. Thankfully it was good, but I like variety. The clam chowder and fish chowder is also spot-on. Free cornbread was delicious. I got a hot tea (cause I'm an old lady) and the water was not that hot. Asked the waitress to redo it and she did. But I hate it when hot things are not piping hot. So they need to step up their tea game is all i'm saying.
(3)Stewart K.
Indian pudding has to be an acquired taste....or rather texture. It has the flavorings for pumpkin pie but the consistency of brown mustard. Otherwise, the food was decent enough, as in edible, but I don't think anyone going here would say "This is the best seafood place EVER!!!!!". So yeah, it's an institution, I get it and I'm glad I went, but I can find better around Boston even if I am being just a tourist. Totally worth it for the mug though.
(3)Youna S.
Hearing that this is America's oldest restaurant, I was so excited. This place may be a little too hyped up, but I liked it. It looks pretty tight and small once you walk in, but as you walk further in and up the stairs, this place is actually pretty big. I loved the whole deco- it gave a very antiquey feeling. We tried the Oyster House Clam Chowder which was as good as any clam chowder in Boston. It was the perfect appetizer. For the whole meal, we ordered a Shore Dinner (lobster broiled and with steamers instead of mussels), the Sauteed Seafood Medley, Broiled Seafood Platter, and the Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops. I think the most popular dish was the Shore Dinner and Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops. My favorite was the Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops. The sundried tomato cream sauce was perfect on top of the rice. Nothing was too creamy or thick. The Sauteed Seafood Medley tasted more like a pasta dish because of the noodles and marinara sauce. The Shore Dinner lobster was just simply delicious! The cornbread they served for appetizers was on point.
(3)Clara L.
Neat place to go, but pretty aimed towards tourists since it's right off the freedom trail and across from the first pub in America. You can spend alot of time walking around and looking at the stuff on the walls. Lots of history. Clam chowder was good and the corn bread was amazing, but their raw oysters left alot to be desired. They were tiny and not at all good, which was sad since it is called an oyster house.
(2)トモ T.
For their historical value, you have to try this place once, but would you go back? I enjoyed the experience, but I wasn't impressed by their food. There are so many tastier seafood alternatives in Boston, there really isn't a need to fight the tourists to eat at Union Oyster House. My recommendation is to do their Oyster Bar thing during odd hours when it's not too crowded, but eat your dinner else where.
(3)Randy H.
Eat oysters with the patriots. Yes it's small but it's as authentic as it comes...the real deal baby. I'd take it over a national chain any day. I thought the food was great (but I'm from MN...what do I know about oysters?).
(4)Maureen C.
In town from San Diego, and tired from a long day of walking around the city, we decided to out the Union Oyster House for some good seafood, a nice lunch break, and even a bit more city history while we were at it. Yum! Didn't know that the way to eat chowder was with cornbread, but by God, they're on to somethin'! The cornbread is outstanding, as is the fish chowder, and, of course, the clam chowder. Oysters were also fresh and tasty, and the raw horseradish was a nice touch. Our server was fun, efficient, and great at keeping 5 full tables happy at rush hour lunch time. Reasonable prices, good selection of beer, and tasty food. Thanks for the memories! Oh, and the "Freedom Trail" is mapped out on the wall of the front dining room with artistic dioramas - kinda cool!
(4)Leo P.
Coined as "the oldest restaurant in America" the Union Oyster House is sometimes referred to as a tourist spot. It is a large restaurant with numerous levels and tables. As you enter, an oyster bar with a couple seats greets you. Oysters are shucked right in front of your eyes. Good server and a pleasant atmosphere. Had a root beer and the lobster scampi. Pasta was good, and came with a pre cut lobster with a decent amount of meat. Chowder and baked beans were also good. Overall a place to eat with good ambiance and a reasonable, maybe more expensive than average price point. But definitely get a reservation.
(4)Traci H.
Overpriced. Loud. Dark. Dirty feeling. Ok so you could spin the dark and dirty feeling as the old Boston, classic dark wooden pillars in a old school restaurant, but it's a stretch. Good seafood - so I hear. So here's the deal - it's famous. It has a history. How can you visit Boston and hear the stories of the oldest restaurant and not go? You have to. But be prepared that it may not knock your socks off. The clam chowder was very good I must say. Thick, creamy and had lots of clams and potatoes. I had the lobster scampi and the pasta was great, the tomatoes were great but the big ol' center piece was cooked inconsistently. The claws were ok, the legs and body were good and the tail...THE LOBSTER TAIL - the best part of the damn crustacean was overcooked. It was tough and chewy. You don't fork over your wallet for a piece of lobster that you could bounce off the wall. Really disappointing. Maybe two stars is a little harsh but it's so hard to go to a great seafood restaurant and have a bouncy-ball lobster tail on your plate. The boston creme pie was less than stellar - what saved it was that we had it ala mode. The pie itself was dry, so at least the ice cream gave it something moist. It's famous - you have to go. So go. I'm glad I went and now I know better. But I needed that experience to know it. I wish anyone a better experience. Maybe I'll go back, but probably only to take out-of-towners.
(2)Henry Z.
Been there once, food is OK, but an interesting restaurant with quite a history
(4)Van-Ann B.
America's oldest restaurant is.... probably what I would expect for America's oldest restaurant. The corn bread was pretty solid, as was their clam chowder (which I would hope would be a given for America's oldest restaurant). But other than that, it was mehh. We ordered the mussels (just okay) and the lobster roll (just okay) with fries (just okay). Although they weren't bad, I"m sure you can find places with better mussels, lobster rolls and fries. Not to mention, kind of expensive for being just meh.
(3)M S.
Ok, I have to admit, the only things I get here are 1) Fresh Oysters 2) Lobster - 2lbs - always steamed Everything else that I have had or others have had seemed to be overcooked, and just ok at best. I also only come here when I'm traveling on business or when I'm in Boston with someone who has never been (it is a Landmark after all, a must do). It is on the expensive side of things but worth it once and a while. 4 Stars for Oysters and Lobster
(4)Lisa N.
When in Boston, this place is a must. Make a reservation or you may be waiting a while. The complimentary corn bread was delicious, the clam chowder was the best I have ever had. The Lobster Newburyport was excellent. Linda our waitress was excellent and attentive. Can't wait to eat here again, this place is a must for tourists with a great local menu.
(5)Laura P.
We went to this place just because of the historical significance of it. The atmosphere was good...the corn bread was good...but that was it. When we were served, it seemed like frozen food given to us like a diner blue plate special. Would never recommend this restaurant.
(1)Mike R.
This place is worth a visit, especially if you're visiting from out of town. Even if it's just for a drink and visit to the raw bar if you like raw oysters and Boston clam chowder, it's the oldest restaurant in the country and has a LOT of historic character. Their seafood is fresh and very basically prepared, but it's extremely typical Boston/New England cuisine - nothing trendy at all. The biggest draw is the atmosphere. It can get crowded on weekends and the service is rushed and not overly friendly, although their food - especially seafood - is very adequate.
(4)Jen C.
This one didn't quite live up to the hype, especially after walking up and down those creaky stairs. My friends enjoyed the clam chowder, but there is definitely better outside this place. The lobster was good, but rarely have I ever not enjoyed a well-cooked lobster.
(3)Bruce A.
I worked at the House while in college in mid-70s. It wasn't as large, and not nearly as touristy, but the food was killer -- from the raw bar to the chowda' and of course, all the seafood. Went back a few years ago and the place has expanded, it was mega-crowded at the bar and had to wait 45 minutes for a table. But...the food was still among the best.
(4)Anya S.
The only good thing about this place is the building. Its very cute and small and tiny and homey and I like it. Service - a ok. They give you a menu, then some water and bring over your food. Thats about it. The food- we got oysters, nothing spectacular. Just oysters. I got salmon. As good as the one at your local groccery store. Absolutely no taste but pepper. Lots of pepper. I dont know whats up with that. The absolute dissapointment was the cheese and fruit plate. We got about 10 grapes and one strawberry. The old age cheddar was two triangles of your american chesse singles. Discusting. I wont be back.
(2)Michael N.
There are other reviews that capture my experience. Neat old building. Historic blah blah blah. The food was awful. I had the broiled seafood platter: 7 scallops (all cooked to different wellness' ... what is that all about?), 2 small shrimp, A piece of cod or hake about the size of a match book, a piece of salmon about the same size. Boiled potatoes. A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that I never heard of that after drinking I never want to hear again. Go Red Lobster.
(2)Steve S.
The most rudest bartender ever(Frank) I think.Just sat down and he had such an attitude no other bar was like that to us. The four of us ordered drinks and he was just so rude and sent the mgr out by us when I did not even want to pay for our drinks, we did.Even the other customers all commented on it.Then the mgr came out and was nice but did not explain the whole attitude.Maybe cause we were Cub fans and swept them the night before(just saying)One place I will not return and will not recommend.The bar two doors down was so friendly called Henneseys.
(1)Lisa H.
Since it was so amazingly gorgeous outside this past Sunday, my friend and I took a stroll down Faneuil Hall to enjoy the amazing weather. We decided to stop by Union Oyster House for a couple of dozen oysters and a few beers and boy were we in for a treat! The oysters at Union are extremely fresh.. possibly the freshest I've had, ever. But although fresh, what they don't have, is variety. They only offer one kind of oysters, along with mussels and clams. We sat at the oyster bar and were able to watch the shuckers shuck away which definitely added to the experience. Be sure to order yourself a bowl of clam chowder, if that floats your boat. The chowder was creamy and thick with a perfect amount of clams and potato chunks. I'd have to say the only downfall was the realization of how expensive the oysters were at the end of the meal when we received our bill. HALF a dozen amounts to $14.00. Having ordered two dozen oysters, four beers and a chowder, the came to a bill of $110 including tip (way more than we planned to pay for a quick afternoon treat). I'd definitely recommend this place to diners who are willing to dish over a hefty buck.
(3)Christina C.
I did some searching online and Union Oyster House was one of quite a few places recommended for clam chowder. U.O.H is separated into 2 sections- the bar and the restaurant. I sat down in the bar, ordered a pint of Sam Adam's seasonal, and cup of clam chowder/chowdah/whatever. The chowder came with fresh, free, hot cornbread. It was an interesting combo, but I'm not really a cornbread person and the bartender didn't seem to be offended that I barely made a dent in it. The chowder itself was pretty good. It wasn't super thin, or heavy and creamy like a bisque. It wasn't too thick either. It was a nice medium thick chowder with plenty of clams and potatoes. No visible chunks of onions (yay). Yum. I think I'll have to try their oysters next time I'm in town
(4)Greg M.
I visited the Union Oyster House on Sunday April 13 2014. I started off with 12 oysters on the half shell that were excellent. Then I ordered the American Bouillibase. My son ordered the steamers for one and my daughter the lobster roll. This is where it all went bad. Without exception all if the seafood was dry and overlooked the Bouillibase was tasteless and again the seafood was dry. The best part of my daughters roll was the bread. The long and short of it is go there for some raw shellfish and drinks. Sit in the bar. The building itself is really cool and filled with history. But as far as anything like lobster or other seafood there are tons of other cheaper places to go that are off the beaten path. Service was less than sterling as well.
(2)John S.
give me a break. total tourist trap. what kind of oyster house has only two types of oysters on hand, both of which taste like they were pinched from a Ponderosa buffet. if you like eating at places because other people have eaten there, fine. but the food itself (save for the cornbread and chowder) is a joke.
(2)Toby S.
We showed up earlly for our reservations. It was very busy but they seated us right away. Our waitress was very friendly and did a great job taking care of us. The clam chowder was excellent as we're the crab cakes. Very historic building which was larger than expected and very fun. It was a great start to our first weekend in Boston.
(4)Kelsey K.
I enjoyed the oyster house! It is very touristy but priced well. Clam chowder was great and I also had the mussels which were good. Staff was very friendly and helpful when we asked questions about the city. I would definitely go back.
(4)Julie B.
Great food, friendly staff members, and cool environment. The clam chowder was awesome and the lobster fantastic! I would recommend this place to anyone in the area. Whether it's a special event, or just a night out to eat, hit this place up!
(4)John C.
LOD 5 Okay - So when a tourist you find yourself doing touristy stuff Quack Quack (The Duck Tour). Wanted to try this place out as it is the oldest estabilshment in the US (I have been to Botin in Madrid) Sat at the bar which was a neat experience food didn't Stand Out but who cares it is Union Oyster House!
(3)L C.
Two out of my last three visits to Boston, I ate at this restaurant. The history (oldest operating restaurant in the U.S.) alone is worth the visit. The food was delicious. Decent wine by the bottle selection. Good service. Definitely coming back!
(5)Kelly F.
UOH was a tad dissapointing. Because it is the oldest continuously running restaurant in New England, I put it on a pedestal. However, the service is slow, it's pricey, the clam chowder isn't as great as everyone hypes it up to be, the booths are tiny and so are the bathrooms. But, from the historical aspect, it's amazing.
(3)AL K.
Expensive. WE came here because it was part of the historical trail, was hungry so we decided to stop here for an early dinner. Ordered oysters rockefeller and the union lobster. The oysters rockefeller was absolutely disappointing. The oysters were not plump and juicy like it should. An order of 6 pcs is $14.50.The lobster however was great! The meat was moist and the filling was cooked perfectly. Service can be better.
(3)R M.
Delicious lobster, nice historic location and friendly (if very overworked) waitstaff. I felt like the large lobster in the pot was a decent portion but even with an extra side I was not full. I'm an average sized guy and had a normal appetite, and found out that "market price" was nearly $60 for just the lobster plus one side. Really??? It was far and away more expensive than anything else on the menu. If I come back, it won't be for the lobster, that's for sure.
(2)Jen K.
Meh..The oysters were ok but they had only 1 variety! Also they were so expensive, and not served over ice/given a nice presentation at all. Not a bad place but overpriced for what it is & you'd be better off getting seafood elsewhere.
(3)Cassy H.
Some friends and I decided to come here for our last hurrah before we all move on to do different things with our lives. We thought it'd be a good place to celebrate despite it being a complete tourist trap along the Freedom Trail. My overall experience here was ehhhh, mediocre at best. We decided to share a plate of raw oysters and fried calamari. I don't think the oysters were very fresh. I could taste some unwanted sand.. =/ The fried calamari was average, nothing amazing. We also each ordered a cup of clam chowder and honestly, it tasted like cafeteria chowder. Anyway, while this restaurant is America's oldest restaurant in Boston and oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S., I think perhaps, it might be time for this place to revamp itself and add some new, updated flavors to its menu?
(3)Marley G.
I can't believe people are complaining about this place. The Union Oyster House is the oldest continually operating restaurant in America. The raw bar in front has seated presidents, senators, congressmen, supreme court justices, movie stars, sports figures...and me! I adore going to get a place of raw clams (the only way to eat them) or raw oysters cracked right there for you. Add a bowl of some of the best chowdah in town and you'e got an excellent meal. The bar is original, as are the stools. I mean, Daniel Webster ate there. Upstairs in the restaurant, the food is good, consistent, and nothing fancy. The place tends to cater to tourists and you'll rarely find a local (like me) eating there regularly. But it's a must visit for anyone coming to Boston. The historical value of the place alone is amazing. The restaurant is on the Freedom Trail and it can be quite a wait, especially in the summer. Forego the seating upstairs and slip to the back bar or the raw bar. It's a great experience!
(5)Matt F.
Quick and Dirty ... go for the historic experience and chowdah! Everything else is just okay. Went to lunch here because it was right at the end of a walking tour we had just completed and highly recommended by the tour guide. It's the oldest restaurant in Boston and oldest restaurant in continouse service in the U.S. ... dating back to 1826. Amazing to think that this place was open back then. We arrived on a hot Friday around lunchtime ... not crazy busy, but busy. Did not have to wait for a table, but were ushered upstairs and through a dining area to our table. An unfriendly gentleman poured water and dropped off cornbread without speaking. Cornbread was okay (keep in mind I'm from the South, so the bar is set rather high for cornbread). The waitress was an old leathery Boston lady with the most quintessential "Bahstan" accent ... very friendly and welcoming. Put in an order for a Sam Adams, a bowl of Clam Chowder, and the Fish & Chips. I wouldn't ordinarily critique the Sam Adams, but it was surprisingly warm. Again, I'm from the South, so I politely drank the beer without wanting to be disrespectful to America's oldest restaurant. The Clam Chowder was the first of three (3) "chowdahs" I would have during this weekend trip to Boston, and it would be the absolute best by far (compared to Abe & Louie's and Grill 23 ... both very upscale restaurants). The Fish & Chips was good, but it didn't knock my socks off or anything. The fries looked like they would be soggy, but were surprisingly crispy. Last thing to mention ... the bathroom looks like it is the original (from 1826). I realize keeping things historic is important, but not at the expense of good hygiene.
(3)Gina Y.
My friends and I took at trip up to Boston for the day, and one of my friends requested having dinner at America's oldest restaurant. I'm not really a fan of seafood, but I thought I'd give it a shot. The clam chowder was excellent, but everything else was so-so. The best part of the meal was my guava-inspired martini. Great decor, nice service. Don't know if I'll be back though.
(2)Alexis J.
Over rated. The food was decent but it's all so expensive. Two glasses of beer (which it took them 20 minutes to bring to the table) were $13 each and we got Harpoon which is local and much cheaper everywhere else. We got a cold appetizer for 2 and didn't realize that for 2 they meant that literally there were just 2 of everything. Two 2 Shrimp, 2 little necks, 2 cherrystones and that's it. You really are paying for the name and not for the food. Sure it's the oldest restaurant in the country but whatever, seems like a bit of a tourist trap to me.
(3)Ting Ting W.
If you ever go to Boston I would say that this is definitely a restaurant that you have to try if you love seafood! How can u ever go to east coast and not get a Maine lobster??? This restaurant is literally the oldest restaurant in America. It's in the heart of Boston. When you walk into the restaurant you will see the fresh oyster and clam bar and a guy standing there waiting to shuck your oysters for you. Then right in front of you is their tank with all the live Maine lobsters. I chose to sit in a booth and was ready to get my grub on! I started out with the seafood appetizer trio. 2 Cherrystone raw clams, 2 raw oysters and 2 shrimp cocktail. I never even knew you can eat a clam raw, but a friend told me I had to try it...so I got the sampler for $13.99. when the sampler came out...I was like that's it??? Where's the rest of it? For $13.99 they sure chose the smallest clams, oysters and shrimp that I've ever seen! Well...I was starving! So I tried the raw clams for the first time. It was a little too clammy for my taste! Onto the oysters. They were pretty small but very, very good!!! Very fresh and tasty! The shrimp cocktail I could of done without. You're better off getting half a dozen or a dozen oysters by itself. Next...I tried a cup of their clam chowder for $5.99. It was one if the better chowders that I had while I was there in Boston. Nice rich creamy flavor. Good amount of clams and potatoes. Finally...I got down to the Maine lobster. You can choose a medium sized lobster that was about a pound for $26.95 or the large lobster that was around 2 pounds. Both of them were market priced of course. You can choose to have it broiled or boiled. Apprently the broiled lobster dries it out a little while the boiled lobster retains the flavor more. So I got the Medium lobster boiled. It was sooo good. I wanted more!!! The lobster was cooked to perfection and was super sweet! You don't even really need the butter or the lemon, but it never hurts to add more flavor! Yummo! I think next time I will get the large lobster! Lol. Although this place is a little bit on the pricier side....it's still a must try for the experience. I would go definitely go back and sit at the oyster bar to pick my own oysters for them to shuck in front of me next time. One recommendation for the restaurant is that it would of been better if I got to pick my own lobster and oysters. That would have been a great experience!
(4)Sarah C.
One of the reasons I love Boston is that you can go into a restaurant like Union Oyster and pretend that you are living in the 1700s. You just can. Boston is old, it feels old, and it's proud of being old. I wouldn't go here for the food (though I recall the cornbread being great), but definitely check it out for the atmosphere. It's dark, wooden, and Olde Schoole Boston.
(4)Sean C.
I stopped in here shortly after landing at Boston Logan. I am a sucker for seafood and history and that made this place a must see. My oysters were fresh and not the least bit dry and I thought the chowder was good. Admittedly, as a traveler from Texas I may not know good chowdah from dirt but I finished every bite and had a great experience. My only gripe was the ripoff parking garages in the area. I just wanted to park my car, not move in! But the place oozes history and that is what makes the whole experience for me. I love it. I go there anytime I am in Boston.
(5)Tony L.
If you're looking for an authentic Colonial Boston experience, a healthy dose of history, and a memorable experience, then you can't get any better than the Union Oyster House! If you want great seafood, you may want to look elsewhere. Not to say that the food here is bad, its just not GREAT! Stick with the old New England favorites and you'll be fine. The cornbread that we had was great (which contradicts an earlier review so perhaps its hit or miss) Clams and oysters on the half-shell, can't go wrong! If you aren't from New England and have never had Steamers, get them! Unfortunately for us, they didn't have steamers on our trip. Major disappointment! A cup of chowda, some fried oysters, broiled scallops, baked or broiled cod, along with a few pints of Sam Adams Colonial (special brew just for the Union Oyster House), along with a peak at JFK's favorite booth upstairs, and you should have a pleasant, historical, enjoyable meal experience.
(3)Shaun D.
Although the chowder was good, I left feeling annoyed with not only my meal but also with our server. I ordered the chicken (I know I know it's a seafood place, but the oldest restaurant in the country should be able to handle chicken with seafood too). It came out looking great but it was dry and tough. Also, after we had already been waiting an hour, our server approached the table and apologized for the wait an indicated that it was because of the chicken. Whatever.
(2)Jason H.
The short: it's fine. It's expensive. It's the oldest restaurant in the US, I guess. Whoopee? The long: came here because it was famous for being old. Well, the decor is cool, it's a lot bigger than it looks on the outside. The best thing they have to offer is their cornbread. Both myself and my buddy were amazed at how moist it was. No butter needed! We even asked for and received a second piece for free! That's great! But the rest of the meal was just ok. The steamers were nice, the dipping sauce was nice. The lobster was pretty good but the flavor was just alright. I guess I'm too used to Chinese methods of cooking where a lot of sauce is used to flavor the lobster. This was cooked fine, it was done, it was pretty tender but still had good texture. It just didn't taste like..... anything special. I tried it with the dipping sauces, and I guess it was better.... but adding lemon and butter to ANYTHING makes it better. The clam chowder was better than most places, but not worth the effort to come here. What really disappointed was the dessert. The Indian Pudding was like mushed carrot cake. Literally. Nothing great, not gonna make me puke. But just sort of not worth the effort of describing it here. The final cost for the dinner was $50 + tip, which featured clam chowder (+ an extra cup for me), corn bread, a 1-pound lobster, and probably 15 clams, and the Indian Pudding. I wasn't leaving feeling unhappy. Just not impressed, especially for the price. Not worth ordering a meal. Just come inside and order yourself a snack of cornbread and be content knowing you saved yourself a lot of money by not eating the rest.
(3)george k.
The oldest restaurant in the country? Can you get better food elswhere? Sure but this is tradition and besides oysters are always good and so is the thick "chowda."
(4)Jimmy H.
Many of you may despite this place as a tourist trap. But to me, this place is quite genuine to locals as this place has been here for long, long time. There is always a queue to be seated. But thankfully, I have never waited longer than 10 minutes even though they usually tell me that it would be "20 minutes". That gives me pleasant surprise. Or is it their intention? In separate occasion, I had a medium size steamed lobster and roasted seafood platter. Medium lobster was approximately $40 at that time. You may find it overpriced, but I think the pricing is fair. I've had bad or OK lobster before, and this was definitely NOT the OK and below. It tasted very juicy(not watery) and fresh. Roasted seafood platter was also gorgeous. It had various fish(i.e. sword fish, salmon) and as well as clams and mussels. I know there was something else but I can't recall exactly what it was. The price was a little over $20. Seafood is generally more expensive than chicken or beef. As it's not a common food we generally consume in daily basis, it makes you think that it's overpriced. If they were another typical downtown located snobby restaurant who jack up the price just to bring up the social status, Union Oyster House could easily do so. And the roasted seafood platter, for example, would be $40 and the lobster would be $60. I think I am in the bar room far more often than the restaurant part. In this area, there are lines after lines anywhere you turn during weekend.... Except! Union Oyster House. If you are looking for relax, howling frat boys/giggle coeds free, quiet environment where you can get a few pints.Union Oyster House is it. I love having chat with my friends over beers and clam chowder.. Ooohh! Yeah I forgot! Their clam chowder! It's great and you must NOT miss anytime you go!
(4)Reham A.
I love this place. when i used to live in bean town man. this was the spot to go get fat before we head out and drink. now when i come home and visit. i gotta stop in here and get my some corn bread and chowdah and man some oysters. mmmm this place is a family restaurant. it is so cozy and makes you feel like your back at home if your visiting the bean like me every year or so. if your looking for a great spot to try out what Boston food is like and get the real feel of what its like to be in the bean . you gotta check out this place. its a true Bostonian family restaurant with REAL FOOD. if you are watching your weight don't come here unless you are ready to splurge a little and forget your diet. ok so it is a huge tourist spot now and expensive but who cares. I still love it. I love the old street its on and the smell on the street and the memories i hold in that area. its Boston ! And its Beautiful. MM oyster house is wicked awesome
(5)Lynn C.
honestly, even if it's advertised as one of the oldest restaurants in boston, it's really not worth much. we had some oysters, clam chowder lazy man's lobster, and fisherman's platter and the bill came to about $100. the oysters were just okay, not that great. clam chowder was too salty. lazy's man's lobster was okay, for the sides, the broccoli was really bland, and the rice was okay. the fisherman's platter was kinda gross. the batter wasnt crispy but kinda soggy. ambiance wise, we were guided from one end of the restaurant to the other end, and then was told to just go upstairs (it wasnt even busy). the upstairs was sooo dark. how does anyone eat up there? i wouldnt go back.
(2)Steve U.
Sooooo delicious!!!! Best Clam Chowder ever! I'm all over the history of this place. In case you didn't know, it's America's oldest restaurant. Everything is fresh and it shows.
(5)Loc H.
since this is the oldest restaurant, i had to check it out. the beer was super icy cold and the guys at the oyster bar were WILDLY entertaining. He'd stick a fork to the lobster and the lobster would grab onto it for dear life. Sebastian the lobster probably died that day. Anyhow, the oysters were great and there were some loserfaces that didn't know that clams and oysters were different and commented on it saying "these oysters taste funny" the oyster shucker was nice about it and just said, "oh those are clams from...." anyhow, the ambience is awesome. VERY OLDSCHOOL Feel. The store inside is good for tourist knickknacks. On certain days, there is this farmers market right around the corner.. around the pub. Check it out. Fresh goods! Also, this is right by the freedom trail, so why not make a stop for a few oysters and a brewskie. So awesome. i love boston!
(4)Erica G.
When you go to Boston, it's pretty much inevitable that - at some point - you're going to be contemplating where to slurp down a huge bowl of Clam Chowder. So why not have it in the (allegedly) oldest restaurant in America? Situated near North Station, and housed in a gorgeously quirky building which is a perfect example of New England colonial architecture, the Union Oyster House is a bit of a tourist trap but has enough charm situated within its four walls to more than make up for it. We came here on a Wednesday afternoon to shield ourselves from the bitter winds coming off the bay and were immediately charmed by the place. The booths were snug and intimate, the service swift and polite and the food relatively decent. And huge. The ubiquitous bowls of Clam Chowder were warm and packed to the gills with warm creamy goodness. They were also served with a huge hunk of cornbread - a food stuff which is arguably more dessert than bread - which was just the thing for mopping up any leftovers. Then, because me and the Mister had eyes bigger than our bellies, we decided to opt for a sandwich each. And boy oh boy, were they some sandwiches. I went for the fried oyster which resembled the Oyster Po'Boys which you usually find in New Orleans. It wasn't so much a sandwich as a stomach busting monster made of fish and breadcrumbs. I could only manage half of it before admitting defeat and sucking forlornly on the world's largest dill pickle. My fella didn't even manage a quarter of his crabcake. Whilst they were both delicious, they were obviously geared to people who carry a spare stomach around in their handbag. Or just have hollow legs. Not even the delicious pints of Sam Adams Winter Ale that we slurped down could ease any of the huge foodie pressure. In the end, all we could do was lie back in the booths and curse our puny European appetites. Union Oyster House might not serve up the best seafood in Boston. But it's cute, quaint and very very cosy - and just the place to duck into if you're suffering from a bit of windchill. Personally, I didn't find it too expensive, but then again, your mileage (and your wallet size) may vary. And, after all, it's not every day that you'll get to eat in America's oldest restaurant. Well, unless you live next door to it that is.
(4)Tammie P.
Tasteless clam chowder. Lobster Newburgh was too creamy and plain. Served only with rice - boring!
(1)Ali W.
I get that it's "an institution" and "the oldest restaurant"... but... It's terrible. Awful. Disgraceful. Here's an image for you: ROCKS in the CHOWDER! I went here once for just a typical summer lunch date with an old boyfriend of mine. We sat upstairs (which was cramped, hot as hell and the booths barely could seat us) and we were totally ignored by our server. Boston isn't really well known for seafood, but I thought "okay, chowder here must be safe.. everyone loves it." I got my bowl, and the first bite I took was fair. It wasn't even hot but that's another issue. Second bite, and I swear part of my tooth fell off into the soup. It was a ROCK! Only drag yourself here if you are being accompanied by your Great Aunt Millie and her walker and want to have her "taste a bit of Americana." Pun very much intended.
(1)Too Risk Y.
Holy dissapointments! Oldest restaurant in th US or not.......definitely not worth it. The food was flat out not good and the service, albeit friendly, was terrible. Went there to get crablegs and couldnt find them on the menu anywhere and later saw ppl eating crablegs??? ......anyhoo, ordered lobster scampi and lobster ravioli, both were awful. Lobster is hard to make awful, but UOH did it. Tasted like 10 day old fish and the ravioli was cold and 3 steps below Red Lobster. The sloooooooow and mostly absent waitress popped my plate in the micro for 1 minute and so the cream sauce broke and became greasy separated butter on rubber ravioli. We begged several times for water refills and the waitress was the only person filling our tiny water glasses when she remembered and no bus boy ever came to check water, although he was around. We teased that every level of the restaurant had its own unique stench....1st floor smelled like oysters, up the stairs smelled like BO and the top floor for dinner smelled like cat pee......ugggh. Historical? yes. Good? No.
(2)Adam F.
Very tourist-oriented. They bank off of their history rather than food quality. Everything is mediocre, and very high priced. That being said, they have pretty good chowder here...not the best in Boston, but pretty good!!!
(2)Ken E.
Overpriced, overcooked and overpublicized. Save your money (and tastebuds) & go somewhere else.
(1)Alex K.
Very historic place. Certainly worth going to during a visit to Boston. Has a wide menu with just about every seafood dish you could want. Try to either make a reservation or be prepared to wait, this place gets crowded.
(4)Lauren D.
5 stars for the oyster bar, 5 for atmotsphere, 4 stars for service, 2 for the rest of the seafood and 1 for price. If you like oysters on the half shell, that is the reason why you should come here. Seriously. Sit at the oyster bar, have a brew, watch them shuck those oysters and enjoy the goodness. You can top them up with some horse radish, hot sauce, cocktail sauce and/or have them on a cracker if you so chose. I prefer to tilt that shell right at the opening of my mouth and let all the delicious oyster-y goodness on in. The rest of the seafood is not much to boast about (talking about the sea scallops, lobster "pot" and chowda. I say "pot" cause there was no pot. There was a cooked lobster on a plate with melted butter for 32 bucks. What?!). The chowder was just kinda...OK. We got chowder everywhere we went, and this just kinda tasted like campbell's soup compared to everything else we had. The sea scallops were about less than half the size that I'm used to having up in MICHIGAN (which makes NO sense at all!) and the lobster was even more expensive than anything we have had in Michigan. Maybe there is a reason for that, but if there is I don't understand it. You should be able to order some maine lobster for cheap there. Cheap was not the forte at the Union Oyster House. Even the oysters were more expensive than what I have had in Michigan and I hate to say it, but I have had meatier oysters in Michigan too. Oh well. It's claim to fame is also that its the first restaurant in America. I love the history bit of it. It was a great experience and I would go again to sit at the oyster bar.
(3)Silent S.
Some friends brought me here when I first moved to Boston. We were seated in a booth that was, according to a plaque on the wall, the favored booth of John F. Kennedy. That made me feel pretty special and gave me warm Boston fuzzies. And that's pretty much what the Union Oyster House serves up in spades: warm Boston fuzzies for the tourists and newbies. But for the prices you'll be charged, you can get vastly superior New England-style seafood at any number of locations in the city. Get the fuzzies for free on the Freedom Trail; get your seafood on the Waterfront or in the South End.
(2)Amy K.
My friends and I had heard good things about the Union Oyster House, so we decided to eat here after visiting the Holocaust Memorial across the street. I figured it would be fun to eat at "America's Oldest Restaurant", and besides, it had started to rain and we were freezing, so it seemed like a good place to go inside. It seems more like a restaurant to go to for the charm and experience rather than for the food. I had the fish and chips, which was pretty good and was filling, but nothing really to write home about. After lunch we went into the attached gift shop, and I found the plush, lobster magnet I'd been looking for!
(3)Bob C.
Good fresh oysters. Go for the history. Must do in Boston.
(4)Lindsay C.
Everyone raves about UOH. Not me... It's a tourist trap if I ever saw one. I came I saw and I'm DONE. The seafood was nothing special and was pretty tasteless. The only good thing about the night was the Irish Coffee (Super Strong, me likey) and the Clam Chowder. The bill for 5 of us was $200ish for nothing very amazing. I'll go back if family from out of town comes in...but other than that Nah.
(2)Vincent P.
Would love to give this place 2.5 but, alas, must pick an integer so am rounding up. Kind of a touristy place ("Oldest Restaurant in America") but actually good food. The Caesar Salad was excellent and large - very tangy, garlicy, great croutons, lots of Parmesan and fresh Romaine. The clam chowder while looking a little watery was excellent. Drinks a little puny. Service was friendly.
(3)L F.
Focusing on the food and ignoring the history/kitsch/toursit value... this place is great so long as you stick with the seafood classics. We had father's day dinner here--maybe more like lunner since it was 3:30pm. Undoubtedly they would have gotten fewer stars had it not been for our server--she was AWESOME!!! How often do you get a server who tells you what menu items are terrible and which ones are great and worth your money? Most of us chose to listen to her and the ones who didn't..... they learned their lesson. So onto the food.... Raw Bar: Oysters & Cherrystones. As good as it gets. This is the classic, original. No fancy accoutrements here--just lemon, cocktail sauce, and if you ask, tobasco. Awesome, fresh, reasonably priced. Apps: Fried Calamari: AWESOME. I swear they must have just pulled these out of the water. They were sweet, almost juicy. Not too heavy on the batter like some other places. Also, you get the leggy pieces AND the traditional oval kind. These are some of the best I've ever had. Steamers: These were so sweet you didn't need the butter. They were nearly grit/sand free too, which always makes me happy. Clams Casino: I'm not a huge fan to begin with since in most places all you taste is breading. These were above average--you could definitely taste the clams and it wasn't overly breaded/baconed. For what it's worth, the waitress said to stay away from the baked stuffed clams. Her exact words were "Nobody seems to like them. They are always left pretty much untouched on the plate." Entrees: Lobster Roll: It wasn't on the menu but she said we could get it anyways. This came with in a hotdog bun with lettuce, and fries. I don't like lettuce in my lobster rolls but who cares. Great mayo to lobster ratio, lots of meat!!! And not just the wimpy claw pieces. Knuckle & tail were represented well--which makes me happy since knuckle is my favorite piece. Fried Seafood Platter: again, AWESOME!!! Apparently the scallops were fantastic but I wouldn't know since everyone took one before I could try it. Comes with scallops, shrimp, oysters, clams, fish, calamari, onion rings & fries. Yeah, it is a lot of food. The only downside to that is you only get a couple pieces of each thing. (see scallops) Lobster Newburg: I was too busy trying to get my fried scallops back from whoever took it off my plate so I barely tried the lobster newburg. I remember it being tasty. Sauce was not too creamy, not too salty. Nothing outstanding though. Pork Chop: This guy didn't listen to the waitress. But he did say the asparagus was good. Lazy Man's Lobster: The breading was a little too breaded for our taste, but it wasn't without flavor. I am not a fan of baked lobster, but for those of you who are, it was great. The best selling point was that it wasn't overcooked, and the lobster meat was still juicy and sweet. Another waitress tip: Don't get the sole. She didn't say why, she just shook her head. Note: We also got two dishes off the specials: Baked Haddock & Maryland Blue Crabs. I'm not sure about the Crab eater but I know the Haddock guy is a fish snob--he said it was cooked to the perfect temperature (just barely opaque, light & flaky) and he ate it all before anyone could launch a fork onto his plate. He also remarked on the asparagus. Dessert: Homemade Gingerbread: Suprisingly good!!! Not overly gingerbreadman-like, more subtle. Especially nice since it was served warm with cold vanilla ice cream. Chocolate lava cake: Exactly what you would expect. The best waitress thing ever: So this place hypes up the Indian Pudding simply because it's the same recipe that's been used for 200 years. None of us had ever tried it so we were curious. When we told our waitress she immediately said "oh my god that stuff is disgusting--I can't even look at it." She brought us a small bowl so we could all see it for ourselves. The more adventurous in our group tried it: it had the consistency of really soupy cream of wheat, was a horrible brownish color, and was very very sweet. My overall notes on Union Oyster House--real seafood lovers rejoice!!! This place has fresh seafood, at reasonable prices, and most importantly they know how to cook it! You never have to fear that your fish will be overdone & dry, or that your food will be tasteless. It's all fresh!!! I would stick with the simpler classics and stay away from the fancy, lobster ravioli type things and of course the non-seafood items, like porkchops. Our whole gang agreed that when we return it'll be fried seafood platters, fish, rawbar & steamers.
(4)Elana H.
The only time I ever went here we waited 3 hours to be seated for a reservation. No.
(1)Luisa D.
Visiting Boston, this was the type of place i was hoping to find. Though there were some tourist-trap areas of the restaurant, my boyfriend and I were still pretty happy to be in the oldest restaurant in America. we enjoyed reading reviews, looking at all the old wood work and listening to the bar tender explain the progression of the place over the years. The food was good...oysters and clams were fresh, beer was cold and the beans were very good too. we really enjoyed dessert- the apple cobbler wasn't too sugary and wasn't heavy. In the end, my boyfriend bought me a HUGE lobster and a clam...it was fun being a tourist. I would go back for the good memories, history and food.
(4)Adrienne H.
Very interesting place. It felt like I was dining on an old ship or something. The calm chowder was thick and hearty the calamari was okay, great place to visit, but I didn't get to go to the bell in hand next door.
(3)Kay K.
This place had potential in terms of location, the tavern like feel and oysters..what could go wrong. Well, a lot. Like the rude waitress who rushed us through ordering and eating, taking away our plates before asking if we were done. Oh and not to forget that her Jersey-Bostonian accent with a gum smacking frown to match asking "Ya want wataaaar?!!!!" It is idiotic for a state to take pride tin having the best "RUDE" staff in the country....an oxymoron indeed. They should do away with wait staff entirely and just have a buffet, so patrons know that tipping is not appreciated here.
(2)Cristina L.
The best summation for Union Oyster House I can think of is: "Good for what it is." You have to come in here with the right set of expectations. This is not ICOB or Neptune, and that could be a good thing. Union Oyster House is busy, smack in the middle of tourist central, and leans on history to get people through the door. You need to be ready for an experience that is a little rougher around the edges. All that said, the dining experience was fun, casual and still managed to have a down and local feel. Let's just say I wouldn't feel impolite slurping an oyster right out of the shell at this place. The oysters here are satisfactory. They only had two options during our trip: Blue Point & Wellfleet - not the top of my list, but did the job. The fried clam roll was spectacular, so I get the sense that the casual dining food is top notch. I'll definitely return to this place, if only to talk to the friendly bartenders.
(4)Geanne B.
While vacationing in Boston with my husband we saw the big sign on top of the building and thought we should eat! It is the oldest and longest running restaurant in Boston, I think - so maybe worth a visit to get a drink or sit at the oyster bar - but we sat in an uncomfortable booth for dinner. Our waitress was bordering on rude with her inattentiveness and the food was not good. The seafood stew - was some shrimp and oysters in oily water, no taste at all. We spent alot and left depressed that we used one of our mealtimes in that place.
(2)Rachel Z.
Kind of expensive, but cool for its history
(4)Aaron B.
While the "tourist place to go," my wife and I went for my B-day and we're thrilled by the place. As the "oldest 'raunt in the US," we expected something silly. What we got was a solid raw bar (great Martha's Vineyard oysters and wonderful shuckers!) Great beer/wine selection and once upstairs (though we did wait 45 mins, but at the raw bar) the fish was "traditional" (in a breaded and broiled way) but VERY good. We had the haddock and red snapper and we're very happy! I will tell anyone visiting Boston (even from Brooklyn) to stop by, at least for the raw bar.
(4)Linda W.
We ended our getaway with dinner before departure back to NY. My husband immediately got on his iphone to pick out a good restaurant for seafood. My must-have before leaving Boston was a good bowl of calm chowder (chowda)! Ok, so some facts about Ye Olde Union Oyster House- it is literally the oldest restaurant in Boston since 1826. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 03, it continues to be one of the oldest continually operating fine dining in the earliest standing brick building. For appetizer, we shared a huge bowl of calm chowder. Creamy and fresh huge calms in every bite! The waitress gave us each a huge square of cornbread with butter which we couldn't finish since the entree portions were huge. I had the Sautéed Seafood Medley which contain pratically all of Boston's seafood chain. It had shrimp, cherrystones, mussels, swordfish, and calamari sauteed in a spicy marinara sauce over linguine. Except for the linguine, the dish was light without the overwhelmed or bloated feeling. Exceptional quality in the seafood selection! The shrimp, mussels, calamari and swordfish tasted amazingly fresh as if it were caught on the same day. My husband had the Seafood Newburg. It had lobster meat, shrimp, and scallops in a creamy sherry sauce on a baked pastry shell with rice pilaf. The sauce was a bit too rich and creamy. If it was a bit more subtle, it would not had drown out the seafood. On the other hand, my husband loved the lobster meat and shrimp and scallops. Our waitress was friendly and prompt with our order. It took a bit of a wait to be served since there were a lot of locals and tourists in town. We didn't have any room for dessert and opt for two cups of expresso instead. The expresso delivered a POW! for the long drive back home. I was told by the waitress, the restauarant exclusively serves "LAVAZZA" which is an Italian Premier brand (well-known tradition of quality) to their customers. I'm very tempted to make the switch from Starbucks to "LAVAZZA". For a fine history & great dining experience, definitely make a trip over to Union Oyster House!
(4)Sheila T.
I guess if you live in Boston you should go here at least once. I went on a Saturday in the early fall so there were plenty oF tourist still about town. The place was so crowded and disorganized. It was a total shit show. We had to wait for about 30 minutes when they finally sat us they brought us to a booth that only children could fit in. We finally got them to move us to a better table. We ordered . The server was pleasant . Food came out quickly. I got raw oysters , clam chowda, and the fried oysters. I know I know fat pig I am. All were delicious especially the fried oysters. probably won't come back b/c of the crazy atmosphere but the food was great.
(3)Anthony D.
The staff was fine and accommodating the raw seafood was good. How can they ruin that? The stuffed lobster my friend and I both had and agreed it was bland and not very good. Our wives had the special that the staff recommended it was a very bland and lack luster piece of haddock. We spent $100.00 on wine and managed to get the bill to $500.00 for four no desert or bar drinks. Too much $$$$ for the quality.BTW the chairs are uncomfortable.
(2)Josephine P.
Biggest tourist trap ever. Really no matter how 'great' their clam chowder is, or any of their food for that matter, trust me you can find way better for WAY cheaper somewhere else. Maybe a smaller place that isn't a chain and has skethy claims to fame which trick people to eat there. I hate the service here. They are so rude and really don't care at all about their customers. I once tried to buy a lobster stuffed animal and the manager and hostess literally turned their backs to me and resumed their conversation when I inquired where I could purchase it. Wow. I think their conversation was about a waitress who they believed was stealing tips... yeah I hope she was because their establishment apparently sucks anyways.
(1)Wendy L.
Clearly, you go there for the history--the longest standing restaurant in the US. Chowder was great! I had a lobster roll, it's the mayo kind, although not a fan, it was still a lobster roll with great lobster meat. Rest of the family are not seafood fans, so they ordered something else. It was an interesting experience with the historic perspective, but definitely a touristy thing. But I am glad to have eaten there!
(3)Michelle S.
We stopped in to the Union Oyster House one day for lunch because I'd been there but my partner had not. Being the oldest restaurant on the books I felt she needed to experience as I'd done a few years back. We started off with a cup of the fish chowder and a cup of the clam chowder. The clam chowder was outstanding as advertised but we sent back the fish chowder. There was absolutely no taste to the fish chowder whatsoever. I was amazed at it. And the fish bits in it were mushy. Just nasty but they obligingly replaced it with a cup of the clam chowder. I felt bad that my partner had gotten the fish chowder and had a bad experience with it since I suggested we come here but the clam chowder made up for it. It really is good. My partner got the cakes sampler for lunch and I got the fish and chips. The fish and chips was nice with perfectly fried, super fresh fish. The cakes, not so good. Each had a distinct, odd taste to them but each was nothing more than a ball of breading. Again, feeling bad, I shared my fish and chips. Glad we don't have to go back there again. The experience was enough to say we've done it and don't need to do it again. Union Oyster House better step it up if they want to remain the oldest restaurant.
(2)Jordan D.
The place is an institution folks. If you're in the area, you have to go. Just expect to to wait for a spot at the bar, depending on the time of day and don't be a retard and get chicken or a burger. Go with the crab cakes and raw bar and a Sam Adams seasonal. A bit pricey though.
(4)Lauren H.
Get the baked Scrod. This is a flaky white fish that is a young Cod and is only found in the Boston area. It is delicious. If you want to sit at the "JFK table" you have to have a party of 4. Tried to sit there with just me and a friend and they wouldn't let us. We sat near it though. Very good food. Great service too.
(5)Jen T.
This was one of the first meals of our trip and the last where we blindly followed a suggestion out of our guidebook without checking it against Yelp. Blargh. The guidebook we had singled out Union Oyster as the "best raw bar" in all of the Boston. And knowing how good Boston's seafood should be, we had high expectations. Unfortunately, once I saw that they prided themselves as the "oldest restaurant in America," I should've figured that it was a tourist trap! My mom and I shared half-dozen oysters on the half-shell, a bowl of clam chowder, and seared fish. My biggest complaint is that as an oyster house that has the best "raw bar" served us juicy Blue Point oysters on a random plate--no ice under it or anything--and the oysters were room-temperature/lukewarm. I didn't think too much of it originally, but we're lucky we didn't get food poisoning or anything. The fish was good, and the clam chowder was the norm. However, it's a tourist trap, especially since it's right off the Freedom Trail. I don't think local Bostonians eat here. Overpriced and not that great. Half of the restaurant is also pitch-dark. I'd recommend Neptune's a few blocks away for some fresh seafood that's actually worth it.
(2)sheev p.
If you are looking for less price and good service, I will suggest this place. there is no decoration on oyster plate but who cares if you want to just enjoy oyster in less price. Peoples who serves oysters are very friendly. If you have some special guest and want to impress him/her then you can visit Neptune Oyster bar.
(4)Ames F.
One of my fave seafood spots because... --It's historic (oldest continually operating restaurant in the country), makes for a great story, and the ambience is equally right for romantic dinners, nice family outings, bringing out of town'ers, and even happy hour (at the oyster bar). --Location, location, location. --The raw bar -- This is probably why everybody but me goes there. I'm just not a fan of bivalves (scallops being the only exception). --Seafood Newburg -- I'm a sucker for super-rich creamy sauce on scallops and lobster (hence, the hips). --The turf food is good for those who don't like the surf food.
(4)Kelly R.
Loved this place! We didn't have dinner here, just stopped in for oysters and wine and it was a perfect choice. Loved the food and drinks, loved the history and loved the live oyster shucking. We sat at the oyster bar and it was a really fun experience. Those guys know what they're doing!
(5)April P.
First and maybe last time here. Sit at bar instead of table. Service is mediocre. Oysters are warm. Tons of flies flying around you and your food. Nothing special about this place. Chowder was tasty but I wouldn't get anything else.
