Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen — Restaurant in Clarkston

First time visiting and the reviews looked good. We arrived at 12:45 and expected a wait for our party of 3. The wait wasn't bad but after we were seated, it got worse. At first it seamed good. A waitress appeared shortly after we sat. We quickly found out at 1 pm they still have the breakfast menu, which were on the table that my daughter was looking over. And that from 2-3 they only have Mac and Cheese then the full lunch/dinner menu is out at 3. So we quickly picked not hard things. During the 90 minute wait we noticed the dirty walls. The dust on the window sills that you could write a name on. The nightclub like volume that made speaking to each other almost a nul point. We named the waitstaff as no one told us their names (grey sweater. t-shirt blond, dreadlocks, under age busser, etc) to help pass the time. The desire to lose yourself in your phone was never more present. Shame when this old church has such a decor that demands to be looked at, and could start wonderful conversations with your date or family -if only you could hear each other. A few refills on beverage, but never was any indication of the food taking too long or the staff really busy. I could barely hear our neighboring table asking about their wait time on food. Right after we started googling other restaurants our food arrived. The food wasn't bland but wasn't anything special. In fact for a place featuring Mac and Cheese on the website and a huge sign claiming 1.1 million serving served since 1995, you'd think it would be the golden cheese you see on the website. After you broke through the outer shell (burnt black, not browned) and let the steam escape you find it is a pale color. What ever cheese they used it carried the burnt flavor through the entire dish masking any delicacy the cheese may have had. In short, they carry over the bar portion to the next day expecting you just just be wanting breakfast at 1 and so hung over anything will do for it. But it comes off as a loud pretentious DJ that takes your tip money but plays your song long after you have left. The dinner menu maybe the Bomb but I'll never know as I won't be back. If a 1pm breakfast at lunch takes over an hour to make what does the rest of the fair take? I don't have the...

This place is legit, it's important to order correctly, which can generally be guided by the well informed wait staff. See they want you to be happy and they get to taste the specials and now the specialty items you should order for the table just cause, after all, you are at the union. If you don't know this means ordering a large Mac and cheese for the table, as an appetizer with beer. Let's call that round one, now for the appetizers, well check the specials, ask for soup samples, and order things to share! If your heart wants the tuna salad with the olives then get it, it's so on point with a seared piece of tuna and a lemon vinaigrette. It's a favorite of mine. The pizza is usually a good call for an appetizer. From here it just depends are you there for lunch or dinner.... Most things are great, but like I said rely heavily on wait staff to be honest with you .. like I don't recall being blown away by burgers or chicken sandwiches here so much, although they do use good ingredients, all the way down. To the kids chicken tenders. I had love for many of the rotating menu meatloaf and mashers and the ALL veggies that go with the entree's are so tasty and fresco all at one. This place employs a real chef and staff that cares about the place, everything is open and there is a culture of clean caring staff that may have been there for years. Tip well and they will lavish you with old fashioned service love. Otherwise you'll just get the regular love, great food, home cooked, community restaurant, world famous Mac and cheese... It all should be plenty as it stands out with 30 plus taps that are lovingly cleaned and cared for. The first in a series of great restaurants by this restaurant curator... Inquire within, it can be a fun journey to go...

A visit to The Union in Clarkston is not just a meal; it's an experience that engages all the senses from the moment you walk in. Set in a beautifully converted old church, the ambiance resonates with an understated charm, an effortless blend of history and contemporary touches.

To start, the Mediterranean Dip was a revelation. Its perfect texture paired with the harmonious blend of flavors creates an appetizing introduction to what's in store. It's the kind of dish that sets the tone for the rest of the evening, and The Union certainly did not disappoint.

The Chicken Pot Pie was a comforting symphony of flavors and textures. It was clear that meticulous care went into perfecting this dish. With a flaky crust that melted in the mouth and a hearty filling that warmed the soul, it was the epitome of comfort food taken to the next level.

But the true standout of the evening was the Meatloaf. To describe it as 'beyond great' feels almost like an understatement. It was a masterclass in how a classic dish can be elevated to gourmet status. Every bite was a journey of flavors that was both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

The staff's attentive service further enhanced the overall experience, ensuring that we were well taken care of throughout our meal.

In conclusion, The Union is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary landmark in Clarkston. The blend of exquisite dishes, an atmosphere steeped in history, and top-notch service makes it a must-visit. I eagerly anticipate my next visit to relive and uncover more...