Union Oyster House calls itself America’s Oldest Restaurant, beginning service in 1826. Nestled along the cobblestone streets of Boston along the Freedom Trail in the heart of downtown it has established itself as a go-to tourist tradition. The interior has a small New England neighborhood bar feel. At the entrance is a rare (these days) lobster tank filled with fresh, ready-to-select crustaceans awaiting their plate destiny. The rustic wooden booths, dimly lit lanterns, and worn-in floors give the place a cozy and inviting feel.

All meals start with a large square of warm cornbread with a pad of butter. The bread has a firm brown crusty top and sweet cakey crumbly innards. It’s a nice tee-up for what's to come.

The stuffed clam appetizer is served 3 up on a bed of greens. The flavor is warm and sweet and the stuffing is reminiscent of a good crab cake. It's a slightly spicy, briny, sweet bite.

The Union medium lobster is served whole. I select the broiled version (vs. bodied) and the split-tailed crustacean crowds the plate. It is stuffed with a mound of garlic butter breadcrumbs and served with a tub of drawn butter. It's one of those dishes you just can't eat politely. I elect to forgo the bib, but every critter pate comes with one. It is skillfully cooked to the right tenderness and the soft sweet meat dipped in that butter is so satisfying.

Fried clams are stacked high on the plate and served with the vegetables of the day. In our case it’s carrots. The large Ipswich clams are battered and lightly fried. The batter flavor is a nice mix of salt and pepper, and those flavorful clam strips shine through. These could have used another minute or so in the fryer to crisp them up a bit as some are soggy

Union’s menu offers the standard fare of a New England seafood house, with a cross-section of mollusks, chowders, and fish. Lobster, shrimp, and crab are the heart of many dishes. They have full-service bars and a moderate selection of beer and wine. The noise level is moderate and prices are reasonable for the area.

If you are looking for a high-end complex modern meal here, there are some other options throughout the city. But if you want a taste of Boston, to get the essence of a 200-year-old restaurant with super friendly fast service, this is your place. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual diner, the ambiance at Union adds an extra layer to the dining experience. Reservations can be made online and are recommended.

http://www.unionoysterhouse.com/index.html

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