Love, love, love this place! Union Oyster House more than a restaurant! Dining here felt like stepping back in time to the early 1800s. We were seated upstairs, with the high back wooden booths, exposed beams and old gas lamps created such an immersive and charming atmosphere. For our lunch, we ordered Sam Adams beers, the fried butterfly shrimp, and the fish and chips. Everything was absolutely delicious, and we cleaned our plates down to the last crumb! Our server was very pleasant and knowledgeable, we felt the entire staff was warm and welcoming. After our meal, we explored the other dining rooms and the small art exhibition area as well. This place is a mustttt go. read more

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Came here about 3 years ago with 2 of my 1st cousins, just realized I had never left a review. We were seated right next to JFK's table upstairs. I had to come here after finding out that UOH has been in continuous business since 1826, 200 years this year, the oldest restaurant in the USA. Such history everywhere you look! We didn't have reservations, but were seated quickly. We started with one dozen oysters, fresh and delicious. The clam chowder was some of the best ever, we all really enjoyed the calamari, very tender and tasty. I had the shrimp and scallops entree, yummy, my guests the seafood platter, and the grilled salmon. Everything was perfectly prepared and oh so good. We finished sharing the triple chocolate mousse tort, wow. Next time in New England, we'll be back for certain! read more

Starting part 2 of my America 250 series, which highlights businesses started in the US especially highlighting milestone years of 1826 (50) & 1976 (200) and will include various other picks in the 20th century. In terms of restaurants, any restaurant that started before the 1920's is almost non-exist today, or it's just 1 location and not in my suburban neck of the woods where I live in Maryland. Union Oyster House started in 1826, the 50th year anniversary of the US. I visited Boston in July 2014. I walked by here on the 4th of July that year, and I actually ate here on July 5, 2014. I remember I was very impressed with delicious seafood, and service was good. read more

Union Oyster House - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The oldest continuously running restaurant in the US. We were intrigued to try it out for a dinner with coworkers. It's got a lot of seating, but the seating is pretty cramped. I love the decor since a lot of the wall covers tell so much history. My seat was a little wobbly so it added to the old feel . Our waitress was really nice and attentive. Food came out pretty fast. I got the clam chowder soup and the lobster ravioli. I really liked the clam chowder but the ravioli was just ok as I could barely taste the lobster since there wasn't much. I should've just gone with the catch of the day dish, which was haddock. For dessert I got apple cobbler with ice cream and it was good. The cobbler was warm and it went well with the ice cream. My coworker let me try some of his and it tasted so good.. The prices were actually pretty reasonable. Now I can say I've been there. read more

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The food here is great! I know this is a tourist hot spot. I can see why. My recommendation is to go early in the evening. We put our name in before 5pm and sat about 20 minutes later. When we left, there was a long wait. They serve everyone a nice size piece of cornbread. There are also oyster crackers on the table. I truly enjoyed the French onion soup. I actually wish the temperature was a little bit hotter for the soup. We also got the lobster casserole and the crabcakes. Both were tasty. The lobster casserole had large pieces of lobster. read more

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Recommended by a local friend. We ordered oysters and clam chowder as appetizers. We also ordered lobster roll, Ye olde seafood platter, crab cake, mussels and fried clam sandwich and raspberry sorbet for dessert. The oysters were the best of all choices. Very fresh. All other items were aceptable. To improve: customer service. It was very hot and we were offered outside table with no shade. If we wanted inside it was going to be a 1 hour wait so we took it. There was a very long wait between the oysters and clam chowder to get the entrees. It was so long that we forgot to take the pics of the entrees. In that wait, went to restrooms and found 2 tables available without reserved sign and asked about them but they say we can't seat there. At the end the waitress suggested to go inside to look around and oh surprise there was a second floor with several tables (not considering 3rd floor which was closed) read more

Union Oyster House - Freshly Shucked Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Stopped in here for a late night bite to eat, recapping the foods that we tried earlier in the day. We both got a cup of Clam Chowder and a hot lobster roll. It hit the spot at 10pm right before they closed! read more

