Union Oyster House: America's Oldest Restaurant Turns 200 in 2026

Union Oyster House is celebrating a historic milestone. Boston's Union Oyster House turns 200 years old this August 2026. Americas oldest restaurant first opened in 1826. Union Oyster House has never closed since. This makes Union Oyster House the first restaurant in US history to reach 200 years of continuous operation.

Union Oyster House: Americas Oldest Restaurant on the Freedom Trail

Union Oyster House sits along Boston's famous Freedom Trail. Americas oldest restaurant holds National Historic Landmark status. Union Oyster House is not just a historical attraction. It is a lively, high-energy dining destination loved by locals and tourists alike.

Union Oyster House has won North America's Best Landmark Restaurant award from the World Culinary Awards two years running. Americas oldest restaurant earns that recognition through genuine quality. Union Oyster House succeeds on food, atmosphere and history together.

Famous Guests at Union Oyster House

Union Oyster House has welcomed remarkable guests across 200 years. President John F. Kennedy was a regular visitor. He would sit in his favourite booth and read the Sunday papers at Union Oyster House. Americas oldest restaurant has also hosted Presidents Roosevelt, Clinton and Obama.

Queen Elizabeth II visited Union Oyster House during her lifetime. Hollywood stars Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg have dined at Americas oldest restaurant. Boston culinary icon Julia Child also visited Union Oyster House.

New England Seafood at Union Oyster House Boston

Fresh oysters are the signature dish at Union Oyster House Boston. The historic circular oyster bar is the heart of Americas oldest restaurant. Watching the shucking action is one of the best experiences at Union Oyster House Boston.

Union Oyster House Boston menu includes clam chowder, lobster, lobster rolls, baked stuffed clams and fried seafood platters. Broiled crumbed scrod and Boston baked beans are regional classics on the Union Oyster House Boston menu. Boston Cream Pie rounds off the New England seafood experience perfectly.

Inside Union Oyster House Boston

Union Oyster House Boston feels like a living museum. Old murals, historic photos and newspaper clippings cover the walls. An enormous lobster tank greets guests at the entrance to Union Oyster House Boston. Fenway Park stadium seats are among the unique memorabilia inside Americas oldest restaurant.

Multiple seating levels, an oyster bar counter and outdoor summer seating make Union Oyster House Boston ideal for all occasions. Americas oldest restaurant is large, busy and full of genuine character.

200 Years of History Under Four Owners

Union Oyster House has had only four family owners in two centuries. The Milano family currently runs Americas oldest restaurant. Joseph Milano said it is their honour to uphold this piece of American history. He added that Union Oyster House has been creating memories for visitors worldwide for 200 years.

Why Visit Union Oyster House in 2026

Boston is rich in colonial American history. The Freedom Trail, Boston Tea Party sites and USS Constitution all sit near Union Oyster House. Americas oldest restaurant is the perfect stop on any Boston visit in 2026. This is especially true as the United States celebrates its own 250th anniversary this year.

For more food and travel news, read our latest coverage of historic restaurants and landmark dining in America. For reservations, visit the official Union Oyster House website.