Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Union Saloon – Seattle
Union Saloon - Seattle
Photo from Union Saloon
Union Saloon at a glance
Seattle Wallingford
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#149 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#7 American Restaurant out of 38 in Seattle
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
403
Reviews
87.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality dining
- Great vibe
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Portion size
The restaurant Union Saloon is a popular American Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Wallingford neighborhood. You’ll find a truly standout experience here, especially if you appreciate a great beer selection.
This cozy spot offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner. Whether you’re looking for happy hour drinks or late-night food, Union Saloon has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Union Saloon
Union Saloon offers a generally strong dining experience, particularly shining with its well-regarded food and inviting atmosphere . Guests often praise the thoughtful menu and the comfortable, rustic yet refined space that makes for a pleasant visit.
While the service is frequently highlighted as warm and attentive, there are occasional reports of less gracious interactions, including instances of feeling shaming or rushed. Overall, it presents as a reliable spot with a few areas for refinement.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
403
Reviews
87.6%
Satisfaction
35
negative
15
neutral
353
positive
Union Saloon earns a solid overall score of 8.4, with customer satisfaction standing at a strong 87.6%. This indicates a largely positive reception from its patrons.
The restaurant’s strengths are clearly in its Ambience (8.6) and Food (8.5), both receiving high marks for their quality and appeal. Service also performs well with a score of (8.1), reflecting many positive interactions, though some experiences suggest inconsistency.
Value (6.8) is considered average, indicating that while prices are generally reasonable, some guests find portions small or question the overall cost. These insights are drawn from 403 customer opinions, with 353 positive and 35 negative remarks.
What people like
- Delicious, thoughtful food
- Welcoming, chic atmosphere
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service interactions
- Small portions sometimes
- Average value perception
With a strong recommendation score of 8.6, Union Saloon is certainly worth considering for a meal. It’s a place where you can expect a delightful culinary experience in a charming setting, making it a good choice for a relaxed outing.
However, be mindful that service can occasionally be a mixed bag, and some find the value to be just average. If you prioritize excellent food and a great vibe over strict budget concerns, this saloon could be a fitting destination.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Union Saloon
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.5 and a solid 89% customer satisfaction. Out of 237 opinions, 211 rave about the delicious fried chicken, flavorful pork verde, and excellent cocktails, often praising the creative menu and delightful lemon ricotta waffles. However, not every dish is a winner, with 20 negative remarks noting that some food can be salty or portions are sometimes small.
A few found the Caesar salad disappointing or the menu choices a bit strange, suggesting some flavors felt forced rather than naturally paired.
Food
237
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
20
negative
6
neutral
211
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fried chicken
- Creative, flavorful dishes
- Excellent cocktails
What people don't like
- Food can be salty
- Portions sometimes small
- Some dishes disappointing
Often praised
- foodThe place was busy with the aire of calmness. Everyone really enjoyed their food. I shared the waffle and pork verde.
- fried chickenMy go-to is their BLT, which is served with biscuits, poached eggs, collard greens, bacon, tomato jam, sweet chilies, and mayo. My husband enjoys their fried chicken with biscuits and gravy. I particularly love their biscuits and find myself coming here when I miss other favorite spots like Wandering Goose or Biscuit and Bean.
- drinksOur drinks were delicious, including a fun N/A spritz
- cocktailsI popped in for brunch and to read a little, and it turned out to be a GREAT find! The service was awesome, the food was fantastic, and they had fun cocktails. I really enjoyed my experience here.
- menuIt's a perfect local place, slightly off the beaten path, and honestly, it should be busier than it is, even though it's already pretty busy. The waitstaff is appropriately attentive, and the chef and BOH (Back of House) execute perfectly on a thoughtful menu. It's a truly great find.
- FoodFood:4
- biscuitYum!). I opted for the Chile Verde with a delicious biscuit. I'll be back soon for the Hash.
- biscuitsBiscuits are simply amazing - perfect balance of crispy and soft
- carrot cakemost delicious slice of carrot cake
- pork verdePork was so tender, the egg perfectly poached, and the dish wasn't over sauced.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food seems a little weird to me
- portionsportions can be small depending on what you order
- Caesar saladturned out to be a kale salad with a “Caesar like” dressing very disappointing
- brisket omeletteBrisket omelette was disappointing
- carrot cakeI highly recommend experiencing it for yourself! Just be sure to stay away from the carrot cake, as I may cry if they run out because of you.
- cold potatoesCold potatoes and lukewarm scramble
- flavorsI get the idea of having fewer options and better quality, but the menu is strange. The flavors seem to be forced to mesh together instead of being a natural pairing, just my opinion. The atmosphere is great and the drink service is incredible.
