Back in the 1950s and early 1960s, if you happened to be at the Union Oyster House in Boston on a Sunday afternoon, you might have spotted a familiar face in the upstairs dining room. John F. Kennedy, then a senator and later the 35th President of the United States, would quietly slip into his favorite booth at noon, ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of lobster stew. This wasn’t just any restaurant – it was an escape, a slice of old Boston, and a family tradition that would become part of American history.
The story behind America’s oldest restaurant
When you walk through the doors of the Union Oyster House today, you’re stepping into a piece of living history that dates back to 1826. The building itself has watched Boston grow from a colonial port into a modern city. The wooden beams overhead and worn floorboards beneath your feet have witnessed countless moments of American history, from the Revolutionary War era through the Industrial Revolution and beyond.
The restaurant started as a humble oyster bar, serving fresh seafood to merchants, sailors, and locals who needed a hot meal and a moment’s rest. The original oyster bar still stands, its marble counter worn smooth by nearly two centuries of guests leaning in to watch expert shuckers work their craft. The building’s architecture remains largely unchanged, preserving the intimate atmosphere of old Boston.
Walking up the narrow staircase to the second floor, you’ll find smaller dining rooms with low ceilings and private booths – one of which would become particularly special to a young senator from Massachusetts. The intimate setting upstairs created the perfect retreat for those seeking a quiet meal away from the bustling main floor, something that particularly appealed to public figures like JFK.
The restaurant’s longevity isn’t just about its historic building – it’s about maintaining traditions while adapting to changing times. The same recipes that drew people in during the 19th century continue to satisfy hungry visitors today. From the way they prepare their seafood to the careful preservation of the interior, every detail helps tell the story of Boston’s oldest continuously operating restaurant.
JFK’s Sunday tradition at booth number 18
Every Sunday at noon, like clockwork, Kennedy would make his way to booth 18 in the upstairs dining room. This wasn’t just any table – it became his personal sanctuary. The semi-circular booth, tucked away from prying eyes, offered the perfect combination of privacy and comfort that a public figure like Kennedy needed. Here, he could enjoy his meal in peace, away from the crowds that increasingly followed him as his political star rose.
The booth itself was strategically chosen. Positioned in a quiet corner of the upper floor, it provided a clear view of the room while maintaining a sense of seclusion. The curved shape of the booth allowed Kennedy to sit comfortably with his back problems, which had plagued him since his war injuries. The private setting also meant he could conduct informal meetings or simply enjoy a peaceful meal without interruption.
Today, this same booth bears a special plaque commemorating its famous regular. Visitors can request to sit in “The Kennedy Booth,” though it’s often reserved well in advance. The restaurant has maintained the booth exactly as it was during Kennedy’s time, right down to the dark wood paneling and comfortable cushions. It’s not uncommon to see people taking photos or simply sitting quietly, absorbing the history of this special spot.
Each year on November 22nd, the anniversary of Kennedy’s assassination, the restaurant pays tribute to their most famous patron. They place a single white rose on table 18 and leave it empty for the day – a touching reminder of the personal connection between this historic restaurant and one of America’s most beloved presidents.
The famous lobster stew that won him over
Among all the dishes served at Union Oyster House, one stood out as Kennedy’s absolute favorite – their signature lobster stew. Despite not being known for having a particularly big appetite, JFK would regularly polish off a bowl of this rich, creamy creation. The stew was a perfect blend of fresh lobster meat swimming in a warm, buttery broth that somehow captured the essence of New England comfort food.
While the exact recipe from Kennedy’s time has evolved, the restaurant’s current seafood offerings still maintain that same dedication to quality and tradition. The kitchen staff takes pride in preparing each bowl with the same care and attention to detail that made it the president’s go-to meal. Fresh lobster meat is still the star ingredient, treated with respect and prepared to perfection.
Modern visitors might notice that the original lobster stew isn’t on the regular menu anymore, but the restaurant offers several lobster dishes that carry on its legacy. From classic lobster rolls to what they playfully call “lazy man’s lobster” (the meat already removed from the shell), each dish honors the tradition of excellent seafood preparation that drew Kennedy back week after week.
Regular customers often ask about recreating the famous stew at home, but like many historic recipes, some secrets remain within the restaurant’s walls. The current menu features dishes that blend traditional preparation methods with modern tastes, ensuring that while times change, the quality and care in food preparation remain constant.
A family affair spanning generations
JFK’s connection to Union Oyster House wasn’t just about his personal dining preferences – it was part of a larger Kennedy family tradition. His father, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., was particularly fond of the restaurant’s New England clam chowder. In fact, he enjoyed it so much that he would have it delivered to his office regularly, a practice that showed just how deeply the restaurant was woven into the family’s daily life.
