Quick review: Union Bar + Food

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Not too long ago, Union Bar + Food was just another gay bar lining the Short North High Street strip. But a complete venue change and intense renovation in the spring of ’07 has made it the place to be for gays and straights, day and night.

Run by Roy G. Biv -- owners of Havana, Axis and East Village -- the bistro, formerly known as Union Station Video Café, sports a two-sided setup. A wall lining the middle separates the dining room from a more lounge-like bar side. An LA-chic atmosphere is sprinkled throughout, accented by the bamboo fans that line the ceiling. A pool table is pushed off to the bar’s back side, but it becomes difficult to use once the bar fills by 11 p.m.

The food portion of the Bar + Food title features an eclectic platter running the gamut from a full pasta list to cheeseburgers and from quesadillas to oven-roasted chicken teriyaki. The shrimp fettuccine sautée ($13.99) is particularly noteworthy because of its delectable combination of shrimp, scallops, crab, cherry tomatoes, spinach, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese and white wine cream sauce.

Another entrée specialty is the fried sesame chicken ($10.99), featuring a panko sesame-crusted boneless, skinless chicken breast with peanut sauce. Each entrée also comes with Union’s delicious arugula house salad, which includes spinach and romaine lettuce, almonds and a tangy house vinaigrette. The menu also includes gourmet flat bread pizzas ($10.99 to $12.49).

U, as it’s called by regulars, is best known for nightly food and drink specials. Mondays feature $10 pizzas and $2 pints, and Tuesdays are all-you-can-eat pasta nights.

The 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour Monday through Thursday features $5 select appetizers, $2.50 well cocktails and $1.50 select beers.

Fridays are Martini Madness with $6 for all Grey Goose drinks, and Saturdays feature $10 margarita pitchers for all flavors, including strawberry – a personal fave.

Sunday brunch is a Union staple. The DJ table is replaced with an omelet bar, where you can have your omelet made-to-order only a few steps away from the small buffet. Just a few of the buffet’s delights include French toast, pancakes, sausage links and Danish pastries.

If you’re looking for a good time day or night in a posh atmosphere, Union is your place.

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