- lukewarm scrambleCold potatoes and lukewarm scramble
- menuThe food seems a little weird to me. I get the idea of having fewer options and better quality, but the menu is strange. The flavors seem to be forced to mesh together instead of being a natural pairing, just my opinion.
- mushroom gravywish they would serve mushroom gravy
If you're looking for creative comfort food with standout fried chicken and cocktails, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might be on the saltier side or have smaller portions, so choose wisely!
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.1 and customer satisfaction at a high 81.7%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Many of the 67 positive remarks highlight the friendly and attentive staff, often praising specific servers and the welcoming owner.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. Out of 82 total comments, 12 pointed to areas for improvement, including instances of detached service, an unfriendly bartender, or even feeling rushed to leave. While these are fewer, they're worth noting for a balanced view.
Service
82
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming owner
- Great service
What people don't like
- Unfriendly bartender
- Felt rushed
- Detached service
Often praised
- serviceIt truly doesn't get any better than that. The service was efficient and warm, and Michelle was a kind presence as she moved about. It's evident that this place pays attention to every detail, from the kitschy dinnerware and the service to the overall space and the fare.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was incredibly hospitable, with staff like Sterling, Spencer, and Michelle checking in regularly and genuinely seeming like great people. The food was top notch, and the drinks were super good.
- ownerThe potatoes were perfectly cooked, the drink was delicious, and the bacon was probably some of the best I’ve ever had. The service was friendly and attentive, and the owner was lovely. I’m so happy to have found this spot and can’t wait to go back for dinner.
- ServiceService is good
- bartenderThe bartender is a true mixologist
- friendly stafffriendly and didn’t rush us
- MeganSpecial thanks to Megan at the bar for the chats and lovely drinks
- Michelleand Michelle was kind enough to grace us with her presence
- attentive staffStaff was attentive
- bar managerSterling, tge bar manager is an artist at work!
Frequently criticized
- serviceWas denied service, but was not drunk and told by the waitress
- bartenderI wish the bartender would have approached us rather than sending the waitress over
- being asked to leaveThere wasn't a lot of flavor, and the portions were small. To top it off, being asked to leave so more guests could be served whilst catching up with friends didn’t help. While I understand the need to turn tables, and it wasn't my first time being asked this in a restaurant (feels like a Seattle thing to me), it detracted from the experience.
- eye contactAvoided eye contact with us instead.
- intoxicatedNone of our party were intoxicated or stumbling around.
- managerthe manager sounded dismissive and said she’d look into it
- shamingbeing shaming like we’re selfish and taking up space
- staffwoman who’d come on shift and not served us kept hovering
- trash canscould not throw away an empty alcohol container...because there were no trash cans enroute
You can generally expect good service here, with a friendly and attentive team making most visits pleasant. While a few isolated reports mention less-than-stellar interactions, the overall experience suggests you'll be well looked after.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
Well, if youre looking for a place with a fantastic vibe, youve hit the jackpot! The ambience here is clearly a major draw, with an impressive score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 94.5%. Out of 73 total opinions, a whopping 69 rave about the wonderful atmosphere, often highlighting the great ambiance, dog-friendly policy, stunning views of the Seattle skyline, and cozy feel.
However, it's not entirely perfect, as 2 opinions did mention some issues. A couple of guests found the atmosphere awkward or the establishment rigid, which is a small contrast to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. But rest assured, these seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread concern.
Ambience
73
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great views
- Cozy atmosphere
- Dog friendly
What people don't like
- Awkward atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was amazing, and the service was friendly. I really enjoyed the ladiback atmosphere. I would absolutely come again.
- ambianceespecially enjoyed the ambiance late on a weekday
- Atmospherethe Atmosphere:5
- spaceThe space itself is both rustic and refined, welcoming and cool.
- decorCute little saloon with a great decor.
- outdoor seatinglimited outdoor seating, which will be very nice
- spottrendy / cute / comfy little spot
- vibeThe vibe is laid-back and has a neighborhood feel.
- Street parkingAll 5 of us fit comfortably into a booth. Street parking was easy. The place was busy with the aire of calmness.
- ambiencethe place was very cute and chic
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe awkward atmosphere they created made us leave.
- establishmentVery rigid establishment, recommend changing title from saloon.
