Union Local 613 — Restaurant in Ottawa

Very disappointed with my experience. Called the restaurant to see if they had dining - was curtly told, yeah, we have been for a while. Arrived to find that there were only bar tables (im short with an ankle injury, so I asked to be seated at the bench instead of on a rickety high bar chair). They seemed very put off since it was a 4 person table (they could have easily pulled them apart since they later did it with 2 other tables). Sat down and the waiter asked for our drink order. We said no alcohol only water - we don't drink... sure enough, he had no interest in us after. We searched for a menu everywhere on the multiple papers only to find a half a dozen individual items (no more meals). I was very disappointed since this was not updated online or alluded to when we called. Ordered the hot fried chicken - it appeared to have been previously fried and then refried for us as it was extremely dark and extremely dry. 2 tiny pieces of chicken with a stale slice of bread 14$. My partner got the pastrami sandwich (might have been 16$) which was just a bun with 2 slices of meat 1 slice of cheese and a tasty mustard (the mustard was the best part of the entire meal) and maybe a pickle. The waiter didn't show up for another 20 minutes but walked by our empty plates and water 4 or 5 times. When he came back we got the bill and left - not to a friendly face or goodbye. I dont understand how when, with only 4 tables full and 2 servers on shift, we can hace such long, drawn out, crummy service or disappointing food. We have come once before in the fall and I had the best shrimp and grits I've had outside of Nashville - and was expecting a similar culinary experience. This just left me disappointed that I didn't go to one of the other restaurants on the block. Too bad. Perhaps I'd have been more forgiving if it was busy... It was one of the first places I was excited to try post covid - and now I dont even...

Union 613 takes their food very seriously. I've been there as a regular customer and during their hosted events and was blown away by their service and food.

The setting is very relax, they make an effort of communal dining here, so you'll have to reserve a private table to yourself in advance if you want some privacy. The service here is on top, from the moment I stepped in, my waiter hanged my jacket for me, constantly made sure that my water was full and the cherry on top, it was easy to make light conversations with him. During their hosted events, the same can be said with the bar staff regardless of the number of people they served, they always had a cheerful personality

The food itself was amazing too. I ordered a Cuban sandwich with cornbread, hoping for the traditional meal, and got that plus a little modern twist that wasn't too out there. The hosted events had different caters that made such unique and amazing dishes, I had fresh oysters there, and little creations of "cream chesse" made out of pig's fat (it doesn't sound good, but it actually did taste good). I also had the pleasure of drinking a Kombu juice (not my favourite drink) mix with their cocktail of alcohol (then became my favourite drink).

On top of that Union 613 has weekly themes, the crowd favourite is "ladies night" (I think that's what it's called) where Union 613 addresses sexism in the workforce by having their men staff dress in attire ladies are forced to wear (short skirt and high heels). It's probably the only restaurant I know that goes beyond the food industry and connects with its customers on a deeper level. Highly...

Union: A Feast of Flavors and Ambiance

It's only my fourth visit to Union, and yet again, this spot has managed to dazzle me with its trifecta of excellence: drinks, food, and ambiance. Each experience here feels like a curated indulgence, and this time was no exception.

Let’s start with the drinks. Whether you opt for their Dark and Stormy or the intriguingly named This is Not a Caesar, you’re in for a treat. The mixology here is nothing short of stellar—bold, balanced, and brimming with creativity. Each sip feels like a crafted narrative, and both cocktails left me exclaiming, "Wowzer!"

For my appetizer, I dove into the Duck Wings. What a revelation! Tender to the point of falling off the bone, the wings had an irresistible mesquite flavor that lingered just enough to make you crave the next bite. It was a smoky, savory prelude that perfectly set the stage for the main course.

Speaking of the main course: enter the Mallard Lamb Shank. This dish is culinary poetry. Served atop a divine confit, the lamb was tender and flavorful, its richness enhanced by a medley of peanuts and spices that provided both contrast and harmony. The sous vide preparation elevated the dish to an entirely new level of refinement, delivering unparalleled succulence and depth.

Union’s ambiance deserves its own standing ovation. The setting is effortlessly chic, warm, and inviting—an ideal backdrop for savoring every morsel and sip.

Union is a symphony of flavors, textures, and experiences that keep me coming back. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memory in the making. If you haven’t been yet, make it your next...