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Union Oyster House Reviews List
Union Oyster House
The Union Oyster House, located on the Freedom Trail, near Faneuil Hall, enjoys the unique distinction of being America's oldest restaurant. The Boston fixture, housed in a building dating back to pre-revolutionary days, started serving food in 1826 and has continued ever since with the stalls and oyster bar, where Daniel Webster was a constant customer, in their original positions.
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353 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 353 reviews
5 stars
(114)
4 stars
(142)
3 stars
(63)
2 stars
(24)
1 star
(10)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(162)
- special occasion(101)
- good for groups(86)
- fit for foodies(83)
- hot spot(78)
- kid-friendly(59)
Union Oyster House Reviews List
Review 1 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Historic eating house
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was served quickly and the waiter was friendly, we had booked but still had to wait in the bar for 30mins. The food was ok but I have eaten at better seafood restaurants, I know they sell it on the 'old charm' but they need the whole package."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Not quite 5 Star
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Elegant restaurant, with lots of rich history. Food was a little lacking in quality. Ordered calamari for an appetizer, and the plate was more than 50% full of the tentacles.
They were out of Steamers, so that took away the boiled dinner with Steamers & Lobster, so I settled on Lobster Scampi. Unfortunately the lobster had been cooked a minute or two to long so it was a little tougher than it needed to be.
I still would highly recommend this as a take in for the tourist and those who have not been there before.
The waitress was very lively, and always kept the beverages full."
They were out of Steamers, so that took away the boiled dinner with Steamers & Lobster, so I settled on Lobster Scampi. Unfortunately the lobster had been cooked a minute or two to long so it was a little tougher than it needed to be.
I still would highly recommend this as a take in for the tourist and those who have not been there before.
The waitress was very lively, and always kept the beverages full."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 3 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Oysters
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Should be on every bodies bucket list"
Dined on 6/15/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 4 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great, as always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place can be thought of as a tourist trap due to it's location but the food is truly great so even locals should go."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The Curate's Egg
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good in parts. Organization excellent, bar excellent, Oysters excellent, service excellent, wine good (the only French wine on the list I was shown). The problem was the FISH: the sole which both my wife and I had was ruined by the cooks - the worst piece of sole I've had in 50 years - slathered unnecessarily with bread crumbs and utterly tasteless. Atmosphere was grand though and our guests enjoyed the experience."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
good food, cool history
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to the Union purely for the history of the place.
The food is good and the service is good.
We ordered the Shore dinner and the Lazy Man Lobster. Both were good.
Sorry to say, nothing was great and stood out as "must do or have". But a good restaurant."
Dined on 6/07/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 7 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Union Oyster House--history & fish
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The main draws of the Union Oyster House are the wonderful, old, historic restaurant itself and the fresh and tender fish. We had swordfish and salmon, and this was the highlight of our dinner. The vegetables were fine, but not creative, and the clam chowder was good (but not outstanding) and was not completely hot when it arrived. The staff was very competent, but our server seemed tired. Nonetheless, the atmosphere at this historic restaurant is bustling and fun, and the decor adds to the whole Revolutionary War spirit. My mother took me to this restaurant 30 years ago, and I was glad that I also took my daughter here, even though the quality seemed to have slipped somewhat."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 8 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
good for dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"food is good, and atomosphere is very good."
Dined on 6/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 9 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loved this restaurant. I went here with my family Tuesday night, and we all had good food. Loved the atmosphere. Our server was super nice, friendly and helpful with travel information.
