The group that owns the Union Oyster House does not compare to the Father and Son who owned it up until the mid 1970's... back then the food was great... the wait staff had been there forever and it... More

The group that owns the Union Oyster House does not compare to the Father and Son who owned it up until the mid 1970's... back then the food was great... the wait staff had been there forever and it was a career and not just an annoying "job". The management is uncaring--- after the buck-- and move on .... They do not know good old fashioned New England Cooking.... the owners are not familiar with this type of food ... maybe they should turn it into a spaghetti emporium, some kind of cookery they are actually familiar with. Go to any other Boston seafood eatery... Pros: Easy walk to something better Cons: Lousy Food and Service
Less

Why this place was praised so much as a must come to see for Boston ? Besides, its history, I don't think the place and the food are worth the trip. The foods were awful and expensive. The drinks... More

Why this place was praised so much as a must come to see for Boston ? Besides, its history, I don't think the place and the food are worth the trip. The foods were awful and expensive. The drinks were bad, but still better than the food and you have to wait longer than 30 minutes to get to their tiny dining room upstair when they stacked people into isolated corner and you waited forever for the waiters to notice you are there, since they are not really busy. My worst experience so far in a Boston's restaurant. Pros: historic place Cons: everything
Less

Not sure what all the hype is. Not traditional New England seafood . It's for out of towners.. that do not know where to get good New England Seafood. Anyone can get Chowder from a can, and... More

Not sure what all the hype is. Not traditional New England seafood . It's for out of towners.. that do not know where to get good New England Seafood. Anyone can get Chowder from a can, and through some clams in it!!!! Not worth the $$$$. Pros: None Cons: Dirty, terrible service, long wait, rude employees
Less

The Union Oyster House is America's longest continuously operated restaurant. Despite the age, the food remains great. The lobster ravioli is phenomenal and so is the rest of the menu. Not to die... More

The Union Oyster House is America's longest continuously operated restaurant. Despite the age, the food remains great. The lobster ravioli is phenomenal and so is the rest of the menu. Not to die for, but definitely great!
Less

I have been here 2 times over the last year and stuck with the Clam Chowder and a Sam Adams. I've eaten at the bar every time. Based on the mixed reviews here, I haven't tried anything else. I want... More

I have been here 2 times over the last year and stuck with the Clam Chowder and a Sam Adams. I've eaten at the bar every time. Based on the mixed reviews here, I haven't tried anything else. I want to keep going back here for the traditional New England Clam Chowder. It is made with the traditional ingredients and I haven't had anything else in Boston that comes close. It's thick and flavored just right. The clams have always been fresh. Note, the cornbread is downright horrible, so just stick to the basics of beer and chowda and you'll understand why this place is still around. Plus, the original side of the restaurant has some great history. Be sure to walk around. I love this place and will keep going back for the right reasons. Pros: Clam Chowder! Cons: Small seating capacity.
Less

Located on a on a cobblestone street that smells of urine. Have they ever heard of a hose??? Waited 45 min. w/reservation. . Brought us to a table that hadn't been cleaned. Waitress came to clean it... More

Located on a on a cobblestone street that smells of urine. Have they ever heard of a hose??? Waited 45 min. w/reservation. . Brought us to a table that hadn't been cleaned. Waitress came to clean it with a dirty rag. Floors /chairs were filthy. Thank god for my purell wipes!! The waitress had a horrible cold, and was blowing her nose. It was disgusting. We ordered appetizers, oysters (warm to boot) We didn't even touch them. The shrimp cocktail was soggy. Main dishes came out in two orders( there were 6 of us), and were cold. The waitress was obviously displease that we were not happy, and copped an attitude. We asked to see the manager, but she couldn't find her....Not really sure what all the hype is about this place, but it is clearly a dump! Don't waiste your time or money on this place..... Pros: none Cons: Absolutey filthy
Less

The Union Oyster house was one of the most interesting restaurants I went to on my recent trip to Boston. That it's filled with history goes without saying. The raw oysters were great, very meaty.... More

The Union Oyster house was one of the most interesting restaurants I went to on my recent trip to Boston. That it's filled with history goes without saying. The raw oysters were great, very meaty. Very reasonable priced and our waitress was funny and very attentive. Great experience! Pros: Historic, delicious oysters, gift shop! Cons: Crowded downstairs
Less

We made our reservation for 8pm on a tuesday evening and after arriving promptly were ushered to the bar for a thirty minute wait. Not the best start but we were excited about the food ahead. Four... More

We made our reservation for 8pm on a tuesday evening and after arriving promptly were ushered to the bar for a thirty minute wait. Not the best start but we were excited about the food ahead. Four of us were eating so started with the oyster platter which was mediocre and overcooked. Moving on to the main courses one group member went for the swordfish which was overcooked and tasteless. I went for the broiled seafood combo which was pretty tasty and on the whole pretty well cooked. The other two went for the stuffed sole. This was the biggest let down of the whole evening, the sole was very overcooked and filled with stuffing which had the texture of wallpaper paste and was very bitter. On the whole the meal was poor and expensive and I'm left wondering what all the fuss is about. My friends who live in Boston and eat out quite a bit there couldn't beleive how bad the whole experience was. If you value going just because of the history of the place rather than the quality of the food then go for it but if you are after top notch food go elsewhere.
Less

You pay $37 or so for a small lobster in this very touristy landmark. The side dishes are pretty awful. But, I have to admit, the place has atmosphere and is worth going to once for that.

You pay $37 or so for a small lobster in this very touristy landmark. The side dishes are pretty awful. But, I have to admit, the place has atmosphere and is worth going to once for that.
Less

We love this place. I got the full belly clams here. The decor is vintage and appropriate. Its a wonderful classic place to visit. Service is good and menu has a lot of variety.

We love this place. I got the full belly clams here. The decor is vintage and appropriate. Its a wonderful classic place to visit. Service is good and menu has a lot of variety.
Less