Union Bear Brewing - McKinney — Restaurant in McKinney

Full disclosure. I've known the GM for the location for awhile - he was the GM at my favorite gastropub for a bunch of years. So since I know his passion for food and libations, my expectations for our first visit were quite high.

My expectations were quickly exceeded.

Union Bear is a fantastic place. The crowds on a Sunday evening "bear" that out (see what I did there?). The parking is limited and kind of ugly. But it's a downtown restaurant and that's to be expected in most cities. We found a spot cattycorner to the place in a public lot. It's a walking-friendly environment, so park where you can and enjoy your stroll before and after a fine meal.

The beer is really good. Yeah, it's not made on site, but get over it. It's good beer. You should be able to find something you like if you just give the staff a chance to share their knowledge. Bar staff knows beer. Tell them what you like and they'll get you set up. If you don't like beer, they've got plenty of other options. The bottle selection for a beer-centric place was pretty good.

The menu goes from the basic pub food to the very tasty crusted trout that I had. Everyone in our party really enjoyed their meal. The portions were big. Two at our table needed to-go boxes. Don't miss out on the appetizers (thanks, Gabe).

The environment is cool, even when packed. We sat inside, but the patio looked really nice. It's on the east side of the building, so it's protected from the summer afternoon sun. Misters should make it plenty comfortable. And I think I saw heaters for the colder season.

I just wish it wasn't a 40 minute drive (in good traffic) from the house. Obviously that's not their fault. Visit McKinney. Check out Union Bear. You won't regret it.

Our thanks to Gabe and our server G. We'll see you...

We went on a Thursday early evening. As is part of the struggle with Old Town McKinney, parking was a nightmare.

Once got to Union Bear, we were greeted immediately, asked if we wanted outside or inside dining ( it was 96 degrees...inside please) and had a high top table right away. There were 4 seats on each side of the table and we were at one end while another couple had the opposite end. We like that this is an option, it reminds us of Europe. Our server....I believe her name was Sasha, she was a lovely young woman and had the answers to all our questions. I asked about some of the fish on the menu and she went and asked the chef for the answer. Very impressed.

I ordered the Honeybear drink, complete with gummy bears floating on top, it was sweet but refreshing and my husband had the Mexican pale beer....sorry I am not a beer person so that is how I remember it. They brew their own and have quite a collection. Both drinks were good!

I ordered the Kimchee shrimp tacos with queso and chips and my husband had the fish and chips. Both meals were served quickly, hot, and were very tasty. Their salt and pepper skinny fries were very good as was the brusselslaw. The tacos were flavorful and a bit spicy. I wish the shrimp had not been battered and fried but it was good.

The atmosphere was relaxed and I think it would be very loud on a Friday or Saturday night but that is what happens at bars. There seemed to be "regulars" at the bar and I think this is always a good sign.

All in all, we will go back and try some other tasty-looking entrees and drinks. Other than the parking this is a nice place to go dine and...

Union Bear in McKinney is easily one of the best dining experiences I have had in a long time. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was spot on. It has a rustic yet modern design, casual but still classy. The space feels open and relaxed, with plenty of TVs that make it perfect for hanging out, catching a game, or simply enjoying a night out.

The service was exceptional. Our waitress, G (just the letter G), was fantastic. She was friendly, attentive, and made sure everything went smoothly. When there was a small delay with our drinks, Claire, the floor manager, came by to check in and ensure we were taken care of. They even gave us the drinks for free, which shows how much they prioritize great service. Gabe, the general manager, was also present and clearly leads the team with a strong focus on hospitality and customer satisfaction.

The food was amazing. I had the shrimp tacos, which were packed with flavor. Others at our table ordered chicken wings and loved them. I also noticed the table next to us enjoying burgers and a chicken sandwich. Everything looked delicious and everyone around us seemed just as impressed.

I truly do not have a single negative thing to say about Union Bear. That is rare. The combination of great food, outstanding service, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent leadership makes this place stand out. I will definitely return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quality...