(2)David C.
Union Oyster House, sandwiched in between Faneuil Hall and Boston's historic North End, is the epitome of a tourist trap. "The oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S.," Union obviously has history on its side, and that is enough to keep it running regardless of the quality of the restaurant. That being said, the food is overpriced and underwhelming, and the restaurant itself is a little claustrophobic despite being quite large. Taking all this into consideration, I still managed to enjoy my one and only Union experience. Our waitress was the lovely mothering type, referring to everyone in my party as "babe" and "hon." And despite the cramped quarters, I actually enjoyed the layout of the restaurant. It kind of reminded me of the inside of an old ship. I had the lobster ravioli for my meal, but found it sadly lacking in lobster. For the price, I definitely expected more. My mom and my boyfriend ordered the Ye Olde Seafood Platter and the sauteed seafood medley, respectively, and similarly found themselves wanting (not so much in my mom's case--she had plenty of fried goodness). We were never at a loss for attentive service, however, and that was enough for me in the end. I'm sure I would have felt quite differently had I been the one to foot the bill. : )
(3)Gavin P.
First place I ever ate at in the city of Boston and an experience I won't soon forget. The staff was exceptional- inviting, helpful, and full of Boston charm. I ordered the Broiled Scrod (honestly, because it was on the cheaper side of the menu) but it's relatively cheaper price was not indicative of its flavor. It was FANTASTIC! Incredibly fresh and very delicious. At first glance it looks like a small portion but believe me it's a perfect amount and enough to satiate your palate and stomach. The baked potato I got with it was also delicious and it went well with the fish. It took a little bit for the food to come out but the sheer ambiance and authentic New England decor was enough to pass the time. My mother ordered the haddock and said it was the best she had ever had, my sister who is not a big seafood fan ordered the chicken and was very pleased. It was such a great experience that we returned the very next day and were greeted warmly like old friends. Super fresh lobster roll, another great experience! Will definitely be back anytime I'm in Boston and I will recommend this to anyone visiting the city. It is a MUST VISIT!
(5)Janell H.
Great clam chowder, great Sam Adams beer on tap brewed just for the Union Oyster House and great time sitting at the bar. I am a tourist but enjoyed my beer, oysters and chowder along with the entertaining conversation from the bar tender. Was not doing the Freedom Trail but the food and beer trail. ;-)
(4)Anthony N.
In search of the "best" clam chowder in Boston, I decided to come here since it is popular and it is the "first" restaurant in Boston. Unfortunately this place did not deliver when it comes to the clam chowder. For me, it was pretty blah and standard. It's not bad but I guess I was looking for something more special. Definitely not the best clam chowder I ever had. On the plus side; however, this place is "historic" and it is convenient for tourists since it is off the "red trail"
(3)Christine K.
Expect it to be busy. By virtue of the fact that it is right near many tourist attractions and is a tourist spot in its own right, being the oldest restaurant in America still in operation. There is generally a wait, even for a late lunch on a weekday. If you can find a spot at the oyster bar (and like oysters) sit there. It's fascinating to watch the oyster shucking. No, really. Or sit at the bar, where you can order off the full menu while guessing all the faces on the painting of all the famous people who have eaten there, from Bill Clinton to Bobby Orr (You don't know who Bobby Orr is? Get out of my review!) There is a legend in case you want to check your work. Or you can sit in the booth JFK sat in when he ate there. The food is great. There are oysters, of course. The biggest that I have ever seen! This visit, they were featuring Barnstables (Cape Cod) and Blue Point (Connecticut shore). They were gorgeous. Shrimp cocktail is 5 very large shrimp, and the cocktail sauce is amazing! Ask for an extra. The clam chowder is hands down the best I have ever tasted. Ever. The crab cakes were full of meat, nicely seasoned. The french fries were also the best I have ever tasted; hot and golden, with great flavor. The coleslaw was the only disappointment. It was lousy. Too bad, but I'm not even going to ding a star for that. They have a full bar and a decent selection of beers, including the Sam Adams Colonial Ale, which is apparently brewed just for them.
(5)Gerardo F.
I am deeply conflicted between liking this place and willing to question why this is such a Boston institution (aside of the history). The service was impressive and courteous - something that I now conclude does not exist in most of Boston. The decor and atmosphere are really what makes this place awesome and so unique (again, history matters). But when it comes to the food.... this is where things go downhill. The entrees my friend and i got (shrimps and fried calamaris) tasted and smelled bizarre (kind of like a mix of Vaseline and liqueur). We then got THE meal that UOH is most known for: fried oysters. These were pretty good, but the sauces offered were disgusting. Finally, the deserts were simply unimpressive. Overall, all i can say that it is a shame that a place with so much history and great service is let down by decent/mediocre food. A worthwhile meal, but nothing spectacular.
(3)Mike N.
We knew it was a tourist place when we chose to go here and it didn't disappoint in that regard. Food was less than spectacular and the service was spotty with the help more interested in gossiping amongst themselves than waiting on tables. Surely Boston has better seafood than what is served here for the prices charged here.
(2)Karin G.
This was fun! Oldest resto in America. Very historic and well-preserved space. Clam chowder was to die for, loved my crab cakes as well. They were trying a new crab cake recipe that day, one that the server said had much more crab than before. It was a clear winner, although I didnt have the previous cakes to compare. Service was excellent: friendly and attentive. Is there better food elsewhere, probably, but the adventure of this place makes up for it. This is a Boston must-do in my opinion.
(4)Soroosh A.
First time visiting Boston...how can you not go to America's oldest restaurant. Blasphemy otherwise! So on our walk to find Freedom along the Freedom Trail in Boston, we stopped at the Union Oyster House for lunch. Of course we always get what the city is famous for. So Boston being famous for its seafood, we ordered a half dozen oysters, half dozen clams, clam chowder and a crab cake sandwich. First the bad: the crab cake sandwich was eh. I would not order it again. The bread is huge, tastes like cardboard and the sandwich is just not that good. The good: Oysters and Clams! Always love watching the shuckers do their thing. Such a struggle to open that shell, but within lies a hidden pearl! The beautiful, slimy, meaty oyster/clam just waiting to be eaten. Before eating here, I was never a huge fan of oysters. But Union Oyster House changed my world. When that oyster hits your palate, you are just hit with a shock that excites your entire body. You feel energized. You can taste that salty ocean water on your lips and feel the ocean breeze running through your hair. Oysters are fresh to death! The best: Clam Chowder! Probably the best I have ever had. So creamy and thick! Bountiful chunks of clams! Other places, you often feel like you are mining for gold as you search the chowder for the last bits of the clams. At the Oyster House, you feel like with every spoon you have hit the jackpot! mmmm, so good! With all that said, I would strongly recommend you sit at the original Oyster Bar! Vastly different experience than sitting anywhere else! Shuckers will tell you stories! Your neighbors will surely strike up a conversation! Just a great eating environment! Stay Classy Union Oyster House! Stay Classy!
(4)Phil M.
Being here before, I knew what to expect. I know it's a tourist trap but it happens to be an outstanding seafood restaurant in Boston with the tastiest and coldest raw Oysters on the planet. Service is always top notch as well. My American Bouillabaisse had plenty of everything in a rich buttery broth. Everything from Lobster to filet. It was delicious. The recommended beers told to us by our server was perfect. Harpoon Dark! I must find that beer in NY now. The chowder was great as well.I think this place is a must to try out especially if you've never been to Boston.
(5)Nick D.
I've been to Union Oyster House once before about 11-years ago on my first visit to Boston and thought I'd try them out again, on my second trip to this awesome city. I wasn't really wowed during my first visit but thought it was worth a second shot. I understand that this spot caters mostly to the tourists, but you can't turn down eating in the oldest restaurant in America, as so they state, which I believe, because their decor and furnishings are probably as old as the resto and a couple of their servers too, but I digress. I went on a Sunday for lunch so the resto wasn't packed at all. Upon getting seated, it took about 10-minutes before my server acknowledged me and when she did, I made sure to place my order at the same time. For starters, I ordered their Lobster Bisque for $6.95 and for my meal, I ordered the Seafood Cake combo, which came with a Crab Cake, Lobster Cake and Fish Cake for $17.95. My Lobster Bisque was creamy and had slight pieces of Lobster inside. The bisque was flavorful but just good, I've had much better Lobster Bisque elsewhere. Upon finishing my bisque, my server grabbed my bowl and it took another 10-12 minutes for my meal to come out. When it did come out, I was slightly disappointed. There were the three cakes, but they were the size of half of a mini cupcake, sitting on a huge bed greens and roasted potatoes. The food was alright, the cakes didn't taste quite fresh, almost similar to what you could get at Costco or something, which I hope wasn't the case. So, I finished my plate with much more to be desired. I wanted to pay my bill and I felt like my server was avoiding my area. It wasn't just me either, a couple other tables near me were making similar remarks about the slow service. So again, when she came with the check, I handed her my card, sight unseen. When all was said and done, my solo lunch took an hour and 45-minutes. Really? Overall, if you're looking for good seafood go elsewhere, if you're visiting Boston for the first time and must do the tourist traps then, go for it, but you've been warned.
(1)Remie M.
Finally deciding what to eat for dinner. . . esp when it has been raining all day do 2 hurricane Irene. . . My first time in the area, u can feel the historic-ness (is that even a word?! hehehe) in this place We were seated upstairs near a window that overlooked the oldest bar in Boston. The atmosphere reminded me of a house during colonial time. This place wasn't busy at all maybe b/c the smart ppl stayed home during the hurricane warnings and such, but i wanted 2 c what's boston was all abt and wht its known for and was only in town for a wknd! hahahaha and i was hungry! hahaha the waitress approached us and was a true "bostonian" with her accent. . . i was facinated with. . .bahhhhhhstun! hehehe we ordered the lobster ravioli, 2 medium steamed lobsters that came with mussels, bowl of clam chowwwdahhh, and oysters. The oysters were super small and thin. . .lobster was great. . .lobster ravioli was my favorite!!! and the chowdahhhh was one of the best chowdahhh's i've ever had! Before we got out our food, they serve u cornbread. . .which would've tasted much better if it wasn't cold. For dessert we took home boston creme pie! We left so full we couldn't even walk! this place is an oh kay place. . .
(3)Monlia W.
Boasting its title as America's Oldest Restaurant, this place is great for history buffs, but not so much for foodies. Their clam chowder was average and so was the seafood. This place is more known for its historical presence more than anything and they milk it with their prices. It is definitely a place to visit of you want a small snack or just to fill your hungry weary tourists, but on the upside, the quality of their food is way better than legal seafood.
(3)Shannon M.
We came here for dinner on my birthday to round out my birthday meals 0/2. See review: yelp.com/biz/anastos-cor… . Having read the Yelp reviews I didn't have the highest expectations for this place, but hoped for the best. It claims to be the oldest restaurant in America and I had planned on getting lobster (how can you mess up lobster right?), so we figured we'd give it a try. Like the other reviewers we found it way overpriced for the quality of food and service. The restaurant was pretty packed when we were there and they gave us a table on the third floor. This was a bit difficult for our 89 year old grandmother to navigate, but we complied seeing that there were few tables open. The third floor was very hot at least a few degrees hotter than the second and first floors-uncomfortably hot. The tables are all cramped together and the chairs are super uncomfortable even for the folks in our party with tiny tushies. By the time our beer got to us from the 2nd floor it was kind of warm, our waitress was obviously overwhelmed having to tend to many tables, and our food was sub-par. Most of the entrees come with one side the best of which is a baked potato still wrapped in tinfoil. My husband wanted to try the "best baked beans" since we were in Boston. They were OK but not worth the seven bucks they charge for a side of baked beans. I had the lobster and had the worst experience I've ever had with lobster. It was nearly impossible to get out of the shell. We broke two metal claw crackers trying to get the claws open until I finally just gave up. I don't understand if it was the way it was prepared or just really poor quality tools but it was bad. None of us wanted to stay for dessert. We were too hot, uncomfortable and cramped to even think about being able to enjoy it. Also, the restaurant has a gimicky gift shop inside.
(1)Jennifer C.
I hate to give this historic Boston (rather, national) landmark only two stars, but based off my experience here, I've definitely experienced better. A friend and I came here for an impromptu lunch as were walking the Freedom Trail (sorry, we were tourists). I didn't have oysters, but I did try their fish and chips. And if memory serves me right, my friend went with a burger. Sad to say but neither of us were remotely impressed. Believe me, I so wanted to be impressed, in fact, I walked in with a bias, expecting to be impressed. Hopeful that America's oldest restaurant would do me right and knock my proverbial socks off. But alas, that did not happen and all my high hopes were dashed. I'm a fan of their seemingly undefiled decor. Nothing seemed to have changed in the "x" amount of years the restaurant's been in operation, which could be seen as a salute to maintaining it's historic integrity or if you are jaded, perhaps a gimmicky come-hither to lure patrons who care more about that sort of thing rather than say, umm.... the food? I'm of the first camp, but don't think it didn't cross my mind after my meal that the other school of thought could possibly have been half true. (Btw, my friend was a lot less kind in his opinion of Union Oyster House.) Perhaps I (or we) did not order the tried-and-true staples of this restaurant, and if given the opportunity for a second chance, I'd probably give it another go so that I'd not only discover what those staple dishes are -- since I didn't succeed in pinning the tail on the donkey the first time around -- but to also redeem my deflated positive bias for UOH.
(2)Dixon T.
We sat at the oyster bar and had some of the best oysters I've ever ate. It was fun to see the tourists pour into the place, the shucker give the brush off to his girlfriend, and listen to just how far people traveled apparently to just eat here. Sadly, the bar is rather popular and people will hover right on top of you waiting for you to slurp down your last oyster and give up your seat. Considering what one pays for a dozen oysters lately, the shuckers should try harder to discourage the hovering. One star off for that.... As for the restaurant? I couldn't tell you. The place is called the oyster house, so that's what we stuck to.
(4)Jon W.
1.5 stars. Poo poo. Jon-- The wife and I, devoted foodies both, had to come visit the oldest continuously open restaurant in the US of A. It was a good thing our friend advised us that it was a tourist trap. Because it was. Complete with a gift store and fanny-pack wearing retirees (sorry dad!). We came by just to have some oysters and beers while we were waiting for our table at Neptune Oyster to be ready (and that's the way to go!). Secret hint: sit at the oyster bar, because that's the only place where the oysters are freshly shucked. A seat in the dining room comes with its own risks! I was bummed that they only offered "native" oysters and little variety. The bartender kept trying to push the clam chowder on us, but we weren't biting. The native oysters were so-so, and the novelty of sitting at the bar where Daniel Webster was a regular did appeal to this history buff, but save your hard-earned clams for other, more fresh and delicious places. Jenny-- I agree with the husband. When a restaurant has "oyster" in their name, you wouldn't expect to be so underwhelmed with the oysters. The other guys around the bar seemed to be enjoying their food, but they were all chowing down on clam chowder and other assorted fried seafood. I would save my money and stomach space for Neptune Oyster. Their oysters were much better! Tip: if you really want some lobster-themed gifts for tourists, they have a whole bunch here but they are pretty pricey.
(1)Catherine S.
Sure, this place is a tourist trap, but it's a good one that's full of tradition. Some friends were visiting for the weekend recently, so I took them there for lunch. There was a bit of a wait (no surprise, Saturday), but it wasn't too long and we were able to hang out at the bar first. The seafood is good--not amazing, not horrible, but it gets the job done! They also have options like burgers and chicken sandwiches for the anti-seafood. Their cornbread is awesome--so moist! And I had the clam chowder (super creamy) and clam cake (nothing special, but satisfying). So I'd recommend going here if just for the historic nostalgia, but also to get your seafood fix while in Boston.
(4)Brian L.
Such a great, historic place! Good seafood and good service, great atmosphere. It's a beautiful building in a great old part of town and it's a wonderful experience to enjoy a good meal knowing that you're sharing something others have been sharing for nearly 200 years. Also, the cornbread was great. :-)
(5)Aboud Y.
OMG...Bad, bad, bad. Do yourself a favor and avoid this tourist trap. Its horrrrrible.
(1)Kat P.
I was less than impressed. The food is waaaaay overpriced but this is a tourist spot so what can you expect. But we arrived at 1pm on a Friday and waited over 45 mins for our food! All we did was order a bowl of chowder and a platter of fried fish. How on earth can it take 45 mins to throw that together. People that sat down after us got served first. For over $30 for a bowl of soup and fried fish for lunch, I expect better service!
(2)Sara M.
While planning my first trip to Boston, food finds was my first concern. Union Oyster House naturally peaked my curiosity as being listed as the "Oldest Restaurant in America." I typically dedicate a good amount of time prior to each trip making sure I research the best restaurants options that truly envelope the character of the city I'm visiting. Thanks to fellow yelpers, I soon realized Union Oyster House was not only pricey, but received mixed reviews on whether the food quality was worth the hefty price tag. I'm a young Midwest girl traveling on a budget, so if I'm going to be spending $100 on a meal for two, I want to be sure that that food is the best I've ever tasted. After much back and forth I finally decided that Union Oyster House was worth a trip. Having seen many positive reviews on the raw bar, we opted to skip a full blown meal and snack on some oysters instead our way through the Freedom Trail. This ended up being the perfect decision in order to experience the history of this restaurant without spending a lot. Not only was the raw bar an intimate and fun experience, the oysters were fresh and reasonably priced. You'll be elbow to elbow with your fellow tourist, but this just adds to the nature of the small raw bar. The oyster shuckers are amusing and friendly. Here you'll truly feel the neighborly love of Boston. After telling the oyster shucking staff we were from Chicago, he proceeded to dump a handful of Union Oyster House coasters into my purse, "as a souvenir". At $11.95 - $14.95 a half dozen, you'll be able to skip the wait for a table, try some true Boston delicacies, and say you've eaten at the Oldest Restaurant in America without maxing out your vacation budget. It's a win-win situation. Now I still can't say whether or not the dining food is worth the price, but I can say that the Raw Bar is a great alternative. While you're there, be sure to sample Sam Adam Colonial Ale. Sam Adams specially brews a unique beer for this restaurant, and this restaurant only. It is the only place you will be able to try it, so if you're a craft brew lover - do not miss this. All in all, Union Oyster House keeps its historical ambiance and provides a wonderful raw bar experience. So plop down where history once sat, shoot a oyster back, and enjoy the Boston love because there aren't many places like this one.
(3)Chad D.
The reason to go to the Union Oyster House is for the history. It is the oldest restaurant in the United States and that alone makes it a must visit. If you go during peak dining hours, I highly recommend making a reservation by calling the restaurant or on open table. I would recommend showing up 15 to 20 minutes early so that you can have a seat at their wonderful bar downstairs before your reservation. The staff is very knowledgeable, but at times have been a little slow. I would attribute the slower service due to how busy they are and explaining how to crack a lobster to all of the non-Boston locals such as myself. Good thing that I didn't have a problem wearing the bib, because I sure needed it. I would recommend the clam chowder soup and any dish with a lobster tail or a full lobster.
(4)Linda E.
The oysters were fresh, mussels were huge and yummy, and the clam with bacon was delish!! Service was nice, a little too much, I felt rushed and it was empty on the bar side and open until 11 and it was only 9pm. Shots of tequila are chilled and huge! Cheers!
(3)Elias K.
I guess I can't give a full review. We were doing the tourist thing in Boston and our tour guide recommended the Union Oyster House for their clam chowder. We had other plans for lunch, but we decided to stop in and have a bowl anyway. Got to say I loved the sense of history. The decor isn't maybe the snappiest, but you definitely feel like you're someplace special. The staff was very friendly and helpful, despite us making it clear that chowder was all we wanted. We were served promptly and checked on regularly. As for the point of the whole visit, the chowder was excellent. We tried several of the recent Chowderfest winners during our weekend in Boston, and this was the consensus number one pick of the whole family. I can't say much either way about their whole dining experience, but for tourists, and those looking to grab a quick bite of tasty chowder, the Union Oyster House gets my full recommendation.
(4)Maria L.
The decor is 5 stars, and so is the staff. The food though..not so much. Arguably NOT the best chowder in town. Chewy clams and all around mediocre food. The clam cakes were average. Actually, the best thing may be the complimentary corn bread! Go here for the history and some decent food but don't expect to be blown away by the cuisine.
(3)Roma B.
Excited to eat here for the 1st time, I made a restaurant week reservation for me & a friend. The place smelled awesome. We had delicious cornbread & clam chowder. The rest of the meal was a DISASTER. My Calamari although abundant was chewier than bubble gum & flavorless. I bagged it to give to a co-worker who found it equally BAD. We both had the pan seared red snapper entree, that was overcooked to the point where it was more like a piece of tough fried chicken. The mashed potatoes were ok but VERY thick & goopy like paste. Caught up in conversation & not wanting to be fussy we trudged through the meal, hopeful for desert. WOMP, WOMP. Indian pudding was not set, more like watery poo & the apple cobbler was a nutty, mushy, hot mess. GROSS!
(1)Robin W.
Great food, great service! I give it a thumbs up!
(5)Daniel F.
the second you walk into the restaurant, you can tell this restaurant is a historic site opening since 1826. I called them at 4pm to make 6pm reservations and we got there 15 minutes early. We were directed to the 2nd floor seating going up the wooden stairs. The waitress was quick with our orders but forgot to give us water when we asked for it twice. I ordered the half dozen native oysters which were just incredibly fresh and tasty. The restaurant also had a special menu for april mondays and tuesdays for about 25 dollars where you get the clam chowder an entree of salmon or haddock and a dessert. I was excited about the clam chowder after reading some of the reviews on here but after trying it, i think it's just average. There weren't even 2 pieces of clam in there (mostly potatoes). The haddock I felt was a little tasteless, but the dish my gf ordered was amazing. she ordered the scallop over pasta. The scallops were AMAZING!!! I couldn't help but rob a few of her scallops while she tried to defend her plate with her utensils lol. The dessert was great, we had the Warm Apple Cobbler with a scoop of ice cream on top. I enjoyed the food and The atmosphere was great. But like i said, there were just some disappointments in the meal that brings it down a star. bottom line: I will definitely return to see what else it has to offer. Check it out yourself if you're ever in Boston.
(4)Will C.
Stick to the quickstyle bar area and oyster bar downstairs, the rest is too touristy. The lobster was tasty, but I have definitely tasted better. The wait was really taxing when there is so much free room downstairs. I would have stayed downstairs with the bar waitress who was way more attentive than the bitter old ladies up stairs. The clam chowder was kickass, but honestly the clam chowder was good everywhere in Boston. The Lobster Ravioli was heavy with cheese sauce, my girlfriend said a vodka sauce would have made it much better. I would pass on our main course: UNION SPECIAL LOBSTER-Baked Medium Lobster with New England Seafood Stuffing,Topped with its Claws Lazyman's Style, but the Baked Potato was GOOD
(2)David R.
How can you pass up the oldest restaurant in America? The toothpick was invented here! The facility really shows its age, though, and the atmosphere was a bit too drowsily grandpa for me. I could overlook it if the food was stellar, but it was in the B/B- range. I had chowder, fried calamari, and a grilled swordfish special (I know, not a North Atlantic fish). A couple of my friends were still tipsy from the Red Sox game, so we tipped the patient waitress a bit extra for putting up with our bullshit. Like my fellow Chicagoan Alison M., I wouldn't come back here but now I can say that I've been to the oldest restaurant in the U.S.
(3)Mary L.
Tourists love to go here, and they have tons of reviews on yelp...but I will never go back. Their staff was incredibly rude, possibly because they had a long day with the st pattys day crowd, but we were there early afternoon, and the place was dead. We decided to just get chowder (which was delicious) and go to the north end for dinner. I do not need snotty waitstaff.
(2)Milkey S.
A bit touristy but the food was good. I had clam chowder and blackened scallops. Both were good. Not "fine" dining but not bad either. Lots of tourists through the door during my late - 3:30 p.m. - lunch. Overall, enjoyable.
(3)Jack M.
Good food, nice atmosphere (oldest restaurant in America) but completely overpriced. For something close to $20 you can get an appetizer of 4 raw clams and a couple shrimp. Yippee. Food here is pretty good - I still can't recommend that fish sandwich enough. And the scallops were cooked perfectly. But it's just utterly overpriced, kids. -- Oh and the service: wow - such typical Boston waitresses. A nearby couple obviously from out of town asked the waitress about a certain dish - and the waitress replied super-fast "Oh-it's-my-favorite-i-love-it". I have never heard such a fake statement from a waitress in all my life. The customer actually fell for it and got the whatever-it-was. The service was very harsh - "Hows-your-food-folks" etc. Really they are saying "you are bothering me please get out of here". Kind of a bother.
(3)Anthony I.
Charm, history, oysters, cold beer and bartenders with inviting smiles who are quick to make you feel at home.
(4)YT C.
Great dining experience with character. Made an online reservation for 7:30 on a Thurs - maybe because it's Nov - but got it. Got there on time - they paged me and everything flowed very smoothly. While waiting in the bar, the bar tender was very nice and there was even a Benjamin Franklin imitator in full regalia just hanging around... not sure if he was with the restaurant or just stopping by. They gave me a small table for 2 but I asked for a bigger space. No problem - they found another space for me in a booth. Ordered the lobster scampi over spagetti -- great presentation (no veggies though) but pretty comparable to Red Lobster. But the real reason is to get a part of history. You get all that ! Narrow hallways and stairways - wood flooring - 100+ year old portraits and yes, even a souvenir store. Everything was relatively modest in pricing - even the unbleached T-shirt was just $10. Booths / tables are narrow - so if you are "wide" - you may not want a booth. Parked at the nearby #7 Parcel parking lot (the restaurant will validate it and you pay just $1 ) Enjoy ! I'll have to bring the kids next time I visit Boston !
(4)Kat K.
I only wanted to eat here because of it claiming the oldest countinuously operating restaurant in the country... Well it was okay. The lobster was decent and the oysters was okay.. Maybe i shoulda checked yelp first! Our server was friendly but only if you can actually get a hold of her. It was very very hard to get a refill on drinks. She never really checked on us. Well... I won't be back... but I am glad I ate here because of its history.
(3)Rana A.
This place has been open since 1867, that's amazing!!! You can totally feel the history in this place!! As for the food, I had a bowl of clam chowder which was great and split an order of calamari which was all right (overly breaded and not fried completely which left the batter a bit wet) I would recommend going to this place because it's a piece of history, but if you're looking for a seafood place that will blow your mind, check out No Name (according to Josh C.)
(4)Gregory K.
it's kind of surprising to see that this place only has a three star rating. yeah, it's a tourist trap because it's right smack on the freedom trail... but where else are you gonna eat oysters and clam chowder (er...chowdah) after your eyes have starting drooping out of your sockets from following a tiny painted red line across Boston. The Clam chowder was one of the most best versions i have had in quite a while. It was cool how i finally was able to eat chowder in New England and picking this restaurant wasn't a disappointment. The Oysters...damnnn..never had raw oysters so smooth as those. it was like eating air, you didn't even realize that by the end of 2 minutes, you downed 3 oysters. Great Food, Great ambiance...pretty spot on place. GO here if ur ever in boston for oysters
(4)Chris S.
Call it touristy or whatever else you want to call it but the oysters were awesome and my clam chowder was amazing. I went there for the history as well but walked away being very happy with my meal. However, I recently had a friend who went to the restaurant and got food poisoning so be careful.
(3)michelle r.
Sadly, the worst seafood I had in Boston. Our oysters were not shucked properly & had bits of broken shell in them. Also, little neck clams were revolting. If this place were to open it's doors today, it would probably go out of business. The fact that it's on the Freedom Trail & holds the title of "oldest restaurant in the US" is all that's keeping it open in my opinion. our server however did nothing wrong whatsoever. she was cordial and looked after us, but we did not want to make a fuss over the food. we just paid the bill and left. the two points are for the Chowder. very, very good! want good seafood? take the T out to kenmore & eat at Island Creek Oyster Bar. A+ awesome.
(2)Kristine M.
A few years ago, I went here and got the oyster soup. It was decent and the atmosphere was cool, but I never went back because I prefer Atlantic Fish to meet my sit-down seafood restaurant needs. Then today my out-of-towner in-laws went there for lunch and brought back some clam chowder for us. They were VERY stingy on the clams. Even my neighborhood pub puts way more clams than this place. It was extremely creamy and a little salty. Disappointing. They're clearly coasting on their name and "oldest restaurant" title.
(2)Don F.
This was our first stop when we hit Boston a few weeks ago. I wasn't familiar with the place, but I was on a week long mission to eat seafood while on the east coast. My wife and I sat at the oyster bar and had a great experience. Both gentlemen behind the bar took good care of everyone at the bar. Shucking oysters and clams, serving up chowder and beer, and telling stories of the past 40 years working there. It was exactly the food experience I was looking for, and a great way to start our trip. I am a huge fan of oysters on the half shell, and cooked clams, but I had never had clams on the half shell until that day. It took a few to acquire the taste, but then it was on. The chowder was very good, and the cornbread was sweet, but it was all about the raw seafood and the conversation for me. Maybe next time we will try something off the menu, or maybe not. I'm sure all the food is good. After all, you don't stay in business that long by sucking, but if you get a chance to go you have to hang at the oyster bar for awhile.
(4)Harry C.
Oysters and scallops tasted fresh. The service was friendly. The decor is historic and adds and interesting background.
(4)Michael C.
A friend told me to hit this place up so I did. I also learned along the way that it's the first restaurant in America. Whether that's true or not, I don't know but what I do know is that they serve some of the best tasting raw shellfish out there! I had raw oysters and raw clams(littlenecks) that were just scrumptious. It's a little pricey, but was well worth it in my opinion. Recommendations: Raw oysters and clams(littlenecks)
(4)Gary H.
lived in Boston for over 16 years-went here quite a bit.live in the "burbs"now and hadn't been in several years-went into town with some friends who had never eaten here and wanted to try it-always enjoyed it-so,ok. actually,i was looking forward to going again. soooooo disappointed! as there for lunch-ordered 3 beers and a coffee-fine,no problem. warm cornbread-moist and good-again,no problem.then,it began-first,my chowder-lukewarm(I can deal),fried seafood platter to split-fries cold,1 scallop,1 clam,couple of shrimp,and rest was a small piece of fish,and calamar of varying sizes.Also,all the fried seafood was lukewarm. We ordered 2 orders of steamers-waitress comes back-no steamers that day. Come on-you're known for having seafood(especially lobsters and steamers) i let it go,since it was New Years Day,but still.... I actually wanted their shore dinner"(something else they're known for)-not available at lunch. Wonder why,since everything in a shore dinner is available individually. My friends had salmon-she loved it,shrimp and scallop with sundried tomato cream sauce-he said it was good,and cajun fried shrimp-he said it was ok. I had a lobster-one claw,totally empty-rest was good,but only good. everyone had coffee-i was the only one that had dessert-my favorite thing in the world-indian pudding. ok,but not as good as it used to be.All in all-very disappointed-especially for $200.00-not including tip. they seem to be resting on their laurels of being the oldest restaurant and knowing tourists will always come here-too bad-they're doing themselves,Boston,regulars,and tourists a huge disservice.
(2)Lauren B.
sat at the bar for some apps and drinks. Bartender was very nice and friendly- that was probably the only positive. Wine list was over priced, and limited. Oysters were not even shucked, you had to basically pry them out of their shell. They were dried out and looked like they had been sitting open for a while. Steamers were chewy and tough. There were broken shells everywhere. They didnt even feel steamed, some of them were cold. For a place that has Oyster in the name, they should have more of a selection of oysters to choose from! Go to Kingfish or Neptunes-- both are SO much better!
(1)Bryan K.
Have wanted to come here since my Grandfather told me to a few years ago. He had eaten here when he was my age and lived in Boston. It is a very interesting building and cozy feel. The food was average. I liked the chowder very much. No problems with ith being a tourist trap. It just seemed like an average seafood place when it came down to the food. It is the atmosphere and the history that really makes this place.
(3)joanne C.
This place is our tradition every time we come into town for the Boston Marathon. After the big race we come here for dinner with a ton of oysters and lobster and it never disappoints. So the service isn't great, but really, it's more of an experience. The waitresses are about as old as the restaurant, so it goes with the territory. Don't expect a 5STAR experience, just enjoy it for what it is -- good seafood with a great historic atmosphere.
(4)Chinh T.
The seafood's really fresh and I enjoyed the Cape Cod Cherrystone & Cape Cod Littlenecks I had. The clam chowder comes w/ a lot of clams! I also ordered the Fish & Chips, which I didn't care for much because it came out as 2 large squares of fried fish & not smaller pieces like fish & chips should be. The fish was fresh, but I didn't like the block-sized portion. The fries & cole slaw it came w/ were also very blah. Nice touristy place to go to I guess, but I wasn't impressed by any of the food except for the oysters. The average age at this restaurant is probably around 45-50 though.
(3)J S.
Great food with a wonderful story! Oldest restaurant in the US. They even have their own ale, which I highly recommend.
(4)William G.
This place was definitely an interesting experience. The oldest continually operating restaurant in these United States, it should have the most Yelp reviews of any restaurant. In an effort to be any different than those who have come before, I shall give the viewpoint of a southern tourist. Looking for someplace interesting to eat in Boston, someone knew of this. They were able to accomodate our reservation for 14 with a couple days notice. The food was terrific. I had the lobster ravioli, a very tasty dish and highly recommended by the house. Every meal here comes with corn bread, something well appreciated by the southern palate. I also had the opportunity to try the clam chowder. I had 4 bowls of it in 4 different places over the trip, so while I certainly would rate it the best I had in Boston, better check with a local for a full report on whether this is actually tops in town. The rest of my party had assorted other dishes, with reviews ranging from yay to run of the mill. But my food was all to the positive, although portion sizes were small for the price. Speaking of which, the price is the only thing keeping this place from a fifth star. I suppose if I was there with an older crowd, it would have been fine. As it was, we had students with us on a very small per diem, and this place blew them out of the water. My meal was in the low to mid $30 region. For that price, I expect high quality, and I got mid-to-high quality, for which I would expect about 50% more lobster ravioli than I received. Lots of the seafood is market price, so no one ordered that and I cannot speak for it. Still, a little extra money to say I ate in a uniquely Boston place was satisfactory. The service was top notch. You can eat downstairs at a bar, and there's multiple levels of restaurants as you go up the stairs. All of the staff we met were friendly, helpful, and efficient. They definitely tended towards an older waitstaff, which fit with the spirit of the place. The giftshop had some neat items to commemorate the visit, and the attendant there was more than willing to take pictures of the group. I'm not saying, I suppose, that it isn't a tourist trap. But if it is, it's the nicest one in which I have ever found myself.
(4)Mark R.
Really enjoyed the history of the place more than the food. It is an amazing building and neighborhood to see so I recommend you check it out. Food was ok. Had oysters and clam chowder. Not bad. But nothing super special. The place is special though. Bartender was really friendly and fun.
(3)Michelle W.
The boy and I only came for drinks, so can't say much about the food, but do expect to wait an hour for a table. Service at the bar was good. Can't say much else about this place....
(4)Ian C.
have been to here twice. First time was about 2 years ago for dinner. The clam chowder was really good. Last week we visited Boston again and just tried the oyster bar. It's expensive but the oysters were yummy and sweet. It's very good as the oysters I've tried in Sydney fish market.
(4)Yalcin T.
Unbelievable check in time, 75 min!!! Say hello to Matt at the reception from us. Also the entry level manager Troy who couldn't do anything but apologize while Matt sending others to 1st floor to enjoy their food. The food was below average; one wonders how they were able to keep open after all these years with this level of menu, service and performance.
(1)Ju L.
Pros: 3 different seating options. Bar staff is friendly, unlike the receptionist. Cons: Clam chowder doesn't compare to what I had in Wellfleet, MA. Tourist trap.
(3)Valery C.
Ye Olde Union Oyster House isn't the sort of place I ordinarily go to for food, and I'm not recommending them for that, but its definitely worth a visit in some form to appreciate the stately building, old atmosphere, and remarkable old fixtures. Inside, they have a small gift shop on the right side. On the left, there are a few choices for seating, including a round raw bar, booth seats, main dining room, and bar. I think there's also an upstairs dining area. We slid into a cozy (read: tight), white, slatted wood booth. Each of the booths seem to feature a bit of local history; ours discussed a publication that used to be published on the upper level on the Union Oyster House building during the colonial period. Wait staff were direct and competent. We ordered some IPAs then went for a sampling of the food. The New England clam chowder was very classic, super thick and creamy with a few clams and potatoes, pretty tasty. The cold seafood sampler included (2 each) very fresh raw oysters and cherrystones, and nicely done cocktail shrimp, retaining a crisp on biting. Mussels were supposed to be Basque style but couldn't tell, broth was watery and not impressive; mussels were ok, a mix of plump, yellow toned ones and very small, paler ones in a large bowl with two garlicky, toasted bread slices. The blackened sea scallops were well prepared, but a bit too heavy on the seasoning. Could pass on the accompaniments: red potato mash too gummy and sweet potato mash too sweet. My recommendation? Get a seat at the raw bar, knock down some raw oysters and other seafood with a beer and soak in the atmosphere.
(3)Amanda J.
I think that my recent dinner at Union Oyster House was really just one big reminder of why I hate tourist traps in my own city and why I avoid Faneuil Hall as much as possible... My friend and I were in desperate need of some catching up and she suggested Union Oyster House for a Restaurant Week dinner. We made a reservation for 7:00 and were looking forward to some great New England seafood. So we get there and check in about 6:50 or so. And at 7:30 we were seated... so we waited the same 40 minutes that parties without reservations did. Organization wasn't so hot... The RW menu was a well kept secret. We had to ask for it after we were given the standard menu and abandoned immediately by our waitress. We each ordered different apps and entrees. My friend's lobster raviolis were to-die-for and the highlight of the night. My salad was less than stellar... lettuce that was over-dressed with 3 tomato slices and a few poorly cooked beets. Entrees arrive. My friend's cod was alright, a bit greasy. Her sides of mashed potatoes and veggies were standard. My entree was... interesting. Seafood ravioli with shrimp, scallops, and an enormous amount of sauce. The ravioli was good, the shrimp had the tails left on and the scallops were overcooked. Oh and you couldn't even see the food under the big ocean of sauce. For dessert we each got apple crisp. It was decent really, I can't complain. Nothing stellar, but certainly not bad. I don't think we'd be going back. If it hadn't been at RW prices, I would've complained about the food... certainly not worth it.
(2)Pete A.
The clam chowder is wonderful. The beer is... well, beer. As befits a touristy place, the entrees decent but about 20% overpriced. Don't get me wrong -- it's certainly not bad and you really do want to eat here at least once. Also, as a Dartmouth grad, I have a soft spot for a place where our most famous alumnus allegedly downed about 30 oysters. But don't expect too much.
(3)Timothy S.
My wife and I stopped at the Union Oyster House after completing the Freedom Trail. I was looking forward a cold beer and a bite to eat. The beer selection was pretty good. What I was most disappointed about was the quality of the oysters. I would rate them a 4 out of 10. They looked terrible and tasted bad. The shrimp cocktail was average.
(2)Anamaria B.
If you want to eat at a place with a little presidential history (JFK used to love eating here. He even had a favorite booth that the restaurant lets people sit in) and old style booths, this is your place. The food was pretty good. Since we're not from the East Coast, we tried a lot...crab cakes, oysters, clam chowder, blah blah blah. The clam chowder was impressive. Usually, I order clam chowder and it's more like potato chowder with a clam garnish, but this clam chowder was actually stuffed with clams. They also serve UNLIMITED cornbread which is mouth watering. The service is great because the people working their have awesome personalities. It may seem slow at times, but it's only because there are so many people there. We went around 2 pm and it was still packed. It's worth checking out.
(4)Liza A.
Soo disappointed!! I ordered the Lobster Newburg for $35, the sauce was flavorless, there was hardly any lobster, and it was overcooked. My boyfriend ordered the swordfish, which was overcooked and dried out, such an expensive waste! We've come here before just for oysters, steamers, and chowder, which are all good. If you feel like going there once because it's historic, stick to those with drinks and sit at the oyster bar if you can, then get your dinner somewhere else.
(1)M B.
This place is nothing special. Definitely a tourist trap. The food was mediocre and overpriced. Service was meh The best part of the experience was the ambiance if the restaurant. But you don't need to dine there to experience that.
(2)Gerald H.
Awesome service. I sat at the bar and ordered the famous clam chowder and lobster roll. Both were fresh and delicious. The bar tender was nice and provided great service.
(5)Michael C.
A classic...always great seafood.
(4)Michael W.
Over rated. Chowder was ok and cost a bundle. They were closed early so that's all we got.
(2)E S.
Great service and atmosphere; however the food is far too expensive. The lobster ravioli was bland and the portion was small ($28). I expect higher quality and/or more food at this price point. Beer was reasonably priced for Boston, Blue Moon ($6.50). I won't be back. There are many restaurants in Boston that offer higher value in both taste and price.
(3)George M.
Okay it's right on the Freedom Trail so it's overrun with tourists. And it's crowded. But it's worth the trouble. I had a cup of chowder and a beer at the oyster bar downstairs and the chowder was awesome.
(3)Christine J.
Being the oldest active restaurant in America it was an experience in itself. There is even a booth dedicated to JFK. I liked that the menu had the history behind it on the back. For an appetizer we ordered the seafood sampler and the clam chowder. As for meals, we ordered a lobster roll and a crab cake sandwich. My #1 recommendation is the chowder hands down!!! The crab cake sandwich was disappointing. The lobster roll was yummy.
(4)Stephanie H.
went during the afternoon. front bar was pretty backed but once we got inside it was empty. LOVE the historic feel to it . friend & i went just to get some oysters. ive never been a fan/really had any so i was pleasantly surprised. we just got two beers on tap & a plate of oysters -two different kinds (new york & a local one. id recommend the local one). on the pricey side but great atmosphere, good beer & decent oysters. i wouldnt mind going back to try the food. bartender was friendly & as the oysters were tiny that day, he gave us extra.
(3)Bill R.
A must if you are in Bean-town. If you go, you have to sit a the Oyster Bar. Many fun people and the characters that open the Oysters are part of the meal. Every time I go back east I make it a point to share a few dozen with the wife. Living history and worth your time.
(4)D L.
Service was terrible. Waitress was not pleasant. Tourist trap don't go. For the price I would expect better service and better food. Would not go back.
(1)Jenny T.
My boyfriend always wanted to try his first oyster here. Was directed by hostess to sit at one of the booths. We walked over to the booths to find all 4 of them dirty with dishes from the previous party. Another couple came over and was told the same thing by another hostess. We manage to flag down a waitress and instead of taking 2 seconds to clear away the booths she proceed to give us a 1 minute lecture about how we just have to stand here and wait until they come to clear the booths. It would've taken her literally 2 seconds, but she just went on and on. My boyfriend and I just left. The other couple said they were going to do the same. Very bad customer service. Will not come again.
(1)Armen N.
In summary, the food is bland and expensive. Came here with much reservation based on existing reviews, but my friends wanted to experience "the oldest restaurant in America." It does have a little bit of the old Boston charm, but that's about it. I ordered the American Bouillabaisse. One would expect "Bouillabaisse " to have big flavors that enhance the fresh seafood, unfortunately this lacked any flavor, including basic salt seasoning. I also sampled my friends seafood newburg, which was better but still bland and overly heavy. The chowder which was just OK. The star here is the cornbread, which is really good but no reason to make a visit. Steer clear!
(1)Alan S.
So there is already a ton of reviews, so I'll keep this simple. The clam chowder was good and the cornbread amazing. I also tried the sampler which was more of a 3 star, and the fish and chips looked nice but I didn't have any. If I went back I'd have the bowl of chowder and ask for an extra piece or two of cornbread and that would be a great $10 lunch.
(4)Brigette R.
Arrived pretty late to meet friends. Sat at the bar, pretty cool watching them clean the oysters. Ordered clam chowder, cornbread, beer, and half a dozen oysters. Great company and enjoyed the casual scene at the bar. Bartender was friendly , food was served fast. Only complaint I thought my cornbread was kinda dry. Other wise my oysters were pretty good, wish I remembered the type I ate. Good experience, I would go back and try the other oysters to compare.
(4)Ralphie A.
Great place and atmosphere The food is amazing ! Clam chowder is to die for and corn bread is delicious!
(4)Amy B.
We had a lobster meal with mussels. For a seafood restaurant in Boston, I wouldn't expect the mussels to be filled, and I mean filled with sand. They have us a new batch again, filled with sand. Finally the third batch actually ha clean mussels. I don't know if they get lazy as the night goes on or just didn't care about a small table of two. Either way, shame on them for screwing up a basic dish not once, but twice.
(2)Joe S.
Food was fabulous. But even tho not crowded, the service left a lot to be desired. Our waitress left us for long periods w/o asking how things were, etc. had to get up and find someone just to pay the check. Not good Service Management. Need to be more like our Old Town Trolley driver "Fred", who suggested it.
(4)Matt E.
I'm pretty sure they're just relying on tourists rather than any actual people in Boston. The restaurant gets to say they're the oldest continuously run restaurant in the country (1826). They've been featured in countless food shows and I came here as a tourist for that reason alone. Between the high prices and the bad reviews I stuck to a seat at the bar for a beer and clam chowder (and complimentary corn bread and old bay chips). The bowl of chowder was about $8 and was a modest portion, it wasn't that hot when it got to me but other than that it was very good. The cornbread was also delicious. For a beer I got a Sam Adams Brick Red, a beer offered year around but only in a handful of Boston bars (that too was a little pricier than normal). The service I got at the bar was decent and I don't have any big complaints overall. I might not rush back here in the future but from my limited experience I wouldn't dissuade anyone from coming here either.
(3)L L.
I brought the kids here after we went to the Big Apple Circus on City Hall Plaza. The location is great, which allowed me to show the kids the Haymarket and cobblestone streets for a brief history lesson. The restaurant is listed as the Oldest Restaurant in America. I had lobster salad and fish chowder - both were fine. Kids had a cup of soup and Caesar salads which had too much dressing for them. Lunch for 3 was $58. If this did not have the historical connection then I doubt we would have visited. Price is high for what we ate.
(3)R J.
Looked good, not real busy on a Sunday night, but great chowder
(3)Melissa M.
Alright fine, we didn't eat here, but me and my two girlfriends had a couple of oyster shooters which were deeeelightful. We also got six oysters and they were deliciuos as well - and...I hate oysters. The bartender was hilarious. And then there is Steve, who is an extremely large man - like 100 feet tall (after shooting an oyster) and so nice. They gave us great recommendations for food in the North End, pastry shops and super helpful. They really wanted us to enjoy our trip here and all Boston has to offer. It is really nice when they take the time (probably over and over) to talk to the tourists who really want the most out of their trip.
(5)Lanes H.
A bit tourist-y... this place would be great for dinner with your friends from out of town. We were seated at the Kennedy booth, which had memorabilia and historical plaques that pointed to how JFK frequented the place. The food is good; nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary for a traditional place like this. Go here if you want to catch up with an old friend, dear family members, Father's Day and with business clients.
(3)Ashley S.
Eh. You pay for the cool history, but the food isn't too great. My fiance and I got the Hot Oyster House Sampler for an appetizer. Seemed overcooked, overly greasy and some were bland. I had the lazy man lobster dinner, I guess it tasted /okay/ but it was just breadcrumbs and a metric shit ton of butter over some mediocre lobster. Meh. The best parts about it were the cornbread and the history, you definitely feel like you just stepped out of a time machine when you come here, so for that I'll give it an extra star. Also good luck finding parking under 35 dollars, as it is Boston.
(3)Scott K.
Visiting Boston and hearing about it all the time from tour guides and advertisements, along with a coworker's recommendation, I decided why not? So my parents and I went in to the quaint little restaurant. We ordered a bowl of clam chowder, oysters, Littleneck clams, scrod, and the seafood stew. The ambience was nice, like you traveled back 50 years. However, seating was a bit cramped. I'm all about the atmosphere but let's get to the food. Clam chowder tasted like they opened a can of Progresso soup and added a little more clams in it, and to top it off was horribly over-priced. The oysters were the biggest disappointment. A good oyster needs to cold, and fresh. The oysters we got were not ice cold, but slightly cooler than room temp, and didn't taste very fresh either. To top it off, there were pieces of cracked shells still in it, and presentation was terrible. Price per oyster was decent, had we been in Hawaii, but we're in Boston where the seafood is a stone's throw away, and was 150% more expensive than the restaurants around it. Littleneck clams were the only decent things here, but even they weren't ice cold like they should be, and, you guessed it, over-priced. Our main entrees was so-so at best. Seafood stew was too much starch, not enough seafood, and the flavors did not complement each other but took away from the experience. Scrod filet was overcooked, dry, and still had bones in it. It is a nice historic sight, but that's not enough to save the food. There are plenty of tastier (and cheaper) places to eat in Boston. When you can't get your namesake right, something is terribly wrong. I love the city of Boston, but I do not share that love with the Union Oyster House.