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Is this place historic? YES! Seeing the Kennedy booth cool? YES! Is it worth stopping to eat at? I do not think so. This was a solid meal during our trek through the Freedom Trail and it left me wishing we just checked it out and ate elsewhere. The cornbread was unexpected to start and I love cornbread; yet it was drier than I would have liked. The clam chowder was the best part and even then, was my least favorite in the city of Boston. The oysters gave me the ick and I genuinely couldn't hold them down and the Sam Adams beer was perfectly fine. Did it get me calories to continue down the trail? Yes. Our server was fantastic and she made sure we had everything. Probably wouldn't come back again. read more

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This was our first stop during a walking food tour and it was a great way to start our food adventure. Restaurant is super busy but our guide had a reservation so we were sitting away from the crowd in our own area. Although the restaurant was loud and somewhat hectic during lunch time but our area was quiet. We ordered some oysters that were fantastic!!! We continued with clam chowder and corn bread that were also great. Our server was very friendly and accommodating to different needs in our group. I'd love to come back to this restaurant to try other things on their menu. read more

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While visiting Boston, I made a stop at Union Oyster House for the experience and overall, it was a good one. I tried the clam chowder and the Ye Olde Seafood Platter. The chowder was warm, creamy, and comforting, and the platter was enjoyable with a nice variety of seafood. Everything was cooked well and definitely satisfying, especially as a visitor wanting to try a historic spot. That said, while I enjoyed it, it probably wouldn't be my go-to seafood spot if I lived in or regularly visited Boston. There are just so many options in the city. However... I do feel like I need to come back and try the oysters, it only feels right given the name and history of the place. Overall, a solid experience, especially if you're visiting and want to check out a Boston classic. read more

Union Oyster House - Ye Olde Seafood Platter - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Yes, I like to do "touristy" things. This is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. My guy and I both love oysters, so why not? The service was polite and expedient. Thank you, Anna. We both had clam chowder, oysters, and Chardonnay. All was delicious (though the chowder was a bit cold). The ambiance was dark and old where we sat, but in a good way. It almost felt like a staged pub in Universal Studios. There was also outdoor seating. On the whole, a terrific experience. read more

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Steeped in history, this 200-year old restaurant wreaks with raw charm. It is a fairly large restaurant with many unique dining areas. I sat at one of the bars for dinner. Started with a UOH exclusive beer from Sam Adams - the Colonial Ale. What a fantastic ale and it was the highlight for me from this visit. I will be back just to drink more of this incredible, authentic, colonial period recipe. For dinner I went with Ye Olde Seafood Platter. Wishing I would've went with the cold seafood platter as I was not an overall fan of the fried version. I didn't care for the breading and the seafood didn't stand out - this dish was just a miss for me. I would definitely try some raw seafood on my next visit. Service from the bartender was great during my visit. Prices are on the high side, especially the drinks. read more

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Really don't get why the reviews for this classic place are so mixed. I thought the service was fantastic. The decor is nostalgic and unique. And the food was soooo good! We started with some super fresh raw oysters on the half shell and they did not disappoint one bit. So fresh and perfectly shucked. Then we had a cup of Clam Chowder which was filling and chock full of yumminess. Then I had the lobster Mac and cheese that had huge chunks of lobster with creamy cheese and yummy fries to dip into the cheese. So good. Sure it's a little pricey for the lobster dishes but lobster is expensive everywhere in Boston. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. It's the oldest running restaurant in the USA. Why in the world wouldn't you give it a try and decide for yourself? I give this place two very big thumbs up! read more

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Jane or Janie was our server and she was the best! Super nice to me and my daughters, chatting when we wanted but giving us space when eating. The warm complimentary cornbread was sweet and dense, a great welcome on a cold day The clam chowder tastes great but had less clam and potatoes chunks than others we have tried in Boston. The Boston baked beans were great, not too sweet. The main setback was the catch of the day was haddock (standard fish for fish and chips) which I got with a side of mashed potatoes and for $31 the fish was pretty small. I would expect that if it was a better quality fish. We topped it off with Boston Crème Pie to have a full on tourist meal and it was delicious. Everything except the haddock was a great portion for the price. read more

Union Oyster House - Catch of the Day, Haddock - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

