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Union
Master Critic Review
Union
8.0
Union is a corner New American spot from the team behind a nearby music venue, pairing a serious cocktail program with a compact menu of shareables, a standout burger, and simple pastas. It functions as a casual-but-polished neighborhood hangout, with bar seating as central as the dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Union Smash Burger, Fried Olives, Rotating Pasta Specials
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A music-adjacent neighborhood bar-restaurant where cocktails and a strong burger anchor the menu.
Who should go: Friends pairing drinks with a focused New American menu.
When to visit: Evenings before or after shows in the neighborhood.
What to order: Union smash burger, fried olives, nightly pasta special.
Insider tip: The bar is usually the easiest way to walk in without a reservation and still get the full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — mix of metered spots on Milwaukee/California and residential side streets; availability varies and can be tight after 6–7pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished in the evening.
Noise level: Lively, bar-forward energy with moderate-to-loud volume — you can hold a conversation, but it’s not a hushed room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; bar seating often opens up sooner.
Weekday lunch: N/A — typically dinner-focused; when open earlier, waits are uncommon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a handful of shareable plates, salads, and occasional pasta specials work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 items may be vegan or adaptable; best to confirm ingredients with the server.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request (including the burger without bun); no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cocktail program and intimate bar seating create an easy, low-pressure atmosphere, though the room can feel lively rather than quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are most successful at the bar or earlier in the evening; expect a wait at peak weekend times.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning than family-focused; older kids or teens are fine early in the evening, but there are no children’s menus or play amenities.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-centric dinners, small-plate snacking, and a strong neighborhood burger with bar seating that works well for solo diners or small groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet white-tablecloth dinner, a large-format group meal, or a menu with extensive vegan or gluten-free choices.
Hours
Monday5pm - 11pm
Tuesday5pm - 11pm
Wednesday5pm - 11pm
Thursday5pm - 11pm
Friday5pm - 12am
Saturday5pm - 12am
SundayClosed