(1)Alex R.
According to legend, Union Oyster House is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. I visited for the first time the other day and found a seat at the oyster bar. I had a half dozen oysters and some shrimp cocktail. Both were pretty solid but nothing over-the-top great that you can't get anywhere else, especially in this part of the world. Speaking from a historical point of view, it's a pretty cool place to take a walk around in, with the exception of the tacky gift shop. I won't hold that against the place since it's not the place's fault that it's original location became ground zero for tourism in Boston. I'd go back under the right circumstances I guess. Service was fine.
(3)Jade N.
Ill be the first to tell you the best places to eat in New England are the fish markets and hole in the wall joints along the water, however this restaurant isn't a bad choice if visiting the Boston area and not sure where to go for good seafood. The seafood is all amazingly fresh and tasty and the fact that this place is the oldest restaurant in the US helps bring that Boston experience alive. The steamers and little necks were cooked perfectly. My lobster was "boiled" just right. If you have lobster in New England, that's really the best way to have it! Boiled with butter! Yum-O. The Oysters were all local (thank goodness). The corn bread served with dinner was very yummy but a tad on the dry side. Overall a little pricey but nonetheless a great dining experience while in Boston!
(3)Shirley L.
I feel like this place has such low ratings here on Yelp because of the tourists. Seriously...if you're going to go out to eat around the tourists attractions, don't complain about the prices. For those of you who eat clam chowder out of a Progresso Can, you've never had REAL clam chowder so that's not even a fair review. The service was awesome. My boyfriend and I sat at the oyster bar, and the guys there were very outgoing and friendly. I liked that they shucked the oysters right in front of you. My boyfriend ordered a Corona but there was something on the top of the bottle, the guys at the bar easily replaced it with a new one. There was a little girl, who sat next to us, and ate her first oyster there with her dad. The guy who worked at the bar was nice enough to clean the shell of the oyster she ate for her to keep for memories. I thought that was sweet of him. The prices are a bit on the pricey side but what do you expect? You're at a tourist hot spot! Everything around the Quincy Market area are pricey. You might as well choose a place that has fresh quality seafood. The oysters are really fresh! You can't go to the Union OYSTER House and not have oysters...c'mon! For those oyster lovers out there, it's definitely worth trying, even if you're from Boston! (which I am, btw) The sauces are right in front of you, which is also very convenient. I also love clam chowder, so I decided to try it here. I LOVED it! Although it was a small cup, I savored every bite. The clam chowder was loaded with clams, not like other places where it's all potatoes. It was very creamy and delightful. It was also nice to get freshly baked corn bread for free :) Haven't tried the lobster roll or mussels yet, but that'll be for next time. There's a good reason this is the oldest restaurant in America...It's because it's great!
(5)Howard T.
Boston has been on my bucket list and the family and I finally got the chance to head out there. As were looking for places to eat, Union Oyster House seems to be one of the most mentioned places. So through yelp, we made our lunch reservations to check out this historical landmark and what it had to offer. You can't miss this place. There's a ginormous sign on the rooftop. As you make your way into the restaurant you'll noticed how tight and cramped it is. Of course people back in the day probably had an average height of 5'5". The staff was very friendly and we were seated at the upper levels. I was suprised that this place could seat so many people. Possible fire hazard? Anyways, we Ordered: Clam Chowder Seafood Platter Lobster Roll Dozen fresh oysters Mussels Basque style I have to say that the food was simply...OK. It wasn't spectacular. The mussles and oysters were tiny. The Chowder was good but didn't blow me away. I agree with a previous reviewer about the Lobster Roll, lacked any flavor and a bit overpriced. I'm from LA and I think food out here has become very similar if not even better than what I had at Union. One amazing item you get is the cornbread. I love me some cornbread... I can only recommend coming here for it's historical value only and to say you've been there.
(3)Sharra C.
I can sum this place up in one word, 'nostalgic'. I found out about Union Oyster House through a Yelp search and was so very glad that I did! Walking in was like going back into time, the 19th century to be exact. What we didn't know is that the several levels of the restaurant offer different items. There's an oyster bar (self-explanatory) whereas there's a floor for appetizers/lunch, and a top floor for full menu items. The dishes were flavorful and plentiful. Not cheap, but well worth the money spent! My advise is this: If planning on dinning in for dinner, get there EARLY! There was a wait and the seating is limited!!! My friends and I are visiting Boston again this up-and-coming fall and we WILL be dining at UOH again! Bring your appetite, your camera, and enjoy this stop on the historic 'freedom trail'.
(4)Scott S.
How can you not love eating at the oldest restaurant in the USA!! Super friendly people. And the food was good. We had oysters, chowder, long neck clams as a mid day snack on the freedom trail walk. Great stop.
(4)Chris S.
The food here is good, but not great. It's a bit over priced. There must be some sort of "historic place tax" built into their prices. They do have a special Sam Adams beer that's only sold here, however. It was good, but not great. Which is fitting; seems to be their theme.
(3)Peggy B.
Went to celebrate our anniversary it was horrible the waitress had no clue what she was doing ( I am a waitress). They had no steamers??? Food took forever and when we ordered a drink as our dinner was served they FINALY came to the table when we were done eating.. Should have stayed at the bar the bartender was amazing but I don't drink and wanted to sit a table that we were told a 45 min wait and waited an hour and a half definitely not worth going back
(1)Keith F.
I was told that I was required to stop here for oysters and chowder, and if someone gives me orders tied to food, I oblige. Considering its location and reputation, it doesn't take much to figure out this place has 'tourist trap' written all over it. However, I was a tourist, thus had no qualms. The oysters were good, though I lack the palette to differentiate from any other raw oysters I've eaten. Leaving off the Old Bay and Tabasco might have helped, but that just seemed silly. The Clam Chowder however was something that I will remember. Being from landlocked Minnesota, I don't know that I've ever fully experienced Clam Chowder. There might be better 'chowdahs' in Boston but I enjoyed what I had here. Being frank, this place just allowed me to cross "Boston Clam Chowder and Oysters" off my food bucket list.
(4)Andy M.
Under the recommendation of a close friend and intrigue of being America's oldest restaurant we went to this place for dinner as we were unable to get into Neptune Oyster Bar. We had to wait 5-10 minutes as they set up a table for 5 but were them promptly seated and setup with corn bread and menus. After placing our orders it took another 10ish minutes to receive our food. We were clear that we were sharing food but our waitress failed to provide us with extra plates and so we asked a waitress who was running past our table. The food was ok, a little disappointing as we'd heard that Boston was known for it's seafood. Our main dishes were ok, filling but not much flavour or taste. Our lazy man's lobster was cold and after informing a waitress she offered to re-heat it for us. I was surprised at this as restaurants in Melbourne would make a new one. She took our dish away back into the kitchen and didn't return with it for over 15 minutes. We were disappointed with this and not very impressed.
(2)lysa p.
Ehh it was just okay. Nothing had much flavor. Go for the ambiance only!
(2)Epi I.
Came here for dinner. When we walked in, there were staff at the door but since there's two dining floors we were asked what we were having, WTF! We didn't know at that time. We didn't know if only appetizers were served in the lower level or upper. Us, not knowing if we were having dinner or appetizers, we said dinner. They sent us upstairs. When we got upstairs we talked to our waitress and she told us the staff at the door should've sat us downstairs since there were tables there. We just wanted to have oysters and wine. We ordered oysters and when they arrived, the presentation left a lot to be desired. It was a plain plate with the oysters on plate. Not even ice or lettuce or something else to make the oysters appetizing. We ordered a white wine and wine was nicely chilled and was good. Afterwards we checked the upstairs and it looks like the oldest Oyster House in Boston. Booths are high and outdated. It smells musty and it's dark. Downstairs looks a little bit better. I looked around and it looked like everyone just wanted to experience a piece of history and that's all. Prices for food according to the menu were high for what you were getting. I recommend looking elsewhere unless you don't care. My 2 stars are for our server and for the wine we drank.
(2)Summer S.
Pretty interesting from a historical perspective. Food variety limited. Did taste an oyster and had a seafood special which was fine.
(3)Benson Y.
You know that this place has to be good when you look through the window and there are a ton of people sitting around the oyster bar, eating them almost as fast as the guy can shuck them. The atmosphere is definitely takes you back to another era with the stone in the walls, the wood seats and antiques hanging on the walls or on shelves. I only went in for a snack, a dozen oysters and clam chowder (or is that chowdah?). The oysters were meaty and delicious. The chowder was creamy, fresh and tasty. I would definitely go back to try a full dinner.
(4)Yu W.
The place is very unique due to its history. We love the way it remains as old style. You can hear noise when you walk through their old-wood floor (may not be well maintained, but I like it). The oyster was PERFECT and DELICIOUS!! The crab-cake, or should say "crab-pancake" was huge and thick.
(4)Hion L.
So on search for best restaurants in Boston, I came across, the oldest restaurant in the US. The title is a bit controversial since the Pink Adobe in Sante Fe has been around longer but this is prior to the US purchase from Mexico and the restaurant itself has only been there since 1944. But as you walk into the restaurant, you can feel the history. Maybe not as much as in historic Williamsburg, but it is still there. The food was definitely delicious. The mussels, basque style were very tender and flavorful. The littleneck clams were also fresh and tasty although maybe a bit gritty, but we were forewarned of this on the menu. They do live in the sand, so you can't be totally surprised by this. Clam chowder was nice and creamy. For main entrees, the american bouillabase is a unique dish. It is like a stew based on a mirepoix broth of carrots, onion, and celery. I found it a bit bland and one-dimensional, but would be good for someone who is into having an unadulterated seafood soup. The lobster scampi is a fantastically rich dish with already rich lobster. The garlic butter adds a great flavor dimension and is so good on top of the linguine noodles. The lobster newburg is the ultimate in creamy lobster fare as it is served on top of a flaky pastry shell. The shore dinner is a no frills straight lobster with potatoes and corn, reminiscent of the wonderful beachside clambakes of a bygone era. The Boston style baked beans were very good, in that it did not have an overly powerful sweetness. The Indian corn pudding is a must try, as it is one of the most unusual desserts I have had. Sweet, with a slight bitterness, it was a very unusual take on a corn based dessert. I can't even tell if it was good or not, it was just bizarre, like peanut soup. Overall, I would say the food was very good, but I have to downgrade the rating due to the ridiculous wait. During peak times, it can be well over and hour and we had to wait an hour and a half. If the restaurant is packed, I can fully understand this, but they had about a dozen of empty seats and booths near the bar area that was closed off. Not cool when you are supposed to be operating at full throttle and poor planning if it was due to staffing.
(3)Ahad D.
Ok, so the place is really old. It looked old, felt old and smelled old. Nostalgia aside, the seafood was pretty good, the decor was boring and the service was poor. If you are over 6 feet and more than 180 pounds, you won't fit in the prehistoric rest room, so ask for a dozen extra towelettes to clean up if you use your hands to crack any shells. There is a gift store in the lobby, but you can pick up better trinkets at the mall around the corner. I suggest taking a picture outside and moving on.
(2)Nick N.
We had to stop by the oldest restaurant in America on our trip to Boston. Service was just ok. The food was ok. The Union Favorites had a mini lobster cake, crab cake, and fish cake; they were tasty but small. The oysters are good fresh. The corn bread was good too. Prices you would expect from a seafood restaurant.
(3)Christopher L.
Their clam chowder and their cornbread are amazing. Looking forward to next time.
(5)Matavee F.
There were few waitresses but there were so many customer we've been waited for our food for an hour.had no clue that took forever I will never come back again ever
(1)Ms. M.
Is it touristy? Sure. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't join the crowds anyway for some history, good eats, and friendly service. Everything we had was pleasing to the taste buds, from the free corn bread to the clam chowder to the fried oysters to the lobster roll to all the sides we got with our entrees. Prices are on the high side, but the unique setting and the fresh and well-prepared seafood make the experience worthwhile.
(4)Frank L.
I"m a little suspicious when this restaurant claims to be the "oldest restaurant in America," but this is Boston so maybe it's possible. I've been here about 5 times and enjoyed myself every time. It's quaint and fun. The chowder may be the best in town. It's certainly better than Legal Seafood's over-hyped chowder. Sometimes I'll be in the neighborhood and just look for a seat at the always crowded oyster bar. That may be my favorite part of this place. Their aren't an oyster house for nothing. Great tasting fresh shucked oysters. But please get them at the oyster bar to guarantee that they are only minutes old.
(5)Faith M.
Good food, great history. I wanted to experience the oldest restaurant in the US and although it was a bit pricey, it was totally worth it. They have the best corn bread I have ever tasted- will never forget that cornbread :))))
(4)Ryan G.
It is just ok. Clam chowder was very good. Oysters were too small. Calamari was terrible. Waitress in the bar area was very plesant. A+. But our waitress who was about the age of my mom was little cranky. C-
(3)Jamie S.
Union's is a fine lil piece of touristy Boston. Went here last night for mah lady's alumni event. Nice spread, buffy wings (pretty tasty), oysters (love love love oysters! holy S), scallops wrapped in bacon (unremarkable), and crabcakes (not so great), meatballs (what??!?!? meatballs at a seafood place? no thanks, I can buy stop n shop brand meatballs and make them better than these clowns...just an easy thing to make for a big party) and all GRATIS !!! Even the first drink was on the hizzy. Good deal. Good place to come for beers, the oysters are pretty good but for $15 a half-dozen there are better deals out there. Overall, pretty solid place.
(3)Victor A.
I know this is a tourist trap but its America's oldest restaurant. Est. 1826. How can you not at least check it out? Went with a couple local Bostonians that have funny enough never been. The reviews are mixed at best so I was hesitant but sometimes you need to background check the bad reviewers cause sometimes its a common denominator type situation. Just a heads up. Walked in. It smelled great. That perfect seafood restaurant smell. First floor had wood planked low ceilings very early America tavern style. Was seated on the second floor. Corn bread was awesome. Warm and toasty. Clam chowder was great. Can't say it was mind blowing but they're not reinventing the wheel. They invented it. The seafood sampler app was disappointing. They didn't shuck properly and the shrimp was of questionable quality. Had the lobster scampi which was good. All in all food was tasty and ambience is perfect. And to boot it's historically relevant. A must visit if you're in town. Cliche smiche.
(4)Kevin C.
Stopped here for a quick dinner, ended up spending a lot more than I expected. The prices are typical of tourist traps just like it all across the city, and I wasn't too impressed with the clam chowder. The beers they have on tap are fun (try the Harpoon Porter), but after all was said and done, we were basically overcharged for some decent oysters and a couple cups of clam chowder. On the other hand, service was fast and friendly, and there's a bartender/server there who looks almost-but-not-quite like Steve Austin and is built like a brick shithouse who might be the nicest person in the world. So there's that.
(3)Jonathan R.
Worst oysters that I have ever had. They open the shells VERTICALLY so the brine comes out before the oyster is even fully opened. Such a waste. And only one type of oyster. Weird for an oyster house. Fried food was good though.
(2)Robert M.
Walk the extra 20 feet to one of the Pub's, this is horrible. This is such a tourist trap now. If you are looking too see where a Kennedy planted his butt 40 years ago, then by all means. I am sure at some point in it's history it wanted to serve the people of Boston, now ...not so much. The food is not that good (verging on bad), the service is even worse. At our table, we had an order of fish and chips and Crab Cakes. The crab cakes were served with mash potatoes and Boston Baked Beans and one ice tea. On the fish and chips, the fries were good. The cole slaw was passable. The fish was raw. I mean one of the two peaces was RAW, tough, rubbery, cold RAW. The other piece was just nasty. Fortunately, the waitress took it off the bill. Crab cakes were not very good. The beaked beans were really good and the mashed potatoes were mashed. I got one glass of iced tea. The waitress showed up to take the order, bring the food and then refill the water and bring a bill. When she refilled the water, we had been done eating for about 20 minutes. Obviously there was not much to eat given the fish was RAW!. So for a glass of tea, fries, slaw, mashed potatoes and baked beans, I paid about $26.00. Just remember, they took the Fish and Chips off the bill. This is my $26.00 lesson. I will never, ever go there again. It was my second trip in 4 years and still no improvement, just Yelp.
(1)Eric S.
The best points of Union Oyster House are the historic building with paintings of old ships and a booth where John F. Kennedy ate, not to mention delicious cornbread, Indian pudding and one of the best clam chowders in Boston. The fisherman's pie and oyster and pasta dish are quite tasty as well, but as many have pointed out on here, the prices are higher than establishments of similar quality and the wait can be long if you don't make a reservation. Go at least once for the experience but give less tourist-oriented places a try also
(4)Zoey L.
It's a pity we arrived too late, but we still enjoyed our dinner very much. Love the Lobsters! But not the Chowder.
(4)Gastronomic D.
Oldest restaurant in america... I can say I've been there... The food edible kinda.....
(2)Mochi K.
The seafood is not flavored well at all. The fish was bland, the New England Clam Chowder was edible but nothing special.The corn bread was good. Have a drink at the bar and get a appetizer but don't sit down for dinner. The building has a lot of history, I give it that.
(2)Jeffrey W.
Everyone loves the Union Oyster House. It's a little touristy, near Quincy Market, and known to be the older restaurant in Boston, but the character that brings is worth the price. You ask for a table upstairs (they must be a fire hazard), and you sit in a place that it isn't hard to imagine men from a hundred years ago dining in. The food is good, but you pay for the history and atmosphere.
(4)Kristen M.
No lobster bisque but they have a lobster tank when you walk in??? Ugh. Two stars for ambiance and history just wish it would've been more. It is a cool looking bar and the second you walk in you can tell that you are surrounded by history but the actual menu didn't look too promising. After a drink we got up and left.
(2)Paul H.
I think the tour books over-hype this place. I was expecting something special, and ended up with something I could have gotten at a million different places in Boston at a lower price. My tip - stop in the bar area for some clam chowder just so you can say you've been to the oldest restaurant in the country.
(3)Mona W.
My quest to search for the best Clam Chowder might be over. (As soon as I said that, someone is going to disagree. There's always a better place somewhere else, isn't it?) Friend of mine recommended this place and I was glad to have tried it while I was in Boston. The clam chowder was phenomenal. It was creamy and velvety with the perfect mix of clams and potato chucks. Having a cup of such in a chilly winter night was certainly a treat. It was just flawless. Unfortunately other dishes were less memorable. We had the hot oyster house sampler. Baked Stuffed Cherrystones from the sampler was nice but everything else were just mediocre. Lazy man's lobster was disappointing. The sauce was so overwhelmingly bitter you can barely taste the lobster. 5 stars for the Chowda, 3 stars for other dishes, 3 stars for the service. We waited a while for the food and our server was not really particularly friendly. The seats and the tables were tiny! I guess people in the old days were really a lot skinnier.
(3)Jimmy D.
I went there over the weekend for a trip I planned with my gf. We came during the afternoon and decided to sit at the bar and order some cold beers and oysters. It took the bartenders forever to get our beers, and even longer to help us put in our order for oysters. Being that it was mid-afternoon and the place was not busy, it was really annoying. We ended up ordering a dozen oysters and the first 6 came out ice cold, and the other 6 came out kind of cool. They looked and tasted so-so. I've had much better oysters at happy hours or at chain restaurants. Long story short, my gf did not feel great later that evening and I'm pretty sure it was from here. Before we ate here all we had was fruit, toast, lots of water, and that beer I mentioned. During our whole tour of Boston, this was probably the worst spot we ate at.
(1)Leo K.
I am not sure if it is because I am jaded by amazing seafood, but i found this place to be okay. I have definitely had better at less interesting locations and spots. Got the oysters here, Lobster Ravioli, and Pasta with seafood. All tasted great and seasoned well, and tons of flavor, but not sure if I would choose this place over the many places I have gone to in Maine and in NYC. I would say this place must be visited, being a land mark and all, but for me once will be enough to say i went here.
(3)Hide S.
This place was phenomenal. I went there by myself at the bar seeking for some good oysters and lobster. I got seashell combination and a large oyster for about $50 for the dinner time. I think it really worse it plus I did not have to wait for the work in like some place in N End. I would recommend this place to anyone for any occasion. If you like the bar atmosphere and like the seafood, this defenitely is the best place for you to spend some time at night!
(5)Brooke C.
Lobster roll is worth the trip alone!
(5)Katie F.
I was expecting to have a much better experience at "America's Oldest Restaurant". That title will only go so far... For the price I paid for a lobster pasta ($36) I was expecting an amazing dish. While the presentation was nice, the dish had little flavor. My fiancé got the broiled seafood platter and sadly it come out looking like bland seafood that I could have made at home for much less than $30. I had to ask for bread and it was cold when it came out. However, even though the food was just ok, the ambiance was destroyed due to the waitresses being overly loud and obnoxious. We visited the restaurant on Super Bowl Sunday, about two hours before kickoff. I'm guessing because the restaurant was slower due to this event, the waitresses had a lot more time to stand around and socialize. Within the hour or so that we were eating, the staff sat in a booth two over from us and proceeded to: sing happy birthday, talk about their plans for the night, what they planned on wearing, who they were going with, who was sleeping with whom and literally getting up and showing cheers from their high school days. Sadly it appeared that their supervisor was joining in for all of this. Personally, if I'm paying for a dinner over $100, I would like to actually hear the cheesy classical music that you are providing for my enjoyment...
(2)Victor N.
It's not the best seafood I've ever had, but it's one of those places that if you've never been to to you have to go at least once. The bartenders and staff are very accommodating. Longest running restaurant in America definitely delivered. For 50 bucks the feast dinner was probably the way to go but I got the "Lazyman lobster". Way too much claw meat for $35 in my opinion came with one side (rice was flavorless) too much breadcrumbs and no salad. My wife enjoyed the seafood Newburgh. It was very heavy and rich for my taste. Raw bar oysters and clams were fresh and delicious. We had a party of 8 and they split us into two separate tables which wasn't great. I probably wouldn't go back but thought it was cool for ambiance and being a tourist destination.
(3)Carter N.
The spectrum of Yelp reviews give a good idea of what this place is like. The positives are 1) Ultra historic building and interior, with lots of info to explain, 2) The nicest wait staff I had in Boston, almost like they're diner waitresses, but even friendlier and more personable, 3) Good corn bread that comes with the meal and, 4) Good, traditional clam chowder (thick!). But for cuisine, it doesn't really stack up to a lot of the seafood places in Boston (and you can see that in the ratings). The oysters were good (blue points), but the fried mussels and clams weren't great. The haddock special (seafood stuffing), was too salty and not exciting, had a very generic taste to it. The oysters rockefeller were heavy on the spinach, not scrumptious. Come here for the history, you might get to sit in JFK's favorite booth. I'd never been in a restaurant with such cool old booths.
(3)Randy B.
I enjoyed the nostalgia, the story, the food -- it was cool! I think the story goes, it is the oldest continiously opened restaurant in the USA (the qualifier here is that there are older restaurants, but they may have closed for a period of time). It feels old, and has all the charm that goes along with it. For example, a tiny furry friend ran across the floor. Strangely, it didn't bother our group - because since it is on a pier/dock area...shouldn't some critters be expected? We mentioned it to our server, who followed up on it! With that said, the food was great - albeit pricey. The table we had was by the window, with an excellent street view of all things happening. The services was very good, too. It was really fun, and I'd go back again.
(4)Rebecca L.
I love the ambiance of the restaurant- cozy, warm lighting, great street views from the windows, you can feel the history around you. The service take away from the time travel. The hostess yelling names over the loudspeaker for tables, waitresses in apron smocks- really? smocks at a self-proclaimed "fine dining" establishment? We made reservations 3 days ahead for a Saturday night. We arrived early were given a terrible table near a main walkway between two of the dining rooms with very little space. The waitstaff kept having to ask us to push in until I decided we just needed to move our table back. For reservations we should have been given a much better table, or if there was a clear issue the staff could have offered us a different table. Food is ok- a solid 3 stars. We started with some Sam Adams Boston Brick Red (yum) Onion Soup Gratinee and the corn bread- very creamy. Soup was very rich and flavorful, lots of cheese on top which didn't help the heaviness of the soup but the flavor was spot on. We split the fried fisherman's platter and the swordfish. Fried fish was good- definitely cooked perfectly in a light corn breading. The shrimp and scallops were pretty big which made up for the fact there was only 2-3 of each. Swordfish was good- cooked perfectly but lacked enough seasoning. Asparagus was steamed- a little overdone, i would have preferred roasted. Mashed potatoes were tasty. It's a Boston institution- you have to try it at least once. This place knows that it will get you in the door for its history and can charge $30 for a dinner that's worth closer to $20. Based on the other reviews I would be interested in trying the raw bar downstairs.
(3)Jeff C.
On 7/15/12 we Arrived at Union Oyster House at 4:45 for 5:00 reservation. The restuarant was crowded with a few people waiting. We were seated around 5:10. We were seated on the top floor in a booth after my request.The girl was going to seat us at a small table wher everyone walked by. The last time we went to your restuarant it was not as crowded. Everything was better, the table location,service, and the food. Last time we sat near the oyster bar downstairs(seat was open this time reserve sign).The last time the waitress was a older very very very nice lady. This time,very young and ok. We gave her a nice tip because she was the only emplyee we met that smiled. When we entered the restuarant the receptionist looked tired and her english was not good( no smile).When she called our names we were told to go upstairs. A very young girl with another tired unfriendly face met us at the top of the stairs.A tired older lady took our drink orders with another man bringing water. When waitress came my wife had a half dozen oysters which were very good. We both ordered the seafood platter which came right away. The seafood platter was not that good. The fried clams were overcooked and dry. The fried scallops,fish, and oysters were good(only 3 shrimp). Me and my wife made a coment that a food at Red Lobster was better. We had such a wonderful dining experience the last time we went to your retuarant we wanted to return to Boston just to eat their. I booked a room at the Millinium Hotel because it was close to your restuarant and attractions. Your restuarant was the main focus of the trip because my wife loves seafood so much and enjoyed your food and service. We both said maybe because we came to the Oyster House during the busy time of year is why the expierence was so much different. I thought I had picked everything right,the time,hotel,restuarant,and city.When the dinner did not go right the whole trip seemed like a waste of money. I hope your restuarant has not changed since my last trip(spoiled by success). The only reason things were different was because it is harder to duplicate our expierence when the restuarant is not busy to a time when it is busy.
(2)gary S.
I agree with the three stars. The oysters were great. The cornbread super!!!!! I ordered pan seared haddock. Tasteless !!!! That was a surprise because everything else was great. Too bad. Pricey. But if you like heritage and great cornbread. Then stop by.
(3)Randy E.
After leaning my brother would be in Boston for a quick weekend, I planned a last minute trip from New York to visit. When in Rome? We snuck into the Union Oyster House for a traditional New England dinner and we weren't disappointed. If you don't start with the Union Oyster House Sampler, you're simply doing it wrong. This assortment of Union Grilled Oysters, Baked Stuffed Cherrystones, Clams Casino, Oysters Rockefeller and Shrimp Scampi get your visit off on the right foot! I found the seafood to be fresh and prepared perfectly, with service that matches. The clam chowder was expertly prepared and exactly what you would expect for a New England seafood establishment. To visit and not order the clam chowder would be nothing less than a sin. I enjoyed the select oysters and was not disappointed while my brother savored the crab cakes with Newburg sauce. Needless to say we ended up with leftovers and the desire to return to the Union Oyster House to enjoy some of their other perfectly prepared specialties. This place is bursting with history, and their decor shows their pride in preserving the past. The booths upstairs are solid wood and the area is dimly lit. You'll also find the booth where John F. Kennedy preferred to dine is visibly marked and adds to your experience. You might as well do yourself the favor of parking in a nearby garage. Most of the establishments in the neighborhood validate, and you should take the opportunity to explore the neighborhood.
(4)Tristan S.
If you want to taste what restaurant food was like in 1826, this place is the place to go. If you want good food, go somewhere else. We ordered the cold shellfish sampler (oysters, cherrystones, and shrimp), oyster stew, and a large boiled lobster. The shellfish sampler came with two oysters, two cherrystones, and two small shrimp. The oysters were missing their brine, but otherwise they were fine. The cherrystones were quite good. The shrimp were disappointingly small, but cooked nicely. For $15 it was about the amount of shellfish that I would expect, but not the quality that I expect. The waitress had described the oyster stew as sautéed oysters and warm milk. I assumed she was selling it short. She wasn't. It was sautéed oysters in warm milk. We ate the oysters and left the milk. The lobster was lobster, but overcooked. Compared to places like Island Creek Oyster Bar, B&G, and Brine in Newburyport, the food was rubbish.
(1)Jessica R.
This was our first visit to Boston and Union Oyster House was recommended by several friends. The service and atmosphere were great but other than the clam chowder, the food was pretty bland. I don't typically add pepper/salt to my dishes & had to add both to my meal (chicken & mashed potatoes). We'd probably go back, but just for drinks & maybe some chowder.
(3)JieHeen Y.
The first time food was cold, slow, and not fresh. Oysters not fresh. Gave a second chance since it is so famous. Went there with friends and service was bad. Couldn't find a waitress. Food was slow. Ordered a fried appetizer plate. Everything was fried too much, became hard and no longer very crunchy or juicy. Even fries didn't taste good. Not good, not good, not good. Expensive all the while... Can't find even one thing I like.
(1)Jessica G.
From a tourist's perspective, I love this place and would definitely recommend coming here for the overall experience. I've been here a couple of times during various visits to Boston over the years. As other reviewers have mentioned, this place is well known as the oldest continually operating restaurant in the U.S. and just for that fact, the amazing building, decor and the sense of being in Boston that sitting in that restaurant brings you, I would suggest anyone come here at least once. The location is great, right on the Freedom Trail and close to those beautiful North End cannolis. With respect to the food, we thought it was solid. On our last visit, my boyfriend had a variety of oysters and the biggest lobster we had ever seen. He seemed to enjoy them very much and was quite satisfied with his meal overall. I had a filet which was, while not the best I've ever had, perfectly respectable. We have always had good experiences with most of the staff. The bartenders are cool and the waitstaff friendly and helpful.
(4)Matt C.
I went on the first night of my honeymoon and had an awesome experience. I have to break down the order a bit: --clam chowder was 5/5 and corn bread with it was 4/5 --shrimp ravioli was 4/5 (portion is small, but quite tasty) --littleneck clams were 4/5. --atmosphere 5/5 I didn't get the oysters, but the seafood I got was great. I'd say well worth the trip and cost.
(5)Sfo B.
excellent seafood, especially lobsters. often crowded. price is higher than average.
(2)Louis P.
I took my parents here from Colorado due to their famous history & clam chowda... Very disappointing... Food wasn't very good by any means and to make things worse, the service was horrific! Our waitress didn't come to check on us at all! Once was enough, just to say I've been here, but NEVER EVER again!
(2)Scott S.
Ok here is the deal. If you like the freshest oysters and cherrystone clams this is your place. While obviously catering to alot of tourists, this is a place where the locals go. Just as the name says Union Oyster House the oysters are the best anywhere in the world. The clam chowders good and the other menu items but their speciality is oysters and shellfish. Belly up onto the oyster bar and it will be one of the best experiences you have ever had if your a fan of excellent shellfish and a great old world atmosphere. Service is old world style. While it may not be the quickest service in the world it's certainly a little more relaxed.
(4)Cyndi K.
Food was awesome!! Service was good. Very historic building, but long wait for table. Make a reservation
(5)David L.
Best chowder in town! This is the first restaurant in America and their food is really good too. The only reason I'm giving this establishment 4/5 stars is because the last time I went we didn't get the best service. Besides that, the atmosphere is very old and gives you the feel that you're back in the 1700s. In the summer expect to see Ben Franklin or Paul Revere stop on by for a pint! They like to come in and cool off once in a awhile while doing tours down the street. I recommend going here, but if you're looking to just get a bowl of chowder with their AMAZING corn bread (I could eat that shiz all day!), just step up to the bar and order a bowl. You'll get much better service there. Also, I highly suggest you grab a Sam Adams Brick Red. You can only get this lager on tap and only at a handful of pubs in Boston. Cheers!
(4)Linda T.
was told to come here cause it's a must try and its the oldest restaurant in america.. is that true? def a tourist trap place. food was very meh. it reminds me of red lobster.. had clam chowder, oysters, boiled lobster, baked clams. you're better off getting a variety of fresh oysters elsewhere (neptunes). and clam chowder at atlantic fish & co.
(2)L G.
Recommended by a Bostonian friend back at home. Visited on a weekday early evening for their light menu. Seated at the bar area. Cool décor depicting the Freedom Trail. Place is defiantly rustic but a good vibe. It's definitely a tourist place...lots of them and some locals. Sampled the steamed mussels, cockles, oysters, ginger bread, and cobbler. The steam mussels had a great broth and "to die for" toast that accompanied the dish. Too bad the mussels looked like it's been stinging in a pot for a while. It was definitely NOT fresh!! The raw cockles and oyster were fabulous. Thank goodness they couldn't screw that up! The ginger bread and cobbler was actually quite good! The server was nice but started dragging as the crowed increased. She didn't have extra help....too bad. Beer was ice cold though!! Overall, with the amount of restaurants around town with higher ranks, follow the foodie recommendations and hit the other establishments. Not worth a second thought!
(3)Amy S.
um, why am i even bothering to write a review? ok - u.o.h. rocks in terms of things to do with your friends/family who are visiting from south of the mason dixon line. The place has a lot goin for it: (1) on the freedom trail (2) close to other tourist attractions (3) has a gift shop (4) old photos and paintings (5) little plaques or signs that explain things about the past That said, be warned that this will not be the best meal of your life or anything close to it. You have probably tasted better oysters, better chowder, better lobster rolls, better crabcakes, better fish n chips, etc etc etc. And, you will have to wait for a table even if you have a reservation (you should still make a reservation!!!!). All that said, you should visit this dark, old woody establishment at least once, because old things are cool, and well, people come to Boston to see old things. Just don't bring any foodies with you, less you want an earful of complainin.
(3)Jennifer W.
Loved the chowder, loved our darling server Linda & my cohort had outstanding Lobster Scampi two consecutive evenings. Great oyster bar & will sit there next time 'round!
(4)Ligaya T.
I could see the American flag waving in the wind from our table. How authentic is that? ;) Oldest continuous running restaurant, eh? The three levels are unique and historical charm draws the tourists. Probably cuz it's in every guidebook in existence. But hey. When we came in Benjamin Franklin greeted us. It cost $2 to have a photo with him. We needed to do something during our hour and a half wait. The staff was excellent, timely and kind. And served us promptly when waiting for drinks at the bar. Lobster was pricey ($38 for 1 1/4 lbs) and sides were basic but tasty. Though they had good bread and a pitcher of water on the table, always wise idea. Good place for groups of under 8, families but not a romantic date spot. Quintessential New England.
(3)Dave M.
Don't waste what could be a good meal on mediocrity. The seafood was tough and not seasoned, the bread crumbs were soggy and the wait staff treat every one like annoying tourists. In short, if your going for the food, don't. If you are going to be waited on, don't. If you are going to say you've been there...well I don't what to tell you...just I wish I hadn't missed a better meal in the North end.
(1)Benjamin D.
This food was terrible - the seafood was raw.
(1)Sarah W.
Four starts for the food. But the website says that you can either park in a lot and get validated, or use their valet parking. So I took off a star for this parking experience. My boyfriend and I are visiting Boston and it's cold out, of course, so we want to drive. The lot that UOH validates is full. So we figure we'll just use the valet. We drive around twice, and there's no sign of a valet guy. We wait probably 15 minutes and finally find a guy, and it still takes another 10 minutes for him to finally take our car. Then, he gives my boyfriend his personal cell number and tells us to call him 15 minutes before we want our car. I've never heard of such a system. Bizarre. They either need more guys working valet on a Saturday night or have agreements with more than one parking garage. Sure, food was pricey but we enjoyed it. Service was pretty good, just took awhile for us to put our order in.
(3)Jess K.
I haven't gone here during the day (or for food) but this is a fun place to hang out at night. The DJ will listen to your requests and it is easy enough to find a place to sit or a place to dance. The crowd this place attracts is slightly quirkly but that makes it more laid back and fun. The drinks are well made and the prices are reasonable. There is no cover charge at the door which is very original in Faneuil Hall so that is reason enough to check it out. If you don't like it, just leave!
(4)sugi o.
i know that this place is a "tourist trap" but had to stop by during my recent trip into beantown. it's the oldest restaurant! my husband and i stopped off and sat at the bar. we ordered half a dozen oysters and a bowl of clam chowder just to experience the restaurant. they shucked all the oysters in front of us and they were fresh. the chowder was delicious - rich, creamy, loaded with all the fixings and came w/a side of cornbread. the table was definitely old and lopsided, they had to put some coasters under my bowl of soup to level it out. but it gives the place character! the dudes at the bar were super nice, chatted it up with them and learned more about the restaurant. glad we stopped off and did a little taste... i really enjoyed the experience of a quick little bite at the bar but am not sure i'd eat a full dinner here or not based on the reviews. so if ur debating making a stop, i'd recommend eating at the bar and having a drink and some oysters.
(4)Todd L.
We visited this place on Friday, July 16th. We came into town for the weekend and wanted some great seafood. This place was excellent. There were four people in our party. We tried the Lobster, Clams, Scallops, and Scrod. All of the food was absolutely excellent! The service was really great as well. This place has so much history and it was nice to eat at the oldest restaurant in the United States.
(5)G. B.
As a visitor to Boston, had to go here because it's so originally old. Having said that, the service was fine and the food was good. Nothing was extraordinary.
(3)Teak L.
Final Decision: Oldest restaurant, oldest menu, OLD NASTY FOOD... So we made several trips into Boston and many times when we leave Logan Airport, we would see the signs for the Union Oyster House, so we finally kicked our curiosity...boy was it a mistake. I read some of the reviews off another website, which spoke of the poor quality of food that was put out and how the temperature control and there were flies all over...boy was that review on the dot. So we placed our order for food and they brought out a couple of baskets of crackers and assorted breads. After grabbing a cracker with some dark herbs, I was about to bite into it but noticed a gigantic fly and then a miniature mosquito crawling all over the crackers...I was like WTH... I pointed this out to the waitress and she just nonchalantly grabbed another basket and too this one away...not even apologizing for it. This basically set the tone for the bad meal. Items ordered: Oyster House Clam chowder - mediocre at best...for a restaurant that boasts to be one of the oldest, you'd think that they would have refined the taste and flavors, but i guess the recipe is still the same YE OLDE crusty chowder Lobster Scampi - bland nothing too exciting Seafood Newburg - I think I can make a better dish with the available ingredients. Once we got our food it was almost as if the waitresses decided to disappear into thin air. I really don't understand how this restaurant is still rated so highly, with the outrageous prices, poor quality of food, horrible conditions the food is kept and presented, you'd think more people would get food poisoning than any other restaurant ever. I would never go here ever again nor recommend anyone else to come here.
(1)Parks M.
Well... I guess the only thing I can get from our visit is the fact I can check off that I have actually eaten here. What a disappointment. This was easily the worst meal I have had in Boston, from the food to the service--I guess the only thing that keeps this place open is people like me who thought they would eat at the oldest restaurant in America. I will never back, and will not recommend this place to anyone. There are too many other great seafood places in Boston to waste your time here.
(1)Chris H.
Love it! The seafood here is awesome, I know its a fairly touristy place, but the dishes are much better than you would expect from somewhere like this. Grab a drink in the bar downstairs before dinner, and book ahead to get a table as it gets busy.
(5)Angela D.
great food. great history!
(5)Eric W.
Line was too much at Neptune, settled for Union Oyster House and settling it was indeed. At $14 for 1/2 doz oysters were lackluster and dry, no brine and cheesy cocktail/horseradish in plastic cups? Even the lemons were hard and lifeless. Don't believe people saying oysters were good. They weren't for me at all on this trip. First time, last time. Been there officially.
(2)DJ M.
unionoysterhouse.com/Pag… The toothpick was first used in the United States at the Union Oyster House. This is the OLDEST RESTAURANT IN AMERICA! Oh sorry, didn't mean to scream, but hey this needs a shout out. Since 1826 this treasure has only had three owners. A favorite place for the Kennedy's to dine and JFK's favorite booth has been dedicated to him in his memory. Lets talk about the food and layout. You walk into the Oyster Bar, where they are serving drinks and shucking oysters, right then and there! It is awesome to watch how quickly they can do it. The restaurant itself is divided into floors and rooms, that all have names. Decor is to marvel at! The food, awe yes! Oyster stew is the very best! The clam chowder is very good! The hot oyster sampler is a great way to taste and share a variety of house favorites, which has grilled oysters, baked stuffed cherrystones, some of the best clams casino you will ever eat, as well as the oysters Rockefeller, plus shrimp scampi . Do have the clams casino and the oysters Rockefeller! The lazy man's lobster is unique and awesome, it has chunks of lobster baked in a casserole with sherry wine, bread crumbs and butter. They serve lobster just about anyway you can imagine. The lobster raviolis are wonderful! The crusted haddock is so good! They have a nice variety of fresh fish and shellfish served many different ways. The fried Boston scrod makes a great sandwich or fish and chips. The lobster roll is pricey, but It is loaded with lobster. They make a great Newburg sauce, creamy and laced with sherry for those scallops and shrimp to swim in. I have been here many times and I would return again and again and again. The Union Oyster House IS wheelchair accessible!
(5)Rhonda H.
It was fun to be at Boston's oldest restaurant to see the historical memorabilia and the neat, old building. We sat in a booth across from the John F Kennedy booth. I ordered the fried oysters, which I rarely see on a menu even at the biggest an best seafood restaurants. They were delicious! They were mild flavored, not "fishy", and the coating was light in texture, not heavy or greasy. Perfect!
(4)A H.
This place is very old and historical, so that's cool. But the food isn't really that great. We got the broiled seafood platter, which is tiny for like 30 bucks. The fish was fresh, but there was so little. Grrr. The cornbread was yummy, though. All in all, I think we went and enjoyed it more for the tourist attractiveness than anything else.
(3)Kurtis V.
You cant go wrong with the oldest operating restaurant in the United States. The regular sit-down menu fare is average, but I always sit at the bar and simply eat oysters on the half shell fresh until i can no longer eat anymore.
(3)Yasuyuki K.
Excellent for eating.
(5)Kristen S.
I'm from Philadelphia. We decided to take a little Historical/Cultural trip to Boston. My cousin and I wanted to have a real New England clam chowder and Fish and Chips. We went on the "Freedom Trail" tour which I definitely suggest. They gave us a coupon book that included a free cup of chowder (or chowda) for the Union Oyster House. So that's where we went, it was really busy for a Monday lunch which was a good sign, but bad for hungry tourists! So we decided to get the quicker seat at the bar which we then realized the bartender seemed pretty weeded, however, he was surprisingly pleasant for being the overly busy bartender. He took care of our order, forgot a side of Boston Baked beans but with the free chowder and cornbread that comes with every meal we didn't miss them! We were full! The chowder was creamy and delicious and had large pieces of clams. The cornbread was warm and a healthy portion for being free with the meal and the Fish and Chips were crispy on the outside and light, flaky and juicy on the inside. Everything was delicious and despite what seemed to be a fairly understaffed busy day, the staff was still pleasant and attentive.
(5)Filip T.
Good god, the food here is awful.
(1)Lilly K.
Oldest continuous restaurant in the US! So I'm from California and we really...don't have much history, so I was completely STOKED! when entering this place. There's something about stepping into history that is exciting. The atmosphere is VERY colonial, almost too much so, but I love it when people try to emulate other time periods so I enjoyed this a lot. Anyway, so a friend and I stepped in for a meal. There was a wait but they let us go into the bar and order some appetizers. We both got clam chowders and I got some oysters. The oysters were good but the clam chowder BEST CLAM CHOWDER EVER! I essentially tried every clam chowder I could get my hands on. This one wins hands down. The meal itself was a little disappointing. The cornbread they gave us was DELICIOUS. But the fish was okay (I had swordfish haddock and tuna), mashed potatoes tasted a bit odd, they were really creamy but they almost didn't taste like mashed potatoes. Despite this the portions were HUGE. Two people could have easily shared this meal. It's great for the history that I'm sure you pay for, but the food itself is nothing to write home about.
(3)Erica L.
I should have listened when that bean-town native I went to school with told me not to eat anything but the oysters and clam chowder at this pricey tourist trap. Lesson learned, but I certainly paid the price. Shared app, two mains, 1 beer and our bill came up to $87. Some of the worst food I've ever had. My boyfriend and I tried the softshell crab (a "chef's" special) and seafood in a sherry sauce. Looking back, I don't know what we were thinking. We may have been discouraged from ordering an order of oysters after our seafood platter appetizer (2 oysters, 2 clams, 2 shrimp-- all decent, nothing to get excited about) was presented to us with cocktail sauce and horseradish in fast-food plastic cups. Really, for a $15 appetizer, they can't use real dishes? The softshell crab was really disappointing- greasy, fishy-- I've had much better in Montreal. It was also really ugly-- it came atop a heap (literally, probably 3 inches tall) of really oily rice, and dotted with greasy sugar-snap peas. Weird. 80s. The seafood in a sherry sauce was sickening. My boyfriend took to rubbing the sauce off of the maybe 6 or 7 over-cooked scallops in order to salvage what was edible from a mess of over-sugared, gloopy sauce. When he was done, there was probably 2 cups of sauce left on his plate. Put that menu down! If you must experience "the oldest restaurant in America," make sure to ask for the Kennedy Booth and don't eat anything but oysters and chowder. Or stay at the oyster bar on the first floor. The bartenders down there were fun.
(2)Nikki B.
I'm not sure how I lived in Boston for a year and never once visited this place, but that was the impetus for me and my boyfriend to choose the Union Oyster House for our dinner venue a few nights ago. The place itself is historical- stepping through the door is kind of exciting in that "seeing a bit of history" kind of way.. looking at the old bar, realizing that quite a few of America's famous men ate there, it's all quite a bit to take in. We were quickly seated upstairs and they whisked out some cornbread for us to eat while we perused the menu. We settled on a seafood appetizer sampler of clams, oysters, and shrimp, a plate of clams casino, and the fish sampler with scrod, salmon, and scallops. I enjoyed my oysters from the appetizer sampler so much I ordered a dozen more raw oysters to enjoy.. they were SO incredibly good, I would definitely come back and just eat oysters to my hearts content. The rest of the food was also very good, my boyfriend particularly loved the salmon (He doesn't do raw seafood like me). My main gripes are the price and the service.. our waitress was friendly but she took forever to take our order and bring us drinks, and wasn't very good about checking in and getting us refills. The price was expensive.. this was to be expected given the location and, of course, the history of the place, but don't come here if you're not expecting to have a big bite taken out of your wallet for the night!
(4)Kelsey C.
Who: you're craving seafood, dining with pescatarians, or just trying to find a restaurant that pleases the only Boston girl from a deeper south than yourself and your visiting Aussie friend What: lobster ravioli appetizer because the cream sauce is so wonderfully rich and heavy you'll be overwhelmed by the 3rd ravioli AND there's chunks of lobster floating inside. My friend also enjoyed his clam chowder, and I judged his mussels appetizer to be decent, not great, just decent. Proceed with caution on the lobster roll. Though my friend thoroughly enjoyed the lobster salad in the roll, she found the bread a bit stale around the edges. It satisfies the craving but go with the ravioli otherwise. When: you want to enjoy good but not extraordinary, fresh but not fresh off the boat, slightly pricey but reasonably priced seafood while wearing a t-shirt and/or Ugg boots Where: this casual, conveniently located, seafood restaurant that feels like a bar Why: generous portions of reasonably fresh, well-made seafood in a restaurant quiet enough for civilized conversation but loud enough to fill in awkward silences.
(3)Lorena C.
After several recomendation from a lots of people. Me and my boyfriend decided to have lunch on our last day visiting Boston. I was lucky that we got there early enough to not wait for a table because when we were leaving the line to be seated was huge. To begin the waitress was AWESOME, fast attentive, fast.. They welcome you with corn bread which was delish. We ordeer the seafood platter, the burger trio and two beers. Just a quick snack. The food was served fast and was sooo good. I would definetely recomend this place not only for the food and service but for what it represents, it has a great history and is decorated in a cute way. It makes you feel like your part of history.