OMG this place is magnificent! Waiter Andre was excellent and so friendly! He continued to inquire our needs or if there was anything he could provide, well he has my vote for employee of the day, of the month and the YEAR!! Now the food was extraordinary delicious, I absolutely loved the Shrimp scampi! The welcoming was also very nice, yet the seating accommodation was a bit confusing as you walk in. Yet come and be treated as family and dear friends. Great job Union Oyster House I absolutely loved my first visit (hopefully not my last). read more

Union Oyster House - Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops, Shrimp Scampi - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

My husband was dying to stop here as we were walking around Boston and so glad we did! The staff were super friendly and we found a seat at the bar to grab a drink and an app. We got oysters which were incredible and a clam chowder that came with corn bread which was delicious and kept us going for more walking around the city. read more

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When planning my trip to Boston, seafood was at the very top of my list. I came ready to experience a true New England feast, so I decided to order a little bit of everything that caught my eye: clam chowder, a cold lobster roll (their recommendation), lobster ravioli, mussels, a half dozen oysters, and fried cod. From the moment we sat down, they welcomed us with a piece of cornbread--and that was a great start. The cornbread was warm, moist, and flavorful. I really enjoyed it. The clam chowder was just as satisfying--creamy, rich, and comforting exactly how you hope it will be in Boston. Bonus: they'll even give you the recipe if you ask, which is a really nice touch. The lobster ravioli was a pleasant surprise. The pasta was tender, and the filling had a nice lobster flavor without being overpowering. The sauce complemented it well and made it feel like a solid, well-balanced dish. It wasn't the standout of the night, but it was definitely enjoyable and worth trying. The lobster roll, however, was a bit of a letdown. It was smaller than I expected and, in my opinion, not worth the price. The oysters were also on the smaller side--very flat--but they were fresh and tasty. On a more positive note, the mussels were absolutely delicious. You get a generous portion at a good price, and they were flavorful and filling. The fried cod was good--solid and enjoyable--but nothing particularly special. Overall, I came expecting a Boston home run on the food, and I'd say I got a solid double. That said, the atmosphere and history of this place are unmatched. This is Union Oyster House--recognized as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. Multiple U.S. Presidents have dined here, including John F. Kennedy, who was known to frequent the upstairs booth that still bears his name. The look, the feel, and the historic charm add something special to the overall experience. So while the food didn't completely knock it out of the park, the history and ambiance make it a memorable stop in Boston. If you're looking to soak in tradition and enjoy classic seafood in a place full of American history, it's worth the visit. read more

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Touristy but classic spot near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Cool old building with tight spaces and stairways. Menu is as you'd expect: oysters and other shellfish and seafood, with a few non fish dishes for the carnivores. Attentive service -- we were about as far away from the kitchen (top floor, back in a corner) and were well taken care of. Not surprisingly, the food was only fair...but it's about the experience -- you don't expect a five star Michelin quality meal here. Nice bar, too. read more

Food A+, Service A+++, ambiance - ALWAYS THE BEST!! No change since last visit 10 years ago and that's IMPRESSIVE... except no more Indian Pudding read more

Such a good spot! We stopped here on our way walking the freedom trail and it was the perfect little break. We ordered a warm lobster roll and crab cakes. They give you cornbread as soon as you sit down and everything we had was delicious! Our waiter was super friendly and attentive to anything we needed. The restaurant was big and had two different bars to sit at. Also a lot of cool decorations! read more

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Americas oldest restaurant, established in 1826 this antique building is stepping through Boston's infamous history, oh if these walls could talk! We sat in booth 18, which is noted to be JFK's favorite seat, we were seated upstairs which was very dimly lit and difficult to see. I was disappointed in the portion sizes of the food especially given the price. For a $34 broild fish dinner you are given the option of one side, we left hungry. I ordered a bowl of chowder which was more like a cup size, it was luke warm and not many clams at all. I was pretty disappointed in the visit and had high hopes or this famous restaurant. For the prices they charge, I expected better. read more