If a great atmosphere, cozy feel, and even dog-friendly options are high on your list, this spot is definitely worth checking out. You're likely to find a welcoming and enjoyable environment, making it a solid choice for your next outing.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find the prices here quite reasonable, often noting that it doesn't break the bank and offers great prices for the quality of food. In fact, the overall score for value sits at a respectable 6.8, indicating a generally good perception. Out of 11 comments, 6 specifically highlighted these positive aspects, suggesting that many feel its definitely worth it.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is a bit more mixed at 54.5%. While most experiences are positive, theres a notable concern regarding the tip, with one customer reporting an issue where an amount was added to their tip after they had already signed the receipt. This kind of experience can certainly leave a sour taste, despite the generally fair pricing.
Value
11
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
1
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good food value
What people don't like
- Tip manipulation issue
Often praised
- priceI'd be interested in coming back for lunch or dinner. 🙂 2 drinks and two entrees before tip: $55.
- pricesThe prices are reasonable
- foodI think definitely worth it for food
- tabBut she could have waited a few minutes. I understand people need to make a living, but calling us "ladies" and shaming us as if we were selfish and taking up space, rushing my friend out despite her having a glass of wine, was very lame and ungracious, especially after a several hundred dollar tab for a bar.
Frequently criticized
- tipadded $10 to my tip after I signed the receipt
Overall, if you're looking for a place where your money generally goes a long way, especially for the food, this spot is worth considering. Just be sure to double-check your bill, particularly the tip, to avoid any unexpected surprises.
How are the prices at Union Saloon?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits here, we see a good number of folks spending a bit less, around the 21-30$ mark, and some venturing into the higher price points too. So, there’s a nice mix!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant in Seattle. It seems like you can find a good meal here whether you’re looking for something a bit more casual or ready to splurge a little.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Union Saloon
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Delicious Chicken, Disappointing Salad
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of delight and disappointment. The fried chicken was absolutely delicious, a true highlight. However, the accompanying “Caesar” salad, which turned out to be a kale salad with a “Caesar like” dressing, was very disappointing, especially given the restaurant's recent "best in Seattle" review.
On a positive note, the bartender was adorable and crafted excellent cocktails.
- fried chicken10
- bartender10
- cocktails10
- Caesar salad3
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
2
Dishonest Billing and Mediocre Food
I won't be returning to this restaurant. My experience was marred by a significant issue with the bill. After I signed the receipt, they added $10 to my tip.
When I contacted the manager, she sounded dismissive and stated she would look into it when she had time. Unfortunately, two weeks later, the issue remained unresolved. Fortunately, I had a photo of my receipt, which allowed me to dispute the charge.
However, a friend shared a similar experience, suggesting this might be a recurring problem. Regarding the food, it was just okay. It might be acceptable after a couple of drinks, but it was nothing memorable.
I advise everyone to save your receipt and double-check your statement if you pay by card.
- food5
- receipt6
- statement6
- tip1
- manager2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Cocktails and Friendly Service
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. I enjoyed the solid food and found the cocktails to be excellent, particularly loving their dry Negroni. The service was truly on point and notably friendlier than many other places in Seattle.
I also really enjoyed the atmosphere and the bar seating.
- solid food8
- excellent cocktails9
- dry Negroni9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Food, Drinks, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food and drinks were amazing, with the open-faced chicken sandwich and popcorn being particular highlights. I also want to give a special thanks to Megan at the bar for the enjoyable chats and lovely drinks.
The atmosphere was great, and the service was top-notch.
- food10
- drinks10
- open-faced chicken sandwich10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Adorable Space, Amazing Cocktails!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the amazing cocktails at the bar, served in an adorable space. I will definitely come back for more drinks and food.
- cocktails9
- space9
What Union Saloon offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Union Saloon?
At Union Saloon, you can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. You’ll find a full range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating. Their offerings include small plates, quick bites, and vegetarian options, complemented by a great selection of beer, wine, coffee, and hard liquor.
What service and accessibility options are available at Union Saloon?
Union Saloon provides convenient service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout. You can also plan ahead as they accept reservations. For accessibility, the restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Free street parking is usually available, though it can sometimes be difficult to find a space.
How does Union Saloon rate overall?
Union Saloon holds a strong overall score of 8.4. Its highest marks are for Ambience (8.6) and Food (8.5), followed by Service (8.1). Value (6.8) is considered average.
What kind of food experience can I expect at Union Saloon?
You can expect a menu with thoughtful and well-executed dishes, often praised for their quality and unique pairings. Many guests enjoy items like the biscuits, pork verde, and cocktails, though some find the menu choices a bit unusual or portions small.
Is the service at Union Saloon consistently good?
Service at Union Saloon is generally described as friendly and attentive, with staff often going above and beyond. However, there are occasional reports of less positive interactions, including feeling rushed or experiencing dismissive responses.