(4)Julie B.
I kicked off restaurant week with lunch at Union Oyster House on Sunday. I loved the old New England feel of the restaurant but it was clear that the place was a big tourist spot. The hostesses treated us like we were waiting to go on a ride at Disney World and barely even made eye contact before shooing us upstairs. They also were keeping the restaurant week deal pretty under wraps and it didn't seem like anyone around us even had the RW menus. We had called in advance to make sure that they were serving the RW lunch on Sunday and no one really seemed to even know what we were talking about. If i could rate the restaurant solely on the amount of food received for the $20.10 price tag, I would easily give it 5 stars. We started off with a piece of cornbread each, then chose between clam chowder and mussels for appetizers. My friends seemed to love their chowder and I was shocked when a huge bowl of mussels was placed in front of me with 2 pieces of garlic bread. I expected that I would get a pretty small bowl for the RW deal. The mussels were delicious and the sauce they were in was really wonderful. For entrees, we chose between fried oysters with french fries or salmon with potatoes. I've never had oysters before so I decided to take a chance. The plate was filled with oysters and fries and was a pretty huge portion. I wasn't too crazy about the oysters - not sure if that's my own personal taste or the way they were made. I also wasn't thrilled with the two dessert choices we had because I don't like apple crisp and had never heard of Indian pudding. I went with the pudding and barely touched it - again this might just be my own taste. Even with the dessert, I think the RW menu was a really good deal, I'm just not sure I'd go back and pay full price here. As for our server, she was a little crazy but nice. She contributed to the "Am I on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride?" feeling I had but gave my friends and I a pretty good laugh in the end. I do have one complaint to add: I HATE when you order sodas/drinks at restaurants and they basically give you a shot glass worth of soda filled to the brim with ice. I had a feeling that the touristy spot would be serving these types of drinks but tried anyway. I ordered a diet coke and think I was given a shot glass full of flat Dr. Pepper , then got charged $2 for it. This isn't the biggest deal but it's just a personal pet peeve. If I'm paying for a drink, I don't want to finish it in 1 sip. :)
(3)C D.
Disappointing way to end a visit in such a great city known for its sea food. Union Oyster house is obviously a tourist trap although in the past it actually had good food. Those days are gone. I went in for lunch with a group of four and we were seated immediately. Our hostess brought us some corn bread to start of with (it was dry and to salty) and then we ordered oysters, steamers and variations of fish. The food was overall OK but definitely not the fresh flavor of sea that I experienced in the past. The steamers were good but weren't washed properly. The fish was just your average piece of fish. We ended up paying quite a lot for a vary mediocre meal.
(2)Hank C.
Well, to say the least, the lobster dinner was tasty, although more hype than actually great. For the price ($50) I could've gone up and had a feast in Maine. That being said, there's a nice selection of local brews and a big tank for displaying the lobsters downstairs, and a store attached for people who are there as tourists. It's definitely a mixed building, combining small stairs through multiple buildings and walking through many little rooms packed with tables. One of the oldest restaurants in the US (it claims), it's a nice place for a piece of history - but I would go find a less crowded place for lobster. The crabcakes, ice tea, and chowder - all average, but served relatively quickly compared to most places. Oh, due to all the stairs, not really handicapped friendly, though there are seats on the main floor, if you have someone with movement limitations, I'd call ahead and have them hold something for you, otherwise it's too packed regularly and you'll have to wait quite a while.
(3)Elizabeth G.
Plain and simple, folks: don't go here for any reason other than the oysters. Union Oyster House has other charms, but they all revolve around the oysters. Eat some oysters at the horseshoe-shaped bar while you read about the building's 200-plus-year history. Order a Sam Adams or some mediocre wine because hey, what sauvignon blanc *doesn't* taste good with the salty deliciousness of oysters? Chat up the bartenders, who are always good-natured and gregarious in spite of the tremendous wrist strain they must be suffering to shuck oysters at a speed to keep up with the crowds coming in. Listen to the accents of the people next to you at the bar and try to figure out where they are visiting from; eavesdrop on their impressions of the Freedom Trail. Perhaps even strike up a conversation with a stranger. Laugh as the bartender holds up a lobster with a fork in one claw and a napkin in the other, and tourists take a picture with the lobster. Order a second round of oysters and stick around long enough to see the bartender present the same joke a second, or maybe even a third, time. Wonder how he has the patience to do this all day every day. Venture upstairs to admire the low ceilings and oh-so-old booths and woodwork, and to see JFK's favorite booth. Do not go upstairs to eat dinner. Other than the oysters, the food here is disgusting. The clam chowder and the fish-n-chips might be OK, but that's it. The ravioli come with alfredo sauce that tastes like it comes from a jar; my fiance has a cast-iron stomach but this was one dish that made him ill. Quality-to-price ratio is quite low. Come on! What are you expecting? Every tourist who walks the Freedom Trail stops here. But they do have some delicious oysters.
(4)Lisa S.
Yummo, the oldest restaurant in continuous operation in the US and the oysters are the best...omg...the best chowda and beeah evah.....really, the chowder is divine and I try to stop for a cup every time I am in Boston, then slug down a Sam Adams with it. They also have the best corn bread ever. I always try to sit upstairs in JFK's booth just for shits and giggles.
(4)CeeCee A.
Back in August 2010, I went to Boston for a few days. I read the reviews, which weren't that great, but it's historic. Although I didn't really want to go, we went anyway, just to say we did. So, my expectations were really low. When we went inside for lunch, we were warmly greeted, and shown to our table inside. From the outside, the place didn't look that big, but when we were following our hostess ALL the way in the back, we realized it was a pretty big place! It was lunchtime, and it was really sunny outside. However, it was REALLY dark inside. We were thinking that maybe we should have sat at the raw bar. But, we decided to stay where we were. We had to use our cell phone light to see the menus. Our server was nice and helpful, at first. She hardly came to our table to check on us. We kept hoping she would come by and refill our water glasses. We flagged down another server, and she looked like she felt bad and did it. We even asked that same server for the check, and then finally our server showed up. She just put the check on the table and walked away. We ordered the Cherrystone Clams, Clam Chowder, Baked Beans, Seafood Platter. We weren't impressed by the chowder, beans and platter; it was just okay. The clams were very good. We felt that it was pretty pricey. However, if we had sat at the bar and just had the clams, maybe we would have felt differently. My experience here was just okay. I can officially say that I went here, but if I'm ever in town again, I don't plan on returning.
(2)Maggie S.
Decent food, great service... But we saw a mouse! Either the same one several times or several of them, right while we were eating. Definitely put a damper on the evening for us. Management seemed less than enthusiastic about the issue (maybe we aren't the first to see one...)
(2)Beck N.
Meh. I wanted to love this place for the history & the tourist factor, but things kept holding me back. We took some friends from out of town here for lunch...the restaurant had an old Boston feel & the raw bar looked really cool. But having to go upstairs to use the restroom using a tiny staircase is an accident waiting to happen. The food was alright for what it was. The guys enjoyed the steamers (as the menu warns - they are sandy), the seafood platter & the lazy man's lobster. Though I would suggest if you don't eat seafood, do not eat here. Most times I will reluctantly go to a restaurant with the hubby so he can get his seafood fix. I will not be returning here. My "medium" cheeseburger was well done & crunchy. I get that it's not their "thing," but still. That said, the service was great. Our server was on point & very attentive.
(3)jake b.
Only went there for the Oyster bar which was great. After a long wait, we sat down to a messy counter which made we wonder how sanitary the place was, then I remembered I'm eating raw oysters and might get sick from them as well. Look past the mess but watch out for the slanted counter top as things tend to slide a lot. Guys behind the bar were very busy but nice and on top of things. Pretty authentic place.
(4)Chris B.
Definitely 3* restaurant. This is a tourist trap if I've ever seen one -- but worth a visit just so you don't have to go again later. Extremely hard to get good service here. We sat at the casual section, had nobody come by after like 5 min, so we moved to the oyster bar. That was a fun scene -- but still, these are oyster shuckers more than customer-facing barmen. Very interesting to watch what's going on though -- especially since the oyster bar has the beer taps which service the main dining room, so you can see the drinks going up and down the dumbwaiter. Couple of notes: 1) If you order oysters from the bar, they'll shuck them freshly for you. If you order oysters from the lounge or the restaurant -- they use PRE SHUCKED OYSTERS from a box. Sure, they might have been shucked "recently" a good 30 minutes or hour earlier, but in my opinion this is completely unacceptable. A fly was buzzing around, and the oysters looked like crap. 2) These aren't the nicest oysters around... they're cheaper than Neptune Oyster, but they really just aren't very good. At Neptune they say things like, "Med size, low brine, pea finish with citrus notes" -- and the oysters are plump, juicy, and taste just like that. At Union -- they taste like "oyster" but we didn't really taste any particular flavor beyond that. 3) The way they shuck the oyster is using a knife on a rock such that all of the oyster's liquid is dumped out onto the rock... so you really don't get any awesome oyster juices... 4) The guy definitely was inspecting each oyster, and throwing out a good number of "rejects" -- glad to see the quality control. However, I think he was only inspecting one side of the oyster -- there was no flipping of the oyster to see if both sides were good (as they do at Neptune). Not sure which approach is the normal way to do it for the east coast -- I don't have enough Oyster experience. 5) Steamed mussels were pretty solid. All in all, I'd probably just grab a beer there (we had gotten some wine, but didn't really work out for us with the scene and flavors) and maybe some oysters and mussels if a friend from out of town wanted to go. That said, been there, done that, and now I'll stick to Neptune.
(3)Hal R.
Touristy de tourist, however the food is good, in a cool location, and you can't get more authentic Boston seafood than a place like this. Also, oldest continuous bar in the US, so they know how to pour a drink. Got to go at least once.
(3)Cherie C.
3.5 stars. It's an historic restaurant, so you have to try it once when you're in Boston. But remember it's an oyster house, not a fancypants place. It's loud (ridiculously so at times). The servers are harried (but efficient). The seafood was quality. We had a selection of oysters for an appetizers, and they were tasty if not a bit sandy. But that's the risk you run when you order oysters. We started at the bar with a cocktail. The bar (or the very cool original raw bar) would be the place I'd return with guests. You get the experience but can escape quickly. Our meals were good. The fish was fresh, the sides well-prepared. Portions were big; I had lunch for the next day. The chowder was thick with clams. This was not milky broth with some clams. This was clam soup with cream added. I'll go back with tourists if I must, but I'd prefer to just visit the bar. But it is NOT bad food at all. Just a bit expensive for a fish house.
(4)John K.
The first time I ate here, it was a year ago. I had the seafood bouillabaisse and, though it was good, I didn't think it was the best I've had. I don't remember exactly why I felt that way, as I wasn't a Yelper a year ago and didn't write down my thoughts. I do remember enjoying the experience of dining in such a historic place. Everything about the place reminds you of how historic it is. Not that it's run-down, but they make it a point with the new and restored wall decor to remind you that it's the oldest restaurant in the States. I recently visited this restaurant again on my trip to Boston a week ago. This time, I was with several friends and we opted to get snacks or smaller meals along with some drinks in the bar, which is separate from the dining areas and allows guests to seat themselves wherever tables are available. The bar menu has a fair amount of hearty meals, though it's just a fraction of what's available in the restaurant. We ordered a dozen native oysters to start. I should've known to get their namesake oysters when I came last year. These were possibly the best raw, no-frills oysters I've ever had! We all loved them so much that we ordered another dozen. We devoured them in seconds. For my personal snack, I got Clams Casino. It's clams baked with cheese and a little piece of bacon in each. I never knew baked clams could be so good! I could've eaten a dozen more of these! I also had a cup of clam chowdah. I personally prefer Manhattan clam chowder (sorry, New Englanders), but you can't find that in Boston. The chowdah was good, if not memorable. Service is good, timely and friendly, which is remarkable because this place (both times I've been here) always seems to be packed and bustling with people. With its obvious historic attraction, this is a popular tourist destination. If the bar is full or you want to dine with the full menu, expect to wait up to an hour for a table. I don't know if they take reservations.
(4)Ed R.
The food was barely okay. Started off with an open mind not reading reviews (big mistake) and ordered two lobsters, shrimp and scallops in tomato cream sauce and then some clam chowder soup. The meal ended with Boston cream pie and a lava cake. To start off the food came before my soup (which the waitress forgot) so I ate both at the same time. Barely choked down a few bites of the soup. The shrimp and scallops in tomato sauce was barely okay - the shrimp was mediocre and the scallops dry and flavorless. The sauce was by far the best part of the meal. Both of the lobsters were dry, unsatisfactory. The end of the meal came with two deserts - both were not good. I've had better Boston cream pie in Iowa. To top off the bad food, our waitress practically forgot about us. I had to ask or water refills... Eating a fairly pricey meal and asking for water refills? No thanks. The only thing this place has going is it's the oldest eatery in Boston or whatever... And at that the decor is cheesy. There is a mcdonalds down the block, I suggest you save your party of 4 a few hundred bucks and dine there.
(1)Armin A.
The food is generally overpriced. They serve exactly what you get if you order a decent seafood dish in a good but not upscale restaurant for $15 but they charge $30 for it. There is absolutely no difference in terms of the quality or presentation. The oysters were OK but a little dry. The service marginally gets 3 stars. If you really want to experience dining in a very old restaurant, then just go their bar, get a drink, order half a dozen oysters and call it the night.
(2)Sara C.
i read so much about this place, all the reviews, all the recommendations. even strangers we met in boston recommended this place. so after having some happy hour drinks, my friends and i walk into this place....just a tad bit tipsy. it was dinner time but surprisingly we were sat down fairly quickly even with a group of 7 of us. ok, the layout of the restaurant is quite strange and very confusing especially after a drink or two. we walk through what we thought was the front door and approached the first counter where two waitstaff was standing and told them "party of 7". the guy says "how many?", i repeated "party of 7". and he says "ok, just go right over to the hostess over there and she can help you". uh...............wth........ok. we turned around and oh! there's the hostess sitting behind a little booth right smack in the middle of the room. after a few of minutes of waiting, she directed us up stairs and told us someone up there is waiting for us. we stumbled up the stairs and...oh! another hostess counter. i'm starting to think i need to lay off the booze now....lol anyway, the restaurant kind of reminds me of an old italian restaurant where mobster would hang out back in new york. all the dining tables were closely situated, i could have easily reached behind me and shared a plate with the table next to us. its a dim place, seems very popular as the place was quite packed. the waitstaff seem very patient with our obnoxiousness but you can still tell our server was having "one of those days". naturally, at a place called the oyster house, we had to try the oysters. i shared the oyster sampler with my friend which came with two of each kind of oysters with wild rice and some jumbo shrimps. the rest of our party ordered a some appetizers, some steam mussels, and of course beer to wash it all down with. the food was not bad. we opted to eat light since we were already planning on having lobster else where later that evening. visiting boston for the first time, i would recommend a quick visit here and have some oysters.... then try the lobster specials a couple doors down the way. *my 100th review* yipeeeee for oysters! *featured on the travel channel*
(3)Anne C.
I would give 4 stars for my experience at their bar downstairs, and 3 stars for my dining experience up on the third floor. This is my story: Had 5:30 dinner reservations on Saturday, March 17th for four. We came into the city around 2pm to have some beers at a few Irish pubs with a couple visiting us from upstate NY. Well that didn't happen once we saw the lines to get into anywhere that served booze were about 50-100 people long. We never stood a chance- St. Patrick's Day on a sunny 60 degree Saturday with the Bruins in town? Forget about it. Somehow managed to grab one seat at the bar at Hillstones, and we camped out there for about 2 hours drinking Sam Adams and munching on french fries. Left to walk around Faneuil Hall area to see the Irish Step Dancing, then decided to try to grab a seat at the Union Oyster House bar for one more drink before dinner. The line to get into their main bar downstairs was wrapped around the building, but since we had reservation, we went in through the main dining room and walked right back into the bar and took a seat. Awesome. Within about 20 minutes they asked us if we wanted to be seated early, so up to the third floor we went. The place itself is obviously very old, but not in a gross or tacky way. The history of the building and restaurant is printed on their menu, and it's quite interesting. The vibe is warm and cozy, not too cramped. Our server was a charming older lady from South Boston who get props for graciously listening to us bitch about their ridiculous alcohol policies. No doubles, no more than one drink in front of you at a time, no shots (in the dining room at least.) The food was pretty good but nothing to consider authentic or special. They do start you off with warm hunks of cornbread that were delicious. I ordered the chowder which they proclaim to be famous, but to me was totally generic and served lukewarm. BOO. Between the four of us we split fried calamari (YUM), the broiled seafood platter (not a huge amount of food for a "platter" and the white fish was a tad overcooked) and native raw oysters on the half shell. Although our server couldn't remember where our oysters came from, they were pretty good. They also weren't fully disconnected from the lower shell. Kinda weird when you're restaurant is called an oyster house. Prices were pretty high, but that's to be expected for a restaurant in this area. Afterwards we went back down to the main bar area for a few more drinks, since we knew there wasn't a chance in hell of getting into another bar. We were able to grab 2 seats, and stayed there for about 2 more hours. The place was packed to capacity by the time we left, but it was a fun environment nonetheless. The bartenders were really busting ass, and considering the amount of drunk girls waving twenties at them from every direction, they were getting drinks out FAST. Props to them. Ok I've gotta share this little story with you. The four of us are down at the main bar having a great time (we are 2 married couples). At one point our friend leaves her husband to find the restrooms. While she's gone, her husband is approached by a pretty young thing who is clearly DTF. My happily married friend is playing it off innocently enough, not leading her on, just finding amusement from the situation in general. The girl takes our her phone to get his # when his wife comes up from behind her and asks "I'm sorry am I interrupting something?" Of course the poor girl is mortified and immediately turns back to her group of friends behind us. Extremely awkward, right? Well it was even more awkward when 30 minutes later we hear a beer bottle drop and people start cheering and crying, because that girl has just been proposed to by her boyfriend- on St. Patrick's Day, in the middle of a crowded bar, with an emerald engagement ring. That marriage, like being in Boston on St. Parick's Day, was doomed from the start.
(4)Willy L.
I was in Boston and when in Boston you have to eat lobster, so this review is going to be short and sweet. I ordered a bottle of white and 3lb lobster, strapped my bib on and went to town. So tender I didn't even need to dip in butter. The wine option choosen for me went well with the lobster. I can't speak for the rest of the menu, location is good and easy to find. Lot's of history in the adjoining area.
(4)Lorence L.
100% glad I have been to the oldest continuously established restaurant in the US. For me the best part about UOH is the historical significance of it. 1) It being the oldest and 2) This was a favorite stop of JFK and family, they have the booth they sat at memorialized which was cool to see. The clam chowder was tasty and hot. Service was friendly.
(3)Saweena K.
They ain't lying... Union Oyster House has THE BEST CLAM CHOWDER!!! We also tried a fried clam roll and fried oyster roll. Wow, the portions are HUMONGOUS! Everything was really good. Oh, I can't forget to mention the cornbread.... I wish they gave us a whole basket. I think if we had shared one roll and each have a bowl of clam chowder, we would have been good. By the way, DO NOT put Tabasco sauce in your clam chowder.... it totally ruins the taste.
(4)Good M.
Their clam chowder is fresh and heavenly, arguably one of Boston's best... too bad I had to wait over 25 minutes for it! I ordered 2 large containers of chowda to go, the front area staff were men in their teens/early twenties who didn't seem like they gave a damn that patrons from all over the world comes here and the restaurant has a reputation to live up to. One excuse after another, from miscommunications to running out of plastic spoons. Food is good, too bad their guest service hasn't improved since the 18th century!
(3)Apolinaras S.
Atmosphere: Solid 5 stars. My in-laws from out of town enjoyed having lunch with wifey and I. My dad-in-law is a history buff, so he was soaking it all in. It was interesting to see the owner (old Italian lady in her 80s) sitting by the window and looking through the mail and etc. Service: Solid 4 stars. Waitress was knowledgeable, but may have handled too many tables at the same time. Food:... 2 stars. Chowder may have been good, but I have had much better. Crab cakes were so filled with breading, I was wondering if there was any crab in them at all. Fish cakes and other dishes were sub-par too. Verdict: want to soak in history - take a walk down the Freedom Trail and get food from some less historic joint that spends more attention on satisfaction of your taste buds.
(2)Niko X.
Like many other native Bostonians, I'd never eaten here while living in Boston. It wasn't until nearly 30 years after my birth that I got the opportunity...this time as a tourist in my own native city. I'm normally the guy who downs--with a passion--any business tourists would regard as a must-see...but in this case either I'm growing soft in my adulthood or I've experienced the real mccoy. While I'm not sure if I truly believe its claim as "America's Oldest Restaurant" the building sure does seem as such. A narrow short doorway welcomes patrons as they file into the very cramped waiting area (if you could call it that). The street level is a rousing oyster bar / small restaurant room with a few tables. The host staff are attentive and sent us up the stairs to the second hostess. Both downstairs and upstairs were healthily busy, but there was a table available so the wait was nil. The stairs are creeky, the decor is old--and not in a contrived way, and the staff are all real old school. While it took a bit of time for her to introduce herself, our waitress was the very picture of Yankee coldness. Now for the unacquainted, these people often initially come off as rude and cold...but it's really just a trick. Once this women came back after her hurried and glib introduction she became sweeter with every visit. As I've said before in past reviews, New Englanders do appear cold and aloof on first impression, but in reality they are as sweet and accommodating as any overzealous Minnesotan. A delicious cornbread was served ahead of our meal. I'd recommend using lots of butter, since the Union Oyster House is about spoiling yourself, and not watching your weight. We each ordered cups of clam chowder, an order of garlic wine steamed muscles, and the seafood sampler plate which included fried oysters, clams, scrod, shrimp, squid, onion rings and french fries. The clam chowder was to die for...among the best I've ever had. While I don't know if it was homemade it surely tasted like it. My only complaint is that it didn't have lots of pieces of clam. The muscles were absolutely perfect and delicious. There were also a tremendous deal at $12.95 for a heaping plate of nearly 2 dozen. The garlic wine broth was mild and perfectly complimented the strong flavor of the muscles. The fried sampler plate was HUGE. The batter was light and reminded me a bit of tempura. All the items on the plate were cooked perfectly, and not overdone at all. The oysters and clams were especially tasty. I had budgeted about $70 dollars for this outing and was very pleased when the total came out less than $50. I would most definitely dine here again when in New England. Union Oyster House is easily categorized as one of ol' Niko's NOT TO BE MISSED restaurants!
(5)Michael R.
I love this place, It's the Quintessential Oyster House filled with fresh Seafood and American History, They even sat me at JFK's personal booth without me asking, in addition a lively bar scene & raw bar is a big plus!!
(5)Drea M.
I can't believe some schmuck gives this place anything less than 4 stars. The chowda is fantastic! The cornbread, served warm, fresh & moist. Oysters, Mmmmm.
(4)Vivienne J.
I wish I didn't have to give this 2 stars, but... A few hours after our experience there of a 30 minute wait for a table with a great cocktail waitress, oysters on the half shell, great clam chowder, great scrod, great lobster ravioli, a good waitress, cozy historical setting, and coffee...my honey got food poisoning. My stomache wasn't terribly happy, either, but at least I didn't get it like he did. We think it was the oysters here - everything else we had that day (breakfast 6-8 hours earlier and cannolis with coffee 2-3 hours earlier) had been cooked, and we both had felt great when we were seated at our table for dinner. Other than that it was a good meal and fun experience. I can't rate somewhere highly if we get sick. Sorry. This would normally only be a one star rating because of the sickness, but we had such a good time otherwise that I felt it warranted a second star for that. I wouldn't go back though, and it's very likely neither of us will ever have uncooked oysters again.
(2)E D.
I wish I could give half stars, but since I can't, the place is getting 3 instead of 3.5 The place is neat and I loved looking at the pictures and other things on the walls. I thought the service was good (not great, just good). The oysters were okay, the shrimp cocktail was okay, the pizza was okay. Prices were steep, though I will say that considering where in Boston it is located and the hype that comes with it, I can understand (sort of). Over all, not a bad place to go once or twice, but I would not make a habit out of visiting this restaurant/
(3)Sara L.
The food wasn't spectacular, but it was the ambiance that really made the experience fun. Food is the same you can get anywhere else, good and very fresh, but the setting is magnificent. I love the old timber beams on the ceilings, and the creaky stairs, and the hustle and bustle. I also loved that the little old lady owner was there the whole time, sitting at her desk, watching the madness unfold. There is a lot of noise here, lots of clinking, clanging, and creaking, lots of steam by the bar. It smells great, everyone was friendly, and it was a fun thing to do once in your life.
(5)Jayme H.
This place is horrible. I can't believe people are still coming here! The food is bland and significantly overpriced, and the waitstaff is seriously rude. Our shrimp cocktail came on a bed of wilted lettuce with a plastic to-go container of cocktail sauce. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they got the shrimp from a Market Basket clearance sale (locals will know what I mean). The only redeeming quality of this restaurant were the small bags of oyster crackers on each table. Without them I would have left starved. I do NOT recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Seth W.
Interesting atmosphere, expensive prices and so so customer service equals an overrated dining experience. The clam chowder was really good, but for 8 bucks a bowl it better be! Overall I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for anything but history (at that might be sketchy at best)!
(2)Matt T.
Youve seen this place on the Travel Channel. Every travel book says come here. And with good reason. This place has been around since the 1800's. And it has the feeling of being that old. Its seen more people come in and out of its door then most places in this country. It has the typical, touristy gift shop on the side, filled with mindless meanderings. Its located in the heart of Boston, so good luck finding some decent parking, however since Boston rocks, you can get some awesome public transportation and get right there easier then driving around for a few hours looking to park. And bonus points if you get to sit in JFK's favorite booth. Its in the back, I sat in it, and it was awesome.
(4)Brian S.
Went here for a few beers with a friend. This review is only about the bar area, no food. The reason we chose this place was because of the beers that they have on tap. Union Oyster House has a special relationship with Sam Adams and is the only place I know of where they still pour Sam Adams' Boston 375 Ale. It's called something else now, but is supposedly the same brew. They also had the brand new Brick Red which I haven't seen at other bars yet. We went on a Monday night, so the atmosphere was super-quiet. They had the game on but I don't recall if there was any sound. The bartender was friendly enough, and was attentive. What was really great is that he let us try the different brews before we bought a pint; a nice touch. Nothing particularly outstanding about the place, though. It seemed as if it was closing around 9PM (even though the bar is open 'til 12) so it kind of felt weird being there. The history is pretty neat, but other than that it's just like any other bar I've been to. I'm sure it would be a different story had we bought some food.
(3)Kristi W.
I went there on a Tuesday night, but walked in @ 9:25, the restaurant closes @ 9:30, but we were given a table without complaint, we even had a service with a smile! I wanted to take my friend to a restaurant in Boston that had some history. This place has it all and location to boot. We had the mixed greens salad and a nice bottle of wine. The cornbread was classic New England and served warm. I had the fried scallops and they did not disappoint. They were large and well cooked. As someone who easily overcooks scallops every time, I know it can be difficult to get them just right. I had a baked potato for my side that was also well cooked if not over-sized. We didn't have the deserts, but I would go back to UOH anytime I have a visiting friend or family member who wants a classic Boston experience.
(5)Andra Z.
One of my favorite things about living in New England is the ability to go to an old seafood restaurant. You know, not the fusion-Asian thing where you can get wasabi encrusted salmon in a soy glaze next to a lobster with all the trimmings. I mean like a place you can get all those old seafood classics like lobster newburg or stuffies. Sign me up! Union Oyster House is just that. Of course, it's a totes tourist trap being in Fanueil Hall and all that. But, the old fashioned seafood is totes nom. And of course the prices are high. Again, I wouldn't ever come here if I weren't showing tourists around.
(4)D S.
RIDICULOUSLY SMALL PORTIONS, SKY HIGH PRICES Sitting at the bar was a really nice environment, staff was very friendly and the raw items were of a good quality. Better off going to Legal Seafood.
(1)Scott J.
This review focuses only on the Union Oyster House's famous clam chowder, so I don't have too much to say other than it was exceptionally good. Was it the best I've ever had? Very close to Legal Seafoods, which I still have yet to top. I appreciated the service (I sat in the bar portion) and that they honored my Unofficial Tours' coupon to receive the chowder for free. They included the usual hot cornbread along with the oyster crackers. I was glad to be treated with the same respect as a paying customer. It was after 3 PM on a Saturday in the Summer, with lots of patrons at an odd time to eat. I was taken good care of in America's oldest restaurant and I'd definitely go back to try a meal, though prices seem high since it's a big tourist trap. Even so, it's a cool place to eat, and I think that's worth paying a premium.
(4)rosie l.
stopped by here for the same known reason probably any non local (or tourist..ahem) would be coming here for - ..i hear it's famous for it complimentary corn bread. AND there's something about it being the oldest restaurant in the country, woopty-freakin-doo. what? does that mean you get to charge me for every refill i order? Oh. it does? ah, well..fuck, i'lll have some water. the restaurant was abundantly packed for a monday evening, but i had made a reservation upon the recommendation of the hostess, who, by the time i had gotten to the restaurant 15 minutes early, still had no idea when i would be seated. this ignorance kinda spread throughout the restaurant because it seemed our server must have been pinned down in front of the same 24-hour rambo marathon as the host and smacked brutally around the head with baseball bat made out of frozen stupid. no matter how many times i asked for simple items, or something about the menu, my questions were always returned with an "i don't know" or nothing at all. my entre was a gracious serving of sauteed shrimp over pasta with a butter garlic sauce. the word that comes to mind that best describes this is - SAFE. there was hardly enough garlic to excite my palate. it took no risks and pushed no envelopes. an envelope would move more if you put it in front of a friggin glacier. despite this i thoroughly enjoyed a loaded cup of clam chowdah, shared seasonal oysters and feasted on my corn bread - which they're famous for.
(4)Jackie D.
Tourist trap. Wanted to try this place cause of its history but the food is blah and the place smelled terrible. Total disappointment. The only reason I gave it two stars, is b/c of their corn bread. Don't waste your money, just order the corn bread and eat a meal at Neptunes.
(2)Angband A.
The raw oysters here are pretty good, but the main entrees were quite disappointing. I had the crab cake, which was very average, and my dining partner had the only vegetarian item on the menu, the mushroom ravioli, which was very expensive and equally awful. It is clear that this place is bit of a tourist trap. Nevertheless, the decor is charming, and the restaurant itself, despite its age, is pretty clean.
(2)Vicki B.
We went to this iconic restaurant excited to experience what they claim to be the "oldest restaurant in America". Unfortunately some of the food tasted like it was left over from that time period. My daughter had the crab cake sandwich which arrived on a plain hamburger bun with a slice of tomato. My other daughter had a very dry overcooked hamburger. No sauce, no condiments on the table, nothing! They also wanted ketchup to go with the fries and there was none to be found. Our waitress disappeared and never showed up again to re-fill water glass, drinks, ask how the food was -- again, nothing! The seafood newburg was very average. The sauce was not too bad, but the puff pastry was hard as a rock. The scallops (only 2 of them in the dish!) were cooked nicely but the shrimp was hard and rubbery. My husband had the lobster ($41) and he said it tasted old and overcooked. We all agreed the cornbread was pretty good though. Do yourself a big favor and just take a picture of this restaurant and move on to someplace where the service and food is at least decent.
(1)Alex M.
Lobster lovers dream place! I would recommend the "shore dinner" on the menu
(5)Keith W.
Back again in Boston, I thought I give this place another try. Ordered the traditional New England feast, and again, another great meal. The lobster was fresh, with a nice texture and sweetness that's rare to find back home in California. The steamers were huge, and full of flavor, although somewhat gritty. This meal came with Indian pudding, which was something I never had... and while not bad, maybe more of an acquired taste... to me it was sort of like eating malt-o-meal mixed with loads of brown sugar and maple syrup.
(4)Diana D.
If in Boston you have to visit the Union Oyster House for a bowl of chowda. The Legal Seafood Company makes a better chowda, but this place makes up in character and history. What made it extra special was the fact that we came into the restaurant trying to flee from the pouring summer rain storms. The chowda was perfect and the surroundings cozy. It was very busy so getting a table meant waiting over an hour, but the booths were perfect to catch a brew & bowl of chowda. Good place to take a break from the Freedom Trail.
(4)Chili L.
Great place to eat. It looks like every plate a person had looked awesome. LOTS of history here so yeah i guess its kind of a tourist trap (hence the 4 stars). I had Oysters! baked beans, and all sorts of Crab Legs. TIP~the place has a gift shop for tourists. Its VERY expensive.
(4)Juli R.
Okay I was pretty disappointed. I only went because of all the hype on this place. Food was mediocre at best. If your here simply because it's a historical landmark then take your picture out front, browse the gift shop, then go eat somewhere else and save some $$ because this place is expensive. My fish was over cooked and not very exciting, desert was boring and cold. The only thing I had that was decent was the oysters on the 1/2 shell and my glass of water.
(2)Ralf T.
great place to eat.. a bit overpriced and maybe not a candidate for a second visit... staff is friendly, they are well organised .. chowder is GREAT
(3)David C.
Love the clam chowder there so I always stop by when I'm in boston. I sat next to the Kennedy booth this time. It's always interesting to just look around the place to see the amount of history in that building.
(4)Carson E.
Frankly, the only thing that earns this place a full three stars is that it is officially OLD AS HELL and thus, very historically compelling. I mean, the place is officially revolutionary colonial old. The decor and vibe screams, "We the people..." and that is great. Wall to wall wood, leather, rope, and wall murals. (Not to mention the great ancient oyster bar on the main level and the dumb-waiters delivering beer and food to the upstairs dining rooms! So cool.) BUT!!! OK...now...decor and vibe aside....let' just be honest here people. Bostonians, tourists, fellow-Yelpers....it's truth time...... this place is 90% tourist destination and 10% restaurant. And hey, nothing against tourist destinations! I've given it a full three stars worth for it's wood, murals, decor, historic value, and yes...great oysters. But other than that? Let it be known....Meh. I have no idea what the other reviewers are writing about with the praise for the clam chowder. It's $6 for a tiny cup and $8 for a bowl and either way, it's a tasty but creamy mess with (last time) NO clams and hardly any potatoes or anything else either. The last time I was there it might as well have been a cream of clam flavored cream soup. Thank God there were soup crackers to add some texture. The fries...eh... Also, at our most recent vist, our beers were room temp...which may have been an attempt to keep the revolutionary war feel going but..I don't know. I don't want to totally bag on this place. The staff are kind, fast, and knowledgeable. The oysters really are terrific. (We had 3 dozen and put them away in five minutes.) It's just...I don't know... this place seems like underutilized potential. My big suggestion would be for them to re-evaluate the prices on everything. Yeah, you're a stop on the Freedom Trail. Sweet. But don't use that as an excuse to be an overpriced and lazy tourist trap. You're the Union Oyster House! Let's get some clams and potatoes in the chowder! Let's have the chowder be $4 a bowl! Let's have ice cold beer! I guess I just see it for what it could be....overflowing with happy folks loving life, pounding oysters, and writing home about this place that "has to be experienced!" in Boston. So...for me...yeah...it's A-OK. I'm sure I'll be back. But when I go, I'll stick to the oysters at the oyster bar and enjoy the history of the place....
(3)R C.
I notice that many of the negative comments about this place have to do with $. Too expensive. My wife and I were lucky to visit Boston during their Restaurant week. We had a three course lunch for $28, We started with a cup ot the Boston Classic, Clam Chowder. It was perfect. Loads of clams, soft, not chewy. Also the potatoes were not mushy but firm. I have always prefered San Francisco Clam Chowder, but I have to say this was delicious. They serve it with a side of warm corn bread. which was very good. My wife ordered the Broiled Salmon which comes with vegetables and mashed potatoes. The filet had a nice outer crust while the inside was tender and flaky. She gave it a thumbs up! I went with fried oysters with slaw and potatoes. I know, I know, many of you oyster purists will think I am crazy for ordering fried oysters. What can I say? I like them. For dessert we ordered the bread pudding. It was good, but by the time dessert came, we were full. The ambience here is great. As you all know, it is a very old building, but it does not look run down, it is actually very charming. We had a really nice dining experience.
(4)Kevin H.
Delicious steamed mussels and clam chowder. Average on the oysters. Sit at the bar avoid the 45 min wait.
(4)Molly S.
Boo. I came here with a group of 6 while in town for a conference. I just tagged along with friends, so I didn't even know where we were going or anything about this place. It's a crappy and expensive tourist trap with really mediocre food and pretty terrible service. Here's the most annoying part: I ordered a lobster roll (at $22, it's one of the least expensive meals on the menu). I figured it would come with fries or something, but it said nothing about fries, there are no fries on the menu, and there are a la carte sides next to it on the menu, so I thought, okay, (expensive) a la carte sandwich. Both my friend and I ordered sides of onion rings to go with our sandwiches. Not only did the waitress fail to tell us that the lobster rolls indeed DO come with fries, she also neglected to tell us that ONE order of onion rings is enough for at least 4 people. So we ended up with ridiculous amounts of food (I mean SERIOUSLY ridiculous amounts of food), none of which was cheap to begin with. I realize it's in her interest to rack up the total, but this was just lack of thoughtfulness or courtesy. I honestly think she didn't even think about it. It really should have been obvious to her that this would be too much food, and she really should have warned us. I don't enjoy dropping almost $50 for a bunch of food I can't even eat (we couldn't take leftovers with us because we weren't going home right away, and our hotel rooms didn't have fridges anyway). Just in general, our waitress was really goofy and scattered. She seemed confused at simple questions, and was generally just awkward. It kind of pisses me off that she probably makes a lot in tips just because this place is such an expensive tourist trap. Not saying she's getting rich waiting tables, but I know a lot of waiters working their asses off for way less. The food: Fried calamari was fine, but it's fried calamari...hard to mess up. Stuffed clams were pretty meh. My Rhode Islander friend was disappointed. Onion rings were actually really good. (And we had enough of them for pete's sake!) The lobster roll was meh. I'd never had one before, but I generally know what it's supposed to be like, and this was blah. Kind of unexciting lobster salad on a really dry roll. My east coast friends assured me this was NOT a good lobster roll. There's a lot of excellent food in Boston. Don't waste your time here.
(2)minna t.
Experience the restaurant for its history but don't come with high expectations of the food. The food is decent. I've tried oysters on the half shell, oysters rockefeller, the bouillabaisse & the boiled lobster.
(3)Josh S.
Do you want snotty, uninterested servers? If so, you're in luck, because I have been here three times over the years and each time, I'm amazed how this place can get along with its utter lack of customer service. I once had a date completely botched from this restaurant (they basically ignored us, and when the server did pay attention to us, they were rude). Alright, IF the food was of amazing quality, I might consider coming back. Aaaaactulay, no I wouldn't.
(1)Jeanne N.
The service at Union Oyster House gives me the feeling that I'm at my grandmother's house. There's something soothing about the atmosphere and even the food. The food is mediocre for the price, but it has a homemade feel to it, which I like. I ordered the fried calamari, which came out in a ridiculously over-sized portion. I also ordered the pan-friend haddock, which was hardly seasoned, breaded, and fried. The fish was very fresh. For dessert, I had to try the Indian pudding. It was certainly a unique taste, one that is likely acquired. It was worth trying for the New England experience. The lighting is very dim in the restaurant, so beware, sleepy folks!
(4)Nina L.
My brothers, sister and assorted hangers-on dropped in on a recent Saturday and waited for seats to open at the bar. In about 10 minutes, we were all seated and awaiting our dozens of oysters. The oyster shuckers were pleasant if not really tolerant of our questions (who could blame them?) and soon we were up to our elbows in fresh, delicious oysters. It wasn't so much a meal as an experience. Go with the flow.
(5)Andy P.
Go for the atmosphere. Food us fresh but a bit pricey. Bar is grest for waiting and people watching. Only negative was they were out of steamers the evening we were there.
(4)Sean K.
Lived in Boston 9 years and I've overlooked this place for places like B&G ostyers. I don't hang out in the Faneuil Hall much for a good reason. I was dragged to the area for a pubcrawl and decided to pay tribute to Boston's history by stopping by this place for a platter of oysters and a bowel of clam chowder. Sat at the oyster bar and enjoyed a dozen oysters. Sure, it's nice seeing the guys shucking oysters but not so nice to have dozen oysters just thrown and piled onto a platter. I'm not a snob about presentation but it was definitely lacking. Sure, the oysters were fresh and tasty but for the price they charge for their dozen oysters, I expect a little more than dirty bottles of tabascos sitting at the bar and grimey bar tables. As for the clam chowder, it was nothing special. Really disappointed. Well, I could at least check off Union Oyster House as "been there and done that " but I certainly will not be back. I guess the tourists will sustain the tradition of this place but if they really want the locals to return, they need to step it up.
(2)Tiff S.
Based on the history and location of this restaurant, I really wish I could stand up and say to those who bash Union Oyster House "NO!! YOU ARE WRONG!"....and lecture them on their yelp superiority complex. ....Except I cannot because they were right! The food at this place was unimpressive. For entree I ordered the lobster Newburg (description: generous portions of lobster meat simmered in a rich sherry sauce, served on a baked pastry shell with rice pilaf). They weren't kidding about the sherry sauce, it was so rich after a while I had to scrape off the sauce so I can taste the lobster. Out of the entire dinner the only thing I liked was the cup of clam chowder we ordered as appetizer. Sorry Union Oyster House, I know you are part of the American History...but you really need to step up to the plate.
(2)Emily S.
4 stars for the ambiance, service and the tiniest oysters we've ever had. My dad tells me that the small oysters are the most flavorful. Maybe I'm just used to giant fill your mouth in one shot type of oyster. Maybe I don't know what a good oyster is about. We were vacationing in Boston and had to, HAD TO visit the oldest restaurant in the country. The chowda was very delicious.
(4)Rachel H.
What a disappointment! I realIy wanted to like this place! I went with my dad who drove in for the occasion. The only good thing about the meal was the Sam Adams and my dad's company. Here is what I found: 1. Dry oysters. There was no liquor at all! Blandest blue points I've ever had. 2. Price. Out of control for what you get. 3. Service was meh. Felt bad for our server, as she was being harassed by this troupe of tourists behind us, and I've been there. But still.. 4. Bland fish. I had the fisherman's broiled platter, and it was no good. Save your money. Go to the Daily Catch for seafood and Neptune's Oysters instead. I wish I had been to this place when it wasn't a tourist trap, like in 1826.
(1)Wen L.
I can't say that this place will blow your mind in terms of the food, but being there is enough to leave you with a lasting impression... This place is historical, and you can feel it the minute you enter. This isn't a place for you if you're looking for trendy, chic, or even sceney. It's a place for you to get a real-deal seafood meal. You definitely must get the clam chowder. It probably won't be the best you'll ever taste, but it's still great. Growing up in the Chesapeake Bay area, I'm used to amazing-tasting seafood. New England offers just as an amazing seafood experience as The Bay, but you're better off 'shopping around' for it while in Boston. I think since UOH is so close to Faneuil Hall, it tends to cater more to tourists and such... but it still is a place I'd recommend to go for the experience. Their beers (btw) ---GREAT!
(3)Eileen L.
I loved the corn bread and clam chowder soup. The oyster, muscles, and lobster ravoli was amazing. I have to say the wait is terrible. But luckily next door there are some great bars to watch a game and grab Boston Lager. The waitress was friendly and provided great service. What I loved most about this establishment is the decor. I learned a little bit more about American history reading about the history of this restaurant. I couldn't believe I was in one of America's oldest operating establishments. The bar offered entertainment with lots of TV and games on while I waited for our table.
(4)Bob B.
So me and a buddy did the freedom trail recently. For the pub crawl part we hit, among a couple of other stops, Union Oyster. We tried a couple of small apps - keyword is small. The shrimp cocktail was ridiculously small. I guess it is aptly named. We received 5 shrimp that had to be 60 count size. For $13.50, we thought we would get more. We then tried an oyster but those guys were huge. Actually huge doesn't do them justice. The good news is that they were pretty good as well - very fresh and tasty. Our bartender told us that this place was the oldest restaurant in Boston. That was the same message given us by a few other places so it sounds like there is a battle still going on for this designation. But whether it is in fact the oldest or not, it does seem to be a right of passage to visit this old pub.
(3)Rusty S.
Wow, this is one kool place with some history! I've been to Boston twice and made it to Union Oyster House both times. This place is a staple of Boston and should not be missed. Don't forget to ask about seasonal specials Sam Adams provides them with. That's right Sam Adams makes a custom beer just for this place. We have never tried the oyster bar but we did the full dinner. The clam chowder soup is awesome! The only reason I gave 4 stars is because I leave too much money there with every visit. In all honesty it's more like 4.5 stars. If you're in Boston, don't miss this place!!!
(4)Daniel F.
the raw oyster bar downstair is the place to be, much better than the one in quincy market/fanuel hall. don't order when you are seated upstairs. Also, order the small lobster instead of the medium because they are bascially the same size. The waitresses kept telling everybody to order the medium and that the small is too small. Not true. All the fried foods are good. Been coming here for many years now. Always get a kick eating out of the oldest restaurant in America.
(3)Sandy A.
Best clam chowdah of my life.
(5)Jim P.
I can absolutely guarantee that you will not leave here thinking, "What a fantastic meal!", "What great service!" or, "What a great value!". Nah, it's just okay, happy -hour type fried food. Service ranges from bored to irritable and prices are pretty steep, even by city standards. Still, you may be watching the History Channel someday and they'll talk about The Union Oyster House and all the history behind it, and you'll be able to turn to your kid and say, "I ate there". and he'll say, "Yeah? How was it?" and you'll say "It sorta sucked. But it's really old." Is it worth it? Your call.
(2)Xavier S.
Excellent clam chowder. The native oysters are very good as well. I recommend the fish sandwich if you have a big appetite after the starters. Top it off with a cold bloody mary. A bit pricey, but worthy to check out while in Boston.
(4)Katie W.
I find it interesting and completely expected that 90% of the reviews of this restaurant are from non-Bostonians. Sure, it's the oldest restaurant in the country. If you're not from the area it might even be worth it to stop by. From what I can recall (entertaining visitors with family in the past) the clam chowder is great and the oysters are fresh. In my opinion, entertaining out-of-towners is the one and only excuse to dine here. There are less expensive, higher quality seafood restaurants with better ambiance and a shorter wait all over the city.
(2)Nicole P.
The place itself is very cool. I ate here 15 years ago and remember it being better. Somehow my husband's oysters were so bad he only ate 2 of the 6. I say somehow because with Oyster in the name-they need to get that right. He had oysters at a few other spots in Boston and liked every other one better. We were so underwhelmed with the selection-mainly huge fried portions-we went for apps and they were meh. There are 100 people working and service was only so-so. Disappointing.
(2)Allison S.
When we first walked in, it was like a maze to get to our seat. We saw about 3 different hostesses and walked 3 flights of stairs. When we finally sat down, we got to take in the atmosphere of "America's Oldest Restaurant" - according to their place mats. The artwork on the walls was beautiful as well as the paneled ceilings. The food was decent, but the oysters were to die for. I could have eaten them all night (and I probably should have ordered that for dinner too). After an appetizer of New England clam chowder (which was a little thin, but very tasty), I ordered the haddock, the chef's specialty according to the menu, and forgot that haddock had little to no taste without squeezing an entire lemon on it. I'd go back, but only for the oysters. They were absolutely delectable.
(3)Adam W.
Thumbs down. Overpriced, bland food, so-so service. History lures in tourists, but I bet you they don't get many repeats.
(2)Kyle D.
This restaurant has excellent clam chowder. It is rich and creamy with just enough salt in it. Even though it is the oyster house, I have never tried the oysters because I am not a big fan of them. But you should atleast try the clam chowder. The only complaint I have that keeps it from being five star, other than the fact I have not tried any other of its other food, is that it has a small bar area. I hear their dining area is bigger, but the bar is cramped. There is nothing like sitting at a spacious bar with a tall glass of beer and tasty clam chowder. If this place gets a larger bar area I will go back and try some of their other food, and if I like their other food in addition to the clam chowder, I will update my review to make it a five star. Hopefully, other people have made the same suggestions and hopefully management there will take these changes under consideration.
(4)Kimberly N.
Local establishment with the coldest Sam Adam's beer and best lobster roll ever!
