Union Oyster House
Opened in 1826, this is America's oldest continuously operating restaurant, located right on the Freedom Trail and famous for its clam chowder and semi-circular oyster bar.
Opened in 1826 and claiming to be the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States, this building is a National Historic Landmark located on the Freedom Trail next to Faneuil Hall. The signature clam chowder has been served since 1834 with little change to the recipe, selling about 10,000 gallons annually, alongside oysters and lobster stew. On the second floor is Booth 18, which was frequently used by John F. Kennedy, and the semi-circular oyster bar incorporates parts of the original mahogany bar. The entire restaurant can accommodate about 550 people, and reservations can be made via OpenTable. In October 2026, it was taken over by the Fertitta family of Houston, who stated that operations would remain unchanged. The average cost is about $35-$60 per person (estimate). It is a few minutes' walk from Haymarket station.
Opening hours
Sun–Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri–Sat 11:00-22:00
Nearby sights
- Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall
- Old State House
- North End
- Old North Church
- New England Aquarium
- Massachusetts State House
- Freedom Trail
- Boston Common / Public Garden / Beacon Hill