Possibly one of the best Boston spots to enjoy freshly shucked oysters, Union Oyster House is shuckful of history! In 2020, The Union Oyster House has officially crowned North America’s Best Landmark Restaurant, according to the World Culinary Awards.
The iconic North End enclave, which has been around since 1862, received the distinction, beating other emblematic U.S. nominees including NYC’s Katz’s Delicatessen and the only other New England entry and the oldest restaurant in the country, Newport’s White Horse Tavern.
A total-must try when it comes to life in Boston, this historical landmark is the city’s oldest restaurant and has been serving excellent seafood for more than 200 years, also making it America’s oldest continually operating restaurant.
Known for its traditional clam chowder and platters of freshly shucked oysters, it’s no secret Union Oyster House is one of Boston’s best restaurants and has appeared on multiple award-winning lists in the past including Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today, the National Restaurant Association, and more.
More interestingly, the Union Oyster House welcomed and even housed some historic politicians. Daniel Webster, a Massachusetts Congressman in the 1800s regularly ate 6 plates of oysters at a time when dining at the Union Oyster House, according to Mystic Seafood.
In 1797, during his brief stint in America, French King, Louis Philippe I lived above the soon to be restaurant during his exile. Louis Philippe I later became the King of France and reigned from 1830-1845.
Union Oyster House website continues to make history and welcomes Bostonians as well as tourists for everything from its iconic Boston Cream Pie to its spirited gift shop.
Find Union Oyster House at 41 Union St. Boston, MA