Union Oyster House - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

While walking along the Freedom Trail my senses were suddenly accosted by a familiar aroma - Chowda! After the walking tour (highly recommended, btw), we meandered our way back to Union St. It was a short wait, then we were escorted to one of their modest booths - probably sized for diners in 1800's - but it was nice and cozy- like home. Started with raw oysters - smallish, but the perfect app. Next, we had the basque mussels - which were juicy and perfect. Our main course was the chowder - which was superb, dreamy and the (food) highlight of our Boston weekend. Our server, Linda, was charming and friendly. The oyster bar and lobster tank upfront hits you like a warm embrace. Seemed like everything was there for a reason, as were we. The UOH is an absolute gem. read more

Very popular eatery we visited after our Duck Tour in Boston for lunch. I had read about Yelp Elite's review by Peter N. and added it to my Boston Collection. Signs posted in and out of the restaurant as the oldest running restaurant. Even the Duck Tour narrator mentioned it and pointed it out. Several buildings in the neighborhood were around from the 1600s. I was doing my typical Yelper thing taking photos from where we were seated. A pretty lady approached me and whispered Don't forget to check out their 2 nd floor, it has Kennedy's booth. Curiosity got the better of me and I told hubs I'm going to check it out before our food came. I have a fear of heights and stairs are not my friend but history and intrigue guided me upwards. I saw a sign posted saying Loft another floor up. I didn't know if it was okay to go up further. Like a horse drawn to a bribing carrot I gingerly climbed higher to be rewarded with bits of history up there. After taking my photos, going down the stairs was scarier for me cuz it was kinda rickety being several centuries old. Very grateful that the other customer noticed my interest and told me to explore. History, pseudo time travel back in time, very cool! Back to our table, my delicious French onion soup was waiting for me. read more

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Union Oyster House is a famous Boston institution. Does it have the best raw oysters I've ever had? No. Do you still absolutely need to go and experience it for yourself? Yes! Make friends with the bartenders, throw back some beers, eat a few stuffed clams, and have a grand ole time. read more

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I've been wanting to try this place for a long time as it has a reputation in Boston. I'll be honest, after years of waiting to try this place--I wasn't that impressed. The inside is full of charm and that alone gives this a couple of bonus points. The menu is classic, seafood options and such. But my boyfriend and I decided to just do clam chowders and drinks. The chowder itself was okay, I've had better at a lower price. The drink was okay too. I got the Boston Tea Party which I didn't care for but wanted to try. Although I wasn't blown away, I still had a good time. And I can still say I've been to America's Oldest Restaurant, so I'll take that as a win. What we Ordered: 2 BOWL CLAM CHOWDER 1 SUN CRUISER 1 BOSTON TEA PARTY Price: Paid more than a meal for just apps and drinks....YIKES read more

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Super mid tourist attraction building is very cool and the history behind it is quite interesting, but the food is very unflavored and overpriced. read more

This was on my places to try since it is one of America's oldest restaurants! We sat on a top floor which looks and feels like you went back in time for a bit. We stopped for lunch and ordered the oyster house clam chowder, the homemade lump crab cakes, a side salad and the charbroiled burger. Everything was fresh and tasty. You get a side of corn bread with butter and it is a nice sweet touch. If you get the chance, give them a try. read more

