Union Tavern - Local 902 — Restaurant in Anacortes

So glad we made the walk to Union Tavern after a night at the Majestic Inn. We didn't want a menu full of friedness, weren't in the mood for Mexican (a rarity for us), and were looking for fresh oysters which surprisingly we couldn't find anywhere without heading to the chain restaurant nearby. Union Tavern didn't necessarily have the fresh oysters we were hoping for but had oyster shooters which were close enough!

We walked into a busy outdoor patio, a few tables of 2-4 inside, and a few sprinkled bartop. Rachel the bartender was running an amazing one woman show with style and grace! We ordered a Wander Raspberry Sour and a hand crafted spicy margarita, both were the refreshments we needed stepping in from a hot day. First round of shooters were impressively stocked with diced cucumbers, capers and a little heavy on the cocktail sauce, but still good. Second round we ordered minus the cocktail sauce and used the first servings left overs. We also ordered the meatloaf burger, sooooo much better than it sounds, and a seafood chowder. Everything was delicious!

Bathrooms were clean, ambiance was comfortable with soft string lights throughout. Great spot for a TON on tap, from ciders, sours to, IPAs...

We arrived to a 25% full establishment, with only one HARD WORKING Lady working thr bar and the entire tavern. She had drinks to serve, customers to cash out, and food that was ready for delivery to waiting customers. She was up to her neck with work. Then here comes some help which was supposed to help out and reduce the work to the very busy working Lady...but she was quickly given instructions on what help she needed to provide waiting customers...BUT...she decided to get on her cell phone and began texting for at least 5 minutes. Then she started making requests of I need this and I need that, so SHE ADDED MORE WORK TO THE FIRST HARD WORKING LADY, instead of providing relief help to her!!! We paid our tab and walked out!!! Plus my wife asked her twice for a bag of sweetener and never came through, except for and after the fact apology. NO TIP FOR EITHER! THIS WAS AT NOON ON...

The good: great atmosphere and vibe with excellent beer selection and full service bar. Food is also very good pub fare.

The bad (or terrible): the service is an abysmal. More than 10 minutes to come over and take a drink order and it only happened because I went to the bar to ask them to send a waitress over. Asked our waitress twice for hot sauce...nothing! Asked another waiter (who by the way as it turned out, the only responsive person in The place) and hot sauce finally appeared. It wasn't as if they were short on staff. As we were waiting for our drink order to be taken a waitress stood two tables over tucking it up with her pals who had just arrived. Place is in dire need of good management.

Looking for good food AND good service head down the street to the...