America's Oldest Restaurant Is In MA, And It's Turning 200

BOSTON, MA — One of the oldest restaurants in the United States is right here in Boston, and it is approaching a major milestone this summer.

Union Oyster House, which opened in 1826 along what is now Boston's Freedom Trail, is billed as America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant and is a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. Around the same time the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, the restaurant will mark its 200th anniversary this August.

Union Oyster House has hosted generations of diners, including presidents, royalty, celebrities and families who have returned for years.

The restaurant has had only minor renovations over time to preserve its original design. Its menu includes New England staples such as oysters on the half shell, clam chowder, lobster, Boston baked beans and cornbread.

Union Oyster House has been owned by four families over its 200-year history: the Atwoods, Fitzgeralds, Greaveses and the Milanos, who currently own the restaurant.

“It’s our responsibility and honor to uphold this piece of American history,” owner Joseph Milano stated in an announcement. “For 200 years, we have been creating memories and traditions for visitors across the world. Union Oyster House would not be where it is today without the love and support from our guests.”

The restaurant has welcomed notable visitors including Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II, Julia Child, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg, according to the business.

The restaurant remains one of Boston’s most-booked restaurants and often ranks No. 1 on OpenTable. It also won North America’s Best Landmark Restaurant honors in 2020, 2024 and 2025.

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