We did not order wine, and we did not sit at the bar so I can't comment on that. But all our food was fabulous! :)"
We did not order wine, and we did not sit at the bar so I can't comment on that. But all our food was fabulous! :)"
Dined on 6/11/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 10 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love it
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We drove over 7 hours in the pouring rain from Philly to Boston on Friday. I make Union Oyster House a regular stop every time I'm in Boston. Always great food and service. Was a great experience after being in the car for so long."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 11 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved dining in this historic restaurant . The food was great, our waitress was attentive and very sweet. Talk about stepping back in history. Just loved being there."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fit For Tourists
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place has some charms although the food is not the greatest. I guess if you are a landmark you don't have to try that hard but at those prices you wish they would."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Reservation Waste of Time
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Made reservations for 3ea for 7:30 PM for 6/7/2013, arrived at 7:15 and checked in with hostest. Re-checked with hostest at 7:35 PM, no issues noted, checked in again with hostest at 7:50 as I saw 2ea - 4ea party walkins being seated before my party. Hostest admitted and applogized that my checking at 7:15 was not forward to upstairs dining hostest. Summary making a reservation and checking in early for this dining date was "Waste Of Time and Very Disappointing". Server was nice and tried to make up for mistake."
Dined on 6/07/2013
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Review 14 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food so so.
Ambience great.
Best for tourists."
Ambience great.
Best for tourists."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Historic Dining
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went namely because this restaurant claims to be the longest continuously operating restaurant in America. If you are downstairs at the Oyster Bar, it seems to be very fun, casual, and enjoyable. We dined in the Heritage Room and our waitress Stephanie was way to concerned about anything and everything except her customers, most noticeably a baseball game. It took probably 15 minutes before we even ordered drinks. Everything was slow. Drinks were not refilled even when she came by and said "I'll be back with more to drink." The swordfish on the Chet's selection menu was over cooked. The fries fish fillet on Ye Olde Seafood Platter was undercooked. Go for the historic value, but that should be the only reason."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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-4points
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Review 16 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food! Great History!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place had awesome food! From the thick piece of cornbread to the clam chowder (don't pass up the chowder) to the fish, nothing dissappointed. In addition to that, the fact that you are eating in such a historically significant place makes it even better. Be prepared to spend some money though...but hey, how often do you eat at the oldest restaraunt in the country.."
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 17 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Historic, great food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fresh seafood, friendly service. A review on TripAdvisor complaining of it being very dark was exaggerated. The waitress even suggested that I try a sample of the Indian pudding prior to making my dessert choice to make sure I liked it before committing to it. The food was so good I bought their cookbook before leaving. A trip to Boston should certainly include dinner here!"
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, kid-friendly
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Review 18 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fun spot, good food, not formal, not fancy."
Dined on 5/30/2013
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Review 19 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great food but expect a long wait
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a dinner reservation for 7PM and still waited about 40+ minutes for our table. They also don't tell you that once they call your name you go upstairs to meet the hostess to get seated. We had outstanding food but our server was absolutely miserable, which is ridiculous since she's making good money on tips. Food is pricey but worth it."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 20 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best in Boston
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My family came here for my dad's 65th birthday and it was the best choice we could have made. The food, service and ambiance was amazing. Definitely my favorite place to eat in Boston. Thanks so much!"
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 21 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
If You really want great seafood!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"There are so many sea food restaurants in Boston, but this has got to be one of the best. We were there to celebrate our daughters
graduation from Lesley University. So were many others, festive, energetic, with great food. And all that history......."
graduation from Lesley University. So were many others, festive, energetic, with great food. And all that history......."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 22 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Clam Chowdah and Oysters were fabulous"
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Must-do Visit in Boston
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We decided to visit "The Oldest Restaurant in America" during our first visit to Boston and very much enjoyed the experience for its history. The food was pretty simple but good. Service was quite slow but friendly. Probably not somewhere I'd go a lot if I lived in Boston, but great for visitors."
Dined on 5/27/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We LOVED this place!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were visiting Boston on honeymoon from the UK and found the Union Oyster House when googling places to eat in Boston and we are so pleased that we did!! We made reservations online before we left the UK and this turned out to be a really good idea as some people that just turned up were given a 1.5 hour wait time!! Now we know what the food is like though its definitely worth the wait! The atmosphere was great, our server was attentive and friendly and the food was some of the best food we've ever had! We would definitely recommend this place!!"
