Boston is an historic city. Boston also has great seafood. These two merge at the Union Oyster House, which is America’s oldest operating restaurant. Established in 1826, the Union Oyster House has both an oyster bar and a restaurant . We sat at the Union Bar (the oyster bar) while waiting for our table, but most people were dropping in for a quick bite to eat.
It will be difficult to find a better place to try raw oysters for the first time. Just take your seat at the long wooden bar. Watch the experts clean and open each clam in front of you. If you would like to have a quick bite to eat without going to the actual restaurant, this is a good option. (They have other menu items besides oysters).
I love the simplicity of the building. When I glance at the wooden beams, I wonder who else throughout history did the same? Although 1826 may seem young in other parts of the world, for the U.S. this is a building that is rich with history and tradition.
The cuisine is pretty standard for New England style seafood, but they do it well. All the standards are on the menu- chowder, fried clams, fish and chips, salmon, and others. They also have a dessert menu which features traditional favorites such as apple cobbler and Boston Cream pie. I’ve never had their Boston Cream Pie but I know that particular dessert well. It is creamy and delicious and worth exploring if given the opportunity.
The Union Oyster House
Fanueil Hall Area
www.unionoysterhouse.com