Ye Olde Union Oyster House

Ye Olde Union Oyster House Restaurant Review:

Ye Olde Union Oyster House’s appearance may suggest its nearly 200 year existence, but in a good way. A seat at the curved raw bar on the first floor is a must, where the shuckers will tell stories of famous faces who have sat here, including numerous politicians like JFK (there’s a booth upstairs devoted to him) and Daniel Webster. The booths are creaky and the atmosphere unpretentious, an apropos setting for the simple seafood dishes (grilled, broiled or fried) like sea scallops, filet of sole or Boston scrod that should be paired up with a side of Boston baked beans. There are also dishes for landlubbers, such as the Cajun chicken breast, pan-seared pork chop and center cut sirloin. Lobster scampi and lobster Newburg are among specialties, but the real feast is had in the “shore dinner,” which includes clam chowder, steamers or mussels, lobster, corn, potatoes, and gingerbread or Indian pudding, the epitome of old-school Boston fare.