(5)Theresa C.
I've only been here for drinks and appetizers but it's been great each and every time! The grilled oysters are some of the best oysters I've ever had! I've also had the mussels which were awesome!! The service is great and no matter how busy it's been I've never had a problem getting prompt and friendly service. I love the old pub atmosphere at the bar. I truly feel this is a great spot to stop for a beer and a bite. One of these days I'll have to have an actual meal here.
(4)Xtina R.
I know this is the oldest restaurant in America, but seriously...give me a break, pure joke status. This place is the epitome of a tourist trap (which I knew before going but had friends from out of town who wanted to check it out) I may be spoiled when it comes to seafood, the Cape is totally where it's at....any seafood restaurant in the Cape puts UOH to shame. I ordered steamed little necks (which are basically mini clams) for about $12 and got 6...6..nearly died when I saw the portion!!!!! My haddock was eh not that great either, greasy and the bread crumbs were gross..my boyfriend's soft shell crab has literally 2 bites of meat...this place is such a rip off (thinking about e-mailing the restaurant because I just can't get over it) If you want seafood in the city go to Seaport or somewhere in the North end.
(1)Sarah E.
This was my first time in Boston and I just had to try America's oldest restaurant. It was incredible! The service was impeccable!! We walked in and were seated immediately upstairs and greeted by our very busy waitress within minutes of sitting down. I wish I could recall her name, but she was attentive without being annoying. Each of us ordered our own bowl of clam chowder (so very tasty) and corn bread (nice and fluffy). We shared their calamari (perfection), baked beans (the best I've ever had), and the Boston Creme Pie (delicious). We had a taste of Boston and left completely satisfied and mystified that this place would receive anything less than 5 stars. I would highly recommend this place and intend to stop by here on my next visit to Boston, which I hope is very soon.
(5)Andy F.
It's super cool eating at the oldest restaurant in America. The wait is usually ridiculous, so make a reservation. The building is very cool, the food is about average. I'm a fan of raw shellfish, but can tolerate steamed/grilled. However, I wasn't too happy with the grilled oyster and clam platter. The lobster was tasty, although not the best I had in Boston. The cornbread they give you was AMAZING though. Their beer selection is pretty decent (Sam Adams makes a Colonial Ale just for this place, although it's a not so tasty brown ale). I just think it's a cool atmosphere inside, even if the food is average.
(4)Karen J.
Stopped by this restaurant while walking on the freedom trail as a tourist. Just order a standard lobster - medium size 1.25 lb cause I traveled alone.The food wasn't as bad as other reviewer stated. It did taste great! I think as long as the seafood is fresh, there is not too much chance for the restaurant ruin the delicous favor. right?
(5)Lynn P.
Their clam chowder & corn bread are amazing~! So, good. Their fried sea food platter...pretty decent, nothing special. The price....expensive for what you get... I would go there for soup but for their other foods...too expensive since there's nothing special about them.
(3)Angelique S.
Lobster roll was definitely not the best in faneuil hall, as the waitress claimed. It was very plain (no onions - like the waitress said it came with) and my bun was over grilled; burnt. I've had way better lobsters rolls!
(2)Ed K.
This seafood restaurant located on the Freedom Trail is the oldest restaurant not only in Boston, but in the US as well.....It is just a stone's throw from the "Boston Stone"....the point at which all distances were originally measured in Boston....The restaurant looks just as old from the inside as from the outside...I had "one order" ( half-dozen) Oysters and Oyster House Clam Chowder.....since I was there early, I had a Bloody Mary as well...the oysters were quite small, but very flavorful....the clam chowder was equally as flavorful.....a little expensive, especially if ya want a dozen ( 2 orders )....but well worth it....you've gotta stop here when you're in Boston....
(4)R B.
Lousy. One star is too much. I live in Boston and brought friends with me from out of town who wanted the "touristy" feel. Well, they got it -- and they're never going back. We went in and sat at the ~10 seat raw bar. The guy behind the bar didn't even have the courtesy to say he'll be right with us. 5-10 minutes passed and he STILL didn't even acknowledge that we were there which is ridiculous considering there's only about 10 seats he has to worry about. This really bugs me. (he's a short guy with glasses and tats all over his arms -- he should be fired) Then, we waited 45 minutes for a table at 3pm, well after the lunch rush. Food is really expensive and NOT good. If you're a tourist you can find much better for cheaper. Also, the beer was flat and warm, so much so that our waitress agreed with us (she must have heard this before) and walked to another one of their bars to get us a better poured round (a pint of Miller Lite was over $5). As a Boston resident, I'm NEVER going back. When I have friends from out of town, I'm warning them to stay away. To sum this up for you tourists: Walk by, maybe peek your head in, but move on. TOTALLY not worth it.
(1)Dan L.
For the longest running restaurant in America this is just mediocre. They oysters are great, but the rest of the food is just OK, nothing special. I know of numerous places around town that serve better seafood dishes. As far as the atmosphere I will give it a 5 because you just have that feeling that so many important people in this country have dined here so that aura lingers int he back of your mind. For a tourist I'd say go simply because how often can someone say I've been to the oldest restaurant in America? That's pretty cool to be able to say I think. For a local, you will and should know of better places for seafood!
(3)Denise B.
So it is the oldest restaurant in the US. A historical landmark I am told. For that reason we came here. And by the end of the night, we all regretted it. Let me back up: 6 hungry girls, that have been cooped in a hotel room all day in training classes about pharmaceutical drugs. We are hungry, and tired, so our main goal is to eat some good food that is quick and go back home. But one of the girls heard about this place and was told that we HAD to go here. So we trot over here. Get there, and on a Tuesday night, during a Red Sox game, it's pretty busy. Both at the bar and the restaurant. We are told it's a 30 minute wait but that we can eat appetizers and drinks at the bar, which we would have done anyway with dinner, so we decide to do that. We snag a table. Get some oysters (delicious) and a shrimp cocktail (refreshing) to go along with our beers and drinks. 1 hour later we are still waiting. Now we are torn: do we leave and go finish off with entrees somewhere else that can seat and serve us? Or do we wait, as it's already been an hour and it can't be that much longer. We ask the hostess. She says to just wait 2 minutes. It is still 30 more minutes before we get seated and by then we are all agitated. The food was OK, the clam chowder amazing (creamy yummy and flavorful) and the lobster ravioli (also creamy and full of flavor and some good chunks of lobster) the appetizer portion was perfect for what I was needing. Evey thing else seemed okay, no one in the group raved but that might have been because we were all wishing we were in our hotel rooms in bed. So though my meal was pretty good, the whole experience gets dampened by the long wait that felt like it never ended.
(3)Pam F.
Sat at the old bar and had a great time. Liked the historical aspect of the place. Only tried mussels which were very good.
(4)Lana K.
It's a great location and definitely FEELS historical. Good to take your tourist buddies if you want clam chowder or a decent raw bar. But the prices were ridiculous considering the quality of the rest of the food we got. I wouldn't recommend this place for good seafood. Go to Legal's...or pretty much any other restaurant in Boston.
(2)David M.
The best recommendation I can give anyone is to go here, but only for lunch. This is the oldest restaurant in the U.S. and it looks like it (in a good way). It sits right on the freedom trail (a must do in Boston) and is about halfway through. I would recommend to walk the freedom trail beginning about 10am and you should hit this place about lunch time. While they are the oldest restaurant in the U.S., they certainly are not the best. Service is very informal, we were told to grab a table of our choosing. We ordered a raw sampler, oysters, clams and shrimp which all tasted good but not great. I had the chowder. It was good but was done in a more thick style. Toward the end of my chowder, I started to feel ill. I had fish as an entree, I think it was Boston Scrod. It came with fries and Boston Baked Beans. The fries were cold and the beans comparable to something from a can. The fish was dry and just so-so. I hardly ate the entree. The service was very iffy, the waitress seemed to care but maybe they were short staffed or just did not feel like hustling. I wanted to get out of there and back to the hotel quickly as I was starting to feel very sick to my stomach. I had to hunt down the server for the bill. In the meantime my co-worker bought a shirt from their gift shop. The clerk did not say a thing to him while ringing him up, very rude. I had not eaten breakfast so I do not know the source of my illness. It took about 12 hours to feel better after resting a while at the hotel. I cannot say for certain that the food made me ill, but I have my suspicions it was the raw shellfish. I had oysters on about 4 occasions over the past 2 weeks without problems though. In all, I still recommend visiting here, if only for the history. Be sure to look all around including upstairs.
(3)Emma S.
incredibly long wait, touristy, but a required Boston experience. The beer selection (always an important criteria for me) was poor. However, the food was surprisingly delicious, although I felt overpriced. You did get a lot for your money, however. And the quality of seafood was excellent. Not a repeat place, but a nice place to take visitors to get a taste of "historic Boston."
(3)Matty B.
I hate to write this review, but I had a rare miss today at the UOH! First off, the staff there is outstanding and the service at the bar is top notch. They are attentive and friendly without being overbearing and add to the overall UOH experience. However, the food (raw bar) today was awful! We started with the chowder, which I must say was as creamy and decadent as ever. We then ordered two shrimp cocktails and a half dozen oyster on the half shell. The bartender had mentioned that the Blue Points were awesome today, full and meaty, which I noted as the larger the oyster doesn't correlate to a better taste. They were brutal...huge oysters with a strange after taste and no briny sea flavor one might expect. I ate two just to be polite and left the others untouched. The shrimp cocktails looked raw and uncooked. Five small translucent shrimp per order that lacked any flavor or the 'snap' one expects with a solid cocktail. We even asked if they were undercooked and were told that is how they prepare shrimp. The bartender even brought a third order out for our review that looked even worse. All in all it wasn't the best day for the food at the UOH. I'd still recommend giving it a shot, but check out the selection of shellfish before committing to an order.
(3)Amanda C.
If you are eating with someone who has no taste buds and likes to pay for bad food and equally bad service, Union Oyster House is for you. I have a philosophy when it comes to food, if a restaurant is in the middle of "tourist hell" (any place with a Hard Rock Cafe in the area) do not eat there. The food doesn't have to taste good because the owners know people will come due to the foot traffic. As I walked in, I was immediately thrown off by the gift shop and the slogan, "Oldest restaurant in America". If you are visiting the New England area....I am sure you are going to run into a lot more Oldest Restaurants so don't pee your pants from excitement. Gift shops to me are always a bad sign because 9 times out of 10, the shot glass is going to be of better use to you rather than wasting your money. As we waited an hour, longer than the quoted time, I enjoyed a 7 dollar Sam Adams. When it came to ordering, I looked hopelessly at the menu. Everything seemed so bland and very boring. As I was looking, some overly sweet corn bread was plopped onto the table. It was not tasty, I liked the prepackaged oyster crackers for the soup better. The food is expensive. If you eat there, expect to pay market price for a lot of their items. Since I wasn't moved to spend money, I opted for their "Number 1" clam chowder and a side salad. Well, I am from the South and I think I have made better clam chowder on my own. It wasn't even hot. The salad was good though, but it was just baby spinach and romaine with 3 unripe baby tomatoes and cucumbers. Yet it was 5.95, so I would advise to just go to the grocery store and buy a bag of salad and call it a day. My friends ordered the baked scrod. Boring, lifeless, and overly buttered, I was happy to say I did not waste my money on that meal. Looking around the room at what people were eating, I would have rather ate the hot dog off the children's menu in the end. Too bad I am not 12. Lastly, the service is what killed me. Rude hostess and waitress. Being a waitress before, I know it is annoying to split checks, but I have done it. Yet, when we wanted it done, she said "Sure" hurried off and basically plopped the new checks down annoyingly. Do not waste your time dining here. Take the time to walk to the North and eat at a nice Italian place on the North End or take the subway to Cambridge and eat at a local place were they care about what they are serving. Union Oyster House will not be tried again!
(1)Andy K.
The clam chowder was good, but not great. I got the fish and chips which were also mediocre. The food wasn't bad but it wasn't great, the restaurant itself was pretty decent though. Their specially brewed Sam Adam's beer was really bad. Some may enjoy it, but not me. It tasted like flat beer, no bite, with a little fruit punch in it.
(2)Liz M.
Although I can see how this could be a tourist spot, I thought it was fun (but then again I was a tourist). Wait was not bad at all and service was attentive and friendly. Fun for history buffs, since this is the oldest operating restaurant in the country. Not fine dining, much more of a family restaurant in a historical atmosphere. Delicious cornbread (almost more like cake than bread). Ordered the broiled scallops, which had some type of breading and boiled potatos. Pretty good and filling. Fun touristy place to visit, not super expensive and you get a ton of food.
(4)V Y.
Been here serveral times and I've decided to stick with the oysters/clams from the raw bar and the sauteed shrimp and scallops entree. I'd come back for just that dish. It's creamy but light and not overwhelming. Yum-O! Everything else here seems mediocre and not exactly consistant. But it's a great place to try at least once. This place has a rustic feel to it. Servers are mellow and they just do their thing... Very comfortable laid back setting.
(3)Mike T.
Apparently Daniel Webster used to eat 3 dozen oysters and drink 6 brandy's at the bar which explains how he met the devil and gives me hope that if a drunk seafood nut can write the dictionary I may still do something amazing. Take a small group and sit at the seafood bar and watch as shellfish experts shuck the crap out of stubborn Oysters. This place is not for the squeamish. Communal pots of cocktail sauce and horseradish line the bar and a worn rock is used to help shuck the oysters. Its sort of like a stone age salad bar without a sneeze guard. The bar tenders are reserved and salty but efficient . No its not cheap but its unique if you go towards the end of the evening when there are no tourists or large groups. I like the historical feel even if there is a gift shop. Look straight ahead and drink enough so that your peripheral vision will eventually give out and you wont even notice the gift shop.
(4)Tawn N.
The Union Oyster House had the best oysters that I've had in a long time. The oysters guys were friendly and found us a couple of seats at the oyster bar. Two ice cold glasses of Boston Lager were immediately set in front us as we waited for our oysters. Shortly there after a platter of oyster on the half shell were set in front of us. I started to squeeze a little lemon, a bit of horseradish, a bit of cocktail sauce and then slurp. The perfect symphony of brininess, sweetness, tartness finished with the gulp of the lager made me feel joy. It was fantastic!!! It does not matter that there was only one kind of oyster and not 12 different kinds like most oyster bar that I've been visited. What matters was the only kind that they had were the best I've had in a long long long time.
(4)Lisa T.
My favorite seafood restaurant in Boston! Reasons: 1) The atmosphere and architecture is absolutely adorable. It's the oldest restaurant in Boston, and there are hints of that here and there. 2) The complimentary corn bread that they serve is the best I know. They sell the mix in the gift shop on the 1st floor! 3) The historical U-shaped oyster bar on the 1st floor makes for a great stop if you're not around for dinner. There's also usually no wait, whereas dinner time can get crowded. Beer, oysters and chowder. Heaven. 4) The clam chowder beats anything I've ever had at Legal Seafoods. Hence, it is the best clam chowder you can get in New England. 5) The Lazy Man's Lobster is my single favorite American seafood dish I've ever had. Squeeze on lots of lemon! Warning: some of the other stuff is bland, so choose wisely. Ask your waiter for his favorites. Sam Adams Boston Lager goes great with any meal here, so if you're one of those people who was never into having a beer with your food, this is the time to try it.
(4)Formicas F.
Great place to stop in for some history. we tried Boston Creme Pie and crab cakes and they were decent. It is the oldest place in Boston to eat so it's not fine dining but worth the experience to sit at the same tables Paul Revere and Sam Adams ate at. If you like history, you will love eating here (it's not about the food at this joint).
(3)Kristen D.
Was looking for a seafood place to go to dinner with my boyfriend one night during restaurant week. Neither of us had been before, and it seemed like I've lived her too long to never have experienced Boston's oldest restaurant. I wasn't expecting gourmet, five star treatment, but I was expecting a LOT more than we received. The raw bar has a nice vibe and the guys there were personable and fun, but we were only there a few minutes before being seating at our very loud table upstairs. Our waitress had a shaky (at best) command of the English language and seemed upset with us when we asked for the restaurant week menu. Apps were fine, nothing to write home about. My boyfriend's cod entree was similar--bland and underwhelming. For my entree I ordered "shrimp and scallops in a light basil cream sauce over seafood ravioli." What I got might as well have been a vat of cream soup. I LOVE heavy cream and pasta but even for me, this was too much. You couldn't even see any of the actual food and I had to poke my fork around in the sauce looking for the edibles. Both the scallops and shrimp were tough and overcooked and the seafood ravioli was filled with something hard and inedible. Incredibly unappetizing. I knew this place was touristy and more about the atmosphere/experience, but the food was absolutely atrocious. Would not go back, nor would I recommend.
(1)Daniel L.
The food was decent enough. Great oysters and fish. The ambience is pretty rustic and a little humid at times but it was not bad at all. It wasn't the kind of restaurant where you are dying to go back but it was a good eat none the less.
(4)David H.
From a historical prospective it was awesome! But for lobster, go to atlantic seafood co! Union is overpriced and touristy!
(3)Serena H.
Clam chowda was YUMmy! I ordered the Salmon for dinner and it was ok. Underseasoned but cooked ok. Old school restaurant and a bit touristy. Veggies were gross. Overcooked in this yucky sauce.
(3)Brendan C.
It's funny to read reviews of the Union Oyster House that say the oysters were the highlight. I was so terribly disappointed in the oysters here that I was prompted to do my first yelp review. A couple of my buddies and I were looking for a snack while in the area, and oysters fit the bill. Since Jeremy had never been to our nation's oldest restaurant, it seemed necessary to hit up the UOH. We got drinks and oysters, but the oysters were awful. They were a) not shucked, b) not on ice, c) accompanied by condiments served in plastic take-out containers, and d) unaccompanied by the proper utensils. Now, I know that the UOH has a captive audience with all the out-of-towners that must flood the place all summer. Surely this must give a restaurant bad habits. But as a resident of the culinary wonderland that is Boston, I'm disappointed that so many that will visit the city will get such poor service. We paid ~$60 for three drinks and a dozen oysters. That's more than enough to get oysters on fucking ice. Why no ice? You are giving me raw seafood. Put that shit on ice. And why are the cocktail sauce and horseradish in to-go containers? Who has ever order oysters to go? Ever? The whole thing just reeks of cost-cutting and short-sighted management. Don't give this place your money. I won't ever again.
(2)Hailey T.
I gotta say that I've eaten a lot of clam chowder ad this is right up there with the best of it. Surprisingly, my mom and I didn't have to wait to be seated, we managed to snag a booth near the entrance. The clam chowder was good, they don't skimp on the clams at all which is a nice surprise and the cornbread was pretty good, not the best ever but it was cold and rainy out and it hit the spot. My mom had shrimp and rice which she said was really yummy. I had the lobster salad roll, also a good choice, but I felt like I should have ordered it on a warmer day and picked a warm entree. It was, however, full of lobster meat and taste very fresh. I recommed it. As for it being a tourist trap....yes it is, duh look at the location and the advertising. That said, it wasn't full of obnoxious people, I viewed it as a lot of people looking for good food with a side of history. We've all been tourists at some point, I don't grimace at those who visit my area, that's business, so I'd say to disregard the snarky comments about tourists and try it, local or first time out of towner if you want to say you've been to "the oldest restaurant in America."
(4)Joe R.
This is a must-visit restaurant in Boston. You can get oysters a-plenty in the downstairs oyster bar or head upstairs to the dining area. The surrounding area pubs also offer a great option for post-dining activities.
(4)Danielle N.
Okay so after walking for two hours along the Freedom trail, I was dying for some famous Crab cakes at the "oldest restaurant in America"! I was with my Mom, around 3pm during a Wednesday in April 2012 ... it wasn't crowded and yet once we took a table it took our server over 15 mins to greet us. She was absent-minded at best and then took another 10 mins to get our menus and drink orders. Sadly, this is not the worst part. I ordered the crab cakes and my mom had the Seafood "cake" platter with the fish cakes, salmon cakes and the crab cakes. Long story short my crab cakes were WELLLLL over done, dark and burnt looking, and then after taking a bite I literally spit it back out, without swallowing. There was this nasty seasoning in them and I could not even finish a bite. The salmon cakes and fish cakes did NOT have that seasoning, so my mom was able to choke her meal partly down. Again... the damn server did NOT return to check on us for over 15 mins. The silver lining to this HORRIBLE experience was that she took my gross crab sh**cakes off our check. Needless to say, I would never recommend this crap-hole place to anyone.
(1)Alexander M.
Credited as America's oldest restaurant (est. 1826), the Union Oyster House is housed within a typically (for that period) quaint and strangely laid out building. Due to its age, there are many nooks and crannies within the building and mst of them have been given over to diners. This all adds to an informal atmosphere. The service is friendly and helpful, and although our food took a little bit of time to arrive - there were around 20 of us - it wasn't so slow as to irritate. The menu consists mainly of seafood, with clams, crabs and lobsters taking pride of place - there are even veggie and carnivorous options for those who don't eat fish. I happen to be a big clam chowder fan, so would recommend that. Everyone was well satisfied with their food - in fact the portions are typically large so be prepared to leave some on your plate (or ask for starter portions). They also carry a good selection of local beers. Pricing is on the higher side of the average in the US, but it is certainly an interesting place to spend a lunchtime or evening with an almost european feel to it.
(4)Brian D.
We were called to our table early then told it was a mistake and asked to wait another fifteen minutes. We were seated by the window. Very cool history, the pub next door is even older. When our server finally arrived the complimentary corn bread was great and I think the clam chowder is some of the best I've ever had. The restaurant gets busy early and has a bit of a feel of a diner loud, busy, kids running around, the waiters leave community water pitchers on your table and the service was marginal, but we loved the experience. Eat with your fingers and feel relaxed.
(4)Lindsay R.
Nom. 'nuff said
(4)Clint U.
YOU COME HERE FOR HISTORY...and a few of the items off the menu...Don't expect a Bobby Flay throwdown any time soon here. Any grandmother worth her salt can win handsdown against this place. You come here for history. This is the oldest brick building in Boston built somewhere in 1740. The restaurant has been in operation since 1826, the oldest restaurant in the United States. They claim the toothpick was first used here. One our country's most famous drunk, Daniel Webster, ate breakfast here everyday when he was in town...a few dozen oysters and a pint of brandy.....darn good thing we didnt have cars in those days. Now on to the food. New England Clam Chowder: 5 stars. This is one of the best clam chowders you can taste. This is why you come here..AFTER the history. Grilled Sea Scallops: 4.5 Stars. It was excellent. Slightly crisp on the outside, tender and moist on the inside. Would have rated higher if it was served better...they were piled on each other, which made the bottom ones kinda steamed. Still EXCELLENT. Crab cakes: 1 star Go to BALTIMORE for crab cakes. These were awful. You will do better in the frozen food freezer in your supermarket.. Too much breading and spices...WHERE WAS THE CRAB????? Cole slaw: 1 star I felt like i was eating a head of cabbage. Very little dressing and taste. Our table threw it all away. Fried Fish Platter: 2 stars You can get the same quality at any diner. Raw Oysters: Hard for me to rate this because the only thing that the restaurant adds to the flavor is the knife used to shuck it. It is so variable hour to hour on raw oysters in general. If you like it...you have belly up to the bar and have a half dozen or so., take a shot of brandy..and pretend to be Daniel Webster. Summary: Come here and order a cup or bowl of New England Clam Chowder, share a plate of grilled sea scallops with your party. and then go down the street to any highly rated estabilshments for a real Boston dinner. You will be happy happy. You will have also touched a piece of US history at the same time.
(3)Len S.
The food is ok, service is friendly, the ambiance is the real draw. When I say the food is ok, I mean its boiled and broiled and baked and sauteed but it lacks any real character. The dishes are pretty standard seafood fare and nothing stands out with a unique flavor, actually they could stand to use a little more sodium on certain dishes. I had the lobster and some oysters which were decent but not great. I think I like the idea that this is an old old old building and restaurant more than what arrives on the table. I guess this is to be expected considering its location along the Freedom Trail and relative proximity to all things historic in downtown Boston.
(2)Juan C.
This place is great. Full of history and the perfect lunch or dinner after walking The Freedom Trail. Have the clam chowder with the corn bread and maybe a lobster roll. Boston Rob is behind the counter upstairs. He'll take care of you and give you stories!
(4)Bridget L.
Booo, indeed. No. No. No. We went here for the history, which is really cool, and knew it was a tourist trap, but seriously it was such a waste of money! The food was just flat out bad. I honestly thought I was eating frozen Gordon's, and my oysters were very fishy. Our server was pretty bad too. Go in and check out the gift shop if you want to be touristy, but don't stay for a meal. Check out the cheeky Summer Shack instead if you want quality seafood.
(1)Pauline L.
As a first time out of towner in beantown, my first foray into what's considered touristy is to get myself a seafood chowdown. Cathy H. and co. took this newbie to this quaint huge house that I swear you can see the salty sailors and barnacled old colonials drink themselves down. The oyster bar is ripping alive with people willing to dare salmonella by scarfing down massive amounts of raw shellfish. The cooks on deck were always ready for a pose and were clearly enjoying their work. First off, Tom H. ordered a double order of raw oysters and cherrystones. Surprisingly I preferred the sweetness of the cherrystones to the savory sea flavors of the oysters... plus points for that! I ordered the Shore Dinner with a medium lobster in drawn butter, steamed mussels, creamy Boston Clam Chowder, and a cup of rice pilaf....I didn't care how much this was going to hurt, I was going to make it through this: woman vs. food...game on! The clam chowder was really delicious. The potato to clam ratio is just right, and the soup had the right thick consistency I look for in a chowder. With my lobster bib on, I was ready to start cracking heads....but the kitchen decided to give me the red hottie in lazyman's fashion: they cracked it for me. I think I shocked some people when I started sucking out the brains of the lobster...umm...any good Asian chick knows that the brains are the shite, and I don't waste food especially when it's costing me market price! And the lobster was succulent. The steamed mussels were excellent in the hot broth, and there were more than the 15 the waitress told me...the only thing I thought was okay was the rice pilaf...it was kinda dry, but I didn't come all the way to Boston to scarf down an Uncle Ben's reject. Decor was like an old town feel...but everything colonial has an old town feel...definitely a plus and the staff was super nice.
(4)Jef S.
Bland, unexciting seafood in the middle of the F-Hall/Haymarket area, the Union Oyster house purports to be the oldest operating restaurant in the United States. It shows, too: an old colonial building with low ceilings and a cramped staircaseup to the dining room. The dining room is a bit nicer, but still old and somewhat dilapidated. The raw bar offers the same shells that you can get all over Boston, but slightly cheaper. The compromise is that the oysters and clams aren't anything innovative or unique: they're standard Capes, whereas I like a good Kumamoto or PEI variety now and then. Dinner was something white baked with butter and crumbs. It was okay. The chowder was better, but a bit thin. The rolls at the table were nice, as was the server. You can do much better for seafood and traditional fare in Boston, but if your grandma's in town and Legal or Turner's is too rich for her blood, head over to UOH. She'll love it. Will you? My advice is to fill up on the bread.
(3)CA T.
Nice historic building and atmosphere. Food was pretty good for a touristy place. Great cornbread, great clam chowder, decent grilled salmon. Crab cakes not as good but not terrible either. Worth it for a fun Boston experience.
(3)Doc H.
Oldest restaurant in the states. That's what they say and I'm going to go ahead and believe them... A pleasant place that seems a little small at first near the shucking bar, but turns out to be actually quite large. Some guy directed us aloofly to our table upstairs where we met a real greeter. A pleasant young lady who welcomed us with warm fresh, perfectly moist, cornbread. Apps included oysters which were great; fresh and absent any graininess that makes me normally unable to appreciate them. The Chowdah was creamy and well packed with potatoes, celery and clam. Being pretty filled by this time I started to feel the slightest regret that I also ordered the union specially with a trio of seafood cakes; in order of deliciousness: 1. Lobster, 2. Crab, 3.fish Also tried the fried calamari which was solid as expected and had to order the baked beans after all the great reviews. Apparently Sam Adams brews a beeya just for the oyster house called a colonial ale. It was a complex and strong series of flavours that I wasn't expecting at first, but began to settle into by the second half. A nice historical meal to add to a trip, but not sure how often I would go if I lived in Boston. There's a good chance I could live on the cornbread and Chowdah alone!
(4)Michelle K.
okay.. so we had to come eat when we visited. we NEEDED the Boston clam chowder.. we CRAVED those oysters and lobster, and we were glad we came. even on a weeknight, the wait was super long. this place seems to be packed regularly. we should have called ahead but figured it wouldn't be too bad on a weeknight.. right? the wait was around 45 min but we had to eat here. America's first restaurant.. we had to experience it. so we put our names in and walked around right outside for a while. we visited the holocaust memorial and walked around the Quincy market which is super close by. then we came back to sit and wait at the bar with our Sam Adams beer. when it was time to be seated we were taken all the way up and through the entire restaurant to the top floor in a tiny little booth that looked like it was the same wood from the 1900's. we ordered clam chowder which was _sooo_ good. i haven't had it like this before - so rich and tasty. we also shared a sample of raw oysters which were so cold and buttery. just great. my boyfriend and i both ordered the Maine lobster steamed. we had a great time cracking it open and eating it. it was made perfectly. we washed it down with Boston's own local beer. i wish i had room to try the legendary Boston creme pie, but i was way too stuffed. of course as visitors to the city, we enjoyed dining in the first restaurant and I'm sure there are better and cheaper places to eat, we really loved the experience. i can now say that i have eaten and the oldest restaurant in America!.
(4)Kate S.
I think I ordered the wrong thing. The bouillabaisse was just ok. Pretty bland and the seafood was just OK. But other peeps I was with were raving about their meals, so I'd go back and give it another shot. It's super old skool New England seafood style (or at least what I think that is - what do I know, I'm from California) - no frills, fresh seafood, lots of lobster, wooden tables and rickety floors. Good stuff. Someone told me it was the oldest restaurant in the US - I think they were probably right. If you go, save some time to visit Bell in Hand tavern afterwards - great pub!
(3)Tom C.
Just spent the 4th in Boston. It was our first Independence Day in Beantown but definately not our last. This is the place to be! The fireworks and general celebration are just remarkable. Had lunch at Union Oyster House. This was about our third or fourth time here. I'll agree, you mostly go here for the raw bar. I've always found them to have a good selection of very fresh and tasty oysters. Vic likes the clams. We started with a bowl of chowder. It's really very, very good chowder. My half-dozen oysters were tasty and fresh. They came with cocktail sauce, horseradish, lemon and that vinegar stuff I never use. Then we demolished a 2-lb lobster. It was not a Maine lobster and it showed. A little chewy and not as sweet as one would like... but not bad. The place is often very busy and loud, but that's the deal here. Yeah... I'd go somewhere else for a nice fish dinner. But the raw bar is the attraction.
(3)Ellen L.
Pricey with not much for decor or taste. Honestly, the only reason why this place is even "good", is that they milk the history behind the restaurant and for historical reasons, can get people to go repeatedly. The tables are teeeeny! and the place is teeny. It's always SO tight that it's uncomfortable. The inside feels very run down. I understand it's supposed to be the old rustic feeling, but rustic doesn't mean i have to feel like the place is dirty. It's in the middle of a bunch of bars in Fanueil though, which makes going out afterwards easy. Now it's just a problem of actually getting there that annoys me. Just like the rest of Fanueil, it's a giant tourist trap. There are much better seafood places in Boston. Even the chain restaurant, Legal, is better. Oysters are average - nothing special. The wait is so long to get into this place on a weekend evening. Don't waste your time.
(3)Jeff B.
While walking on the Freedom Trail, we decided to stop by the Union Oyster House for some world famous clam chowder at the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the nation. We told them that we wanted lunch, so we avoided the noisy (in a good way) clam bar and went to the darkened room upstairs. It's quaint and if you have time, a nice place to enjoy a meal. The service was terrible. The waitress seemed annoyed that we were even there, and then ignored our basic needs. Water didn't come until halfway through the meal, and then the pitcher was left on the table. We figured that was standard so we used it, and woosh...it was gone in a minute. Rude, that was pretty much it. The food was actually pretty good. We enjoyed a simple ceaser salad that was well prepared and the best clam chowder we had in Boston. That's not saying a whole lot, since the best clam chowder seems to still come from California.
(3)Kolohe C.
I have to admit, as a history buff, I like the architecture as it's historical and supposedly been around since the 1700's. That's about the extent of it for me. The food is another story. The clam chowder was alright(I could get the same thing at our waterfront in my city) and the seafood was awful. The only thing really good was the cornbread! Then again, what should I expect for a tourist trap? Go for the ambiance and history,not the food.
(2)Kevin J.
The best seafood I've ever had. This place is known as the "Oldest Restaurant on America" and it certainly looks that way inside. I love the old, Colonial America feeling inside. I'm coming back here every time I'm in Boston.
(5)Zachary Sam Z.
I got a gift certificate here when I moved to the area, so when my parents visited I figured I'd take them there. I'd definitely recommend a reservation, as we still waited for 30 minutes (20 minutes after our reservation time) with one. I can only imagine what it would have been like as a walk-in. The food was good. Tried the appetizer, a bit of clam chowder (very good), and the Seafood Newburg - very good, but very rich. It will leave you in a food coma for sure. The waitress was awesome, great at giving recommendations, and very friendly. Overall, a great experience except for the late start.
(4)Dorothy L.
This is like the oldest restaurant in Boston. Of course I had to come here for the historical value. I ordered a half dozen of the oysters and got to see the shucker work his magic. The raw bar was super crowded. I can't say I was particularly fond of the food. I think Swan's Oyster Depot in San Francisco tastes better!!!
(2)Claudia H.
It was a busy Sunday afternoon and we were thankful for a seat at the crowded bar in the oldest restaurant in America. I'm not sure about the historical accuracy of this statement however, as the Warren Tavern in Charlestown and the Bell in Hand pub on the opposite side of the street make similar claims. Whatever, our fellow patrons didn't seem to be at Union Oyster House for this reason. They were watching sports and chowing down as though at any sports bar in America. I wasn't really in the mood for Oysters, or Lobster, so I ordered Clam Chowder and a Crab Cake Sandwich. The male server was extremely busy, but doing an impressive job of keeping everyone happy. He seemed to enjoy making a bit of a show and loudly proclaiming things such as "I've never seen the place so busy, it's crazzzy!" First off, we were served warm corn bread which is always a pleasure, especially when not expected. However, that was the peak of the culinary experience as the Crab Cake Sandwich which arrived was dry, bland and served with a grotesquely large portion of fries. Of course I had no self control and ending up eating the lot.... Gasping for water by the end and very much regretting it.
(3)Jay R.
Overall, a great meal. The best oyster I've ever had.
(4)Wendy S.
I have not been here in 20 years, and it is still an amazing building and going strong. The food was good, not outstanding, but still pretty solid. We had fresh steamers (Ipswich) that were wonderful- no sand and very fresh. The raw oysters were fresh, briny but a bit on the small side. I had the lobster- steamed perfectly, delicious, but the corn bread was dry, and the vegetable not cooked well enough. My friends had the baked seafood platter (haddock, scallops, shrimp) over pasta, and they were not impressed. No seasoning and bland- that was disappointing. The prices are OK for the area- $29.00 for a 1 1/4-1 1/2 lobster meal. The server was friendly and did keep our water glasses filled, but never found the wine cooler for our wine until the bottle was almost empty. So, it is fun to go to the place where Benjamin Franklin ate oysters and drank beer? Yes, it is- the bar and history are unique. Is it the best food ever? No, but you can't go wrong if you stick to lobster, oysters, steamers and clam chowder.
(3)Ned H.
HEADLINE: Do not be reeled in like the rest of the lemming touristas upstairs to a table to be ignored by the waitstaff ... sit your ass down at the raw-bar-in-the-round at street level for raw seafood on the half-shell and mugs of brew ... period!!! Pity the fools!!! Really, PITY them. I've been coming here for 30 some odd years ... EVERY time I visit Beantown, I always find a way to get over to this place near Faneuil to stroll in and sit my ass down on a stool right at the raw-bar-in-the-round downstairs here. Do NOT be tempted upstairs to be seated at a table and be fed a full meal. If there isn't a stool available at the bar ...... wait!!! WAIT!!!!, goddammitt, for a bar stool to open up, for you will not be disappointed Lemming touristas deserve the humbling and less-than-adequate experience in food and drink upstairs ... NOT YOU!!! Now ... THIS is what you do when you come here ... and ONLY this ... A mug of Sam Adams ... the tap system is just off to the right of the raw bar and they'll pour you a fresh, cold one right there. Indeed, les miserables dining upstairs have to get their mugs of brew from down here, sent up by a dumb-waiter contraption next to the tap system downstairs ... waiting for less than cold beer? ... no way, Jose! NOT YOU!!! Next ... "A half dozen of your finest Cherrystones, my good man!" When you sit at the raw bar, they shuck these bad boys for you right before your eyes. Again, for les miserables dining upstairs, they usually have a dozen plates of each shellfish (clams and oysters) PRE-SHUCKED and on plates to be sent up by same dumb-waiter contraption as the beer. These are usually limp, warm, and drained of that fabulous juicy goodness omnipresent in a just-shucked clam. REFRAIN!!! NOT YOU!!! These clams enjoyed downstairs at the raw bar, while labeled Cherrystones, are much closer to Quahogs in size ... they're enormous ... pink ... plump .... juicy ... icy cold, just having been harvested from their resting beds of shaved ice ... and incredibly full of flavor. Half a dozen to a plate. The raw bar has bowls of fresh horseradish and red cocktail sauce strategically positioned around the bar to accompany your wedge of lemon and seafood treasure. Take clamshell in left hand, sprinkle with lemon wedge juice, a dollop of cocktail sauce, and then a dollop of horseradish ..... STEP AWAY FROM THE FORK!!! ... and simply slurp this juicy, hedonistic goodness in one huge, noisy slurp right out of the shell. Chew ... feel that bad boy fight back against your jaw in terms of its freshness ... swallow ... feel that funny little feeling in your loins (just for a moment, weirdo, you're out in public) and finally, slurp the remaining juices from said shell. Repeat five more times. Repeat order a mug a' Sammy Repeat order a mug a' Sammy Repeat order another plate of a half dozen of these beauties Repeat clamshell ritual six more times REFRAIN from ordering the chowdah!!! This is a temple ... nay, a veritable altar ... built to worship raw shellfish ... nothing cooked should come between you and this religious epiphany. NOT YOU!!! Repeat order a mug a' Sammy Repeat order one last mug a' Sammy. Wipe your chin, your shirt, your pants, probably your shoes and socks, and most definitely your neighbors to the left and right with your napkin or sleeve to remove the delicious clam liquor, lemon juice, horseradish, cocktail sauce and ale that now anoints them. Burp. NAY, BELCH with all the gusto of a North Atlantic seaman ... or woman, for that matter. Salute the plaque commemorating that Noah Webster used to frequent this very raw bar often and, legend has it, never left before quaffing several tankards of brandy and as many as six plates of clams. Bow to the team picture of the 1999 Ryder Cup team grouped around the bar, including a young Tiger Woods, that came into town to have dinner one night right there at the same raw bar as you're sitting at now. The 1999 Ryder Cup (the 33rd Ryder Cup) Matches were held between September 24 and September 26 at The Country Club in Brookline, MA, one of the oldest country clubs in the United States, and the finish caused great controversy. A remarkable comeback by the American team helped propel the U.S. to a 14.5-13.5 victory after trailing 10-6 heading into the final day. The U.S. went 8-3-1 in singles matches to seal the first American victory since 1993. Pay, leaving your beer meister and chief shucker a handsome, well-earned tip. And walk out onto the sidewalk, knowing that les miserables upstairs have enjoyed NONE of the same savory, sensory delights, in their right and proper environs, as you have. NOT THEM!!! Now, go ... GO home to house or hotel, and dream of the next time you'll be able to sit where Noah Webster did centuries ago, and slurp clam and brew just as he.
(4)Amanda L.
So of course Union gets wicked extra points for being the oldest continuous running restaurant in America. And it gets double points for NOT tasting like the oldest continuous running restaurant in America. I have never been disappointed here. The clam chowder is excellent, one of the best in the city. Everything I've had on their menu is always super fresh and amazing. The prices are a little steep, but what do you expect?? I especially love the ambiance of the place, it definitely knows how to keep that old world flair to it. The service, from what I remember, could use a little bit of work, but I don't think I can justify knocking off any stars. I mean, come on, it's a Boston landmark!
(5)Barbara S.
So let me start of by saying that I first went to Union Oyster House 8 years ago, and I have nothing but fond memories from that experience. That has since changed. I had friends in from out of state who wanted something "classic Boston." Like I said, I had fond memories of this place, and they have all the classic New England food. There was a group of 7 of us, and we knew that it would be hard to get a table. We called to make a reservation and were informed that they did not take reservations. Granted, we were trying to eat on July 4, but when we got there, they clearly had a reservation list. Problem No. 1. Things only went downhill. We arrived at 7 p.m. and were told that our wait would be an hour, no more than an hour and fifteen minutes. We go to the bar to grab drinks. At this point, there were only five of us; three of us wanted the same thing, then one cosmo and one iced tea (just a plain ol' iced tea...I was thirsty.) As we started saying what we wanted, the bartender threw up his hands and told us to slow down; he couldn't take a big order. He then walked away for a solid five minutes. Problem No. 2. Finally we get our drinks (my iced tea was in a high ball glass...gone in two sips). Again, there were only five of us, and three of us were standing. We were only taking up two stools. We order a second round of drinks which gets to us a little faster, although the bartender gave us the bill and decided to keep my friend's credit card. Problem No. 3. At this point, we've been waiting an hour. We start to check on our table. The hostess informs us that we have another hour to wait. "We told you it would be an hour forty-five to two hours." Um, no, no you didn't. We wouldn't have stayed. Problem No. 4. The party of 10 immediately before us on the wait list didn't show, and the hostess told us we were next. She then proceeded to call the group of 8 after us. Problem No. 5. And here's where I got really pissed. After ordering two rounds of drinks (which were overpriced) and being treated like crap by the bar staff and the hostesses, a group of college guys comes in. 5 of us, 5 of them. We're still only using two chairs. The bartender says to us, "Are you done?" Us: "We're not sure; we're waiting for a table." Bartender: "We need these chairs. You have to move." He then places down an order of 5 oysters for these guys who push us out of the way. HUGE PROBLEM NO. 1 At this point, I lost my patience. I had waited an hour and forty-five minutes, was being told it would still be another half an hour, and I was no longer allowed to sit at the bar and wait? I grabbed my boyfriend and ditched. So let me get this straight, you make your patrons wait two hours and refuse to let them sit at the bar? I can get better food and better service at a lower price with fewer tourists elsewhere. Never again will I go to Union.
(1)Colby B.
My boyfriend and I visited UOH this afternoon looking for a tasty lunch that would include tasty mussels. We were greeted by a nice lady who brought us to a small booth right near the entrance. The second the door opened, our area felt a chilly draft. We ordered the shrimp cocktail (13.something) and while the shrimp were tasty, there were only FIVE! For that price, I'd expect more than five little shrimp. One star for the shrimp. Our server only checked on us once the rest of our order was ready, and we had bone dry water glasses. She brought our mussels and bowl of chowder (clam) and we dug right in. Not only was the portion of mussels tiny compared to most restaurants but they all had beards on them, and you could tell they were waiting under a heating lamp and lost most of their moisture. They were dry and chewy, and the use of red onion instead of say yellow or a shallot combined with how DIRTY the mussels were made the 'broth' disgustingly gray. The chowder was OK, nothing to write home about. Creamy thick chowder but the only chunks were potatoes and clams. No celery, bacon, or onions. Boring. If it weren't for the horrible service (between finishing the shrimp cocktail and the arrival of our entrees we waited a good 20 minutes...for mussels and soup that is kept hot. That pickup takes 5 minutes at the most. They weren't even busy! Also our server would go a good 15 minutes without even walking by our table.) and disgustingly unclean mussels that had the chewy beards still attached, I couldn't give more than 2 stars. A terrible tourist trap!!
(2)Kara R.
My husband and I stopped here on our way along the freedom trail. Yes, it's a tourist trap. But guess what? We're tourists! The cornbread was delicious and the waitress was great about keeping our water glasses full (we were HOT!). We ended up ordered the crab cakes, a cup of chowder (we had a coupon for a free cup with any entree) and a side salad. First off, 6 bucks for a small plate of spring mix, two cucumber slices, some red onion, and one cherry tomato is too much. The balsamic was pretty mediocre too. However, being on vacation and eating a lot of garbage I was craving something green so I paid for it. The chowder was very thick but not too amazing. I felt like it lacked seasoning. It had a medium amount of clams in it. Not mindblowing. The crab cakes were delicious. They came with a sauce, slaw, and mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes were crazy thick and creamy. I felt like each bite had 300 calories so I didn't dig into it very much. The crab cakes were delicious, though. Best part of the meal. Definitely more "crab" than "cake". The sauce it came with was a nice accent and I really enjoyed their tartar sauce. I think a cocktail sauce would have been nice too, but they didn't provide us with any. Decent food, a nice reasonable boston lunch for us tourists, but I don't think we'd ever go back.
(3)T S.
We ate at the Union Oyster House for the experience and its historical significance. Aside from this point, I would NOT recommend anyone to eat here. The food is below average (way disappointing) and well overpriced. Clam chowder: they claim that this is their more famous/popular dish. We found it to be a super creamy soup full of potatoes. Good luck finding seafood in here. Not worth the money. Raw oysters: small and tasteless. I've tasted better oysters on the West Coast and even in chain restaurants like McCormick & Schmick's. Entrees: TOO MUCH CREAM on everything! They drown the food in cream that you can't even tell what you are eating. Made us all feel sick at the end. Beware if you order dishes with cream. Vegetables were not fresh. We ended up eating just the main seafood but not anything else. Service: sloooow. Expect to wait at least 30 min for your food. If you need drinks, you better ask or they will forget about you.
(1)M-A G.
Excellent oyster bar. Old school. Cool and hip but still with style. A must go for people who love fresh seafood in a bar atmosphere.
(5)Andy A.
If you want oysters this is really the place not to go. The poorest setection (usually one) and the service is poor. Great building and the food is good but they rush you in and rush you out. Book a table, sit down and look at the decor, then leave and eat somewhere else.
(2)Andy T.
Eeew. This place is like eating at your senile Grandma's. Maybe she once knew how to cook but it really isn't the case anymore. Service is mediocre, the menu is overpriced and the seafood is better almost anywhere else. Even the oysters were not that great. With Neptune Oyster in walking distance why would anyone eat here? An order of mussels were cooked in way too much butter, I love me some butter, but really, this was bad. Couldn't taste the mussels in all the grease. Oysters were not shucked properly and presented with mediocre sauces, and they were not un-fresh but did not taste too lively either. This place is hanging on to it's existence banking on history, location, and tourist money. Don't waste your time.
(1)Melanie Rose P.
The reviews that totally bash this place are somewhat annoying. I understand that this is not the most mind-blowing, fine-dining, out of this world seafood experience that you might ever have in Boston, but seriously, it's pretty darn good when you consider that you're NOT really going there for the food. That being said, I was in Boston last weekend for the first time since I was 3 years old. My boyfriend is a huge history buff, so of course we hung out around the Faneuil Hall area most of the time. We decided to give the UOH a try LAST MINUTE on a Saturday night. We arrived and there was a 45-60 minute wait. We went over to Green Dragon to grab a beer while we waited and when we came back, we chatted up with the very friendly hostesses (who were highly accomodating in getting us a table). On to the food: We ordered the chowda, which I thought was YUMMY, but my boyfriend didn't like as much (he is biased because he thinks Green Dragon is the best in the Universe and nothing compares). We also got the bouillabaisse and a "Medium" lobster to share. The bouillabaisse was gigantic and chock full of shellfish and half a lobster. The lobster was also delicious. Our waitress seemed extremely busy and stressed out (it was only her and another lady sharing the duties of one large room), but was outgoing and smiling at us nonetheless....we appreciated that. The feel of the place is very historical, which is honestly why you go there to begin with. Our good meal was a perk. It wasn't cheap, but it was LOBSTER in the oldest restaurant in the country...so come on! If that review doesn't prove that we were satisfied, the next afternoon before heading to the airport, we decided to head back over to experience the Raw Bar. We had some more chowda and a dozen Blue Points. Delish.
(4)Joan F.
The history is amazing. My family and I went, and we loved everything about it. The wait for dinner was around 45 minutes, but the hostess suggested "the light supper menu", so we took a booth by the oyster bar. It was a sunday night, so I was surprised at how busy it was. The food was alright, but what made it excellent was the amazingly fantastic service. We had this cute little red-headed waitress named Eva. She was fantastic, kind, and very speedy. She made the experience worthwhile. She gave us some tips on where to go throughout Boston and was very helpful. We liked the food, but will come back because of the service.
(5)Joseluis A.
an experience. not cheap. awesome building. friendly service, especially downstairs by the bar. good chowder. fresh blue point oysters. a nice place to visit once in a while.
(4)Elisa L.
Very overrated tourist trap. I went there on a Monday night with a friend from out of town and had to wait an hour for a table for two. When we got upstairs, we saw plenty of empty tables. The first waitress we had was atrocious and had a serious attitude problem. She didn't bother explaining the dishes when my friend asked about how something was made and was very rude when we asked for a drink menu. I've never been to a restaurant that didn't even have a menu before so it was odd. The food took forever to come even though we had ordered soup and mussels for appetizers. The booth seats were uncomfortable and made for a tight squeeze. For the very expensive menu you can get much better food elsewhere. I will never eat here again.
(2)Matt W.
Union Oyster House is old. Like, the oldest restaurant in America. This is really impressive if you are not from Europe. It is a bit pricey, which cost it a star, but they've got excellent Cherrystone oysters, and Anton is the single greatest oyster shucker in the history of shellfish. They also always have Sam Adams' special local beer on tap, which cannot be said of a lot of the more touristy bars around town. It's busy in the summer, but spring and fall are great. Don't bother with reservations. Just go to the raw bar. That's really what this place is for. Other food is fine, but why bother when you can have oysters?
(4)Valentina D.
Funny. I never went to the venerable Union Oyster House when I lived in Boston, not once. I passed it almost every day walking home from work, gazed at the cheery interior and the hordes of tourists slurping down Bluepoints and munching oyster fritters, and would just think "nah." I've always been a completely unapologetic snob when it comes to tourist traps. But I was back in town for a Halloween reunion, and M and I were nostalgic for the old neighborhood. We agreed we'd give the UOH a try, and walked in at the odd-duck hour of 4. it was still pretty crowded, considering, so we took a seat at the bar. Our red-haird, total townie bartender greeted us with the THICKEST of Bahston brogues (How ah yah? What can I do yah fo-ah?). we wondered if he discarded the accent when he walked out the door, a Shakesperian actor with perfect diction simply earning a buck, but after a bit of conversing it was clear that he was the real deal. Anyway, the food was actually quite ok. The oysters in my roll were plump and juicy, the coleslaw creamy and unhealthy, and the beers...well, beery. Mike kept up an easy patter with us and our adjoining bar-mates, and M. and I reminisced about the good old days while some sports event or other played on the old TV above the bar. Bartender Mike was friendly and competent, which is more than I can say for most of the restaurant folk in Miami; he was a font of lore about the politician regulars from nearby City Hall and regaled us with tales of his no-good fellow waiters. We turned down an offer for Boston Cream Pie (Mike, to his credit, was not surprised) and left, a bit lodgy from all the grease but happy to have spent some time in that venerable Boston institution. You can skip Durgin Park at Faneuil Hall, and don't necessarily have to take a ride in the swan boats in the Garden, but if you want to indulge in one touristy activity, well, you could do worse than the Oyster House.
(3)Fida C.
The reason to come here is not for the food, though the food is solid. Today, I had a lobster roll. The lobster salad was great, the roll itself was fine. The pickle was excellent, as were the fries and slaw. Usually when I'm here I eat from the raw bar; it's also solid with nice, fresh shellfish. People rave about the new England clam chowder, but that is not my thing so I can't speak to it. Many years ago, I ate in the restaurant from the dinner menu -- it was meh. Maybe it's better now, but these days I stick with the bar menu. The reason to come here is for the Experience. First, the restaurant is almost 200 years old. How cool is that? Second, sit in the bar (you'll be seated immediately instead of waiting in a long line) and expose yourself to the bizarre and wonderful clientele, which are a strange mix of tourists and crusty locals. I love this place. I know it is a tourist trap, but consider me caught.
(4)Tony C.
oysters were the best around...
(5)Jason B.
Let me start off by saying: Lifelong Boston Resident Here. Never having been to the Union, despite living in Boston most of my life, we decided we had to give it a try. As soon as you enter, you realize that this is in fact, the oldest restaurant in America. There is no place to stand and wait for a table where you do not feel like you are in someone's way. After dodging people for about 10 minutes, we got seats at the bar to wait. Nice enough bar, bland people/bartender. Had a few drinks, totally fine. Our table was on the third floor, and anyone who has problems with narrow spaces/claustrophobia/vertigo should be warned - the stairs are narrow, steep and scary. Very old world. The service was slow, but it was a very busy Saturday. There were no "I waited 30 minutes for a beer" moments, but just generally slow. The clam chowder is right up there. I won't say it's the best in Boston, but it's goddamn good. A plate of sliders yielded almost nothing but fresh guys - only one bad guy that I recall. The linguine with mussels and clams was okay - sauce was watery and pasta was overcooked. The baked stuffed shrimp was pretty good - it's hard to do this dish well, and they fell victim to the classic "dry stuffing/overcooked shrimp" pitfall, but B+ for effort. Atmosphere = cool Chowder = good Fresh seafood = good Complex dishes = not so good 3.5 stars for Union.
(3)Tantri B.
came here because i love oyster and since im strolling down around quincy market, me and a friend decided to try this one. First impression: the seating is too casual (you can basically sit wherever you want)..and the server was okay (not the best service i've ever had so far)...the oysters are good though. will reconsider if i have to come back again.
(3)K T.
If you need to experience history, walk the Freedom Trail. The service was almost non existent, the food barely edible and it's just another old building save your money.
(1)Andrew K.
Oldest restaurant in America, and simply the best place to obtain the old Boston favorites, which are baked beans, and crab cakes, and chowdahs, and that warm seafood that you want to eat on a rainy day. I don't think the prices are too bad given the history of the place or the quality of the food.
(5)Aaron S.
I had lunch here catching up with an old friend, who suggested the place. Sitting in the cramped booths with your back at a 90 degree angle to the wall, I momentarily forgot that we were not actually on a boat, but bodily comfort became immaterial once the food was on the table. I had what was essentially a seafood pot pie, with scallops and cod mashed potatoes. It was heartily delicious and went great with the Harpoon ale the server recommended. The service was attentive, helpful, and full of local charm. I spent some time agonizing over all the choices on the menu, and look forward to going back to try some more of them.
(4)Charles G.
Steeped in history and the best chowder ever!!!
(4)Meredith K.
Definitely a tourist trap in many ways, but there are some pros for locals too! The 'old union beer' brewed by Sam Adams for them is tasty - it's got a hint of molasses, but not overpowering. The oysters are great - and it's the oldest restaurant in the country which is sort of cool. Steamed lobster with fresh drawn butter and clam chowder are also great. I'd probably skip the rest of the food though.... and seriously - sit at the bar, tables are super tight (and booths are tiny). But here's the negative about this place: on a night when they weren't super busy - we finished our beers for at least 20 minutes before the bartender asked if we wanted another (I expect them to be on top of that), they forgot our food twice (people next to us ordered after us and got steamed lobsters before we got our oysters). Once we had to ask for it and the second time the guy said oh crap I forgot to put this in do you still want it? I mean cool he admitted he forgot but there were only 2 other people at the bar besides us - there wasn't much to remember.
(3)Kevin M.
Service was excellent, food wasn't. Met up with friends in Boston on Saturday and we went over to the Union Oyster House. They sat us immediately and the service was great. Then the food came. We had a calamari appetizer -- it was ok, but I've had better calamari. For the meal I had the fried scrod and a friend had the chicken club. The scrod was ok, but not exciting. My friend's chicken club was very dry. Interesting experience to try out the oldest restaurant in the country, but I'd recommend against it if you are going for the food.
(2)Busy L.
Have been a lifelong Boston resident and just went here. Always avoided in the past and thought of as a tourist trap. Great place to go and just sit at the raw bar and grab a dozen oysters and chowder. One of those Bucket List restaurants you should go to with incredible history.
(4)Sophie W.
We came in for a beer and ended up trying the two things we had read about on Yelp-- the chowder and the corn bread. The chowder was good, but not great - creamy, but in a weird, foamy kind of way where the cream was not well seasoned and felt a bit empty. Still, not too bad. The corn bread, on the other hand, was AMAZING -- not like the cake-like corn bread you tend to get a lot of in Boston (where it's too sweet and has the consistency of yellow cake). No, this was true, good corn bread. We were already really full from a prior meal, but had no problems scarfing that down. Might be worth coming back to try a full meal just to get some more of it!
(3)David H.
Ye olde tourist trap! We had appetizers then decided to leave before ordering dinner from this place. The Shrimp Cocktail I had could have been straight from a Costco shrimp ring. I don't know if JFK liked this place, but to me it seems like Long John Silvers in a historic building.
(2)Han P.
Great oysters, great lobsters, and great beer (ask for their special Sam Adams Colonial). Every time I come to Boston, I'll stop by here for either dinner with clients or a quick sit down at the raw bar. If you're a seafood lover, this is a must. Oh forgot, their clam chowder is one of the best I've had.
(4)Wendy C.
You won't get the best seafood experience here, but you'll appreciate the historical significance of this place being the oldest restaurant in America. The stalls and oyster bar where Daniel Webster was a regular customer are still in their original positions. This building dates back to the pre-revolutionary days and started serving food in 1826. Their ingredients and style of cooking may not have changed much since then. The food can either be bland or starchy. The cornbread was pretty good, but I was not pleased with the clam chowder. It was too salty and the potato to clam ratio was 3 to 1. The Ye Olde Seafood Platter of deep fried shrimp, clams, scallops, calamari, oysters and filet of fish topped with onion rings was big enough to feed 2 people. The portion size was generous but also seriously lacking in the flavor department. This place is better off operating as a museum than a restaurant. If I do come back here, it won't be for the food.
(2)D. A.
I am a sucker for a gimick, and being 'the oldest restaurant' worked on me. Everytime I visited Boston as a tourist I would go. I enjoy their 'lazyman's lobster' casserole and their chowda'. In general, it can take a long time to get seated during peak times and I don't think they take reservations, so you have to show up and wait; there is not much space to wait in either. Now that I live in Boston, I don't go. I think there are better places to get seafood for cheaper. I would still go back when I have guests, but in my opion it is more touristy than local.
(3)Laura A.
Why does this only have 3 stars? This place was amazing! Being a big Disney fan, I was quite excited to step in this part of town, it felt like Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom! Very quaint and historical looking. Now the food. The cornbread was AMAZING! I ate it slowly just so I could savor every bite. The clam chowder was the best I've ever had in my life. If only I had a bread bowl from Boudin to put it in, I could've died happy right there. My boyfriend and I split the fish and chips, which were very good as well. Top it off with one of their delicious coffees with liquor, and BAM! You have yourself and amazing meal.
(5)Patryk D.
Hmmm...America's Oldest Restaurant needs to get with the times...apparently Union Oyster House doesn't live up to its name...oysters were mediocre at best...thank goodness for the delicious clam chowder!
(2)Julie Z.
I had the crabcake with salad. It was okay, nothing special, My friend got the crabcake sandwich and it was 1000x better. My crabcake was dry. My other friend got the famous clam chowder and i thought it was good. very rich. But, I am not a clam chowder person but it was worth a try! I enjoyed it, the waiter was nice. I think my favorite part of the meal was the cornbread. I LOVED IT. semi sweet and soft. the entrees were alil pricey tho.
(3)Ruben Z.
Lobstet ravioli and chawda was excellent
(5)Anna G.
There was a long wait to get into this place but we had read that the chowder was worth the wait. It was pretty tasty but it was full of grit! Crunching on grit is probably one of my least favorite things to do in life. The cornbread was sweeter than I normally like, but pretty tasty. I wouldn't recommend this place because it's nothing fantastic.
(2)Bessie B.
Unique ambiance in that the structure is very old and the layout is sort of all over the place. Good seafood & friendly staff. Conveniently located for you tourists who are visiting the city. Take a break from the freedom trail and have a pint! Though the location has not remained the same you can say you visited the oldest American restaurant.
(4)Aaron C.
There's a reason why this is the nation's oldest restaurant and still standing. If you are going to eat just make a reservation for the heck of it. Cuts your waiting time in half or less. First off, the oysters are very very tasty. I've learned that bigger isn't always better; the smaller oysters are much more savory than the "bigger" ones. The seafood here is according to taste because everyone's not accustomed to the way they cook it here. Most of its either boiled or broiled more the less, but it depends on what you order too. I've been here on several occasions and sometimes its excellent and sometimes its average. The pasta is actually very filling as compared to the lobster or fish just by itself. Lobster ravioli is very good indeed. Please do not go here to order fish and chips, or crab cakes, that's just finger foods you could find anywhere else.
(4)Alison M.
Another historic stop on the Freedom Trail that offers more than just reading. Apparently, Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S., and has had all sorts of famous patrons throughout the years (including JFK), which is kind of cool. We stopped by to enjoy a few beers and some oysters, but we didn't make it upstairs to the dining room to see JFK's famed booth. The oysters were good (but pricey), and the beer menu was pretty limited. I probably wouldn't go back, but I'm glad to say I've been here.
(3)J.F. D.
Given the history (oldest restaurant in the U.S....connections to many famous Bostonians) it's worth stopping in just to say you've done it. The building and the atmosphere are very cool. The food is nothing special. About the same as you'd find in any Massachusetts seaside tavern. A good place for lunch...the dinner prices looked really unreasonable given the so-so food. I'm not a raw bar kind of guy, so I can't speak to that part of the menu. The clam chowder is probably made on site, but it tasted like it was from a can. I had crab cakes (average) and my daughter had broiled scallops (somewhat above average). Our waitress was very prompt and friendly. So, aside from the history, it was nothing remarkable, but still a good place to visit.
(3)A M.
Well I'm in Boston, so I guess I have to go to the Union Oyster house. The oldest restaurant in the United States currently operating. The place is definitely a classic. I love the oyster bar and the general feel of this place. It is cool to think that folks were eating oysters in this same spot a couple hundred years ago. We sat at the bar and I have to say the service was fantastic. The bartender that served us was very friendly and competent. The food itself was just okay. The clam chowder was the best I've ever had. The bartender told me they make a new batch hourly and never keep any overnight. The oysters however were not that good. They were small and kind of dry which was weird. They were also served with prepacked cocktail and horseradish in these plastic cups. They were probably the worst oysters I've ever had in boston in all my visits. Matt ordered mussels which were okay, but nothing special. They were served with really good buttery, cheesy, garlic bread. Also tried the clams casino which were a little better than average with some nice breading and bacon. The best thing about this place is the service and meeting the other tourists at the bar. Sat next to a fun french couple who ordered nachos and said it was their favorite "american" food. This is a place you should go at least once... well, maybe only once.
(3)Alyssa N.
I didn't eat here, but rather was silly enough to venture down to the area on St. Patrick's day. Anyway, the bartenders were quick, professional, and made yummy drinks (I'm not a big beer fan). I give them points for not trying to pack the place just b/c it was a Green Friday. I was able to move in the bar area, more than I could've expected.
(2)Brenden L.
This place can be a little pricey but the seafood is very good. The oysters are among the best in the city and the historical aspect of the place pushes into the realm of one of downtown's best places to get a meal.
(4)Bob R.
Ate here once before with wife/grown-up kids and thought the food was OK but overpriced. This time, stopped by with a friend who had never been to Boston (we were dropping someone off from Maine) and figured I'd do a "once over" of the town with a quick bite to eat. Sat at the original bar and ate, what else, oysters. Two different kinds - was a little turned off when one of the guys behind the bar announced to the other that they should "use up" one of the varieties (it was implied that they would get thrown out tomorrow). The oysters were great so we ordered more, requesting just one variety which we liked more. We each had a bowl of chowder which was also fantastic. Add a couple of beers (Sam Adams - when in Rome...) and chat with some tourists from out of town and you have a great little meal. Oysters, chowder and beer is the way to do this place - then walk to Mike's in the North End for desert and life is good.
(4)Julius L.
I don't know about other ppl, but the oyster were great when I came. I sat at the oyster bar had a few drinkings, some oysters, clam chowder and then a few more. The friendly bartender cracked and prepared them right there. Delicious little suckers. The clam chowder was so good. The walls were also decorated with pictures of ppl who had been there before. (It was the place where the Union soliders got their pay check... I thought it was pretty cool, then again I had been drinking for a while)
(4)Ellen S.
Went here on valentine's Day after seeing Dirty Dancing - I had never eaten here before and was unaware of how big the place is. I had a yummy crabcake sandwich. I'm definitely interested in going back to try some other menu items - we sat in the lounge, it was perfect as we just wanted something casual at the time.
(4)Ada C.
This is right along the Freedom Trail, so we decided to stop in since it is the oldest restaurant in America. The outside is very unassuming, so it's easy to pass by and miss it. The oysters and the fish soup were pretty good, but that was basically it. Everything else was ehh. We did receive excellent service though; our server was really nice and attentive. Since we came during lunch, it was busy. Would definitely not return as there are much better options elsewhere.
(2)Joseph P. S.
I must admit that there is not much left to say about this restaurant. After registering at the hotel, it was our next stop. Had to eat at a place in existence this long. The chowder was tasty, but not the best and the oyster stew was watery with a just put together flavor. The scrod with mashed and slaw was tasty, but tiny for the price and the salad with grilled shrimp just ok. I liked the people, but just found the experience less that it should have been.
(3)Sherie J.
Fried Clams...I flew 3000 Miles for FRIED CLAMS! Go...you're gonna love it.
(4)Christina S.
Another overrated seafood place in Boston. Average food at best. The clam chowder was definitely lacking and unfortunately got raves on Foodnetwork -- which was the only reason I actually braved the parking situation, my temperamental GPS, and the weather in order to try this "fabulous" place. However, I really love the history behind Union Oyster House, as this is a historical landmark open since 1826. The interior was interesting and provoked thoughts of historical figures eating here well over a century ago. I would probably bring out of town guests at least once just because of the history of this place, which was my favorite part of the whole experience. Go for the history.
(3)Matt S.
A required stop on any trip when I'm living in Boston and someone visits me (or, now, when I return to Boston). YES! it's tourist trappy. That doesn't mean substandard. Since I first moved to Boston in 1999 (I never visited it during previous visits), my standard has been the chowda (cup or bowl), a pint of Harpoon Munich Dark, and the cornbread (with Cabot Butter and freshly grated horseradish). It's the only meal I feel I can count on (aside from the bulgogi at Kayuga or Buk Kyung, the mustard greens and dofu skin with pork at Taiwan Cafe, or the omelets at Mass Ave Diner in Central Square Cambridge) that I have not made myself. Always consistent, always good. I've had the scrod, too, which along with bringing to mind the "Boston Latin Joke," is excellent. The raw bar is killer, too (great littlenecks). I think people either are put off by the kitsch (or the crowds) or they just hear about the touristy rep or they recover from the bill (it can be steep). But don't believe any review below four stars. I've been to better seafood joints overall (and you really need to get OUT of Boston), but this place is solid.
(5)Tulie L.
Ok Since I came here back in May, I thought I should Yelp about it.. it's fun, especially for a tourist. The place has a scary eri feeling, like it's haunted. It might be do to the fact that the place has been there for centuries. The oysters were yummy, and the food was a fair deal, considering it's considered a site of attraction for tourist, and it's located very near other great site places..
(4)Roland A.
They label themselves the oldest restaurant in the US. Can't verify that as there's one of those in pretty much every American city I've been to. Can verify that the clam chowder is thick and delicious, the catch of the day mild and at the same time tasty and the micro brewery beer yummy. Hefeweizen for the win!
(4)Steve N.
ONLY for oysters/clams and then ONLY at the oyster bar. they put a live lobster in the front window and when touruists peer in at it the shuckers throw snowballs at the window, man, you should see those suckers jump. freekin' hilarious.
(2)Zack M.
While I enjoyed stopping by, the food is nothing special... The lobster was pretty bad and lacked meat, though the steamers were fairly good. A fun place because of the ambiance and decor, but there has got to be a better place to get fresh seafood, even for tourists such as me.
(3)Matthew P.
What I was told was the oldest restaurant in the United States and one of the great seafood spots in the Boston area was nothing more than an extreme disappointment and a waste of money. After passing several fun looking places where one could sit outside and enjoy the weather, we found ourselves sitting in a VERY dated building with an atmosphere that could be topped by any number of Red Lobster establishments (yes, it was that bad). And to top it off, we had what could have been one of the most depressing and LAME waitresses of all time. Not only did she forget to tell us about a crab leg special that sounded quite appealing once I heard it being pitched to another table, yet she didn't even smile once. And to top it all off, I woke up at six the next morning with a really bad case of FOOD POISONING! If it were up to me they would call this place the Union Shit House. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
(1)Steven K.
Let me offer a contrary minority opinion. We five lunched there today and all were mightily disappointed. The food ranged from bad to lackluster. For example, the cherrystones were served warm and not on a bed of ice. They'd obviously been opened way before being ordered. The crabcakes were covered in some kind of goo which we scraped off. The seafood pie was gelatinous and the shrimps inside tasted unfresh. The clam chowder was having a bad day. So what was good? Unfortunately nothing, including the service, which, while cheerful, was inefficient. Sorry to be a grouch about this historic landmark, but someone in the kitchen has given up.
(1)Paul W.
We flew into Boston, checked in to the hotel, and then headed to the Union Oyster Bar. We sat at the bar just inside, and had oysters. They were so good! We met up with Eric and Gabriella , some locals, who were there for some oysters and then off to the hockey game in town. A couple of other people met us as we were saying we just arrived an hour or so ago in town from California. Friendly bar, good drinks, and excellent oysters. I also ordered a bowl of clam chowder that we shared. It was hot and good! We rated this place as an excellent experience.
(5)Shawn P.
This claims to be the oldest restaurant in the USA and after walking in, I believe it. In fact, I think a couple of the staff members may have been then when it opened in 1826. I went for lunch and was seated at the bar which contoured toward me, leading to the fear that something would end up on my lap at some point. Pictures of famous (and not so famous) people riddled the walls. There is even a booth that JFK sat at (although I'm not sure I would want to sit there....). I had a good local pint exclusive to the Union Oyster house. I kept it simple:Oysters and clam chowder. There were three varieties available including the standard Wellfleet and Blue Point. They were shucked and presented in typical fashion. There was a little grit but it wasn't a disaster. Despite the negative reviews, I found the chowder was delicious. It was rich, filling and stuffed with clams. This is a historical landmark and yes, a tourist trap, and although not the most spectacular of restaurants, it fits the bill with just the right amount of cheesiness and history matched with a pretty decent brew and a good bowl of chowder.
(4)Ames N.
Long wait for dinner, no call service , you just have to stand around and wait. We ended up eating at the oyster bar. While expensive it was delicious. The older gentleman was not friendly or engaging in conversation, however the younger gentleman was able to hold a conversation and gave us many facts about oysters and lobsters. I believe if you are not friendly or know how to converse, you should be placed in the back to wash dishes and not with tourists. We had oysters, half were blue point and the other half from the bay. Delicious and shucked right in front of you. 16.50 for half dozen. Chowder was good, creamy with some large clams. Finally mussels were small but good. Two beers came to be around 80 with tip. Long wait, large bill but worth it. It would be better if you got friendlier staff.
(3)Kent H.
What can I say about their Lobster dish and a bag of clams to go with it. The stuffing on top of the lobster was the perfect combination for this baked lobster dish. Juicy and tender lobster meat just waiting to get pulled out of it's shell. The oysters were okay, nothing special.
(4)Svetlana S.
Worst place ever I won't go there again to have oysters ever again. 1. Over priced. 2. Bad service. 3. Oysters come out dirty. They piled oysters on top of each other and shells dirtied the oysters itself. Server said "Well you should never wash oysters!" I asked her if she washed they before shackling them and why she put them on top of each other and not next to each other. She just looked at me as if I was stupid and walked way.
(1)Jocelyn C.
Alright guys, let's get real. This place is a tourist trap. Pitch: oldest tavern in America. Pros: get a bowl of late night chowda Cons: said chowda is hella expensive and NOT THAT GOOD. Pros: comes with sweet cornbread with a nice crust Cons: the crust is the only good part Pros: bouncer at door cool as shit Cons: waitress just wants to go home Stumble on down to Hanover if you need a late night snack. You'll ask yourself why you, Yelper and food lover extreme, burned one of your precious Boston meals here.
(3)Casey R.
Atmosphere is obviously second to none. The clam chowder is very good. Lobster was average but that could just be that I'm not crazy about lobster.
(3)Richard P.
I had a great time here. The atmosphere is great. Colonial stylings inside and out, and rather rustic feeling. Clam chowder is 'okay'... but what is spectacular is the oyster bar. I once brought my brother here and we had the fish and chips. It was pretty decent, albeit, the price was a little heart wrenching.
(3)Larry W.
I genuinely did not enjoy my experience here, which was surprising given that the place has been around for two hundred years and should by all rights have something good going on with it... The waitress showed very little attention to our table of two, including botching our side orders and then bringing the wrong replacement dish. Particularly compared to Legal (the other mega-famous seafood restaurant in Boston, where I've never had a bad meal - except at the Logan location), Union's quality is poor and the portions small. The chowder had an excellent aroma and taste, though this was mostly from the broth as clams made up a relatively small fraction of the mixture. We did enjoy a pleasant few minutes at the bar before eating, so I won't knock them down to one star. But the bottom line remains: don't eat here, go to Legal or some other seafood restaurant.
(2)Ann C.
one of the oldest restaurants in the country (try to be seated upstairs- cozy and quaint). oysters were fresh, salmon over rice pilaf was ok. besides the historical atmosphere- the place is average.
(2)K S.
This place is exactly what you should expect. Service is very grood. Ambience is the real reason to go, right? I mean like, it's in a tourist area. Still, the food is pretty good. I would give the food 3 stars and the location and building a 5.
(4)Juggy W.
1 word - overrated. I actually prefer McCormicks over this place. The oyster stew didnt have much flavor - its just oysters boiled in milk and heavy cream. The appetizer sampler was okay... again... most of them lacking strong flavors. the stuffed fish was good but on the dry side... but anyway... if ur visiting this "america's oldest restaurant".... make sure you visit its restroom on the top floor... it looks like america's oldest restroom... yuck.
(3)Andrew F.
Booo! I can't count the number of things that were lame about this place but I do know that the biggest crime here is the pricing; the food is totally sub-par, at best, but you'll pay hotel restaurant prices for this junk. The lobster was its one almost-redeeming factor, but I was a lobster virgin so don't take my word for it. Do not expect to taste anything imaginative or even pseudo-savory here; they even managed to screw up the lemonade (and I went in there starving so the bar was set pretty low). If you're from the Northwest, take comfort in knowing that NW seafood trounces what they offer over here, especially the oysters. NW oyster conisseurs steer clear. The waitress sensed our discontent ad hooked us up with some free Boston creme pie - which was lame too!@#$% Keep walking to the north end for something fondly memorable.
(2)Michael P.
I was staying in a hotel around the corner and the gentleman at the front desk recommend that I go to the Union Oyster House for a lobster dinner. He mentioned that locals and tourists frequent the place. Anyway, we sit down at a booth and order our food. I'm checking out the decor which wasn't very impressive, but the place is old as hell. Anyway, what do I see... a very large mouse munching on some food at the table across from me. Without startling my wife who would have undoubtedly screamed, I told her to grab her purse and that we needed to leave ASAP. No questions asked! So if you feel like chilling with the rodents, check out the Union Oyster House. In all fairness, this poor review and rating is not based on the food, as I never had the opportunity to eat, but rather the unsanitary conditions in the establishment.
(1)Jen R.
Definitely a tourist stopping point but the food is decent reliable seafood. The oysters are expensive but well worth it.
(5)Bryan B.
Okay so I went here a couple weeks ago with my family and I was excited to eat at "the oldest restaurant in America" and have some of what I had heard was the best chowder in Boston. I was disappointed. The food was expensive and mediocre at best. The chowder was not all it's cracked up to be. My dad and I shared the appetizer sampler and honestly the best thing on there was the clams casino. Honestly the grilled oyster thing they're so famous for was really not anything i would even consider getting again. For my entree I had the American bouillabaisse. There was a whole half a lobster in it which was delicious but everything else in it was just okay and some even bad. The mussels and clams were decent but the fish that was in it (cod I think) was awful and when my dad tried a steamer he ended up having sand stuck in his mouth for the rest of the meal. The broth everything was in was actually good until I started actually eating a lot of it and then the overall fishiness of it hit me and it was no longer that good. For the amount of money we paid this place was really nothing special. The only saving grace was that my raw oysters were fresh and delicious however fresh oysters are good pretty much all the time.
(3)Tetsu N.
When in Boston, I never pass the chance to go to Union Oyster House. I love recommending this restaurant when taking customers to dinner after a long day of conferences. American history isn't very long, but early American history has a magic all its own, and the history of early America washes over you when entering the restaurant. It has seating on three stories and with narrow staircases and heavy wooden support pillars, you are transported to another world. There is a small "doll house" showing the Union Oyster house in years past, and the main bar is apparently the same bar that was installed when the restaurant opened. The oysters are all great, and much larger than what I find in the local supermarket in California, so it's always a pleasure to drop by here for a little escape from the reality of work.
(4)Collin N.
Literally my favorite restaurant in the world. Great raw bar.
(5)Sara D.
I know, I know. This place is a tourist trap, but hey, I'm a tourist, so it was exactly what I was looking for. We had a party of 10 which the restaurant accommodated well. I started off with a half dozen of the Native Oysters which were great and ordered the medium lobster entree to follow. The lobster was good (but not the best I've had - that honor goes to Emerils in Las Vegas), but there was a lot of lobster meat. The service was fantastic and everyone had a good time. Love this place! Total New England charm. Hope it stays in business for another 100 years!
(4)Ken A.
While on a cheapo Wah Fung bus daytrip from NYC, was looking to avoid the all too easy to fall into canned experiences and mercantile culinary bloviations of the ubiquitous Cheesecake Factory and Cold Stone Creamery (heading to a strip mall near your double wide!) came across this place-(how do I find 'em?)great waitstaff- couldn't have been more accomodating,n seafood ta die 4!Supebly fresh, n seasoned with practiced subtlety- pan seared haddock was the best I'd had since Haddock Braemar @ the Candleriggs on the Lighthouse Trail in Nova Scotia! Chowdah was well.... sublime. Bass Ale was served @ proper cellar temp, not icy at all, and a hitherto unsampled (by meself) dessert of "Indian Pudding" was a revelation of what can be accomplished with the humblest of ingredients.To quote someone more popular n au courant than myself, "Yummo!"
(5)John T.
Had the oyster chowder, it was awful all butter and milk no flavor although you can tell the oysters are really fresh. The lobster and steamers were really fresh and sweet. The menu is simple. No fancy new style cooking They kept the tradition going on alive with simple fresh seafood. And it is really cool to eat in the oldest restaurant in America.
(3)Crystal J.
I don't understand why this place is so "famous". It's disgusting! We went on a weeknight, and paid a gazillion dollars for rotten tasting food. I don't mean gross...I mean my lobster newberg was like...friggin rotten. The old waitress wasn't even making eye contact when she took our order. Then she dropped a plate and spilled butter and crackers everywhere, along with my flat soda. Then one of the waiters kept trying to come over and socialize with us and tell us his life story for no reason. VERY unprofessional. I don't get it. All this hype just because it's an old building and been around forever. Let it die, Boston. Let it die... before someone else does from food poisoning. YUCK!
(1)Rebecca Y.
Take your parents when the come to town after you've finished your Duck Tour. The raw bar is good - the other food - well, you're not coming here for the food. Show your parents the Kennedy's table and enjoy a true landmark restuarant.
(3)So S.
YES!! Touch me everyone 'cause I sat in the KENNEDY booth----sure I could only afford the appetizers but it is well worth the experience! Love the stuffed clams---so many appetizer options. If I could afford to go back, I would. The seafood is excellent but really digs into your wallet. The oyster bar downstairs is a hot spot ---serve very fresh raw clams (not really my thing) and some good conversations. Oldest restaurant in Boston so attracts ALOT of tourists!! Very big establishment and gets very loud.
(4)Erin G.
last night a friend and i tried out the Restaurant Week menu at the Oyster House. Reserving a table was easy, the staff was friendly, and a friend of a friend, Sean works behind the bar shucking oysters, so i kept busy while i waited for my friend to arrive. We sat upstairs in the tiny dark dining room. this isn't a complaint, i think the atmosphere is charming and appropriate for the oldest restaurant in America. I started with Union Grilled Oysters which we decent, but i far prefer raw oysters anyway so i glossed over this version. For dinner, the Seafood medley which was supposed to come served on pasta with a white wine and herb sauce. the chef must have forgotten the 'wine and herb' because it was served in a plain buttery cream sauce. that was both strange and disappointing. the silver lining here was the heaping mound of seafood, mussels, scallops, shrimp and half of a lobster tail. i guess that made up for the cream sauce because i tore into it like a wild animal, leaving the pasta to its own devices. i made a vain attempt at the dessert, because, well it was included, but i couldn't get more than a few bites of warm apple cobbler (fresh apples not canned - woo hoo!) before waving my napkin in surrender. i gave the Oyster House three stars for atmosphere and because the food was average, not exceptional. but i recommend it because of it's singular charm and the half moon bar in the entry where you can plop down, tease Sean and slurp oysters. mmm...
(3)P G.
Some of the best clam chowder you will ever find, combined with oysters that just slide down your throat....oh and a beer, now that's heaven. We lucked out and got to sit at the bar. Turns out this place seats over 200 people. You'd never know it as it twists and turns and has all sorts of nooks and crannies. Check it out when you're done doing the Freedom Trail.
(4)Daniel H.
the food was good but definitely costs more than it is worth. maybe they can get away with that since it's the oldest restaurant in America.
(3)Jessica N.
This place is VERY tasty. The food is just amazing. I got the lobster ravioli and the clam chowder and it was so great. Even the dinner rolls are tasty. However, the wait at this place is ATROCIOUS. We had a "reservation" and still had to wait 2 hours. If you want to visit here, don't go on a Fri or Sat night cause you will loose your mind. It is well worth the wait, but nerve wrecking. My grandparents paid for dinner, but I seem to remember the prices being high. But what do you expect...this is one of the oldest restaurants around.
(4)Jimmy T.
In the mood for fried fish? Fried shrimp? Fried scallop? Fried ocean?? Then this is the place for you. Don't order too much, you'll go home with indigestion. That being said, the food is still good, but just in small portions. Sitting at one of the booths was cool, albeit uncomfortable. A lot of things can be overlooked for it being so cute and historical.
(3)Lindsay M.
Yikes. I was honestly excited to go here, but after the meal I got and the sub-par service, I won't be coming back. I ordered the salmon Cesar salad. For $17, and being in Boston, the salmon should be pretty dang good, right? Wrong. Accompanied with store bought iceberg and romaine lettuce, the rubbery center and undercooked salmon wasn't a hit. I had to return it and waited over 10 min for another. It was not even worth it. I got a club soda with lime, as well and somehow the bill came to $20?? No "I'm sorry for the wait and the inconvenience we'll take half off" compromise. Pretty upsetting. No thanks! Go to The Fours for a sports bar and great salmon Cesar salad!!
(2)Chhai M.
I came in on a Wednesday or Thursday with a friend in the middle of a rainy day, and the place was still filled with people, though we were able to get a seat in about 10 minutes. We ordered two clam chowdah's and a dozen oysters along with 2 or 3 pints. The chowder was decent, and the oysters were phenomenal, but what really made our day was our waitress with classic "tough love" Bostonian personality who made sure we never ran out of corn bread or beer. Very personable and didn't play favorites with locals or tourists (of which there were many, myself included). Oh, and Sam Adams makes speciality beers for the place, so keep an eye out!
(4)Ted C.
I'm going to say that you go here partially for the food and partially for the experience. Even with a reservation we still ended up waiting about 20 minutes. However, it passed pretty quickly between browsing through the gift shop, walking around the space and taking pictures of the restaurant which is interesting, even if the food may not be number one. The food is a little pricey, well it's not just a 'little pricey' it's pricey. We got a sampler which was okay two of everything-the oysters and shrimp but the cherrystones were meh. The chowder was good and hearty, definitely worth it while the scrod was pretty good, nothing special but the potatoes were cooked well. Definitely worth a stop but be expected to pay for it.
(4)Sarah M.
Go for the experience, not for a good meal. The food was so poor and dull I am actually having a tough time writing about it. Service and people were great, need to say that. I just think they make so much dough from tourist they stop caring about the food. When a 7 year old mentions her feet are sticking to the floor and said burger is better at a chain that speaks volumes. Anyway. I got a $32 plate of well cooked unflavorful fish and 3 small unseasoned potatoes. I also got really poorly shucked (REALLY?!?) oysters. I pulled shells out of every one. And presentation was laughable. I was just shocked, and being a local... Sad. Take pride people!!!
(2)Kristina M.
I went here yesterday for the tourist attraction. It was simply that. The service at the bar was very poor. There was one gentleman who was friendly and tried to be attentive but was over whelmed with the amount of people who come pouring in. The other two weren't attentive or friendly at all. We sat with 4 empty glasses for 20 minutes before getting anyone's attention. The food was HORRIBLE!!! The clam chowder was room temperature and the oyster crackers were warmer than the soup. I couldn't complain because of the extremely POOR service at the bar. My lobster roll was probably one of the worst I had in Boston. It was tuff and didn't taste fresh. To top it off it was served on a piece of lettuce that was DEAD and brown. Unless you want to say you had a beverage and went to the oldest bar and restaurant save your money. This place is HORRIBLE!!
(1)Andrew J.
I was in Boston to drop my son off at college and we went to Union Oyster House for our farewell dinner. This place is legendary....almost 200 years old on a cobblestone street, just next to Quincy market. It was primetime on a Saturday night and the place was packed. We had an 8:00 pm reservation and the table was ready right on time. The staff worked together with military precision. Everyone was super friendly and we enjoyed our meals...roasted oysters and lobster Newburg...and a slice of Boston cream pie of course. Super loud and casual... plenty of patrons in shorts. Not cheap, but worth a visit.
(4)Natalie P.
Union Oyster House is known as being the oldest restaurant in America so, of course, we had to go check it out. We didn't consider coming here when we initially planned our trip but after hearing it was famous and a few people telling us to go we decided to make reservations and just do it. We arrived and checked in. The place is really quite charming. You can tell it's an old building the way it is built and laid out. There were tons of people also waiting and a nice oyster bar in the front lobby area. We were seated in one of the upstairs dining areas and were given cornbread and butter to start off with. So this cornbread. I love cornbread. It was probably the best cornbread north of the Mason Dixon. It was moist which is a tough feat for most cornbreads and had the texture of homemade pound cake. It was a little sweet but I loved it. Plus 1 star. Everything went downhill from there. We ordered a dozen oysters to start. Now, this being an oyster house I expected a little more than what we received. A dinner plate with sloppily shucked oysters is what we got. They were good but I expect any fresh oysters to taste good. I was more disappointed with the technical side of things. Shucking was messy. There wasn't even any separation from the abductor so we had to work at it a little. Am I being a snob? I don't know. I just expected more from a place called an oyster house? I ordered the American bouillabaisse for my entree. Lobster, mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, fish, carrots and potatoes in a saffron broth. It was okay. That's all I can really say. It was nothing to write home about. I could probably make it myself. I think my main issue here again is the disappointment. It is sad when the boiled potatoes are the best part of the dish. Hubs ordered a sampler that came with oysters Rockefeller, clams casino, some shrimp, and some other cooked oysters done a certain way that I can't remember the name for. His dish was borderline inedible. The shrimp was about 10 minutes overdone and everything else was bland, greasy, and just not good. Our total came to about $150 which included two glasses of wine. One hundred and fifty dollars. A seafood restaurant that costs this much for two people should definitely be of higher quality. I would not recommend this place at all for dining. It's not worth the money. At best, stop in and look at the gift shop if you absolutely have to see the place but don't eat here unless you want to be robbed and left feeling disappointed and grossly underwhelmed.
(2)Beth M.
Came here a few times, I enjoy the complementary corn bread its freshly made and rich with ingredients, the decor is filled with history very small seating areas, The oysters and clam chowder are decent, Service was okay just very hectic.
(3)Hannah S.
Wow! This place is a must. I ordered the 1/2 raw oysters & clam chowder & both were phenomenal! Seriously. I'm from Houston and we have decent oysters but these are so buttery and smooth and just super eatable. The food isn't the only good thing about this place, service is quick, friendly and to the point. And can I just say that if you're a Harry Potter fan you will enjoy the 3 story old historic awesomeness of this building. J.K Rowling HAD to have used this for inspiration! 5 stars all the way.
(5)Robert S.
The good. The service was great and the Indian pudding was as good as I've ever had. Atmosphere and historical value made it worth the trip. Horseradish was fresh and powerful. The bad Oysters we OK, but not cold enough and poorly shucked. There was no corn in the corn bread and the clam chowder as gritty and not as good as the bowl I had at Quincy market earlier today.
(3)Erin L.
Went there because a friend recommended it to me. It is understandable that we had to wait a while for our lobster and seafood platter since the restaurant was fully occupied. Service is not bad, and the food was great!
(5)Elizabeth S.
The cool thing about this place is how old it is (oldest continually running restaurant in America) and all the décor they have inside to show it's history. The food and service here isn't anything super, although our waitress did take the time to show how to break apart and eat a whole lobster. The oyster bar on the first floor is an experience that makes the trip more worth it. They shuck the oysters right there in front of you, and you eat! Parking- well, it's downtown Boston, so you guessed it, you're on your own folks! There will be some walking involved and if you're lucky, you'll find a spot on the street and won't have to pay an excessive amount at one of those parking garages.
(3)Phil C.
I'll amend my prior review a bit. So I took some out-of-town relatives here since they enjoy seafood and wanted some history. Fortunately for them, we were given the Kennedy Booth, to my relatives' pleasure. The food was better than I expected, but my bar was low. The fried clams were surprisingly good, as it was lightly battered and well-fried. The restaurant didn't have steamers (this was about 1 pm!), but the mussels in wine sauce was plentiful and wasn't overcooked. The clam chowder was much better than I thought, as it was more clam flavor than cream flavor. Granted, it wasn't thin, but cream didn't overwhelm the chowder. Service this last time was much better than before. However, you'll still pay a pretty penny for history.
(3)Elizabeth W.
I went here twice on my visit to Boston. The first time I was pretty drunk, and consequently everything seemed pretty great. The second time I went back in the daylight and sober, and it was really not that awesome. It's neat since it's old, but there has to be better seafood for your money in that part of town. I would suggest you look for it rather than checking out the union oyster house.
(3)Caroline H.
We stopped here after a long day of sight seeing, and we loved it! This is America's oldest restaurant! There is so much character throughout the place! We sat at the bar, as it was kind of later in the evening. Our bartender was really nice and asked us several questions. I started with a Sam Adams beer only made for the Union Oyster House! It was very good. We shared clam chowder and it was amazing, it was actually our favorite on our trip to Boston. It was full of clams and super creamy! For our main course we split a variety of oysters. I had told the bartender I liked really spicy, so he made mine spicy and a separate one for my husband. Good service, great soup, yummy beer and fresh oysters.
(5)Joey N.
It's a 250 year old hyped up tourist trap...overpriced seafood and clam chowder claiming to be fresh. No thank you and never again for this spot. It's a nice restaurant with a great staff and exceptional service...unfortunately the food falls short. This is a great spot to bring kids but not to venture twice.
(3)Leesa H.
Overrated One of those places to go just to say you went. Lobster was over cooked. Overpriced. Experienced subtle racism as well. I will not return.
(1)Margaret Z.
Just OK but mostly a big ol' tourist trap. I was brought here by a friend who lives in Boston because, of course I had to visit "America's Oldest Restaurant". I will say that I enjoyed this place more for the historical value than the food. When you first walk in, you must locate the hostess. That hostess then sends you to another hostess, who invariably tells you to go upstairs and talk to yet another hostess. Union Oyster is located just a couple blocks from Quincy Market. You can certainly tell the age of the restaurant once indoors and I watched nervously as older tourists bearing walking canes struggled to make it up the sets of rickety wood stairs... The menu offerings, in my opinion, are extremely overpriced. The dinner entrees are all close to $30 each and lunch runs closer to the $20 range per plate. My friend and I split a dozen oysters and the crab cakes. The oysters were pretty good - definitely fresh, juicy, and generously sized... but extremely grainy. The crab cakes were very mediocre. Yes, I'm from Maryland so I hold crab cakes to a higher standard... but these were just bland and dry. Our waitress was nice but ended up spilling oyster "juice" on my friend and seemed unsympathetic at best. There are better places to spend your money on in Boston - leave the history to the Freedom Trail.
(2)Riley B.
I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Union Oyster House. It is obviously a historic and touristy stop (as well as rather overpriced) but the meal itself was great. My dad and I started with the house red ale, which was good but not mind blowing. Next was the corn bread, which was easily the best I've ever had. It was tempting to eat every last bite, but had to save room for more food. My dad had clam chowder and oysters, the typical meal. I had the fish and chips, which were a pleasant surprise as well. Very tasty all around, and the bartenders were entertaining as well. The food wasn't amazing outside of the corn bread but I would definitely go back.
(4)Steve M.
Chowdah outstanding. Oysters very fresh and tasty. Lobster roll and fish and chips to die for. Out waitress extremely personable and quick. A must stop in Boston.
(4)Tim S.
Fine - this is an historic restaurant. So maybe you want to go and have some clam chowder or oysters or something. But I really would not recommend it. It's fairly expensive for what amounts to standard pub food. And the atmosphere isn't so different from the tons of other old Boston taverns. At most, I'd recommend this for people who really want to eat at this specific restaurant in order to say that they have. Other than that, I'd avoid it.
(3)Monica G.
I know that this is the oldest restaurant every....but the food is only average. The service we experience was good. Oh, the corn bread served before your meal is excellent.
(3)Judith C.
The Union Oyster House is located on the Freedom Trail on Union St. and is near the New England Holocaust Memorial. It boasts about being the oldest continually running restaurant in America and is adjacent to many other establishments highlighting how old they are. In short, this place is a tourist trap. My party and I came here on a whim when the wait times for all the places we initially wanted to go to were ridiculous (lookin' at you, Neptune). We had about a 40 min wait. The place is huge, with a second floor that has multiple rooms. It was loud and boisterous, as we were standing right next to the bar. I ordered the single medium lobster ($40) while others ordered entrees. My boyfriend's entree ended up being a huge plate of fried foods and that cost like $30 -_- My friend was also not satisfied with his order. For me, the lobster was pretty good. It was my first time eating a lobster all by myself! I felt very accomplished. Anyway, overall, the food was WAY overpriced for the quality.
(2)Georgia B.
Okay, I know that it is a touristy place to visit, but I have to go the Union Oyster House every time I visit Boston. I love it! I think I mostly love the atmosphere, the weatheredness (is that a word?), and their bartenders (they make bad-ass, strong drinks). My friend and I had just arrived in Boston at 5pm on a Thursday, dropped off our luggage at our hotel, then headed to the UOH. The bartender set us up very well with a few rounds of VERY strong cocktails. We also had a couple appetizers to try and absorb the alcohol (not really sure if the plan worked?!). When we did sit down for dinner, our lovely waitress helped us continue with those mighty strong cocktails and dinner. Honestly, I've never been disappointed with the food here, but this time I cannot honestly tell you about the food because the company and drink were so fabulous that I didn't pay much attention to our meal. All in all, thumbs up....and have a tequila and grapefruit for me at the bar!
(5)Jessica C.
Give that this place was opened in the 1800's and is one of the oldest restaurants in the area, it was great. I haven't tried Neptunes in North End... so I don't have THAT much to compare it to, but what I CAN say is that there was a real homey feel to the place. I didn't go upstairs or anything, but the restaurant is like a 3 story house, very old, and has a lot of character especially with the staff and how attentive they were....the ppl kept piling in and it was only 5PM. The oyster bar had only like 12 seats, very intimate and 2 shuckers. We actually didn't have to wait that long. It was a little intimidating since the shuckers would yell out "who's waiting for oyster bar?!?" in their thick Boston accents and you'd reallly have to speak up or else someone else would steal your spot. So we waited for 10-15 min... I wandered to the gift shop and was entertained by the tanks of live lobster as well :) So we were seated on the end of the bar, very nice, right next to the littl beer elevator they send up and down, I was very amused, I want one in my own home.. We had the local and the blue point oysters, very fresh, but one drawback was that there was no wash to go with it.. only the usual horseradish, tabasco, red sauce and lemon. yummy nevertheless. It was a fun environment to be in, the ppl sitting next to us chatted it up and it was like 20 questions, they kept joking about how oysters make you wanna kiss right there, uh yeah.. the Red Sox game was on.. and even tho they lost that night...oysters and beer, I was a happy camper :)
(4)Mark L.