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 25 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Reasonable meal, historic location
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was fine though a bit pricey... $15.95 for half a dozen oysters. The wait staff seemed a bit overwhelmed. The best part of the evening was eating in an atmosphere of such history."
Dined on 5/27/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 26 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Take a bite out of history....
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food, Great chowder. The experience is worth it. Read the stories about the building during dinner. Very cool experience. If you are a history person, ask to sit in the Kennedy booth."
Dined on 5/27/2013
Special Features: scenic view, special occasion
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Review 27 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Sunday at 1:30
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We would never have made it without a reservation, and we were seated promptly. Both food and service were good, but the noise level made it hard for us to hear each other, and the dim lighting made it a bit difficult to get to our upstairs booth. At times I could not tell if I were walking on a level floor or on slight steps. A flashlight would have helped. In recent years I have eaten here several times, and each time the crowd created a less-than-wonderful experience; but perhaps that is just a sign of your popularity and should always just be expected. It's a bit pricey, especially the beer. Overall, good but not the greatest food and ambience. Thank you..."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 28 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, great price.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Shore dinner was great. Lobster was fresh and sweet. Compared to other restaurants the prices were very reasonable. Make sure you have a reservation or you will wait for 2+ hours."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 29 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
At the oyster bar
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We came in with six, but had reserved for four. Fortunately, six seats at the oyster bar opened up and we had a great time. We were looking for lighter fare, not full meals, so this was perfect."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Just a little slow on the service, but it saved me from buying another bottle of wine!"
Dined on 5/20/2013
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Review 31 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was fun to eat in the oldest restaurant in the US! The lobsters and oysters were fantastic, I would definitely come again. Our waitress was attentive and very helpful!"
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 32 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
beside the name, and history...I wo
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"beside the name, and history...I would not go back to here the oyster bar is small and also the oyster there is open right inform of you, but theres lots restaurant have oyster bar at this day. beside the oyster come with the shell and when you eat it , you can also test the shell in your mouth ....the skill of open the oyster is bad..........
All the food is over price and food is just normal"
Dined on 5/24/2013
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Review 33 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Union Oyster House - Boston
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very historic restaurant. Fun and interesting decor. Service was good. Food was average. Prices were high. As many other reviews have noted, this restaurant is something to experience if you are into historical buildings and are willing to accept just average food."
Dined on 5/14/2013
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Review 34 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Helpful Staff
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We ended up being 7 and the receptionist was able to put two tables together for us. Waitress was very pleasant. Food, as always, was great."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 35 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Awesome place! I had a reservation but ended up just eating at the bar. Great place!"
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
Share:
+6points
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Review 36 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Historical Union Oyster House
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took my family and a work colleague to the Union Oyster House. The building itself is very historic, and we got to sit in John F. Kennedy's favorite booth, which my 9-year-old son thought was very interesting. I liked reading the history of the building. Unfortunately, the food is just so-so, and the service left some to be desired. My son's steamers were full of sand, which it states may be the case in the menu, but there is no reason that the clams could not be soaked to expel the sand before cooking. In my mind, this is just lazy. They came straight in the bag that they were sold in. We still had a good time, though."
