Editor Pick
Disappointing! Oyster house? NOT.
- March 1, 2008
- Rated 1 of 5 by
ShannonBrooke from Somerville, Massachusetts
Last night was the 2nd meeting of the oyster club. And we learned that not all oyster houses are created equal. B&G oyster house, January's pick, is a delectable experience, with amazing service, wine, and oysters that rival the best sashimi in their flavor and tongue-feel.
February's choice was the Union Oyster House, in the Haymarket neighborhood. The restaurant claims to be the oldest restaurant in Boston, opened in 1826. They are located right on the Freedom Trail. I had never heard of it before, but it appears that this restaurant is a tourist mecca. It even contains a gift shop. It has a very New England feeling inside, from the old floorboards (1800s), to the old glassware (1960s). I believe we all looked at the restaurant with trepidation, but we decided to give it a chance. Cocktail ordering was our first sign that the selection here would be grim. We ordered Kir Royales, a classic drink. The bartender looked confused, but eventually through discussion with her cohorts, created a drink mix of cheap champagne and chambord. The taste was reminiscent of the high school prom. When we got to our table, we took in the menu. We were hopeful that it would at least be well-executed New England cuisine. Well, we should have known that something was up when the "fish of the day is haddock and the vegetable of the day is broccoli." Really? Haddock and broccoli? You must be proud.
The menu of this supposed Oyster house only had one type of oyster on it. Actually, the type of oyster wasn't even listed. It would appear that the sort of clientele the restaurant drew did not care what kind of oyster they were having. By contrast, B&G has a full page of oysters and their origins. Each couple ordered a half-dozen oysters. When didn't even have more than one, I knew something was wrong. Also, my gray and unappetizing oyster, bereft of horseradish or other topping, stuck in my throat. Actually, most of it stuck to the half-shell, since the shucker hadn't loosened them for easy dining.
We decided to have the sampler of hot appetizers next, with clams casino, oysters rockefeller, and shrimp. The shrimp were the best of the lot. The other two items were so chewy and overcooked that I had to delicately remove it from my mouth and hide it under the discarded shell. The cheese topping was unidentifiable, but was probably spelled with a z. As in Cheez. Or Whiz.
It was impossible to conceal our disappointment, and as the waittress didn't offer to refill our drinks - and the bar selection left much to be desired, there was no way to revive our smashed spirits. We soon paid our bill left, thankful at least that it had not been an expensive mistake.
I would suggest a new tshirt for the gift shop. "I came to the Union Oyster House and all I got was a lousy case of food poisoning."
Union Oyster House
- March 22, 2001
- Rated 3 of 5 by
shoppingbebe from New York , New York
A great historical place for traditional clam chowder and Boston seafood. Supposedly the oldest restaurant in America. See JFK's favorite table as well as where a king of France once boarded and gave French lessons! Lots of history and fun right in the center of town. Very family-friendly.
From journal a weekend in boston