Eat Up! – Union Oyster House in Boston, Massachusetts

The Boston dining scene resembles that of San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, which is to say, it’s as exciting as the city itself. From succulent, salty oysters to New England clam chowder to the trademark baked beans, Boston is a town that does its own food its own way, and we’ve got a fun place to get it.

The Union Oyster House on Union Street is not only a fine place to sample the signature foods of Boston – oysters on the half shell, fish chowder, fried clams, lobster boils, scrod – it’s also one of Beantown’s most enduring historical attractions. The Oyster House stakes claim as the oldest operating restaurant in America, having served hungry customers continuously since first opening in 1826.

To give that date some perspective, when the Union Oyster House first opened its doors, there were only 24 states, John Quincy Adams was president and cows were allowed to graze the Boston Common. Incredibly, ownership of the restaurant has only changed hands twice since the beginning, further solidifying the Oyster House as a celebrated Boston landmark and attraction.

With older restaurants, especially older New England restaurants, tends to come a noteworthy clientele, and the Union Oyster House is no different. The last king of France, Louis-Phillip, actually lived above the restaurant for many years while in exile from his home country. This was before he was king, by the way. American statesman Daniel Webster is said to have been a rather glutinous fan of the famous oyster bar, and several members of the Kennedy family, proud Bostonians that they are, have professed love for the place.

You may not spy a famous face when you visit, but you will have a delicious plate of traditional Boston cuisine at prices that … well, they aren’t too outrageous, as seafood goes. See the menu.

The Union Oyster House is located on Union Street on the Freedom Walking Trail, about one block from Faneuil Hall. They are open every day. Learn more.

Well-located to the Boston Common and start of the Freedom Walking Trail, the Holiday Inn Boston Hotel at Beacon Hill is a consistent favorite among hotels in Boston, Massachusetts. We recommend it.

Fun Fact: Because being the oldest restaurant wasn’t cool enough, the Union Oyster House claims to have popularized the use of toothpicks in America.

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