Union Oyster House facts for kids
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Union Oyster House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Union Oyster House
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| Location | 41–43 Union Street, Boston, Massachusetts |
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| Built | pre-1714 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Blackstone Block Historic District (ID73000315) |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000645 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 27, 2003 |
| Designated NHL | May 27, 2003 |
| Designated CP | May 26, 1973 |
The Union Oyster House is a very old restaurant in Boston, Massachusetts. It first opened its doors to customers in 1826. This makes it one of the oldest restaurants in the United States that is still open today. It is also known as the oldest one that has been open without stopping. Because of its long history, the building became a National Historic Landmark on May 27, 2003. This means it is a very important historic place.
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A Look Back: The Building's Story
The building where the Union Oyster House stands is even older than the restaurant itself. It was built a long time ago, probably around 1704. Before it became a place to eat, it was a shop owned by Hopestill Capen. She sold things like fabric and clothing.
In 1771, a printer named Isaiah Thomas used the second floor. He printed his newspaper, called The Massachusetts Spy, right there. Then, on August 3, 1826, the building changed. It opened as the Atwood & Bacon Oyster House, which is now the Union Oyster House.
Famous Visitors and What They Ate
Many famous people have eaten at the Union Oyster House over the years. The Kennedy family, a well-known political family, were frequent guests. Daniel Webster, a famous American politician, loved oysters. He was known for eating at least six plates of them during his visits!
One surprising guest was Louis Philippe. He later became the King of the French. In 1796, before he was king, he lived in exile on the second floor. He earned money by teaching French to young women. Later, in the 1970s, a college president named John Royston Coleman worked there. He pretended to be a "salad-and-sandwich man" to learn about blue-collar jobs. He wrote a book about his experience.
What's on the Menu?
The Union Oyster House serves classic New England food. This means lots of fresh seafood! You can find delicious oysters, clams, and lobsters. They also serve other traditional dishes. These include poultry (like chicken or turkey), baked beans, steak, and chops.
Images for kids
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Signage
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Union Oyster House, 1945.
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First floor plan and details.
More to Explore
- List of the oldest restaurants in the United States
- Cuisine of New England
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Boston
- List of seafood restaurants
- National Register of Historic Places listings in northern Boston, Massachusetts
