Union Bar & Soda Fountain — Restaurant in Fort Collins

I recently had the pleasure of visiting this wonderful establishment, and I must say, it left an indelible mark on my culinary adventures. From the moment I stepped through the door, I knew I was in for an exceptional experience. Let me share with you why this establishment deserves every one of its five stars.

First and foremost, the burger was nothing short of phenomenal. Each bite was a mouthwatering symphony of flavors, textures, and juiciness. The patties were cooked to perfection, boasting a delightful charred exterior while retaining their juiciness on the inside. The buns were fresh and fluffy, the perfect vessel to hold together the incredible combination of ingredients. Whether you prefer classic toppings or adventurous flavor profiles, this place has got you covered with an impressive variety of burger options. The craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into my burger truly set them apart.

Now, let's talk about the milkshake. Oh my goodness, my peanut butter milkshake was the stuff dreams are made of! Creamy, indulgent, and with a rich burst of flavor, they were the perfect accompaniment to the burger feast. From classic chocolate and vanilla to creative concoctions like salted caramel or cookies and cream, their milkshake menu catered to all taste preferences. Each sip was pure bliss, and it's safe to say that my shake achieved a perfect balance between sweetness and creaminess.

No burger and shake experience is complete without a side of fries, and let me tell you, these were the pinnacle of fried perfection. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned to perfection, these fries were simply addictive. Paired with the burgers and shakes, they added an extra dimension of deliciousness to the overall meal.

Lastly, let's not forget about the atmosphere. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance. The decor exuded a delightful blend of vintage charm and modern style, creating a cozy and relaxed environment. The staff was friendly, attentive, and passionate about their craft, which elevated the dining experience to new heights. Whether you're visiting with friends, family, or even by yourself, the atmosphere in this place makes you feel right at home.

In conclusion, the Union offers a complete sensory experience that deserves all five stars and then some. From the delectable burger that tantalizes your taste buds to the heavenly milkshake that transports you to dessert paradise, every element of the meal is crafted with impeccable skill and care. Add to that the outstanding fries and the welcoming atmosphere, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable dining experience. Don't just take my word for it, go and experience it for yourself -- your taste buds...

This place quickly became one of my favorites. Since it's opening, I've been here on a number of occasions: lunch with colleagues, afternoon drinks with friends, large groups from work, etc.

The short version for those who don't want to read the entire review: the food and drinks are fantastic, the service is consistently exceptional, the prices are middle-of-the-road (some yelpers have complained it's overpriced; I think it's reasonable), and the atmosphere is sort of hipster/trendy/retro — good for everything from formal business meetings to casual get-togethers with friends/family.

The longer version, with the details ...

Each time I've visited the food has been out-of-this-world. This is one of the only places I always feel confident trying out something new on the menu each visit; I've never been dissatisfied. The wait-time for food is average and fairly consistent as well, whether it's peak lunchtime and packed, or a lazy afternoon with only a few tables occupied. But, the drinks. My god. Their sodas are spectacular and the cocktails are so refreshing. Try the Jennie Rose (vodka, blackberry liqueur, lemon, ginger beer, and sage); I'm pretty much addicted to the point where I'll come here just for that drink. I know this is pretty much a sin to admit, but I have yet to try any of the shakes or desserts, though I've heard from friends that they are delicious.

The service has been on-point each time I've been in, with only one or two exceptions; the servers are all competent, pleasant and attentive. Inside and outside seating areas are both great; the atmosphere all-around is vibrant and polished. To address the missing fifth-star, I'll just say that there are a few odd things that could be addressed on their menu (for example, the "appetizer" version of macaroni and cheese is $5 for a "cup" (which is actually in every sense, a decently large bowl) and the kids menu version of it is $7. The kids menu version is also notably smaller. It's not any big deal in the long run, but could use some tweaking. I'll also mention that the restaurant is situated adjacent to the railroad. Each time I'm here, there's at least one train; now, this is completely out of management's control, but it unfortunately does impact guests (albeit for only moments out of your visit, so don't let that be a deterrent!).

I'll finish by saying that this is not the owners' first go-round and they are committed to excellence. So, if there is ever an issue, I feel confident that if it's brought to their attention, it will be rectified to the best of...

My wife and I had a wonderful lunch at Union Bar & Soda Fountain. We were pleased by the vegan and non-alcoholic options available here!

The atmosphere is great: cozy and spacious at the same time. We had a sunny table near a window and, having been welcomed warmly by every staff person we passed, settled in for a delicious lunch. The restaurant was busy (not standing-room-only, but most tables were full) but not noisy; we were able to have a conversation without straining to hear each other.

We started with drinks, and were happy to see some enticing non-alcoholic cocktails and lots of coffee drink options. My wife had an almond milk latte (which she said was great) and I enjoyed a "Rose Among Thorns" non-alcoholic cocktail. It was wonderful, with hints of rosewater and lime.

Our server, Morgan, was super friendly (and attentive to our needs without "hovering") and she answered all our questions about which dishes were vegan, or "vegan-izable." I ordered the tofu scramble, which was seasoned perfectly and came with potatoes, which were great too: crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. My wife had the vegan banh-mi sandwich, which was served with string potato fries. It was delicious: the tofu was permeated with really tasty seasoning and everything arrived nice and hot, too.

We could have left it there -- both dishes were quite filling -- but the vegan chocolate orange cake had caught our eye, so we shared a slice. It was marvelous! The cake itself was moist, light and flavorful, and the frosting had just the right amount of orangey citrus "pop" of flavor, with a hint of bitter dark chocolate icing accents. We were already thrilled that the restaurant had a vegan dessert option at ALL (few restaurants offer vegan desserts), but EXTRA wowed that the cake was so delicious.

One note for other plant-based eaters: Morgan mentioned that the restaurant keeps non-dairy ice cream on hand, so that the various ice-cream based options are vegan-izable as well.

Did I mention that this whole feast came in at a little under $54, before tip? We were pleased by how reasonably priced all the dishes were, given the care and quality ingredients that had gone into each.

Thanks, Morgan, and thanks, Union Bar & Soda Fountain, for the yummy, relaxing lunch! We were so happy to discover another vegan-friendly restaurant in...