Union Bar and Grille
South End scenester haven lures the city's jet set with handsome appointments and an invitingly modern menu.
(617) 849-7291
1357 Washington St
(at Waltham Street)
Boston,
MA
02118
42.3416
-71.0693
Neighborhoods: South End, Harrison Lenox
Hours:
Mon-Wed 5:30pm-12am
Thu-Fri 5:30pm-1am
Sat 10am-3pm, 5:30pm-1am
Sun 10am-3pm, 5:30pm-12am
Price:
$$$
Last updated 4.30.09
What People Are Saying About Union Bar and Grille
The Owner
Union Bar and Grille
Owner
Union Bar and Grille located in the SOWA area of the South End. The menu offers simple, but sophisticated American Cuisine featuring Roast Rack of Lamb, Pan Roast Chicken, & Seared Hanger Steak by Executive Chef Seth Woods. Each dish is complimented by an All-American wine list. Saturday and Sunday Brunch are a favorite of the S.End crowd. As one enters through the yellow tinted vestibule, eyes are immediately drawn to the innovative use of texture, materials and neutral color. The space is a blend of design elements from historic and current themes. Union is, "a gathering place where people of all neighborhoods and backgrounds can come together".
The Editor
Eric Grossman
Citysearch
Well-dressed singles congregate in Union's ultra-trendy bar area to nibble on designer finger food and pomegranate martinis. A glass partition separates the bar's hum from one of the city's most stylish dining rooms, where well-dressed South Enders sit in circular black banquettes. Strategically placed mirrors and wrought-iron chandeliers add to the darkly fashionable vibe. Knowledgeable, personable waiters help patrons navigate an intricate, all-American wine list. A noteworthy menu of American cuisine lives up to its pedigree (the owners also masterminded Aquitaine and Armani Cafe). From the cast-iron skillet of warm cornbread that begins every meal to comforting desserts like Vermont maple bread pudding, all the right touches are in place. Among the starters, both an intricate sweet pea risotto with marinated tomatoes and a fresh arugula salad with herbed goat cheese stand out, as does the kitchen's signature "$10K" tuna steak (the chef's spice rub won a contest worth $10,000).
High Marks
* "The atmosphere was very chic and both the food and the servers were well seasoned..." (dms1976, Citysearch user)
* "A sure bet for brunch in the South End. They are consistent, they take reservations (and seat you at the time that you reserved for) and the food is quite good..." (bostonadam, Citysearch user)
Low Marks
* "I remember when this place opened, I loved it. I hadn't been there in about a year, and when I returned I was disappointed to see that the menu is so similar to the past ones..." (timothy56, Citysearch user)
* "Trying to be cool, but missing it by a bit. The food's good but not memorable..." (palazzino, Citysearch user)
User Reviews
jinkitee
November 05, 2008
I'm a longtime resident of the South End and I have to admit that I didn't set foot into Union until just a few months ago. The food is simply amazing and the Tuna (my favorite dish) is to die for. The complimentary corn bread that is served in a hot iron skillet is also a real treat. Aside from the food, the decor is quite swanky and something that I believe that 30-something year old Sinatra would be quite comfortable in if time travel was possible. The service is also top notch. While I am not a wine expert, it seems that there is always an experienced sommelier available to make great recommendations. Definitely a South End favorite.
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Timothy56
April 10, 2008
I remember when this place opened, I loved it. I hadn't been there in about a year, and when I returned I was disappointed to see that the menu is so similar to the past ones. Enough with the 10K tuna, and fried calamari, and does the buyer know of any other sausage besides chorizo? Desserts have gone down hill, and the over all atmosphere has become pretentious. Woods was great with the old Metropolis and original Aquataine, he needs to do something on his own again.Less time with his publicist and more time cooking and creating with his staff.
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dms1976
March 25, 2008
On a second visit to Boston, I dined at Union Bar & Grill with my husband. We both enjoyed the experience thoroughly. The atmosphere was very chic and both the food and the servers were well seasoned. We tried some of the local favs and particularly loved the sweet corn risotto, the 10k tuna and the lamb. Having relocated to a sleepy suburb in the southeast, we feel Union is just the type of eatery we sorely miss! I greatly appreciated the Union staff for taking such great care of us. We look forward to stopping by again on our next trip to Beantown!
read full reviewThe Details on Union Bar and Grille
Know Before You Go:
There's no dress code, but skip worn jeans and sneakers for black pants and shoes, or run the risk of sticking out in the crowd.
Save Time:
If there's a long wait for a table, try to grab a seat at the bar, where you can order off the dinner menu.
When to Go:
Popular weekend brunch is served from 10am-3pm, with a $9.95 prix-fixe menu available all day Saturday and until 11am on Sunday.
Category:
Traditional American, Restaurants
Payment Methods:
Gift Certificate, American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Fine Dining, Brunch, People Watching, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
Message from Union Bar and Grille
- Full Bar
- Wine List
- American Cuisine
Union Bar and Grille located in the SOWA area of the South End. The menu offers simple, but sophisticated American Cuisine featuring Roast Rack of Lamb, Pan Roast Chicken, & Seared Hanger Steak by Executive Chef Seth Woods. Each dish is complimented by an All-American wine list. Saturday and Sunday Brunch are a favorite of the S.End crowd. As one enters through the yellow tinted vestibule, eyes are immediately drawn to the innovative use of texture, materials and neutral color. The space is a blend of design elements from historic and current themes. Union is, "a gathering place where people of all neighborhoods and backgrounds can come together".