Was in town for a business trip and decided to try the Union Oyster House. The staff was polite and cheerful, getting seated took much less than the estimated 20 minute wait, and the food was good and plentiful. The only down side was being an out-of-towner looking for parking during rush hour. We found plenty nearby, but driving around an unfamiliar area looking for a spot in busy traffic is often frustrating.
(4)Ray D.
Haddock and scrod enjoyed by all with parsley and potatoes and French fries respectfully. Definitely $$$; and worth it! BUT -watch out for the wooden chairs in the dining room - definitely designed for the petite posterior.
(4)Enor Z.
This place is interesting to visit just once. Not worth going back again. The food is pricy and not exactly delicious. I had to wait one and a half hours for a table for three, and thirty minutes for our food, and we finished the food in ten minutes. If you have to go, make a reservation.
(3)victoria r.
SOOO GOOD! I was not even that hungry when I sat down, yet the plates being served around me made me want to test everything. The cornbread they serve in place of bread hit the spot. The clams casino were also great. The oyster chowder was delicious. We also ordered the trio of cakes (fish cake, oyster cake, and i believe lobster cake). Affordable, cozy, delicious. The downstairs section is slightly cuter but they have a more limited menu. Also, make a note that the bathrooms are extremely narrow and small! Our waitress was such a delight. NO complaints here! Not to mention it looked like the type of place you would see in a movie... Can't pass this place up!
(4)Megan S.
I suppose at some point you have to eat at the oldest restaurant in Boston. It might as well be when your parents are in town so they can foot the bill. This place is PRICEY. The clam chowder is indeed excellent. The rest of the food was ok. The ambiance was a step above TGIF. You're really paying for history, so take the time to read all the articles on the walls: it will make you feel better about dropping $30 on some fish. Hot tip: This was the first restaurant to carry Sam Adam's beer, so now they get their own beer, Colonial Brew, that can only be found here.
(3)Jaime K.
Overrated and tourist trap. Poor service and dirty. For the money I spent on a poor meal and overall experience there I could have gone to Atlantic Fish Company for some real top-quality seafood. The oysters were definitely nothing special at all either. It is amusing though to listen to all of the tourists try their best "pahk the cah" impersonations. And i'm pretty sure the bartenders, guys shucking oysters, etc are told to purposely to give their strongest bahston accent even if they have one or not. There is no point for me to eat at this place.
(1)Rain W.
This was my first visit to Boston and so we stopped here to eat lunch. It was very busy so the wait staff were a little sporadic. We opted to eat lunch in the restaurant area. The food was great and they were accommodating of my gluten issues. I would stop by here again.
(4)Bob B.
Absolutely disappointed as a tourist visiting this place. The 2 girls up front are complete idiots that do not care about customers. Typical rude and dumb16 year olds... They do not know what they are doing and are dismissive of customers. The African American girl was a brat. I was told 3 different things as I drove in and during the time I was waiting. I wasted my entire night here thinking a table was waiting for me. END RESULT: We didn't even eat here... After all of that... Not worth it. Do not go here. It's a tourist trap. The management is lucky that the restaurant is a historical place. No reason to go here. Go to other famous Boston establishments.
(1)Anonymous P.
Whatever. I would be angry if I got served this garbage at a fast food establishment.
(1)Enay V.
not good for a vegan but everyone I was with loved their food - prices were out of this world but what can you expect at a famous restaurant. I give it so few stars because of the parking & prices - but if you're looking for quality food - it deserves a full 5
(3)C L.
Go for the history, not the food.
(1)Chuck k.
Great space, adequate service. My buddy loves their scallops, I have had the lobster ravioli (which was great) and the steak, which was just OK. There is often a long wait on weekends, so put your name in and head to the nearest pub for a drink or two.
(3)Adam G.
I appreciate the Union Oyster House for both it's food and history. This place seems to get a lukewarm Yelp reception but I have had several great experiences here, both at the bar and sitting at a table The staff have always been professional and friendly since I was there. I will admit the Clam Chowder is not my absolute favorite kind but it is excellent and it is true to what a New England Clam Chowder is really supposed to be. The fact that JFK hung out here before he was President doesn't hurt either. A nice spot on the Freedom Trail and a refreshing difference from the douche-packed bars on Union St.
(4)Jerrica J.
Went to Boston last week to visit my best friend. Found this place on Yelp of course! Didn't get the best of reviews, but it was close to Quincy Market so we wanted to try a seafood restaurant that wasn't a "chain" I'm glad we didn't fall for the tourist trick where they take you upstairs and give you this three page overpriced menu. We opted to sit downstairs at the oyster bar and order from the limited bar menu. Clam Chowder was good. Creamy, fresh and tons of clams inside. I'm just glad it didnt taste like Campells soup ;) I also ordered the fish (cod) sandwich. The waitress forgot to bring some tartar sauce with it, but once you had it, it was definitely a good sandwich! A great tourist place, but I wouldn't be a regular there if I lived in Boston :)
(4)Alice W.
Fresh oysters and delicious hot clam chowder, what more do I need to say? If youre ever visiting Boston, you definitely have to come visit this place. If not for the food, come for the history it holds. You can tell this place is legit and hasnt changed it's ways since when it probably first opened. As soon as you walk in you notice the wooden interior, smell of seafood, and the old school oyster bar. If you can, I would recommend sitting here. You can watch the friendliest guys behind the bar shuck fresh oysters and place them straight in front of you. Pair a dozen of these fresh oysters oysters with hot fresh clam chowder and youre set. The clam chowder comes out steaming hot and has that semi-thick delicious creamy texture that was perfect on that cold day, but really, you know it would be perfect for any day. I only popped in here for a snack, but can't wait to come back next time for a full on meal like lunch or dinner to try some of their other seafood items. Next time I'm back in Boston, I'm definitely back coming here again.
(5)Mrs. G.
Boo this place. Go to legal seafoods down the street instead. I was so disapointed by this place. The cornbread is dry, the waitstaff was lazy and unprofessional. Food not what I expected. Broiled scallops were way too fishy and the clam strips breading was subpar. The only thing this place has going for it is it's unique history.
(1)Kara G.
Two words - Tourist Trap. But since my "other dad" Georgie told me and Scuba Steve that we had to stop by for a pint, we made the requisite visit. Picture this: we walk in, order Sam Adams summer brew (draft pints, of course), consume oysters, chowdah, and split a lobstah roll (in that order) when all of a sudden, who walks in a plops down next to Scuba Steve??? Ben Franklin. Yup. It was wicked cool. P.S. You could buy a new house instead of having the lobstah roll. My suggestion? skip the roll.
(2)Dennis M.
The Union Oyster house was one of the most interesting restaurants I went to on my trip to Boston. That it's filled with history goes without saying. The raw oysters were great, very meaty. The Clam Chowder is the best! Very reasonable priced and our waitress was funny and very attentive. Great experience! It maintains a suitably old-fashioned tavern decor, with lots of weathered wood and a casual atmosphere. Tourists and locals rub shoulders to slurp down oysters and tuck into thick chowders and substantial pieces of grilled or baked fish. Bivalve lovers gather around the old-school raw bar to sample fresh cherrystones, littlenecks and steamers. Desserts include hot Indian pudding, homemade gingerbread and warm apple cobbler.
(3)David L.
The food was alright. This is more touristy than most places around and it shows, in food quality and in billing. The space itself was pretty nice, I sat upstairs and the seats were very rustic, not a bad thing. The raw bar itself was very good, I've got a soft spot for fresh clams/oysters. My dinner though, was just alright. I had a sampling of three different fish (grilled I think) and two of the cuts were overdone and quite a bit greasy, that was unexpected. All in all, it's a halfway decent place but with so many options just around the corner, I can't say I'll be back.
(2)Mark K.
Great place for a history buff like myself. Tasty food. Had a Sam Adams Colonial Ale - which was pretty awesome, and only served here.
(4)Angel S.
The food is not that good, service not charming at all. The only reason for going there, is the history (but this doesn't worth price)
(2)May W.
We stopped by to have beer and oysters as a snack during our Freedom Trail excursions. The house oysters were $14 for a half dozen and were pretty small with some sandy-ness. The bartender during that afternoon was really friendly and nice. That's all I have to say.
(2)Nader T.
How could you pass up the oldest restaurant in America? Well, you can't quite do that, but if you knew how bad the food was with only a limited amount of time to spare in the city, you just might consider it! Service was condescending, surly, and indifferent. They get three stars by sole virtue of the fact that they've been around a long time and I'm all for history. The food just sucked BIG TIME. And it's really disappointing when you go to Boston, thinking you're gonna get some mighty fine New England lobster and, well, you realize you'd probably have done better going to your local Red Lobster. Ach! It kills me! Some might say it's a matter of taste. This place had NONE.
(3)Tom v.
I've been a resident of Cambridge for 22 years, and have occasionally taken out of town visitors to the Oyster House. Of cours it's overpriced. That should be a given, when you consider its location next to Boston's original tourist destination, as well as its name as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country. It isn't a place you go to all the time, nor would you go there if all you wanted was a great meal. No, it's a combination of food, atmosphere and mystique. Having said that, I have to speak up in defense of old Oyster House, in light of the bitchy, whiny reviews that were posted today. At no point in time when I was there was the food terrible or disgusting or any of the things mentioned in these reviews. In fact, I'd say the chefs here have a pretty clear handle on what constitutes a decent New England Clam Chowder. If you go there with an open mind, enjoy the atmosphere, realize that the 'House has its specialities (I mean, who would go there for a BURGER of all things??) and understand that you are paying extra for the experience, you'd find it difficult, objectively speaking, to award this restaurant a negative rating.
(4)David C.
This is by no means the best seafood in Boston, but it is without doubt a venerable Bostonian treasure. Located on the edge of the old Scollay Square area, it is housed in one of the few buildings not demolished in the disastrous 1960s renovation that built the City Hall monstrosity across the street. It is the oldest restaurant in Boston and possibly America, and has fed everyone from Daniel Webster and the Abolitionists to the Kennedys. We save this restaurant for violent, bitterly cold winter snowstorms, when the warmth of its nooks and crannies, especially on the ground floor, make a perfect haven. Other places cook better chowder, but the lobster is as good as anywhere. And they still serve fish cakes and baked beans, a one-time Boston staple that has virtually disappeared from downtown. In the summer, the place is a hot, muggy tourist trap with interminable lines, bad service, and rushed food, but on a weeknight in winter, it is one of our favorites.
(4)Brad B.
It was fun to goto a historical landmark and eat. It was fun to sit at the oldest restaurant in America. It was fun to actually see inside after seeing it on the Travel Channel so much. It was fun! The food was good. I had to have oysters (I mean, you go hear, and don't have oysters? Really? Who does that). They were good. Not the best oysters that I have ever had, but they were good. Would go back and try to sit at the bar and have them. The clam chowder was very good. Not the best that I have had, but very good. How could you have bad clam chowder in Boston? Had the mussels as well. Very good. They were sweet and tender, and a great portion to them. The waitstaff was very friendly and a lot of fun. You can tell that they get sick of the same old questions, and banter (since this is a such a historical place - it is mostly tourists) - but they were patient. Would recommend, however try to go away from the touristy times of the year - then you will run into locals.
(4)Virginia M.
pretty good for a touristy place. went here for lunch and dinner the next day (would not of had lunch here if i knew ahead of time my group was going here for dinner) had the clam chowder for lunch and the lobster for dinner.
(3)Jane B.
Do yourself a favor and make a reservation if you can. My father came in to town and stayed around the corner at the Bostonian, so this was an easy dinner place. I called and made a reservation without problem...in fact we showed up early and they sat us almost right away. This was also during the week, so that might have helped. Service was good and the ambiance of the place is very fun. The food is hit or miss. The last time I was there (when pops was in town) our table ordered: Onion Soup Gratinee - average, a bit flat. Clam Chowder - I'm guessing it was good as the bowls were practically licked clean. Ye Olde Seafood Platter (deep fried shrimp, clams, scallops, calamari, oysters and filet of fish topped with onion rings) which was an enormous portion! Broiled Swordfish - rather good. Lazy Man's Lobster - chunks of lobster meat baked with seasoned bread crumbs, sherry wine, drawn butter served en casserole - Dad seemed pleased. It's definitely not the best food in the world, but tis worth visiting at least once for the history alone. Heck, you could even ask to sit in the JFK booth. ;)
(4)erica c.
This is a total tourist destination, and if you have never been, than by all means go. The food is good but def. not on the top of my list for fine dining. It is of course very cool to experience dining at a place that is practically as old as this city! I ordered a pasta and seafood dish which was good. The fish dishes here can be hit or miss. If you haven't been, check it out.....the area it is in is a nice intro to old school Boston but not my favorite areas in our fine city.
(3)Jennifer D.
The clam chowder was actually pretty good here, being the second best clam chowder I had in Boston. (The best at B&G Oysters.) However, my entrée was awful. I got a seafood pasta dish with a tomato cream sauce, which made me very sick later that night. I believe that it was just way too rich for my stomach. The lobster ravioli was okay for the first bite, but past that it is too creamy and rich as well.
(1)Dynne S.
I agree, the clam chowder is the best. Another great place is called Boston Chowda in Faneuil Hall. The Union Oyster House is definitely an experience though - the oldest restaurant in America. It's cozy and very Bostonian. Great stop on the freedom trail tour.
(3)Britney A.
The first restaurant in America :) But....I expected a bit more. The oysters were good as was obviously the Samuel Adams Beer Yum!
(4)wsl l.
Ive ate at the dining area and had the cooked dinner menu.. and though its fresh seafood it really lacks flavor. So my rating is for the raw bar only. When ever I'm in Fanueil I have to make a stop here.. even if its crowded at the raw bar. Literally elbow to elbow and its first come first serve. Its the ppl at the raw bar that make my experience here fun and a loyal patron. I love Jimmy!! Hes the most amusing guy standing there chucking out oysters and cherry stones. He has endless jokes and stories and he really takes care of you. Go here and have a few glasses of wine, cherry stones, oysters and rub elbows with some of out of townees. Its fun. !!
(5)Lauren W.
Looking at most of these reviews, most of them look like they're coming from tourists. Honestly, given it's the history and location next to Faneuil hall, it's going to be expensive. That's a given. You're paying for the history here, for the ambiance, and for the location right on the freedom trail. The foods decent, good chowder and french onion soup, and free cornbread. That being said, it's a great place to bring out-of-towners and tour some history.
(4)Liz V.
Loved it! Great to experience a piece of American History. Service was kind and fast, best Clam Chowder I've ever had.
(5)Lisa F.
Sometimes places are famous for one thing. At the Union Oyster House, the oysters are definitely the stars. Those meaty, succulent Boston Natives were oh so good! Everything else paled in comparison. We also got some Cherrystones and they were good (not as good as the oysters). The clam chowder was full of clams, and our waitress was very friendly. Other than the 45 minute wait (we didn't call ahead for reservations), we were slightly disappointed by the broiled seafood platter. The salmon and sword fish was a tad dry and tasteless, and the shrimps, scallops and scrod saved the entree. Given it's famous and historical nature, I'd probably return the next time I'm in town. Of course, I'll make sure to have oysters only!
(4)Andrea H.
I cannot say enough good things about this place. I am NOT a seafood lover, but my husband is, and he was in heaven with his lobster. I went with safe fish and chips. OUr VERY helpful waitress encourage dme to have it, said it whould be ok for my tastes, bruoght over some extra items for us, and the fish was exquisite! Really amazing. Loved everything about it, just a very very nice dinner, nice atmosphere, and for the amunt of food, the prices was excellent!
(5)Sam A.
Like the summer I spent shoveling pig manure... NEVER AGAIN! I would rather eat out of a dumpster. A "friend" from Boston reccommended this place and the joke was on me, I hope they ask me for a Washington DC reccommendation so I can return the favor. Onto the review... Booth was tiny but that's expected in historical buildings, had the clam chowder as an app and it was good but tastes no different than a can of Chunkys Clam Chowder. Ordered the fried seafood platter because I was in the mood for something extra bad for me. I loved the three scallops, but the fish, clams, calamari (three tiny rings), french fries, and onion rings were terrible. Eating there felt like punishment.
(1)janey m.
PEOPLE! Lend me your ears. This is the oldest place in Boston (1796) And the future kind of France used to live here on the 2nd floor (1826) For those two points at least, you must go and see this place. Oh yeah, they do Oysters
(5)irene p.
i don't know about the actual food, but i came here only to eat clam chowder and BOY WAS IT AWESOME. we came on saint patty's day and obviously government center was PACKED, but they were still able to seat us very quickly for lunch. we sat down, the seating was very strange - you have to move the table over to sit down n iono it was just strange. as corny as it sounds, it was so inspiring to come into this restaurant where literally so much history happened and all the people who were a part of our early history gathered to eat. back to food - the cornbread came out on a mini skillet n it was a little dry but very tasty. the clam chowder was so creamy so delicious. the small cup was definitely enough to fill your stomach up. although i did get bits of clam that still had a little grit, but i mean potatoes, cream, clam, carrots...the list goes on. does NOT get better. come here for a great time, come with good company, n learn about early american history.
(4)Todd W.
I took family and an out of town guest here a week or so ago for lunch... figured the history and ambiance would be of interest and I was in the mood for seafood. I had been a couple years ago and couldn't remember why I had not been back. I have since regretted that I did not complain about the food while I was there. The chowder was fine - robust chunks of potato, good clams and clam flavor in a perfectly ok and a creamy not gluey base. Service was Boston blue collar serviceable and efficient. I had the fried scallops - the breading was soggy and they were bleeding like a rare steak that had not been rested. My mom had fried clams and they tasted burnt - they must not have changed the oil overnight or something. A carnivore had the burger and it looked just awful. I was reminded that my previous visit experience included some very dirty and poorly shucked oysters. I won't be going back - skip the history and go to Kingfish Hall on the opposite corner of Faniuel Hall Mktplace. Same prices, MUCH better seafood.
(1)Victoria J.
My dear friend and I always go here after work if we're looking for a place to have some delicious New England seafood and one too many Sam Adams from the tap. The oysters are divine, cornbread amazing, and fried platters unbelievable. The atmosphere is kind of kooky, but what do you expect from a restaurant that prides itself in being one of the first in the country and very Bostonian. The Lazy Man's Lobster is buttery, crispy, and sweet - delicious! They always have specials on the side of the menu that change often. My friend had the scallops once and they were the sweetest I had every tried. I have had many found memories here - good beer, good food, and good company. This place will always have a special place in my heart.
(5)Katie C.
Only three stars? No way! This place is historical, it's been around since the 1800s and the service is still strong and true. Great seafood selections with yummy lobsters and oysters. This is the place to come if you're visiting Boston.
(4)Leyani L.
It was something that it needed to be done; as a local at least but know that it wasn't my top priority or my go to seafood restaurant in the city---- this one would be Mare, Ostra or James Hook. As soon as I walked in the restaurant smelled like a fish tank, I know it's a seafood restaurant but not even Yankee Lobster smells like this. My lobster roll was good. My date's risotto was very delicious; I mean that sauce was excellent. The place looks very old and warned out but again, it's the oldest running restaurant in America. It was ok, again it was more of an experience but wouldn't come back or recommend people here.
(3)kevin k.
for an outsider, this is a good place to visit. went with family and the food was good. the oyster was not so good. dont get me wrong. i just had better one elsewhere.
(4)Enrique D.
um , hello?! it's new england. there are plenty of historical sights. plenty of seafood places. totally over priced. dirty. annoying. did i mention dirty? just stand outside near the vents on the sidewalk... RATS anyone? smells of centuries of dead rodents. u can only imagine what goes on there when the lights go off. now i appreciate history and the rustic look and feel of a place with years under its belt, but thats no excuse for filth. decor is terrible for the 4 star prices , you would think they could "class it up" a bit. food is good... yes GOOD. not great, not amazing, not "wow i wanna pay top dollar for lobster and oysters good" - just good. like i said this is new england, you can have $8.99 lobster and .50 cent oysters up and down the same street , all coming in through the back door from the same supplier, TRUST ME I WORKED THE AREA FOR YEARS. save ur money and stand outside , take a photo if ur a tourist and move on.
(1)B W.
I've wanted to try this place for years but have been turned off by the wait. So - in town on a Monday around 3pm I was happy to find out we could be seated right away. The building is really cool and we walked through many rooms to ge tto our upstairs table. First shocker was the menu prices, but you're in a tourist attraction that I assumed had wonderful food. The chowder was so-so. Nothing special. My order of steamers for one was so bad I didn't finish it after paying $15.00 for it. The broth was tasteless and the butter was NOT real, it actually tasted gross. Shining star of the day was the cornbread - which is the best i have ever had. Leaving there with a $100+ lunch bill for a party of three with OK service and blah food is enough to turn me away. Did it - Done...many better choices in the city!
(2)Sara M.
I have been to the Union Oyster House at least three times now and never was impressed. The food is overpriced and it is most certainly a tourist trap. I believe they think they can get away with their mediocre food and high prices because it is the oldest in the country. However, our service has never been good (forgetting things we ordered, couldn't explain their specials, never came to check on us, etc.) and I have had better seafood at Legals. If you want to go there, I would suggest making a reservation and just getting drinks with oysters.
(2)Janet M.
Boston Clam Chowder was pretty good but service was so slow during lunch time. Sat at the bar and basically had to throw the bill and credit card at the bartender to get his attention. Will definitely try to find other places to find Clam Chowder.
(2)Lee Ann M.
The historic building was very cool. The corn bread was yummy and fresh. I had the lazy man's lobster--chunks of fresh lobster in butter covered with bread crumbs and baked :) Boyfriend had the lobster newburg--which he enjoyed but rice was a little mushy.
(4)Alden W.
Only giving it an extra star cause it's the oldest restaurant in America. Nothing we ordered was particularly good. The scallops were very chewy. We didn't try the raw oysters (personally I don't eat raw oysters outside of New Orleans) which might be their saving grace.
(2)Stella N.
This is based solely on the cornbread. I have never actually been to this restaurant, but I received two packages of their cornbread mix as a gift and I just ordered three more. What can I say, best cornbread ever. When in Boston, I will make UOH a must do priority.
(4)Larry P.
This is a good spot for the true Boston experience - if you don't mind spending a few bucks. It's a cool historic oyster bar that is almost 200 years old. so the prices are not cheap. The seafood is fresh and well prepared, but not spectacular. However, it is a great place for a beer, some fresh oysters and clam chowder, and if you eat at the bar and watch a Red Sox game, you'll get the true Boston experience. I would not go here for a nice meal at a table. The service is slow and unfriendly and the presentation is poor. For anything but a bar meal you will feel ripped off.
(3)Zoe T.
I have eaten here twice. The first time it was fine. I sat at the bar with my father. We had oysters and and talked and enjoyed the pleasant midday downstairs vibe. However the second time I came here with my father we ate dinner upstairs. The formal dining area is historic but still felt a bit unclean to me, but I let it slide, thinking its clean enough. When me and my father were seated we were promptly greeted by our waiter who was friendly but not the best waiter ever but she took our orders correctly and was quick. Food was expensive and had a lackluster appeal. But its based in tradition so all the selections are old. Anyways I decided to get the broiled seafood platter and my father got some fried seafood and we both shared oysters from the same plate. When are oysters arrived I thought they tasted worse then before but nothing a little lemon can't fix. The rest of my food I ordered was bland and disappointing. Our meal came to a total of 100 dollars for oysters two seafood platters and two iced teas. So it was an expensive meal for bad food. Know what, that's not the worst part, I got food poisoning from the oysters. You know how I know it was the oysters because my father was sick just like me and we were the only ones who got sick and it was the only food we had shared. So basically I paid to get food poisoning from a food that's in the name of the restaurant. We called about it but since it was right before Christmas the people who answered were distracted and didn't bother listening to my father. Luckily I could keep food down and could mostly get out of bed by Christmas. I still felt awful for a two weeks after getting sick. So in short don't go there unless you want to get possibly sick, and pay way way too much money for average food. I don't think I will eat oysters for a while.
(1)Brendan T.
My rating of the Union Oyster House includes a 'bump' in recognition of its ambiance and history, but the food was still top-notch and I enjoyed the transition from the more forrmal dining area to the more relaxed pub after dinner to watch the Red Sox game with the locals.
(4)Jamie G.
This place is basically just an expensive tourist trap. They do have amazing corn bread, and really good clam chowder. I also had a side salad- which was just a disappointing bunch of lettuce with a few tomatoes and cucumbers and red onions, and the ranch dressing was gross! And it was like $6.50. Ugh. It is very nice inside and we had decent service, but I would not ever come back here unless I had touristy friends who loved seafood and wouldn't mind paying an arm and a leg for it.
(2)Jamie S.
We took shelter from the rain at Ye Olde Union Oyster House, a place we have frequented before on visits. We shared more clam chowder which was very flavorful but not as clam-filled as James Hook. The seafood chowder here did not have as much flavor, much better off sticking with the clam version. We enjoyed a side of baked beans. I was very pleased with my order of steamers, fresh with the right amount of briny taste. Besides the fish chowder, I would recommend all the dishes we tried. Service can be mixed here, on this visit our waitress was a big grump, but I do remember have pleasant waitresses on past trips.
(4)Hannah F.
It's a fun place to go and see...but the food doesn't really meet expectations. I've been a few times--mostly taking visiting friends--and the experience has been the same each time. The oysters were just ok. For some reason I always end up with shell bits in them...definitely a bad crunch when you're trying to eat. Presentation is lacking and I really have to agree with other posts that have made light of the plastic containers for the sauces. Weird. The food overall is meh. Seems to be hit or miss. The chowder is great. Fabulous. The one thing that's a must when you go. Everything else that I've had (steak, a couple fish dishes...) is ok. I've actually had pretty good luck with service. The last time I was there it was great...drinks came quickly, our waitress always checked up on us...just right. That said, I have a great appreciation for this place. Amazing building, amazing history. It's just fun to go in and poke around. Read everything on the walls. It's a great place to take friends who aren't from around here or even some who are and just sit at the oyster bar. I've never done the bar myself but it always looks like fun. How can you pass up a trip to the oldest restaurant in Boston?
(3)Erica S.
The mid-range reviews are pretty accurate for this place. It's more about the history than the food. Service was mediocre and food was okay. Nothing to write home about for this Texan. We were actually disappointed that we didn't just eat at Legal Seafood a second time. Glad to have dined here to say I have, but would not return again.
(3)Connie L.
what i heart about this place... FREE DELICIOUS cornbread, and AMAZING lobster raviolli. i try to go as often as possible, especially if someone's visiting from out of town, after all it is the oldest restaurant in the u.s of a. they make really good boston baked beans. i really enjoy the oyster appetizers - all very fresh and delicious. (never really enjoyed oyster before this place, even asked if they were clams the first time. oh how silly of me.) always packed though, make reservations! my boyfriend tells me that jfk always sat at table 13 when he'd go. perhaps it's the food. and the view. oh, they also have a cute gift shop filled with lobster souvenirs: my friend got a bombass lobster claw oven mit for his mom.
(4)Miguel d.
Old fashioned seafood in "America's Oldest Restaurant." I've had better, to be honest. So much for that.
(3)Mike D.
Oldest restaurant in America. On the freedom trail (I believe). Go there for oysters, duh, and the oysters are great. Its a cool place to go. Probably a big tourist destination, and locals know that, so if you are going for a relaxing time, I would assume that it might be hectic at times...so its your fault for not going to a more relaxing place!
(5)Peter C.
I was recently on vacation in Boston with my girlfriend. It being my first time there and my girlfriend's third time, I let her pick the places to go. She had been here a few times and loved it every time. So as I always do with restaurants I checked out the Yelp reviews and was disappointed with the mediocre reviews. However, I trusted my girlfriend and decided to give it a shot. The "experience" started when walking up the street lined with Irish pubs. I noticed that every single one had a sign for a lobster special for around 10 bucks ( how could you go wrong!). This got my appetite going for some lobster. We arrive and are immediately seated. Being the oldest restaurant in America I expected it to feel older but all i got was the feeling that the whole place was designed to feel old without actually being old. Now we come to the most important part. The food. Before i get started with the food i should mention that a 2 pound lobster cost 50 bucks!!!. The 1.25 pound was a bargain at 30 bucks. Now at this point I think to myself, how could this lobster be so much better that it would be worth triple the price of the other places. Since i decided my wallet couldn't handle the consequences of that decision i went with a $5.95 cup of clam chowder and the $17.50 seafood pie. My girlfriend and I decided to share the fried calamari. The soup did not have enough clams in it to warrant such a high price. the calamari was the greasiest fried calamari I've ever eaten. The seafood pie was a scoop of mashed potatoes over a soupy mixture of tasteless miniscule shrimp and what appeared to be diced oysters. I think at this point i should have saved some money and gone next door for some $10 lobster. Overall impression: a restaurant that may have been better in the past but now is nothing more than a tourist trap with bad overpriced seafood.
(1)S Z.
Walking by and spotted the inside oyster bar from outside the window. The authentic, old school bar had an actual slant, so you had to put coasters under your bowl of "chowdah." Being from Jersey, this chowder was the best I've had! Also, the staff shucking my oysters was very friendly. The oysters were fresh and delicious. Nostalgic spot with great seafood.
(4)Monica V.
This was difficult to rate only b/c I want to separate the bar from the restaurant. The bar: Definitely good for tourists or if your family is visiting. The bartenders are great people, always accommodating and their oysters are as good as the service. I would give them 3-4 stars. The restaurant: However, the restaurant is a different story. I've dined there about three times, hoping that the time before was just a bad day for them. I would start at the bar, and feel great b/c their service is awesome as mentioned above. But from the moment we get seated at a table to the very end, just absolutely horrible service. The servers always have a bad attitude. You ask for recommendations and they'll tell you what they DON'T like (why would you sabotage your own restaurant like that?). Also the seating is so uncomfortable, I understand the aura of historic character, but if you expect us to sit for more than an hour for dinner you should have benches more than 9" deep. And the food? Subpar and nothing special, I've had better seafood at other Boston restaurants. I give the restaurant 2 stars. The point of the story: Stick to the bar for some beers and oysters and some good local chatter. Otherwise, take your meal somewhere else.
(3)Christopher N.
Um.....not a very good experience here. I had the oyster stew to start and it was....well, basically it was like oysters floating in milk. Whoever thought that oysters would become the next breakfast cereal hit -- shame on them! Horrible. And for 14 bucks!? Even worse. The main course was mediocre and the size of the bill was certainly not a reflection of the size of the meal. I can say, however, that the wait staff was very friendly and efficient. I don't think I will ever return to give them a second chance -- I'm not a big financial risk-taker.
(1)Kristin N.
I've lived in Boston my whole life and get tired of the tourist traps just like any other resident so after reading these reviews, I was a bit skeptic that the Union Oyster House was in fact the tourist trap everyone says it is. Regardless, I took my boyfriend there for his 30th birthday. I figured, he likes seafood, he likes history...why not. We had a FABULOUS time! Word of advice...make reservations! We did and thank god! We were early and grabbed a drink at the bar. This is where the most amazing thing happened. At first glance there were no seats, then a group of guys scooted down for us, revealing two perfect seats. And the bar tender was the right consistency of nice / informative / courteous and attentive. I look like I'm 16 and that fact that he ushered my hand away when I forked over my license was a big plus for me. Right after we finish our drink we get called and ascend the stairs to the multiple hostess booths. Why were people complaining about this? It's a three story restaurant, how else would they get organized than to have a hostess on each floor? But be warned, the second hostess will give you a number! Remember it because without it, the third hostess will be very confused. My boyfriend, who is all about seafood and even worked on lobster boats, LOVED his meal. I hate seafood and got the chicken which was equally amazing. Thumbs up Union Oyster House! Oh and they have Valet parking that's cheaper than the parking garage!
(5)B. S.
The clams and oysters were great with the cocktail sauce they had. The cup of chowder was great as well. overpriced for what it is.
(4)Hannah L.
this place looks so cute and old bostony, i took my cousin (from israel who was visiting MA for the first time) to eat here, to get a taste of boston. it has fun history and the interior is SO cute, it was an awesome experience. when you walk in you see the huge lobster tank (which was very interesting to my cousin) and 1700s style eating booths. the waitress was really nice, and thought it was totally cute we got a seafood sampler (2 mussels, 2 oysters and 2 shrimp), crab cake salad, calamari and of course, clam chowder. the food was very very yummy! so not only does it taste good, but the ambiance made it taste even better. we didn't have to wait to get a table for lunch, and it was a pretty seamless experience. i will definitely bring back more tourists here!
(4)J R.
We had a reservation restaurant week on August 30. As this was our first time at Union Oyster and were very excited. Upon arriving, we loved the all Americana décor and were eager to dine in after seeing the patron's meals. However, the meal was disappointing--like EXTREMLY disappointing. The corn bread was great including the appetizers (calamari and clam chowder). Everything else was a disaster--pan seared cod--turned out to be stale, freezer burnt, deep fried nastiness served on a plate. Pan seared??? Did the cook pan sear it in an easy bake oven? Yuck! No god loving New Englander will respect the seafood Union Oyster served. I didn't even eat it--I picked on it. A grown woman picking on her food! The vegetables including the mash potatoes--a forgettable disaster. However, Union Oyster House-- (dis) respectfully save the worst for last. Homemade apple desert and Indian pudding--how can I say this... umm.. hell no! It was like poop jumping on my bowl after having been warmed in the oven with whip cream to dress. In hindsight--I can't believe we spend our money at the Union Oyster House.
(1)Kathleen K.
I wish someone had told me how horrible the food was at Union Oyster House! It would have saved us a lot of money because not only is the food horrible, it's expensive! We've lived in Boston going on 7 years now and never had been to Union Oyster House before. So last night, we decided to try it out. I mean, it is rich in history! We were served corn bread that was probably bought from BJ's or Costco. You know the kind; sheet bread cut into squares. It was dry and a bit weird to be served corn bread. I had fish and chips that were worse than any fried fish you could get from a side of the road clam shack. In fact, I've had way better fried fish at clam shacks! They did not remove the skin of the fish before frying it. The cost, $22. My husband ordered the seafood Nuremberg. It had one of those Pillsbury frozen puff pastries filled with one scallop, two shrimp, and two small lobster claws. The plate was half filled with rice and drenched in the lobster sauce. The sauce was probably from a can, maybe a jar. The cost, $28. Please, listen to me, go and grab a beer and some oysters at the raw bar downstairs if you want to say you've been to the oldest restaurant in Boston. Please do not try and have a proper sit down dinner here, it will be very disappointing!
(1)Jennifer T.
My husband and I love this restaurant. We had the oysters rockafeller and they were delicious. We can't wait to go back here. Soon!
(5)Chris S.
Good chowder. First taste of "little necks." The main course was some kind of seafood blend that looked like it was scooped out of a warming tray. The place itself was cool, but the food not memorable.
(2)Natasha A.
Yeah i know its a Boston relic, and a must show to out of towners, but if you live in Boston, do not get seafood here! Everything is fried! In my book, why would you want to take the delicious fruits of the sea and than completely mask their flavor in deep fried batter? The only thing that should come fried is calamari, otherwise bake it, grill it or broil it.
(2)Jason H.
TOURIST TRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you must go, don't order anything fried. Only go for the oysters or lobster. I would look elsewhere if you want good food. The only thing the have is the "Oldest" title.
(1)Nicole D.
We snagged a seat at the bar and skipped the 45-60 min wait. They promptly gave us cornbread, which was great and the clam chowder is right at the bar, so we were served right away. We also ordered calamari/fried seafood platter, which was better than what we have in california. It came with fish, shrimp, calamari and scallops. If you're okay with sitting close to strangers and having tourists peering through the window, save yourself the wait and sit at the bar. The owner is busy, but nice enough, but we weren't really there for the service. Our total was about $60.
(4)Clara L.
Two of my aunts and I went to Boston for a long weekend, for the Marathon specifically; so the next few reviews will be boston ones. We stayed in a hotel near Faneuil Hall, and our first craving of Bostonia cuisine was seafood, or more specifically clam chowder for my aunts. We were recommended to check out Union Oyster House by the hotel's concierge and she also mentioned it's Boston's oldest restaurant. So we walked over to Union St, and put our name in and had a 15-20 min wait. We sat at the bar and I tried the Sam Adams Brick Red (which I've never seen in DC bars) which was good. We finally got called and seated and ordered our lunch. I got the Crabcakes with Newburg Sauce, which is a creamy Sherry sauce, which was just delicious! I got the platter, so it came with 2 crab cakes, rice pilaf and veggies. I tried my hardest to finish everything, but there were a few bites I had to sacrifice and leave on the plate. It was very good, but guess I wasn't as hungry as I thought I was! This was a good first meal in the city of Boston =)
(4)Rod S.
They rely too heavely on their "historical location and tourist trap mentality". Don't get me wrong it's real hard to screw up a good oyster and cold beer, but after that there are plenty of better restaurants in Greater Boston.
(3)SS T.
Appalling. I have lived in the Boston area for 10 years and have always wanted to go to this restaurant. Not to understate it, but it was disgusting. Tourist trap. The wait for a table - 15 minutes during which we could "wait in the bar" - was artificial. When we got upstairs, it was barely half full. They just wanted us to buy drinks. Then, it took us an *hour* to order and get our food - the service was terrible - can't even go into all details but here are a few - too many spoons, not enough knives, no napkins, no booster seat for my 3 year old, very slow and yet oddly pushy service. Oddest of all, the hostess came to our table when the food came out and said "sorry the food took so long, the salmon takes a long time to grill" (defrost did she mean?) and the waitress says, "They did not order salmon," The hostess goes, "oh" and flounces off. ??? And the food literally made me sick. Oysters, clams, all of it. Yuk. It was truly disgusting. I was nauseous for hours afterward. Of course, later, all our native Boston friends told us, "oh, yes, we tried it 5 years ago, 10 years ago, whatever and it was *terrible.*" One colleague said his wife was sick for two days afterward. It seems to be one of those places that seems attractive for various reasons, but buyer beware. It seems a shame in these tight times to waste money at a place like this.
(1)Allan E.
Though I live in CA, I have been to the Union Oyster House 5 times in the last two years, as I make it a regular stop on every trip to Boston. I always sit at the oyster bar, and go through my regular four course shelfish menu: half dozen oysters on the half shell, clam chowder, mussels (or steamers if you prefer), and then finish with a 2 1/2 to 3 pound lobster. (This is best to share with a friend). Start with a cold glass of Sam Adams, and then have the Stag's Leap Chardonnay. On one trip, I took a native Bostonian, who initialially chastized me for selecting such an obvious tourist trap. Upon leaving, his only comment was, "Wow, that was really good!"
(5)Will N.
The Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in the US and it's obviously a huge cultural and historical landmark. That being said, it gets a ton of traffic from this status alone, but it's also a pretty solid restaurant (ranges from solid to excellent depending on what you get). The oysters are obviously the highlight and if you're a big half-shell fan you could sit at the beautiful stone oyster bar downstairs all day and slurp oysters. I'm in love with oysters so this is obviously a huge hit for me, and the oysters tip this one from four to five stars. They're fresh, taste great and the oyster bar staff are also the best people working in the place. Sitting at that bar is really a unique experience. If you don't sit down at the oyster bar here at some point, you're surely missing out on the full experience. The rest of the restaurant is a good sampling of what I'd call "New England seafood" and you can get a respectable lobster, lobster roll or clam chowder with no complaints. This is a seafood lover's place for sure and if you're a vegetarian or don't like seafood the Union Oyster House is not for you. You're sure to see lots of tourists here in the summer and you should try and get a seat downstairs (ask about the Kennedy Booth if you want) because downstairs is surely better than upstairs here. You'll get better service and a much better atmosphere. Either way, the Union Oyster House is a classic, distinctly old-fashioned and a place you should probably try to eat at at least once. As a huge seafood fan and a big-time New Englander, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
(5)Christina S.
This place wasn't the best seafood place I have ever been to. Its really shabby inside and when I went to use the restroom, I didn't know how to get back to my table because of how maze-like the resteraunt is. I guess we sat at JFK's table, woohoo big deal and this resteraunt is suppose to be the oldest one in town or something like that. The service wasn't good at all and I probably won't go back.
(2)Jonathan P.
We Went here because I saw it on the Travel Channel boasting " The Oldest restaurant in America" title. We walked in and took one look at the prices ($50 for one lobster) and decided to get the lobster next door, but we had to go back, everything looked so authentic and delicious. Walking up three flights of stairs you get a sense of the colonial feel of this restaurant, and once we were seated they brought us some of the best cornbread I have ever had, slightly sweet, warm, moist, served in huge chunks. Each bite you could really taste the corn, and if I closed my eyes I could imagine what it would be like to be sitting in this restaurant 200 years ago enjoying a very similar chunk of cornbread. . The old timey antique water pitcher added to the authenticity. We ordered the Oysters Rockefeller (after much debate on whether to try the raw oysters or the cold sampler) and although it was a little pricey $12.95 for a half dozen, they were delectable. Huge oysters, very fresh, and I think I found more than one in each shell. After slurping up the spinach and cheese sauce the oyster swere a pleasantly chewy, salty treat at the end. Oysters Rockefeller...delicioso. Follow the Oysters with another piece of cornbread . and then... I had to try the clam chowder, and I was pleasantly surprised, it lived up to the hype, thick creamy, full of clams with a a hint of salt water flavoring in the aftertaste. The clam chowder was great. Ye Olde Oyster House, pricey but tasty.
(4)Stephanie H.
Went here with my in-laws and husband on Tuesday night. It was alright. Food was eh, and way overpriced for what it was. The booth was akward and had no real brething room. It could get to be noisy in there and the announcing of names on the loud speaker when a table was ready was a constant interruption. But it has a history and our waitress was great which are the only two reasons for two stars.
(2)Vicki T.
We just spent a week in Boston on a family vacation. We arrived too late on our first night in town for a heavy dinner, so decided on a light meal at the Union Oyster House. We definitely made the right choice. The oyster stew was delicious, and the clam chowder was the best I have ever eaten. It was so good, that I found myself often ordering clam chowder elsewhere in Boston, but no other clam chowder came close to the quality that I had here. This is the place for clam chowder. My daughter said the special Sam Adams beer (only found at the Union Oyster House) was wonderful.
(3)Tiff S.
Food was on the pricier side. i got the salmon, my friend got the scallop pasta. it was good, but not...GREAT. we went just because of the fact that they said they were the oldest restaurant in america. i would have rather have the food be great at some obscure place, than some place that is known for just its age.
(2)Bridget B.
i liked the seafood newburg. they give you a lot of food though. i could never finish it in one sitting.
(4)David h.
Tourist trap.
(2)Big E.
Let me start by saying this place is painfully overpriced and teetering on tourist trap... but I gotta admit the food is AWESOME!!! It's really cute inside and service is good. The shrimp was amazing. So if you are in the area and have a wad of money burning a hole in your pocket, go ahead and splurge!
(4)Joe C.
The food, the character, and the atmosphere were exactly what we were looking for during our brief visit to Boston. Sure, the place is a little touristy. There was a guy dressed like Paul Revere walking around outside. But there's really nothing wrong with being touristy. On occasion I will even eat at some of the touristy spots back home. If a place is good, it's good. When we first entered the restaurant it appeared to be quite busy. I was afraid we wouldn't get a table, but we were seated right away in a corner section away from the hustle & bustle. Our server was pleasant and our food arrived quickly. I had a fish sandwich and my guest I had crab cakes. Both were excellent.
(5)Barney B.
Historic landmark aside, I always assumed this was a total tourist trap and have never placed a foot inside the place in my 11 years in town - well until this weekend. and it's not bad. the chowder was decent - the tables were tight (i.e. fat tourists need not apply) - and for a tourist spot in Fanueil Hall area, the price tag was decidedly normal. So, it is a place to hit if you are from out of town, and realize that any locals here are either employees or showing out-of-town friends the sites (like we were). But I guess that doesn't make it different than similar places in other cities.
(3)Pilar P.
I have been here twice and love the old style a bout it.... This last time i went for just Clam Chowder .... I loved it and was short of licking the bowl clean... Don't know bout anything else but a muct go for chowder
(4)Matt M.
The Union Oyster House is the main reason I joined Yelp today. My food, service, and atmosphere last weekend left me so angry that I wanted to rent a billboard and blast them. But that wouldn't help because of the excellent tourist trap marketing they have by being "America's Oldest Restaurant"........HA.... Wanna know something else ? America's oldest tavern 20 feet across the cobble stone ally isn't any better. The Bell In Hand has a dozen flat screens, all black decor and blasts out top 40 hits while the waitresses wear booty shorts. Anyway back to the Union Oyster House..... We came with a large group of 8 and was told 30 min wait, an hour went by and I asked again and they said the table was being cleared, 30 min later I ask again and they say they mixed up tables so we waited a another hour and by this time it was 9:30 when we were seated. We had 2 small children who were asleep and our Grandma who was ready to kill. After the 2 1/2 hour wait we were seated right by the dish room where we heard ear piercing slamming of plates and glasses every 5 seconds ...but hey at least we heard reviews of the Lady Gaga album by the whole wait staff the whole time we were dinning with a special rendition of Poker Face by a waiter giving pelvic thrusts into our wall separating us from the dish room. Now to the food...... We all ordered something different and kept it seafood. The prices are high but it is in a tourist area and I figured...OLDEST RESTAURANT ????? IT MUST BE WORTH EVERY PENNY ....RIGHT ? WRONG There was more lobster sticking to the shell tail than what was pulled out. It was so dry it almost sucked up half the butter in the bowl. My scallops that I asked to be braised were covered in bread crumbs and slopped up with tar tar sauce.......I ate one to amuse myself and it was so gummy and chewy it left a paste on the roof of my mouth. I sent it back and said "just throw these in the broiler with a little butter".......after a 45 MINUTE WAIT ON A RETURNED MEAL....which should have taken 5 minutes because by now it's 10:30 and we were almost the last table left in this DUMP. But amazingly they got it right....too bad everyone had finished their meal 30 minutes earlier and we just wanted to go to our hotel. Oh yes plus we recieved one round of water in the 2 hours we were there. We actually had grandma going to the wait staff area to fill up drinks.....one waitress said "thanks for the help, Granny"...we also got a round of beers 30 minutes after we ordered them and they were piss warm. But I had to say something to the manager. In my 28 years of eating I have never once asked to speak to a manager at a restaurant and I had some less than desirable meals but this was the ABSOLUTE WORST DINNING EXPERIENCE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. So this guy comes to our table all Rico Suave and has the look that he is about 5 martini's deep that night and says "Who has a problem?...hurry up we are closing".....we all dropped our jaws and I just went on a 10 minute rant and loud enough where the wait staff could hear me also. He took off a gracious 5% of a bill that was $396....hahahahahahaha HAHAHAHAHAHA This place is a joke and I have a feeling the owner passed it on to some idiot in the family and they have no idea was hospitality is let alone how to even prepare food. Please DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME HERE I BEG OF YOU. GO TO ATLANTIC FISH OR LEGAL SEAFOOD IF YOU WANT SEAFOOD IN THE CITY.
(1)Ian C.
