Union Oyster House Marks 200 Years of Serving History in Boston

BOSTON — This summer as we celebrate America’s 250th, there’s another big milestone to recognize.

The Union Oyster House—America’s oldest restaurant in continuous service—is marking 200 years this month. The bicentennial anniversary looks deeper into why the historic establishment remains one of the most booked restaurants in Boston.

“There was a lot of history before it was a restaurant,” said Union Oyster House President Joe Milano.

It’s considered one of the oldest brick buildings in Boston, serving as a landmark on Union Street for more than 300 years. It housed a silk and dry goods store until 1826, when it began serving food. The stalls and oyster bar remain in their original positions. Joe Milano is part of just the fourth family to own this historic restaurant.

“A legendary feeling of maintaining, certainly, the values of what there is,” said Milano. “It’s a historic landmark, but more so that it’s kind of like an experience.”

It’s like walking into a living museum, with walls filled with historical artifacts and factoids—like the first toothpick used here in 1890.

“He would come on a Sunday, bring newspapers,” Milano said about John F. Kennedy.

At booth 18, dedicated to JFK, who frequented the restaurant, sitting there and enjoying lobster stew. In fact, many politicians and celebrities have visited the Union Oyster House, as noted by the brass plates. Milano recalled one of his favorites.

“I think Leonardo DiCaprio really stands out,” said Milano. “And I sat with him and he was just very personable. Very—not the same persona we see him sometimes. But I found him just very engaging.”

When Milano’s family purchased the Union Oyster House in the 1970s, the restaurant seated 250 people. His family expanded by purchasing two more buildings and now seats up to 565 customers. The other big change came in how he branded the restaurant.

“When I came here, it was Boston’s oldest restaurant, and then in developing the brand, we kind of expanded beyond that as America’s oldest restaurant in continuous service.”

The focus is more than just the food on the table. It’s the quality of the experience.

“It’s our responsibility to maintain whatever standards we’re using,” said Milano. “So the expectation level meets the value of the visit.”

Milano credits his loyal staff for being a key part of the restaurant’s continued success and plans to keep its storied history intact for generations to come.

“It’s important that if we’re going to look toward the future, the steward will be someone who can maintain everything that this place really represents,” said Milano. “I wouldn’t part with it otherwise.”

In the spirit of moving forward, Milano said he would love to produce three of the Union Oyster House’s signature items—clam chowder, Tabasco sauce, and cornbread—on a commercial scale to sell in stores for many more people to enjoy.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW