Union Oyster House Marks 200 Years in Business
The Union Oyster House in Boston, considered the nation’s oldest continuously operated restaurant, is approaching its 200th anniversary this year. Nestled within a National Historic Landmark building on Union Street…
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Union Oyster House in Boston, considered the nation's oldest continuously operated restaurant, is approaching its 200th anniversary this year. Nestled within a National Historic Landmark building on Union Street near Quincy Market, the Union Oyster House is famous for its complimentary homemade cornbread, clam chowder, local seafood, and oysters. A museum-like atmosphere supports a range of artifacts and decor.
Speaking with Wicked Local of Boston, Union Oyster House owner Joseph Milano describes himself as a “steward” of the property. He credits the sustained food quality, a hardworking team, and moderate pricing for longevity, along with long-tenured staff, including manager Troy Thissell.
According to Milano, the building that hosts the Union Oyster House has a rich history:
- American printer Issiah Thomas published his protest newspaper, “The Massachusetts Spy,” inside the building (1771-1775).
- In 1796, Louis Philippe lived in exile at the property and taught French to Boston's fashion elite. He was later the Citizen King of France (1830-1848).
- Several historic figures, politicians, presidents, and celebrities have dined as guests at the Union Oyster House over the years. They include John F. Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Paul Newman, Robin Williams, Al Pacino, Robert Redford, Clint Eastwood, and Meryl Streep.
According to Wicked Local, Milano expanded the restaurant by acquiring adjacent properties in 1982 and 1995, creating three dining floors with an oyster bar, gift shop, the Kennedy Booth, Capen's Loft for private dining, and an outdoor patio along the Freedom Trail during warmer months of the year.
The Union Oyster House is no stranger to accolades and awards for its ambiance and food. These recognitions include the World Culinary Awards for North America's Best Landmark Restaurant in 2020, 2024, and 2025. It was praised by USA TODAY in 2018 for Boston's best clam chowder. Also that year, Lonely Planet named the Union Oyster House to its list of best restaurants in the world. In 2023, Taste Atlas recognized the Union Oyster House as one of the top 50 most legendary restaurants in the world.