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What a great evening held at the UNION OYSTER HOUSE last night for HOMECOMING for MISS CHINESE CHAMBER of COMMERCE "LAUREN XU". That was held on the second floor of this Historic Restaurant which is Celebrating 200 Years! This iconic spot was the backdrop of this Political Star Studded Event that packed the room with WELL WISHERS and Friends and family! Lauren Xu (23) a Harvard Graduate and US PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR was Crowned Miss Chinese Boston on October 5, 2025. It brought out all that wanted to Congratulate Lauren Xu for Winning Miss Chinese Chambers of Commerce & FIRST PRINCESS at Miss Chinatown USA 2026 in San Francisco! The Union Oyster House had prepared an array of Appetizers such as Stuffed Clam Shells, Croquets, Meat Balls and their Prize Winning New England Clam Chowder with Hot Corn Bread and Oyster Crackers! The sit down dinner had a choice of Fresh White Fish, Glazed Baby Carrots and whipped Mashed Potatoes, also Chicken entree was also served! Dessert was a huge Sheet Cake for Lauren and the Festivities continued with several Speeches like Bostons own ED FLYNN City Councilman 2nd District, who was extremely supportive and generous to all who attended, other Speakers such as Quincy's Own First Time Elected School Committee Member TOM LEUNG, Actress TINA CARUSO, can be seen in the Series "LOVE on the SPECTRUM " on NETFLIX! There were so many Notable speakers and guests such as Middlesex District Attorney MARIAN RYAN in attendance! Lauren Xu was Presented from MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with a Congratulatory Citation signed by Speaker of the House RONALD J. MARIANO. The Support from the City's Political landscape was amazing and to have this Event at this location was much more exciting! The Staff could not have been any more attentive and helpful! The Staff truly made all of us feel welcomed! I will definitely have to visit very soon to Celebrate its 200th year! Location is perfect and there are so much visual artifacts throughout this Beloved Restaurant! If your from Massachusetts or not, do not pass this restaurant up! Food plus the oyster bar is a must Visit stop! Many Best Wishes for LAUREN XU IN THE FUTURE! We are all very Proud! read more

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The entire building was historic and old timey. It's right off the Freedom Trail and very easy to find. The menu is tried and true classics. If you're looking for nouveau cuisine this is not for you. The seafood was very good quality. Portion size respectable. The seasoning on point. Our server was very friendly. All in all a good tourist destination. I did say tourist so the prices a tad high. But I would still recommend if you're visiting Boston. read more

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I LOVED my experience here! My husband and I sat at the bar for my birthday and the bartender was super friendly! I told him we were in the city for my birthday and needed food recommendations and he helped me pick out something that they've had on the menu for decades that was light enough to not ruin my appetite but full of flavor - the French onion soup and it was tried and true! I loved the inside if the bar too, it was like I was sitting in history! read more

Union Oyster House - Oyster House Clam Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The oldest continuously running restaurant in the United States is this establishment's story. It has plenty of history and you can feel the historic ambiance. Restaurant is just above dimly lit. Some of the seating and stairs up to the second floor can be tight. Service was friendly and attentive. Still required a short wait despite having reservations. Oysters - Seemed like there was a very limited menu of oysters available. Had a sampler of a few they had. Most seemed to be on the smaller side. Lobster Roll - Opted for the hot buttered lobster roll. Lobster was good with the butter. A few pieces seemed to have been cooked a bit more towards chewy. Good roll/bread. Ye Olde Seafood Platter - A completely fried platter of various seafood items. The clams tasted great and had a reasonable chew to it. Fish was the best part of the plate, though it only came with one piece. Shrimp was a bit tough, but still good. Oysters were just okay. Calamari tasted good, but also cooked towards chewy. Onion rings were not awesome because the breading came off easily and the onion itself tasted stale/dry despite being on the thinner side. Fried items all lacked seasoning. Would advise avoiding this dish. Carrots - Slighty glazed carrots. Cooked till they were soft. These were okay, but can easily be skipped. Beans - Beans were good, just a tinge above what you could easily score from a typical can of Boston baked beans. Corn Bread - Wildly, in my opinion this was one of the best things I had at the establishment and it was complimentary. The corn bread had flavor, though a bit dry and easily remedied with some butter. All in all, most people are probably dining here for the historic value of the restaurant. There's plenty of options for seafood in the area at more reasonable prices and better prep/delivery. This is a one and done type of restaurant. read more

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The Union Oyster House is a true Boston classic--and for good reason. As the oldest restaurant in America, it carries a lot of history, yet the food still feels fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor. We started with the baked beans, which were rich, hearty, and packed with that old-school New England comfort. The clam chowder was creamy, perfectly seasoned, and easily one of the best I've had in the city. For something chilled and briny, the seafood platter was spot on--plump shrimp, fresh clams, and oysters that tasted like they'd just been pulled from the harbor. The grilled Atlantic salmon was delicious, though I'll admit the pilaf-style rice isn't my personal favorite--I prefer traditional Asian-style rice, having grown up in Hawaii. Still, the fish itself was perfectly done and the pilaf was one of the better ones I've had. The real standout, though, was the sautéed shrimp and sea scallops in the sun-dried tomato cream sauce. The seafood was tender and perfectly cooked, and the sauce was indulgent without being too heavy--a dish I'll be thinking about long after the meal. Pair all that with the historic setting, the inviting atmosphere, and genuinely warm service, and it's an easy 5 stars. A must-visit in Boston, whether you're here for the history, the seafood, or both. read more

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Stopped by Union Oyster House during my trip to Boston, and honestly, the lobster roll alone made it worth the visit. I went with their classic version, and it was everything you want in a lobster roll--fresh, sweet chunks of lobster, lightly dressed, and piled high on a buttery roll. Simple, super tasty, and very "Boston." Definitely one of those meals where you take a bite and immediately go, "Yep... this is the good stuff." The vibe of the place is cozy and old‑school in the best way. You can feel the history as soon as you walk in, but it still feels welcoming and relaxed. The staff was friendly, quick, and made the whole experience easygoing. If you're visiting Boston and want a no‑nonsense, delicious lobster roll in a classic setting, this is a great stop. I'd happily go back just for another one. read more

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I always debate visiting Union Oyster House and then based on the reviews go elsewhere. We finally decided to bite the bullet and eat there. It was exactly as described, not the worst, but not the best. I think it has so much potential, but the food is just ok and there's an overall odd vibe. Staff sorta goes through the motions, the decor seems off and at the end you're glad you tried it, but know you won't be back again. read more

Service was on top of it checking in on us regularly. The place was nice and quaint some of the booths were tiny but old country feel and vibe. Everyone was super friendly the food was super fresh and tasty. The cornbread was an unexpected tasty extra. Highly recommend. read more

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The bottom line: 3.75 stars for ok sea food, kitschy but historic decor, slow service, and high price. Despite being the oldest continually operating restaurant (in the country I think) the updates have led to a bit of a modern mediocrity and money grabber. The fried oysters were decent and the fries were actually great, but were definitely from a mass vendor and cooked well. The sliders and hot dog were fine, but something you could probably get in a cafeteria. The service was slow and seemed discombobulated despite there being few patrons. The tartar sauce we asked for came after we had finished our meal. Glad it was open to feed us, but would not rush back. read more

Union Oyster House - Fried Oyster Roll Lunch - Seafood Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Visited Union Oyster House based on recommendations from local coworkers and the usual "must-try" hype on TikTok. We came in around 8pm and they close at 9, so it was nice that they still seated us without rushing. I went with the waiter's recommendation--the sautéed scallop and shrimp over rice. He suggested getting it with pasta, but we had just come from lobster rolls and weren't super hungry. Unfortunately, the dish felt overpriced for what it was. The sauce leaned too tangy and salty, without much seafood umami, and I found myself wishing it had a sweeter, curry-like profile. The rice was good, though I can see how pasta would've paired better. My friend ordered the grilled butterfly shrimp expecting large, opened-up pieces, but they came out more standard in size. Still tasty and meaty, just nothing standout. Overall, glad we tried it for the experience, but the flavors didn't quite live up to the hype for us. read more

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This place is a classic for a reason! If you're looking for a taste of history alongside a truly satisfying meal, this oyster bar is a must-visit. The oysters were incredibly fresh--bright, briny, and perfectly shucked. They were a genuine treat and exactly what you hope for from a spot like this. But the real showstopper was the clam chowder. It's easily one of the best I've ever had rich, creamy, and absolutely loaded with tender clams. The atmosphere has a wonderful historic charm that makes the whole experience special. Highly recommend for the fresh seafood and the unbeatable chowder! With a side of warm corn bread. Stanley and Meaghan were amazing! Provided great service and made me feel welcomed! read more

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Heard great things so while on vacation we had to try it out. Cozy place and empty at lunch time. We made a reservation just in case. We were seated on 2 nd floor. Server was great and offered suggestions. We both had the clam chowder and split the crab cakes and sampler. They do it right! read more

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Great food and amazing history. They are celebrating their 200 anniversary. Every thing was delicious, we had the lobster roll, lobster Mac and cheese and the clam chowder. So good and we will return next time we are in town. read more