Ye olde Oyster House 🦪

The history of Union Oyster House

Exterior of Union Oyster House restaurant in downtown boston

You can dine at the same restaurant as so many Boston legends. | Photo by BOStoday

Boston sure has a lot of history to claim — one of our city’s many accolades? We’re home to the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country.

We’re talking about Union Oyster House, the local landmark situated along the Freedom Trail and steps away from Faneuil Hall.

The National Historic Landmark first opened its doors to diners in 1826, and the building has likely been there since ~1700. While there’s no record of the official construction date, we do know it’s the earliest recorded standing brick building in our city. Before it was an eatery, the building was home to Capen’s Dry Goods Store.

Some of the first moments of the American Revolution happened in this space. Isaiah Thomas published “The Massachusetts Spy” from the building’s upper floor in the 1770s.

In 1826, the business became the Atwood and Bacon Oyster House. Those owners were responsible for adding one of the most iconic parts of the space — the semi-circular oyster bar. This is where Daniel Webster famously drank his brandy with at least six oysters each day.

Of course, we can’t forget about another very famous patron — John F. Kennedy. He loved to eat in the upstairs dining room, and now, visitors can enjoy a meal at the “Kennedy Booth” dedicated in his memory.

If you stop in nowadays, you’ll find a massive space that honors its storied history, from clippings of newspaper features to murals depicting how Boston has changed over the years. There’s also an attached gift shop selling goodies like cornbread mix, the restaurant’s official cookbook, and merchandise.

Now that you’ve had your fill of history, we’ll serve up our go-to food orders. City Editor Sara loves a fried clam roll with a side of chowder, while City Editor Jess orders a dozen oysters to enjoy with the freshly baked cornbread.

One object was first used in the US at Union Oyster House — can you guess which one?

A. Safety pin
B. Toothpick
C. Spatula
D. Vegetable peeler

Stay tuned to tomorrow’s newsletter for the answer.

GIVE IT A GUESS

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Thursday, Dec. 22

ICA Free Thursday Night | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 5-9 p.m. | Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston | Free | The contemporary art museum in the Seaport is free for all visitors every Thursday evening.
Naughty Santa | Thursday, Dec. 22 | 10 p.m. | Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub, 472-480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge | $0-$40 | Check out the Cambridge holiday party and dress in your best ugly sweater for the chance to win $500.

Friday, Dec. 23

Holiday Headliners | Friday, Dec. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St., Boston | $25 | See Boston’s funniest comedians on Christmas Eve-Eve.
Pajama Day | Friday, Dec. 23 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m. | Cannonball Cafe, 383 Dorchester Ave., Boston | Free | The South Boston coffee shop will offer 20% discounts for those who come in pajamas.
Gimme Gimme Disco | Friday, Dec. 23 | 9 p.m. | Big Night Live, 110 Causeway St., Boston | $20 | Enjoy an ABBA-inspired disco party for people 18+ at the live music venue.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

45º | Scattered showers | 40% chance of rain
The upcoming “bomb cyclone” storm will impact our area starting tonight. We can expect strong wind gusts + heavy rain through tomorrow. Logan Airport has issued a weather advisory and recommends reaching out to airlines about any changes to travel plans. 🌧️ (Boston.com)

Number

$66 million. That’s how much Federal Transit Authority funding is going toward Symphony Station. The MBTA will focus on making accessibility improvements to the underground station + the project is not expected to impact Green Line service. 🚊

Plan Ahead

Hockey isn’t the only thing on the agenda for the Winter Classic on Monday, Jan. 2. Bel Biv DeVoe will perform the national anthem with the Boston Pops, and The Black Keys will take the stage during during the first intermission. Score tickets here. 🎵 (Boston.com)

Sports

The second in-person sports betting license in Massachusetts has been awarded to MGM Springfield. The casino, located ~1.5 hours from Boston, is expected to launch the new offering in late January. (CBS Boston)

Real Estate

Zillow released its list of the most popular markets for home searchers this year, and Beverly was the most popular seaside town. Windham, New Hampshire also made the cut as the most popular small town. 🏠

Regional

Ocean House in Westerly, Rhode Island has been named one of the best hotels and resorts in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. Earning a spot on the 2023 “Gold List,” the beachfront yellow mansion was highlighted for its plush surroundings, personal service, and lunch offerings.

Ranked

No. 3. That’s where Boston ranked on a LawnStarter list of the best cities for ice skating. Ready to hit the rinks? Find three local skating spots here. ⛸️

Shop

Still need to grab last-minute presents? Try one of these local gift shops around the city, from Beacon Hill to Brookline and Jamaica Plain. Then, let us know your go-to spot for checking everyone off your gift list. 🎁

Listen

Need a gift that only takes a few mouse clicks? Gift three, six, or 12 months of an Audible Premium Plus membership. They’ll get one credit a month good for any title, plus instant access to thousands of books and podcasts in The Plus Catalog. Hello, future book club. 📚*

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Speaking of local landmarks...

Boston’s 2022 landmark designations

The Fort Hill Tower helped troops during the Revolutionary War. | Photo by @run4life262

This year, the Boston Landmarks Commission designated eight new spots as official city landmarks — the largest amount of designations in one year since 1983.

Without further ado, let’s meet a few of the historic spots that earned this title in 2022.

Warren House

This memorial structure was built by descendants of Dr. Joseph Warren, the namesake of Warren Tavern who drafted a document that is believed to have influenced the Declaration of Independence. The building is constructed entirely from Roxbury puddingstone, the state rock of Massachusetts.

Ayer Mansion Interior

The last surviving residential commission by Louis Comfort Tiffany, this Back Bay marvel is the only known use of the craftsman’s exterior stone mosaics.

Highland Park

ICYMI, this Roxbury area earned landmark status as an Architectural Conservation District this summer, making it Boston’s first protected historic district in over a decade.

Did you know residents can petition to create new local landmarks? Learn more about the process.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sara.

Editor’s pick: Shoutout to my pal Matthew Dickey for providing a curated list of the best house illuminations. As a Somerville resident, I’m thinking it’s time to go for a stroll around the block to snap some festive photos. 💡

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Try your hand at our BOStoday crossword puzzle.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Jessica Burton, Sara Frazier, Sarah Leonhardt, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

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