I'm a tourist when I go to Boston, so of course I'm going to hear about the Union Oyster House. And of course, I'm going to go. First time I was here was like 3 years ago and I came in here with a friend. We weren't too hungry, but thought we should at least give this a go. So, we walked in on a Sunday at like 8 and it wasn't crowded. Well, that's not entirely correct. The bar area where we sat wasn't crowded. Upstairs... well, that could have been filled, but I had no idea there was an upstairs. Anyway, I remember ordering the clam chowder and while it was good, I didn't think it was all that great. Then we got a bunch of oysters on the half-shell since my friend had never tried them. I love raw oysters, and these were pretty good. Initially my friend thought they were gross, but after downing a few more, started to enjoy them. Flashforward to this past weekend, I came here with my family for lunch and discovered the upstairs area. It's kind of cool that it's the oldest restaurant in the country-- it does have some history. We all got the chowder and this time it was really good. It was thick and creamy and there were huge chunks of clams, which also gave the chowder a good natural salty taste. It definitely did not need any extra salt or pepper added. For my meal, I got the oyster roll sandwich. I wish they had more items on the menu with oyster, but i guess there really aren't too many ways to prepare oyster. You either eat 'em raw, or fry 'em. Anyway, it came with fries and those fries were excellent. This was just lunch, but I finished my sandwich and fries and started to pick at other people's plates since they were full. I tried the lobster and crab cakes-- i wasn't a big fan. I also tried the scallops and mushrooms over pasta-- the scallops were good, but cooked just a little longer than they should have been. I also tried the fish and chips-- it was ok. Overall, I liked my dish-- this is the Union Oyster House, so they're definitely doing something right with the oysters. But everything else seemed kind of 'bleh' and the meals were pretty expensive. It is a tourist trap-- and I fell into it. Twice.
(3)Alison N.
Returned to the scene of the drunken friend vs the lobsta. This time I went with a different friend and she was completely sober. We were on our way to the airport and decided to have a last bit of Boston seafood. When we arrived, we were told the wait was 15-20 min., so we opted to sit at the bar. The service there was prompt, although every time we ordered something, they brought us a new bill as if that was the last thing we were ordering. We made our way through 6 oysters, 6 cherrystones, a bowl of chowda and a lobsta with corn on the cob. It sounds like a lot of food, but damn it was good. We washed it all down with a pint of the Sam Adams Summer Ale. Yum! It tasted like a filtered Hefe. A much better experience than last time, hence the added star. The food was fresh and well prepared. They gave us corn instead of fries and kept our pint glasses full. What else can you ask for!
(4)Annette P.
The food is decent but its the history that is important when visiting. I always thought that a souvenir shop in a restaurant is really cheesy - any way to make a buck!
(3)KebShi L.
get the lobster roll and some oysters. a lil pricey but it's worth it.
(5)Vicki J.
Just ok food, great service.
(3)tim g.
It's been a while since I ate in the dining room. Years ago I had our office Christmas party at UOH and I remember it as OK, nothing great. My friend and I often drop in for oysters and beers at the bar. The oysters are excellent, shucked right in front of you. The beer is cold, and the shuckers/bartenders attentive, the clam chowder good, the oyster stew not so good. However when you dine in its a different story. I haven't had service this bad in a long time. We sat in the seat yourself bar area. There were two open booths, both dirty. We sat for about ten minutes before our table was cleared. They wiped it with a dry cloth, leaving sticky dried spills on the table. The booths are small, they are old - from another time when people were a lot smaller but that is OK, it goes with the antiquity of the building. In fact a picture showing the bar from 1930 reveals nothing has changed at all in at least the last 80+ years. Anyway they set the table with 4 placemats but 3 spoons and 4 napkins. We asked for a wet cloth to clean the table and another fork. Evcentually someone came back with a dry cloth and rewiped the table, no improvement. Whatever. We asked what kind of oysters they had today, she said Blue Point. This was strange because every time I sit at the bar they always have two varieties. We ordered 2 dozen oysters, two beers, and two kids meals and 2 sprites. She brought the beers on a wet (spilled beer) tray. She put the glasses on the table without a coaster or wiping them off, now the paper placemats are wet. I wiped up the mess with my napkin. Now we are short one napkin and one fork. Something is wrong with the sprites. Its not sprite, tastes like lemon tonic. We send them back and ask for 2 waters. The food comes out in a reasonable time. As my wife and I are both former servers, I feel there is nothing worse than being served your food but not having essential tools.. You sit there looking at your food but you can't eat it because you don't have a fork or napkin. The oysters are on a plate that is way too small. This means they have to stack them and the grit from the outside of the shell gets into the oyster below it. There are no lemons, the cocktail sauce is too small for a dozen, they are designed for a half dozen plate. The server should put 2 on a full dozen. There is plenty of horseradish, equal in volume to the cocktail sauce. Eventually we do get a fork, napkin, lemons. I go to the bar and refill my own cocktail sauce. I eat the oysters and try to spit out the bits of shell and grit. After we eat we stack all the plates to aid in the clearing of the small table. No plates are ever cleared from the table. The bill comes, the sprites were not removed. On the way out I hear a server call for a half plate of Blues. I check with the guys at the raw bar, sure enough they have Blue Points and Wellfleets. We would have liked to get half and half. Bottom line, avoid the dining room, sit at the raw bar. Really I should post 2 reviews, 1 star for the dinig room/sit down, and 4 for the raw bar. I would give the raw bar 5 stars but the seats are small and its tilted a lot so you have to prop up your plate with a stack of coasters so everything doesn't slide into your lap. I order a lot of oysters at many different restaurants and clearly UOH has the freshest most consistent oysters around. They have the volume to keep it that way.
(2)Scott T.
I went here at Lunch time on a Monday. First, I am not a huge seafood person and I know this is a touristy place but I figured we would try it. This place is as old as it gets. The oldest restaurant in the U.S. Its old and dark. The staff was nice. I will give you the opinions of those that I went with. Like I said, I really don't eat a lot of seafood but I figured when in Rome so I tried the Grilled Oysters. My first one was pretty good but the next was much worse. If you like Oysters I guess you will like this place. The Fish and Chips were pretty good. I had a burger which was OK at best. Way too much bun to the point that I had to take the top off. A friend had the clam chowder and really liked it. My other friend ordered a Lobster Roll and did not care for it. Bottom Line: Only go here if you really..really love seafood and don't waste a dinner there. Go for Lunch.
(3)Christopher M.
Waited over an hour for a table here based on other Yelp reviews and sorry, but it's not worth the wait or the money. It's not terrible, but out of four of us, who all ordered different things, the general consensus was that the food was bland and, well, fairly boring. This is obviously for tourists. The next time I come to Boston, I'll spend more time looking for something more for locals.
(2)Chels G.
(Visited back in August '09) I went here twice during my week stay in Boston and I have never had such delicious food before in my life! The first night I ordered the three sliders with three different cheeses along with fries which were out of this world. The last day I was there I also got a burger hoping to repeat the three cheese sliders but alas, they change their menu it seems so I only got a regular burger while sitting at the bar. The bartender, Jimmy, was fun to talk to (they have to be) and gave me extra cherries in my Shirley temple which was nice since they were goooood cherries. I definitely miss this place, crave their food and their atmosphere. Seriously doubt there is a place like this on the West Coast that can match their style, quality of food and just the whole experience. What is even better is that they're not that expensive to eat at!
(5)Hilary K.
I had the recent pleasure of dining at Union Oyster in the Kennedy Booth. Union Oyster, the self proclaimed oldest restaurant in the country, is basically a historical landmark that so happens to serve food. Is the food good? Yea, but it's nothing to write home about. They certainly put a lot of effort into the presentation. Everything that came out looked beautiful. I ordered some kind of scallop fettuccine. the scallops were delicious but in my opinion most good sea food doesn't really need much to be delicious. The fettuccine was kind of disappointing. I was expecting some kind of white wine sauce. I think it was just butter. I mean... butter is good and all, but if I'm expected to pay almost $30 for this entrée I'd hope for something thrilling. Bordering on orgasm in my mouth. Side note: I had more than half of my fettuccine left and my waitress didn't offer to put it in a to-go box. So much for the $15 of my following lunch I could have enjoyed. Annoying. I know I could have asked but I didn't notice when she swooped in and stole my leftovers. The lobster roll my date ordered also looked amazing. (yea everything looks amazing) I helped myself to some of the tantalizing looking lobster. It was yummy. Again shellfish in my opinion requires very little to produce food-gasm. So that was amazing. Apparently (according to the original recipient of said lobster roll) the roll was a bit lack luster. Again for some $22 for a ROLL I expect something that will blow my mind. Nevertheless I left full and satisfied. Kennedy Booth. Way cool. It's apparently the favorite spot of President JFK when he would eat at Union Oyster. I mean that's pretty cool. I'm not about to go assessing the validity of this statement. I just go with it and think it's pretty neat. The gift shop downstairs is cute. But I left knowing the owner of this fine establishment is certainly living the high life. They don't miss an opportunity to overcharge because of their history/location etc. Not withstanding, I'd go back. But only to bring out-of-town-ers, and if they're paying.
(3)Dave C.
I think that going to Union Oyster House in Boston is kind of like wanting to go to Ketchup/Dolce/In N Out/Pinkberry in Los Angeles, in that you're already in the city and you just want to go there because you've seen it on TV. Ok, maybe that's Cheers, but still. Union Oyster House is kind of like an "event place," not a regular place that you go to all the time. I've only had fried seafood and the delicious clam chowder at Union and I have to say that I enjoyed both. The inside is not nearly as brightly lit as other places and it's not even close to modern, but it's not supposed to be. I enjoyed it for what it was - a tourist friendly, east coast seafood joint with some character. It can get pricey, but I still think that it's totally worth going to. I lived in the Boston area for years before I went to Union and now I can finally say "I've been there!" when I see the friendly red neon sign on TV. Don't get all dolled up to go, but enjoy it for what it is.
(3)Joy W.
If you're willing to put up with the horrible service, come here to try some fresh seafood. I know it's a tourist trap, but the oysters and lobster were incredibly fresh and delicious. The clam chowder was thick and creamy, and the Boston cream pie was great to the last bite. But the service made what should have been a wonderful experience a very lukewarm one. When our table was ready, the hostess gestured toward the gift shop and said, "Go there," so we did, not realizing that she meant the second floor. Another staffer told us to go upstairs, and from there we met another bored hostess, who took us to our table. Our server was just awful, she yelled at us to speak up when she took our orders (it's noisy in there, but couldn't she have asked nicely?) and didn't check on us after we got our food, no water, no extra napkins, nothing. And lobster is a messy dish! My aunt ordered some extra food to go, which we got at the end but with no plastic utensils and when she asked from some, our server just looked at her blankly and then later threw some silver forks on our table. The food was very memorable but I just wish this had been a more pleasant experience.
(3)Ladyjane S.
I have to say I am on the "yay" side of these polarized reviews... FIRST of all, its not really fair to give a bad review if you are vegetarian and didnt actually eat there or only ate french fries. Secondly, yeah the place is a bit shabby considering its like 5,000 years old and they like to advertise that. Personally, the only things I've ever ordered here (and the only things you should order) are the oysters and the chowda. Both of which are awesome and have never let me down. I've heard the lobsta is good too, but I've never tried. The cornbread is also AWESOME and free, which I love. Oh wait, I've also ordered the fried calamari which was also awesome. You cant come in here expecting a high-class dining experience. The service is a bit rough around the edges (hence, no 5 stars) but if you keep it simple, and maybe do not go when it is busy because the wait will just put you in a bad mood anyway, this place will not disappoint. Maybe you just have to be a very laid back person to really enjoy this place. oh yeah, and I do agree that the partial-shucking did annoy me somewhat but they were so fresh and tasty, I didnt really care once they went down.
(4)Eric T.
Im not sure if im glad i ate here or not. A part of me is glad to have eaten in the oldest restaurant in America however, it is in my mind that i could have simply had a drink and a few appetizers and said the same instead of getting sucked into a full on meal at this tourist trap. Food was alright nothing to rave about. We ordered the hot oyster house sampler which was an assortment of clams, shrimp and oysters, a large lobster and the union special lobster (baked stuffed lobster). Not much to say about the whole lobster as there wasn't much to mess up there but the special lobster rather mediocre and in no way was it special. It was a busy night so service was slow, it was a dining experience that left me scratching my head, was i satisfied?....yes.....no.....yes.....ehhhhhh i guess?
(3)Jake D.
Good chowda.
(3)Ryan C.
I've eaten lunch quite a few times, but I've never got past their outstanding clam chowder. It's one of those things, when you know you love something and maybe you'll regret it if you don't get that which you crave. That is why I've gone here with the intention of trying something new and never suceeded in following through on that. Although I have tasted samples off my fellow diners plates at times. And while those samples may have been good, they were never good enough to make me regret sticking with the chowder. The chowder is served with a delicious corn cake (not corn bread), and so it is a very satisfying lunch. An interesting note: they claim to be the oldest restaurant that has been in continuous service in America. Probably any famous Bostonian you can think of, including all the Kennedy's has dined here.
(5)Vanessa M.
Oh my. This place stinks. What a tourist trap it has become. I came here years ago when it was great and thought I could bring a friend(now husband) here to experience the same. Boy was I embarrassed. I won't even get into why. It was a horrible excuse for food. Except for the cornbread. That was good. But that's it.
(2)Atrebor B.
I decided that this trip back to Boston since departing in 2007 would be dedicated to completing the tourist pilgrimage and to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes which culminated into a bundle of unfinished businesses a few years back. Naturally, paying the UOH was high on my "to-do" list given its historical significance and being touted as the "oldest restaurant in America". I sat in front of the raw bar with the fishy, oystery smells wafting into my nostrils from time to time. I can't say I enjoyed this and I must admit that the ambiance upstairs in terms of lighting and privacy were much better. I had the Seafood Newburg since its description sounded incredible, however, to be honest I was seriously underwhelmed. The thick glue of a sauce in which the scallops and prawns were drenched in was bland, appallingly orangey in colour, and tasted heavily of thick cream and only thick cream with no other discernable seasoning detected. The puff pastry was chewy, not fluffy and I had quite a struggle with my fork to tear it apart. The rice pilaf, being the standard side item was disappointing with the grains of rice heavily bloated and much too soft to the bite. Overall, I really can't recommend this place but it's something you can choose to experience for the sake of its history. I would say that approximately 95% of the patrons there that day were visitors, a plus though for UOH is the friendliness of the staff, this much I can safely attest to and appreciate.
(2)Colin D.
Not bad but not great. Went to the bar and had the lobster roll which to be honest was a little bland. Service was great and the Sam Adams Red Brick was good but food wise you're better going to Neptune across the road.
(3)Kristen J.
Esh. Shortly after landing in Boston, I went to Union Oyster House to try a real lobster roll. Being from San Diego by way of Chicago, I've only had two lobster rolls in my life (one by mail order, the other in Chicago). Both were better than this. To top it off, I was already two beers in on an empty stomach, so that says a lot.
(3)April I.
Fresh shucked oysters, creamy clam chowder, fried clams, steamers, clams casino -- this is the typical fair at Union Oyster House. Yes it has the history (oldest restaurant maintaining continuous service in the U.S.) and the food is pretty good, but there's nothing that really jumps out as memorable about this place. It's good. It's not always clean. It's a tourist trap. I like the oysters and steamers and fried clams and clams casino. I like to sit at the bar. That's about it.
(3)T M.
A large group of us stopped here on the way home to NYC from a ski trip near Maine. We google and found this restaurant. The fact that it was historic pulled us in. We made reservations in route and had a very friendly waitress. Unfortunately our food took a really long time even though they provided us with extra bread. Also there was one assistant to our waitress who was very rude and unkind to her colleagues right in front of us. It made everyone feel awkward and uncomfortable. The food was decent. One thing that needs to be upgraded, are the bathrooms.
(3)A B.
I had a great dinner here a couple of weeks ago with my family. The food was very good, the service was excellent and nice and it was just a great time! I didn't think it was particularly touristy. I am used to New York City touristy, this place did not seem to have that type of obnoxious tourist vibe. I would definitely like to go back....maybe even try to sit at the JFK table!!!
(5)Bryce S.
Huh. Are Freedom Trail tourists this gullible? I guess yes since we suckered ourselves in here once...and only once. If you're a hardcore oyster fanatic skip this restaurant. If you're a casual oyster eater, you might enjoy this place. I was going to make this brief but I have to explain the 2 stars...and this only pertains to the oysters: - The oysters were stored, but not served on ice. - Limited toppings: I got lemon, grated cheese, and some kind of shrimp-cocktail-like sauce. - Oysters were only 2/3 shucked--- forget slurping. You had to wrestle the oyster with a fork since it was still attached to the shell, making it a tattered mess by the time it's detached. Maybe if they supplied a shucking knife I'd have finished their job. - Lots of shell bits and no oyster liquor - Only one variety available on the day that we visited. Technically 2 varieties: you could get 1 at the raw bar (Blue Point) , and only 1 at the dining tables (from Delaware). So why can't you order Blue Points from your table? Ya got me. The only upside: it's reasonably priced. 6 oysters will cost you $11. Maybe it was an off day---we came in on a Monday when restaurants are notoriously lacking with food stock and with service. Maybe the other seafood's better. Maybe the food would have been better on another day when there's an A-team shucker. But if you put the word "oyster" in the restaurant's name, you should pay more attention to your flagship food.
(2)Da C.
Awesome!!!!! Must go and try the lobster!!!! Best lobster in my life so far!!!!
(5)Ben H.
Nothing special here......The oysters were ok, but like i said, nothing special. 2 dozen oysters, crab cakes, and 2 lbs of steamers and 1 beer for $80
(2)TJ N.
Avoid. Avoid. AVOID. Tourist trap. Poorly schucked clams and oysters. Overpriced and dimly lit. To be honest, as a Bostonian, I would never dine here. We only went because we had out-of-town guests. Now I can even tell future out-of-town guests to skip this place. For the same price and better schucked clams, go to Atlantic Fish Company.
(1)Amy Y.
I love it! We went there on Sunday night for dinner. the lobster scampi is so good and the fresh oysters... Again, today we went back to the Oyster bar, they are so fresh and sweet! The service was nice and fun~ I will go back next when I go to Boston!
(5)Nicole M.
I have no right to even do a review of this place since I don't eat shellfish, nevermind oysters, but I'm on a reviewing rampage lately. I think the only thing I've ever eaten here was the corn bread and a plate of fries, but a friend from out of town liked the variety of oyster options. A total tourist trap, but hey, I'm a sucker for Boston history...
(2)Charlie S.
This is a raw bar review only. I know I know, The Union Oyster House is a tourist trap (and they let you know if you're slow at noticing). What the hell? We were tourist and this place had seats available at the bar. It was around 3PM and time for an afternoon drink and snack. We ordered oysters, littleneck clams, and cherrystone clams with a bottle of a commonly poured California Sauvignon Blanc (sorry don't recall the name). The shellfish all tasted fresh, and the price seemed reasonable (around $11 per dozen). The bar scene was very laid back and friendly during the mid afternoon. Over the course of an hour or more, we chatted with both locals and tourist. Over all, it was what we were looking for at the time - a fairly quiet place with simple food and mindless conversation.
(3)John C.
America's oldest restaurant does not disappoint. They serve the best clam chowder and you have to get one of the lobster meals. A dinner just for one could run up to around 50 dollars but you get so much delicious food I personally find it completely worth it. The place has great history and atmosphere and a must-visit when in Boston.
(5)Elise J.
The best thing about this place is the cornbread. Veery touristy not recommended
(2)Jenny L.
Went to dinner at Union Oyster House on a Thursday night. I would definitely recommend making reservations as the place gets pretty crowded, even at the bar. The restaurant is make up of multiple well-decorated rooms on different floors, which makes it unique. But trying to find your way around (especially when the hostess tells you your table number and asks you to give that number to the waitress to get your table) is a little difficult. I definitely expected better service for the price we're paying. I had Steamers and the American Bouillabaisse and all the seafood was really fresh and seasoned just right. While the service was pretty bad, the food was great. I would definitely recommend this place for good seafood and a unique atmosphere.
(4)Tim H.
I guess if you've never been to Boston, like me, you have to come to this place. I mean, they have seafood, it's on the Freedom Trail, and it's the oldest frickin restaurant in continuous operation in America. I mean, George Washington probably ate here way back in the days, maybe not. Cool. Kinda weird too, because after taking a piss in the bathroom, Ben Franklin (well an impersonator) walks out of the stall and says what's up me. Waited for a good 40 minutes to be seated. Clam chowdah was good and was really looking forward to the oysters, side note: they ran out of Littlenecks, but was not amazed. I've had better in California. Meh, well at least they had Sam Adam's everything.
(3)B R.
A good bowl of clam chowder was our mission, so we decided to give this place a whirl. We were sat at a booth in the 2nd floor dining room. This place definitely has the character you'd expect from an old (oldest) Boston restaurant. 4 bowls of chowder, a round of beers and a fried seafood platter for the table was exactly what we were looking for and in the end were satisfied. The chowder was thick and creamy, with great flavor. The seafood platter was a bit disappointing, but we were really just there for the chowder and quick experience. If I were to go back, I might bring some out-of-towners for the overall Boston experience, plus try some other dishes. The raw oyster bar looks like a good time as well.
(4)Kevin L.
Great food. But what a wait????
(4)Scarlett G.
mmm...cornbread...and spicy seafood noodley goodness. ugh...how i felt after. I think the seafood was fresh and all and cornbread homecooked, just heavy and alot of spice! Would recommend this if you plan to continue drinking OR if you DON'T want to run a cross country race in the am... on the other hand, the atmosphere was a dirty and ship-like, perfect! and i thought the dumbwaiter they had rigged up to carry draft beers from the 1st to 2nd floor was nifty nifty...
(3)John A.
Who are these people who give the "Union Oyster House" three stars or more??? In a town where fresh seafood is god .... this place sucks. Virtually everything I've had on the menu is profoundly mediocre ...under spiced, over cooked, and nothing you can't get better in any small "hole in the wall" all over the city. So why did I give it even two stars???? The only good (no great) meals I've ever had there were at lunch (or just after the lunch rush at about 1:00 PM). Don't get a table ... get a seat at the raw bar ... get the oysters (or clams if that's your preference) opened as you watch ... order a beer or a glass of wine, and just enjoy the freshly opened taste along with a good drink. I've been there when the bartenders were great, chatty and personable, and just a great addition to the fresh shellfish. Again ... forget the dining room ... sit at the raw bar and enjoy. John
(2)S L.
I loved their oyster and lobster. Best I've tried ever.
(5)Kev H.
Four Words. Best. Clam. Chowder. Ever. I came to this place with family from out of state. They all just wanted to chuck oysters, but man oh man. I got more than what I bargained for. Deep fried calimari with tangy sauce on the side. nice fluffy coating and even the cornbread was awesome, nicely buttered and was made almost to perfection. Now for the Chowdah. It's so creamy but the THICKNESS, it's like a meld of creamy clam taste with enough thickness to make it taste like chowder and not like broth. These guys know their stuff, being the first must also mean being the best in some cases. I've had great chowders before, but not the best until now.
(5)Mel S.
I love love love the food here. The Lobster scampi are my absolute favorite!
(4)Allison R.
Oysters and beer, who knew?
(4)Eduardo V.
Second time here. It may be a Tourist Trap.. but a very good tourist trap indeed. Clam Chowder is good, service is very good (even on a crowded night) and food is very good. Oysters on the Half Shell where very good. The Medium Lobster a treat and we had a good time. Will visit again.
(4)Mel E.
I've been here once and I won't go back. I've had better clam chowder at BJ's (Burger Joint's) in California. The soup was crunchy. When I told the waitress it felt funky and I was done eating, she said the seafood was fresh and possibly had sand in it. GROSS! I want to eat food, not sand. I ended up with a burger. It was whatever, nothing special. One star for sure.
(1)Rob C.
The food is horrible....really horrible...for anyone who understands seafood. However, got to go once just for the history, but have a good meal before you go.
(2)Taylor H.
Unimpressive beer selection, acceptable seafood but good cornbread. Several locals recommended that we stop by - not worth the visit. Forgot to mention overpriced...
(2)Daigo F.
The America's Oldest Restaurant? Pretty good title to have. I always take my out of town friends (mostly from Japan) there, and they love it. I am continuously surprised by how good it is too. Ain't cheap, but worth the experience. A friend from japan wanted to try Lobster for the first time. I took him there last night. It was pretty good, but he LOVED corn bread and clam chowder, and I agree. They are very good. I had Seafood with spicy marinara served over pasta, it was great. They give you plenty of food and nice old Boston atmosphere. A good place to take guests to place that serve "Boston Food."
(4)Lori L.
Tourist Review: The clam chowda was definitely tops and the entertainment of the shuckers at the oyster bar was priceless.
(5)Rosalyn M.
creamy clam chowder just the way i like it : )
(4)Scott P.
Move along if the wait is longer than 45min. The food is good but not great. Best bet is to go next door and sit at the bar - same food and less wait.
(3)Celeste F.
We had such a great time here. There were 3 of us in my group and we were there for lunch so we grabbed a seat up at the oyster bar. The guys joked and laughed with us, very friendly. The Clam Chowder was Fantastic- creamy and loaded. I had the crab cake Caesar salad- which was loaded with crab and not a lot of breading. The other two with me had fish and chips which they enjoyed crunchy flaky white fish. We also had some oysters since we were there and they were quite yummy. If you have a chance to sit up at the oyster station do it, there is so much history in those chairs, not to mention a lot of fun and good food.
(5)Christiana R.
I was so excited to come here when I visited Boston! The cornbread before the meal was delicious. My sister and I ordered a clam chowder, the fish sandwich, fried calamari, and the fish and chips. The lunch portions of each dish were a good size and each dish was equally delicious!! I like the atmosphere; really cozy and warm, especially during the rainy Boston days... The service was fast and our meals were ready in a short amount of time. The restaurant has cute memorabilia hanging from the walls that reminds you that you're eating in a historical restaurant. I will definitely be back!
(4)Ut T.
sweet cornbread is good. cherrystones were good. oysters were ok. i guess you just have to give it a try since it is the "oldest rest in america". but i think they are just hanging on by reputation.
(3)Stacey G.
I had the clam chowder (chowda) and it was amazing!!!! I also had a salad and baked potato and it was tasty. My family loved all their food, the place was super busy which I take as good food - and it was! Recommended! I love the history of this place. I recommend getting a reservation (I got one and heard the people behind us had a 50 minute wait). It is touristy, not too pricey and a neat building.
(4)Julia Z.
Very historical and a must go in Boston. Best corn bread I've ever had. Tried shrimp cocktail and oysters for starters; they might not be the best in town but still decent in taste. Their Pan Seared Haddock was tasty and recommended. Great service: warm, friendly, and helpful. If you enjoy historical settings, relaxing atmosphere, and good and moderately priced seafood this is the place to be!
(4)Amanda C.
So here I am almost 2 years later after saying I wouldn't come back. This time, our kids wanted to come so we did, for them. We ordered the lunch portion of broiled shrimp. 5 small shrimp and fries for $18.95. Way too expensive. Again, food was just OK. We definatly won't be back.
(2)Cisco R.
The clam chowder is a MUST at this place. It was hands down the best I've ever had. Now the bad part: I must admit the rest of the food was rather pedestrian. the crab cakes were decent, but nothing to scream at. I would've given it only two stars, but being it was my first time in Boston, I gave it an extra star for the decor (which was like dinining in an 17th century ship with all the salt stained wood lol). What also kept it from getting two stars was our waitress, who was to say the least, quite entertaining.
(3)Soph I.
i had the crabcrakes, raw oysters, clam chowder, and a side of beans. they were all just good. not great. it was very crowded when i went. i had to wait in line outside and once i got inside, i had to wait about 15 minutes before the menu came. atmosphere is nice. waitress was friendly.
(3)James P.
I was able to taste - Had some Oysters (Great) Clam Chowder (Great) Sautéed Shrimp And Scallops (Great) and Lobster Ravioli (Great)
(4)S A.
Great place and history.
(4)Cynthia L.
I gave this restaurant a 5-star rating because everything I had was outstanding but keep in mind that everything I adored was raw! Had I, I might have changed my rating. We had oysters galore, cherrystones, and chowdah! All were tasty. All the brine from the ocean was dreamy and super-fresh. I would definitely go back. We sat at the bar and the older gentleman shucking the oysters was a little odd, maybe even slightly PC-challenged. We asked him to take a pic of us and when he pressed the button, he shouted "Konichiwa!" because we're asian. Needless to say that there was no point in educating the poor soul that not all asians look alike or are japanese.
(5)Rochelle R.
Actually, I would have given this place 1 star because the food was awful, but I had to give it one more star because of the history, the ambience and the bar. The place was crowded and my friend and I had to wait 30 to 45 minutes for a table. So, we plunkered ourselves in the bar and had some beeahz and oystahs. The oysters were not that great and looked a little dehydrated, but the bartender was nice and it was great to just look around and marvel that this place has been around since 1826. The main dining area was very charming. I ordered the broiled seafood platter which consisted of salmon, swordfish and scrod, grilled ship and scallops. I also ordered the Boston baked beans and my friend had the stuffed lobster. Although the fish was not dry, it had no flavor. My friend's lobster was bland and the stuffing was nasty. In fact, all the food was very bland. It was extremely disappointing since I really wanted to like the food especially because of the history. Ironically, I had better food at Legal Seafoods, which is corporate and I usually don't think much of corporate food. It was good to try out Union Oyster House, but I won't go back.
(2)Christopher P.
3 of our 4 dinners arrived cold, and yet somehow they were all overcooked. Service was pleasant, but slow. All in all for the price one can do a lot better just up the road in the north end.
(2)Eli R.
This place is downright awful! Sure, it's the oldest restaurant in the known Universe. Yes, JFK used to frequent it and every tradition has started there. Is this reason enough to serve "food" that would not be called food anyplace else? We were brought oysters and clams that were actually dry and smelled "funny". To a timid question "Are these fresh?", the waitress (btw, the first waitress in America also worked at this establishment) replied "Sure, they were just shucked". I've had an oyster or two in my day. These WERE NOT fresh! In Boston, of all places, it takes an effort to find oysters this bad. Add a surly attitude by the barkeep and you've got a perfect combination. In fairness, the place is quaint both inside and out. Go, look at it, but do not eat. You would not eat in a museum, would you?
(1)Nicole B.
service was lacking. i ordered the steamers for one and they were good. but then again that didn't require much effort of the part of the chef. my boyfriend's oysters were dry (his description). but he said the expresso was very good. overall, i don't think i'll come running back.
(3)Justin S.
Kind of touristy and overpriced. Food is good, not great. We ate from the raw bar and the oysters were served on a plate without ice. Still fun to be able to say you ate at the oldest restaurant in the United States.
(3)KATE G.
GO ONLY WITH A DATE and sit ONLY at the crescent half bar up front first floor EAT ONLY oysters ( get a mix of sweet and salty) and DRINK ONLY beer. Do not go upstairs and get crappy food and service unless you are a minion or tourist.
(3)Matt K.
The place had a weird soundtrack, service was meh and the drinks were on the pricier side. Skip.
(2)Pooja N.
It's definitely touristy, but the food is pretty great. Portions for the entrees are huge! They don't have a drink menu, but do have several beers on tap. Prices are reasonable, especially given the location.
(3)Ashley C.
Union Oyster House is definitely a historical stop for tourism as it's the oldest running restaurant in the U.S. Food: The menu is on the pricy side. Of all the items, I found the shrimp ravioli to sound the most appetizing for the price. This entrée is very light in flavor and portion size. My plate only had three shrimps and about five ravioli squares. Basic lemon-like flavoring, but the fresh broccoli and tomatoes were good. Good thing they served corn bread (free), otherwise I would've still been hungry after my meal. Service: He was great, especially considering the place was busy for dinner. He stopped frequently to check up on our food and how we were doing, filled our waters, and gave us more corn bread when we ran out. Ambiance: The waiting area is probably the most interesting part of the restaurant. There are nametags for all the famous people that have dined at the restaurant, which are displayed on the wall. There are also portraits and paintings to entertain you during the wait. Plus, there's a gift shop to buy a souvenir! I personally wouldn't return here, not for the food at least. It's typical American food, nothing special about it. But now I can say I dined at the oldest restaurant in the U.S. =)
(3)Valarie B.
The food was off the chain. Our waitress was nothing to brag about. After our food arrived, we never saw her again until she brought the bill.
(5)Gourmet G.
The Union Oyster House, designated a National Historic Landmark, is not only the oldest restaurant in Boston, but the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the country, in operation since 1826. A short walk from the complex of shops and restaurants known as Faneuil Hall, the restaurant has both an exterior and interior that fortunately have resisted change. The famous semi-circular Oyster Bar is the original. Exposed brick walls, weathered floors, low beamed ceilings, lots of dark wood, and Early American oil paintings and prints contribute to the sense of history that permeates the various dining areas. The Union Oyster House is not one of those institutions that flourishes despite a no-longer-deserved reputation or due simply to the tourist trade. The food is exceptional, as the locals who regularly flock here will tell you. This is one of my regular stops whenever I'm in Boston. The last time we were here, we started with the hot Oyster House Sampler for two, a medley of grilled oysters, baked stuffed cherrystone clams, Clams Casino, Oysters Rockefeller, and shrimp scampi. We couldn't resist adding an order of Mussels, Basque Style, steamed with garlic and white wine and served with buttery-moist garlic bread, perfect for sopping up every last drop of the broth. The famed Oyster House Clam Chowder, densely creamy and thick, is almost mandatory. Finding it difficult to choose one item from the many entrees, we selected two combo platters - the Sauteed Seafood Medley, a melange of shrimp, cherrystone clams, mussels, scrod, and calamari sauteed in a spicy marinara sauce and served over linguine, and the Broiled Seafood Platter, swordfish, salmon, scallops, scrod and grilled shrimp served with parsley new potatoes. Portions are hearty, so we were close to feeling stuffed, but for dessert we opted for Hot Indian Pudding, a cornmeal-based Native American tradition rich with cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, and warm Homemade Gingerbread.
(5)Melissa B.
Very nice seafood place for a special occasion. Lively bar area for oysters. Always great service here also. Worth the wait.
(4)sally w.
I would actually give this place 3 1/2 stars. It is the oldest restaurant so it is a must see in boston. I didn't go to the oyster bar since I think it is way too ridiculous to spend that much on half dozen oysters. Anyway, I went to the bar next door and tried their clam chowder instead. It was very good with lots of clams and potatoes and the consistency was thick and hearty. Compared to the chowder at boston chowda in quincy market, I preferred this place. It also came with a side of corn bread which had just the right amount of sweetness to it. I'm a fan of cornbread so it was quite a surprise to have it as a side to the chowder. If you want to go for the experience, I would say definitely pay a visit. But don't expect too much as far as the taste goes. Nothing amazing but worthwhile to check out.
(3)Patrick N.
decent place for seafood, worth checking out for the history if nothing else.
(3)Mabel C.
I like to take my friends from outside of boston here because I feel it is very historical. It is the only time I go though; I feel it is too expensive to eat on a regular basis, and the food is so-so.
(4)B P.
Hype, hype, hype. Long..unnecessary wait (about an hour and a half with several open tables! ). The chowder and hot oyster house platter was good (or maybe we were very hungry after the wait and anything would have tasted awesome then!)but the entres were drenched in butter and cream! I love rich buttery and creamy food..if its done right..but there is a limit, it just felt wrong! The food was expensive and we were hungry..but we did not..rather could not eat most of the food...Sorry..wouldn't bother going there again! On the positive, loved the atmosphere and the company ;).
(2)Irene F.
I really liked this place, but it was also the first place I got seafood in Boston, which may mean that I have eaten much better since and not made a very good comparison. I feel like it's a must-eat for your first visit to Boston. It's just a landmark...much like Casa Botin in Madrid, although I think Casa Botin is a bit better (just a bit ;P) The clam chowder was great, and we had some mussels and whatnot, the usual seafood fare, it was good but definitely kind of pricey. Eat there once with out of town friends, preferably if they're paying.
(4)Brandon B.
Having passed by this place during my last visit I was determined to dine here my next visit to Boston. What an incredible waste. The food is not worth mentioning and not worth the price charged. It is not even a place you want to visit for a small snack as captain m. mentioned below. It is overpriced for that. I figured it would be worth eating at due to it's historical status. Half a dozen oysters, a small cup of clam chowder, a glass of lemonade and $30 later I soon realized I figured wrong.
(1)Food A.
The cocktail napkins call this place the Ye Olde Union Oyster House, but I'm suggesting a name change to Ye-uck Old Union Oyster House. After an hour and a half wait at the bar, we were finally seated to our table, only to wait another 10 minutes for the waitress. I used to wait tables through college, so I can empathize with servers on a Friday night, but a 10 minute wait at the table is hard to swallow. Speaking of hard to swallow, that's exactly how I would describe the Broiled Seafood Platter. The fish was overcooked and dry, the scallops were undercooked, and the "new" potatoes were probably new a week ago. My suggestion - don't waste your time or money at this establishment. I get that they've been around for 185 years, but I'd be shocked to see that they made it to 200.
(1)James C.
To be honest, this restaurant is a bit overrated and I think the average rating indicates this. I had the clam chowder here, amongst other items, and it tasted like someone in the back opened up a can of soup. It was nothing to write home about. However, the saving grace was that the sweet corn bread was delicious! Unfortunately, for a seafood restaurant, the corn bread should not outshine clam chowder.
(3)Brian B.
Very historic palce. Worth getting to at least once. Can be crowded though. Clam chowder awesome, lobster roll very good, so are the oysters and clams. Pretty much everything good. Expensive but that's expected at a somewhat touristy place like this. Still, worth finding if you are in the area.
(3)michelle w.
The oldest operating restaurant in the country. It is an interesting place- you feel like your stepping back in time. OK seafood, I wouldn't say its the best. I enjoy the oyster bar- highly recommend being served the fresh oysters right at the oyster bar, they're extremely tasty! The bar can be fun, I've been there for St Patty's Day and they turn it into a dance club. Who would have thought? But other nights I think they close by 11 p.m. Union is very much an overpriced touristy type place. I would recommend it to an out of towner, to experience dining at the oldest operating restaurant in the country.
(3)A. D.
Quintessential MA. If I could give it 100 stars, I would. The food is always delicious, the "chowdah" is the bomb, and the whole ambiance of the place is just phenomenal. Whenever I'm in town, I get together with friends here. Being a MA native, this place just embodies "home" for me.
(5)LT B.
From suggestion from a friend who went to BU, we went here to sample clam chowder. She was right....it was the best!!! Our meal came w/ a big piece of corn bread which went perfectly w/ the clam chowder and oyster crackers. We also got the trio of crab, lobster, and fish cakes, which was really good. I like the atmosphere. Apparently it's the "oldest restaurant in America" since 1826. It's a very charming and spacious restaurant with friendly servers. I will definitely come back here if I'm in Boston again.
(5)jenilee p.
alright, union oyster house gets a little bit of a penalty automatically for being a tourist trap, and pre-shelling its oysters when you eat in the dining area. also, if you want good clam chowder, um... you won't have to look too far beyond the union oyster house to get a far tastier appetizer. however, i do have to note a couple things: 1) if you love oysters, skip the dining area. the oyster bar downstairs has a huge amount of history about it, and those shucking the oysters are a pleasure to talk to. the ones at the bar are the only oysters in the restaurant that are not pre-shucked. it's always a great late night venture when you've had a couple beers, want a couple more, and could go for some aphrodisiac goodness. 2) if you're a tourist, or hosting a tourist, and want to see some neat decor, then go ahead and sit in the dining area. it's cool. i won't deny it. paul revere lanterns, and all sorts of colonial themed goodness. i'd best recommend this if you're in town for only a day or two and want to go full out freedom trail theme.
(3)Vanessa r.
Had a fantastic time! Had a big girls night and all the bartenders took care of us! Great place- would absolutely go back!
(5)Alex L.
This was the first restaurant I ate at in Boston when my parents first visited. It was awful. It really was. I don't particularly remember what kind of fish I got, but it was dry and overcooked. It was not a memorably meal at all in a good sense, just a bad sense. I haven't been here in nearly 2 years, but I don't think the quality has improved. My parents recently visited and mistakenly went to this restaurant again and again had crummy food. They say they will remember when they visit next time, but I'm not sure they will, haha. Bottom line... I've gone, I've tried the oldest restaurant in the US, and I was not impressed. I will not return.
(1)Rob A.
Wanted to eat at the restaurant itself, but decided to forgo the wait and foot the oyster bar instead. Supposedly this is one of the oldest restaurants in the US, so it was kinda cool to be a part of the history. Had a bowl of clam chowder, which was GD delicious...Boston folks really know how to make that stuff. Next up was the oysters. I normally don't eat raw oysters, but the ones I had here tasted as fresh as an oyster could be. We also got a 2lb lobster for the hell of it, which turned out to be a good call; never before had I seen a lobster that yielded so much meat. The oyster bartenders were top notch, they seemed like they were having a good time and engaged in amusing banter with the customers. We got a bonus celebrity cameo appearance when Benjamin Franklin came in for a bowl of chowder. I would have liked to converse with him about the bureacratic implications of centralized federal establishment vs. states rights, but I was too busy digging into my lobster. Not a bad little place, rich in history and good seafood. I would be a regular (at least to the oyster bar) if I lived in Boston.
(4)Amy W.
My husband and I dined here with our 16 month old son and my parents. While most of us enjoyed our meals and the lovely atmosphere, my dad's broiled seafood platter contained two of the grayest, toughest, most disgusting scallops any of us have ever seen. Upon showing the waitress (after we'd finished eating everything but the scallops), she said she would show the chef. They dropped the check a few minutes later and nothing more was said about the scallops. Not so much as an apology. I am not one to get worked up and demand anything free, but at the very least someone should have been concerned and apologetic about it. It cast a rather disappointing shadow over the evening.
(2)Andrea C.
I should of paid attention to the reviews. This place was very mediocre. We went for the tourist thing more than anything. We got seated fairly quickly and were quickly served cold cornbread and cold butter from a table next to us. The cornbread was good but it was still cold. For appetizers we had a half dozen of oysters and a bowl of clam chowder. The oysters were good, but it is hard to go wrong with oysters unless they are bad, which these were not. The clam chowder was tasty but not unique. My husband had the AMERICAN BOUILLABAISSE, which was absolutely huge and had almost every type of seafood in it. The best thing we can say about it was that is was huge, you had to wear a bib huge, but it was very very bland. My husband was very disappointed. I had the lobster ravioli which was a good portion as well and it was just mediocre. Nothing really stood out, not the cream sauce nor the ravioli. What made our evening so exciting though was our waitress. She was such a kick, we were really entertained and really enjoyed her. Other than that, we can check off the box for visiting "America's Oldest Restaurant."
(3)Mark M.
Best clam chowda in Boston. If you like seafood, you have to try the Union Oyster House. Located in the heart of historic Boston, just visiting the place is an experience. The Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S. When in Boston, hop in the cah, drive to the Union Oyster House, order and beah and some chowda.
(4)mary b.
Best cherrystone oysters I have had in a long while. Very meaty and big. Tried the clam and lobster roll. Clam was excellent, lobster roll was okay. A must see for it's history and quaint new england decor and charm. The side dishes of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes were delivious but came out cold. I must say the service was not the most attentive either but it was a saturday afternoon and packed with tourists. Not that busy though.
(3)Eric And Sara D.
I give this place five stars because this is what Boston Seafood is all about. The place has been serving oysters before gasoline was invented. This place is perfect for showing out of towners what Boston is about, and that is, Seafood. I took my lovely to this place on a fall saturday a few weeks ago. I waited for a seat at the "Oyster Bar" where Daniel Webster sat 100 years ago to eat oysters and drink Brandy. Now besides all the history, this place has the freshest seafood there is. I had 3 dozen oysters with the Missus and fresh Harpoon IPA from the tap, I was in heaven! This is a seafood dream with Boston history wrapped around it. I highly recommend this place and it is even great in the middle of winter to watch some football and kick back.
(5)Walt N.
Kind of a tourist trap on a very loud, crowded street just north of Quincy Market. We went expecting a "foodie" place with a large selection of oysters, so were somewhat disappointed to find a fairly standard pub with just one type. The oysters were fine, though.
(2)K C.
Steamers=okay, oysters=left over from when Daniel Webster ate here. Go for the history and the ambience but not for the shellfish.
(2)Kim K.
We went for lunch on a recent Saturday. Had a reservation which was good because there was a wait. They bring cornbread to the table, and I thought if this was any indication of their cuisine then we were in for a nice meal. The cornbread was slightly sweet and moist...yummy! I ordered the clam chowder and it was delicious. Things were going pretty good, and I had high hopes for the entrees. I ordered the seafood pie. It was "featured" in a box on the menu so I thought it must be a specialty of the house. It was almost inedible! The mashed potato "crust" was bland and there was very little seafood in the dish. My husband had the fried seafood platter and was happy with it. All in all, we thought it was overpriced and you are paying for the experience of dining in the oldest restaurant in the country. We sat next to the Kennedy Table where JFK liked to dine. That was pretty cool. If you want to experience some history, then this restaurant is fine. I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 2 because of this. Just don't expect really good food.
(3)Lily T.
I recently came here to celebrate a scholastic achievement with my family (a party of 3). We came for lunch on a weekday, and the place didn't seem very busy. We were greeted by a host who could not be bothered to get up to show us to our table. She nodded her chin towards a booth and we made our way there. The booth looked cozy enough, and boy was it cozy. I guess it's a certain ambiance they're trying to put forward, but the table was about an inch from my body. The waitress did not greet us for 18 minutes (I happened to glance at my watch when we sat down because I was wondering why there were so few people here during what I assumed would be the lunch rush). When she did greet us, she took drink orders and ran away, despite our pleas that were in fact ready to order our meal. We ordered our food, and they came out more or less as expected. The fisherman's platter, fried clams, and a salad with some seafood cakes (crab cakes and lobster cakes from what I gathered). The fried food was over-battered and lukewarm by the time it arrived at our table. The seafood cakes that came with the salad looked like, and tasted like, they had been placed into the oven after being taken out of a box at your local grocery store's frozen foods section. The most fun little surprise came when we got our bill. This restaurant does not give patrons complementary refills on fountain sodas. Between the three of us, we had maybe 7 or 8 Diet Cokes. The charge was something like $2 for each one. Now, I can understand restaurants not giving complementary refills. No one is entitled a refill, fine. But the drinks we got were entirely ice and contained maybe 3 ounces of actual soda (and I'm being generous here). Seriously, $2 for 3 ounces of soda from a fountain, which probably cost the restaurant less than $0.03. And it's not like they made up for it by having a reasonably priced menu either. Other restaurants also happen to be nice enough to tell their customers that there are no complementary refills since, being in America, they understand that that is what the norm is in the US. Apparently, being the oldest restaurant in America does not clue them in to American restaurant norms. We came out of there vowing to never go again. Everything about it seems like they were trying to nickel and dime their patrons. They can save on seafood by making the dishes mostly batter! They can cram more people by shoving everyone together! They can have a higher operating margin by charging ridiculous prices for 3 ounces of soda! In the end, we tipped the waitress about 15% because she wasn't very good (20%-25% is my standard usually), but it would've been much less if we wanted to blame her for the restaurant's pricing policies (but I know, I know, that'd be unfair...). DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE. If you're in the mood for seafood, McCormick and Schmick's (which also has a delightful happy hour) is near there, or better yet, go to Legal Seafoods. The prices are comparable, and you'll DEFINITELY get better food, better service, and not feel like the restaurant is trying to nickel and dime every penny out of its customers. STAY AWAY!!!
(1)Eric F.
-Relative to Neptune and Island Creek, all the raw seafood here (shrimp cocktail, oysters, clams) is seriously sub-par...I'd hesitate to even come here for the $1 oysters. -The most uncomfortable booth I've ever had the displeasure of sitting in. The seat
(1)Emily L.
What a great place, full of history and character. We came during the slow period between lunch and dinner and snagged seats at the famous half-round marble bar. The stools were uncomfortable, but the place is hundreds of years old, and their delicious food more than made up for it. We started with oysters, obviously -- with fresh lemon and hot sauce, although they were also delicious plain, as they were fresh and local (from New Brunswick, Connecticut and Massachusetts.) We shared a dozen but could easily have eaten twice that many each, they were that delicious! Instead we moved on to clam chowder, which was just as revelatory -- creamy with chunks of potato and bacon, served with hot and slightly-sweet cornbread and butter. Oh my. Someday I would love to return for a full meal of mussels and lobster salad, but I have to say, sitting at the bar and chatting with the hardworking shuckers was pretty awesome anyway.
(4)Nick L.
My first and only official "New England Clam Chowder." Delicious and creamy and filling. Great cornbread too. Tried the Boston Baked Beans (when in Boston) and was pleased but not wowed. Skip on those next time and grab a Sam Adams instead!
(5)J C.
My wife and I had fun here. Super touristy but that was expected considering where its at, and i think its the old continuously operating eatery in north america? Oysters were decent, but I dont know how you eff up an oyster. The oyster bar dude was fun, attentive, and full of information. We sat next to a fella from mexico city that reminded me of he actor Manuel Ojeda which made for interesting conversation. I would say it is overpriced.
(3)