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No other restaurant can boast historical significance like Boston’s Union Oyster House. It’s the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S., having been serving meals since 1826. And if having this claim to fame wasn’t enough, check out some of the following interesting facts:
* No one really knows how old the building itself is, as there are no municipal records to date it’s erection. Union Street itself was laid out in 1636 and the building has been in its present place for over 250 years.
* Before it became a restaurant, the building housed Capen’s Silk and Dry Goods Store. Before much of Boston was built up by landfill, Boston Harbor came right up to the back door, making it easy for ships to deliver goods.
* At one point, exiled Frenchman Louis Philippe taught French upstairs to young society ladies.
* Many trace the first stirrings of the American Revolution to the upstairs as well, as it was here in 1771 that Isaiah Thomas published “The Massachusetts Spy.” This is the oldest newspaper in the U.S.
* In 1775 Ebenezer Hancock, the Continental Army’s first paymaster set up his headquarters, dolling our war wages.
* In 1826 Atwood and Bacon’s took over Capen’s, installing the u-shaped oyster bar which is still used today.
* It was at this bar that Daniel Webster was a frequent customer, enjoying brandy and water and plates and plates of oysters. (Legend has it that he always had at least six plates!)
* The first time a toothpick was used was here at the Union Oyster House, which it later became to be known.
* The second floor is home to a number of tall-backed booths. Private booth #18 was a favorite of President Kennedy and in 1977 was dedicated to him in his honor.
* While the clam chowder is a notorious menu item, watching the oyster bar staff can be a lot of fun--on a busy day they can open 2,000 oysters!
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