Union Oyster House: Experience Boston’s Historic Seafood Gem

I'm thrilled my 100th review is for this iconic Boston landmark. Our server was amazing as we shared stories of favorite local haunts for sushi and where one could find a moderately priced lobster roll. $45 mkt price for a 4 ounce roll is wild. Duxbury oysters stole the show tonight. Since it was a quiet night we were given free reign to roam amd explore. Very cool history and worth stopping to get something shocked at the oyster bar.

Ok, Union Oyster House is a bit touristy; I will give you that. But there is a reason this is America’s oldest continuous running restaurant. They put out solid food, and the prices are not outrageous. We started with the oysters, which were probably the highlight of the evening. They were extremely tasty. The clam chowder was solid, but not the best I’ve had. The lobster mac and cheese came out nuclear hot and the lobster was plentiful, but over cooked and rubbery. Our other dishes were good. Service was quick, but some of the staff were seen to be arguing and publicly training new people in front of guests. This is unacceptable. The atmosphere was fun, and the booths promised plenty of history and relatively private places to converse during the meal. Is this the best seafood in Boston? No. But the history gives them a rating of 4 (it would have been three otherwise).

The oysters and clams were extremely fresh – truly top-notch. The lobster roll was tasty and worth trying, especially with the chilled lobster paired with the warm, toasted bun. That said, I felt it could use a bit more sauce to really bring out the flavors. Also, at $43.95, the lobster roll is quite expensive for the portion. The beer was crisp and refreshing, with a unique fresh “crunchy” taste. This is America’s oldest restaurant, and the atmosphere really reflects its history. The servers wore traditional outfits, which added a nice touch. I can imagine the service might be less attentive when it’s crowded, but since we came around 3:00 PM when it wasn’t too busy, the service was fine. Overall, a good experience and worth visiting at least once for the history and freshness.

We tried both the hot and cold lobster rolls, both were pretty good. The espresso martini was good as well, and staff were very nice. I think it’s a bit overpriced but I would reccomend overall!

What a great historical spot and Happy 200th anniversary. Stopped in by myself on a Friday night without a reservation and snagged a seat at the oyster bar. Started of with a Fiddlehead IPA and the lobster roll sandwich. Market Price was listed for the roll and it turned out to be $43.95. All in all, it was a great meal. Loved the historical background. Definitely a stop if you are looking for the historical spots ib Boston.

The Union Oyster House is a must-visit for anyone in Boston! As one of the oldest restaurants in the country, it perfectly blends history with exceptional seafood. The oyster selection is fresh and varied, and the clam chowder is rich and flavorful—truly some of the best in the city. The atmosphere is charmingly historic, with cozy booths and a warm, inviting vibe. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. A true Boston classic that never disappoints!

Our recent visit to the Union Oyster House proved to be a highly gratifying experience for my family and me. The raw oysters, in particular, were among the most exceptional I have ever encountered. The entrees we selected were expertly prepared and notably fresh. The clam chowder was also outstanding. Our server, whose name regrettably eludes me, provided exemplary service; I do recall he was from North Carolina. The restaurant's historical ambiance contributed significantly to a delightful atmosphere. I would certainly consider returning should future travel bring me to Boston.

I ordered the fried haddock and it completely blew me away. The coating was light and shatteringly crisp, letting the fish itself shine and the fish was unbelievably fresh and flavorful. Honestly, it may have been the best piece of fish I’ve ever had. I also tried a bowl of chowder, which was comforting and well done, the perfect addition to the meal. Dining at Union Oyster House felt like stepping into a piece of history, and the food absolutely lived up to its legendary reputation. If you’re in Boston and love seafood, this place isn’t just a suggestion it’s a must.