The Kennedy family’s appreciation for the restaurant extended beyond just eating there. Ted Kennedy, JFK’s younger brother, maintained the family’s connection to the establishment long after his brother’s passing. He even wrote the introduction to the Union Oyster House cookbook, sharing personal memories and family stories about their time spent at the restaurant.
This multi-generational relationship between the Kennedys and Union Oyster House helped cement the restaurant’s place in Boston’s social and political landscape. Other members of the extended Kennedy family would often stop by, making it something of an unofficial family gathering spot. The restaurant became not just a place to eat, but a keeper of family memories and traditions.
Even today, visitors can feel this sense of family history within the restaurant’s walls. Photos and memorabilia from the Kennedy era are tastefully displayed, telling the story of this special relationship between one of America’s most prominent families and Boston’s oldest restaurant.
More than just a meal for busy politicians
For JFK and other politicians of his era, Union Oyster House served as more than just a restaurant – it was an unofficial meeting place where business could be conducted away from the formal settings of government offices. The private booths upstairs provided the perfect environment for quiet conversations and informal discussions that helped shape both local and national politics.
The restaurant’s proximity to Boston’s government buildings made it a convenient spot for political meetings. Its reputation for discretion and privacy, especially in the upstairs dining area, meant that sensitive discussions could take place without fear of being overheard. The staff understood the importance of maintaining this atmosphere of confidentiality, which only added to the restaurant’s appeal among political figures.
Even today, the tradition of political dining continues at Union Oyster House. Modern politicians still frequent the establishment, drawn by both its historic significance and its maintained reputation for privacy. The restaurant has hosted numerous presidents, senators, and other government officials over the years, each adding their own chapter to its rich political history.
The walls of Union Oyster House could tell countless stories of political deals made and relationships formed over plates of fresh seafood. While the nature of political discourse may have changed since Kennedy’s time, the restaurant’s role as a neutral ground for political discussion remains unchanged.
Simple food prepared with respect
Despite its prestigious clientele, Union Oyster House has always maintained a commitment to straightforward, well-prepared food. The menu during Kennedy’s time wasn’t fancy or pretentious – it was honest New England fare made with fresh ingredients and time-tested recipes. This simplicity was part of what drew people like JFK back repeatedly.
The restaurant’s approach to seafood preparation hasn’t changed much since those days. Fish and shellfish are still selected daily from local suppliers, maintaining the same high standards that satisfied customers in Kennedy’s era. The cooking methods remain traditional, focusing on bringing out the natural flavors of the seafood rather than masking them with complex sauces or elaborate preparations.
While some historic restaurants might be tempted to rest on their laurels, Union Oyster House has maintained its standards through generations of ownership. The kitchen staff takes pride in upholding these traditions while ensuring that every dish meets modern expectations for quality and presentation. This balance between honoring history and meeting contemporary standards is part of what keeps the restaurant relevant.
Regular customers appreciate that they can still get the same quality of food that made the restaurant famous generations ago. Whether it’s freshly shucked oysters, traditional fish dishes, or modern interpretations of classic recipes, each item on the menu reflects the restaurant’s commitment to simple, honest food done right.
Famous faces who followed in JFK’s footsteps
Over the years, Union Oyster House has attracted many notable figures beyond JFK. From politicians to movie stars, the restaurant’s guest list reads like a who’s who of American culture. Presidents including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama have all dined within these historic walls, each drawn by the restaurant’s reputation and perhaps a desire to connect with its presidential history.
Hollywood stars have also found their way to this Boston landmark. Names like Paul Newman and Al Pacino have enjoyed meals here, adding their own stories to the restaurant’s rich history. These visits aren’t just about famous names – they’re about maintaining a tradition of excellence that attracts people from all walks of life.
The restaurant treats all its guests with the same respect and attention, whether they’re famous politicians or tourists visiting Boston for the first time. This democratic approach to service was something that Kennedy himself appreciated – the ability to feel like a regular person enjoying a good meal, rather than a politician or celebrity on display.
Each famous visitor has left their mark on the restaurant’s history, but none quite as lasting as JFK’s regular presence. His booth remains the most requested table in the house, a testament to the enduring connection between this historic restaurant and one of America’s most beloved presidents.
As Boston continues to grow and change around it, Union Oyster House remains a constant reminder of the city’s rich history and traditions. It’s more than just America’s oldest restaurant – it’s a living connection to our past, serving up history one plate at a time. JFK might have been drawn by the lobster stew, but he stayed for something more – the same timeless quality that continues to draw visitors today.