Dined on 4/23/2013
Special Features: scenic view, kid-friendly
Share:
-3points
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Review 37 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Bucket list choice! Ordered the Shore special...disappointing...for the price but other diners had delicious entrees"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
Share:
+2points
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Review 38 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lived up to the hype
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everyone told us we HAD to go to the Union Oyster House during our recent trip to Boston. We were so glad we did! The oysters, clam chowder and lobster rolls were amazing, and our "salty" waitress was a hoot! I may have regretted not getting the lobster tails though as they looked incredible when delivered to the table next to ours. Would totally recommend this as a MUST do."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
+2points
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Review 39 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Go for the experience, not the food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It's deffiently a tourist thing. It was cool to see such an old establishment but other than that it has a Denny's type vibe. Food prepared ahead of time....no chef in the kitchen, just a line of employees putting food on plates. We were in and out in less than 45 minutes."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
-1point
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Review 40 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A true American gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Union Oyster House is a true American gem. Filled with history it is a must see and do while in Boston. The food is outstanding and wonderful service provided by the staff will make sure your time there is memorible."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
+2points
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Review 41 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Tourist trap
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Incredibly rude service. Somehow having the wine list taken to us was a privilege. No desserts of coffee was offerded, they just gave us the bill while we were finishing the main plates... in an empty restaurant.
The clam chowder was wonderful, but the rest of the food was subpar.
Will absolutely never go back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Share:
-3points
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Review 42 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice place
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The salmon could have used more seasoning, but it was cooked to perfection. Very nice historical features."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
+4points
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Review 43 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Touristy Fun, but lacking
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It's a nice place to enjoy some historical Boston culture, but don't expect to be impressed by the cuisine. The Union House baked Oysters were tiny, terrible and overbaked. Nothing foodwise was that great. Service wasn't bad, but the server did seem a little overextended and not too happy to have a party of 12 to deal with."
Dined on 3/15/2013
Share:
-5points
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Review 44 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good eats!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first visit to Union Oyster House and our server was very friendly. She was attentive and helped us to take photos. Other servers walking by also volunteered to help us take photos when we were goofing around with the lobster shell. The food was good. We had boiled lobster, the seafood broth with garlic bread, half a dozen oysters and clam chowder. We were seated upstairs right beside the Kennedy booth. It was a little dark and not as nice as the tables on the ground floor but still decent. Our bill came up to just over a hundred. Not too bad for 4."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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+1point
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Review 45 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Once was enough
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Brought mom here for Mother's Day, as we both wanted to experience it as a historically significant spot in Boston. Our table was in an awkward spot right next to the front door. 5pm reservation and it felt like we were in a cave it was so dark, but maybe that was supposed to be ambiance. It was difficult to get the waitresses attention, we had to ask the hostess to find her for us. Ordered scallops and they were chewy and were covered in mushy breading that I had to scrape off. $100 bill for two, for what was no more than a mediocre meal (included two rounds of drinks, though). Only good thing was that we sat there for a while and never felt rushed. I can now say I went to the Union Oyster House, and that will be the last time for me!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Share:
-5points
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Review 46 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Mother's Nightmare
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went on Mother's Day for a "treat". Oysters were the only thing worthy of mention - truly terrific. After that it all went down hill. We arrived early for a 5:30 reservation and were seated promptly in a mostly vacant restaurant. Thought service would be expedient. Thought wrong. 25 minutes from ordering to having oysters on the table. 35 minutes between finishing oysters and chowders being served. 20 minutes just to clear the finished oyster plates. Chowders were served warm, not hot. Oysters, salads and/or chowders for mains - 2 hours!! And they were not that busy. Will only come back for the oyster bar downstairs - even if they gave me a gift certificate."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Share:
-7points
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Review 47 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun place with a lot of history
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Boston's oldest restaurant. Fresh fish, historical ambiance. Decent wine list. Try the chowder and raw oysters."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
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Review 48 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Yum.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I live this place for the history and great seafood. Had a bit of a snaggy waitress but everyone else was super friendly!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
Share:
+2points
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Review 49 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service and food were impeccable! Service was far better than on out previous visit in October."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
+2points
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Review 50 for Union Oyster House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Historical and little else
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My advise - if you are coming for the historical experience then you should do that, but be aware that the food is not the star here. The place has lots of decor that you'll enjoy, but limit yourself to raw bar and steamer lobster. Anything else will make you wish you spent your $200 someplace else. I know I do!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
Share:
-1point
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