Review Union Local 613 - Ottawa

Tried Union Local for a dinner out and it was nice that the street was blocked off so that there was more space available. The food tasted good in terms of flavoring. Fried tomatoes were unique but a similar style to onion rings. Only disappointment was the fried chicken burger which had a piece of chicken that was so thin and small that you can barely see it in the picture…

SERVICE=5 🌟!! FOOD=1.5 🌟 COCKTAILS=5 🌟 The service and atmosphere was awesome. The waitress was really nice, fast, and overall great! Super impressed with the service!!! The atmosphere was very chill and had a cool vibe. Cocktails were very good! The sweetest old fashion I've ever had, but it actually worked very well. The other cocktails were well made. Nice that they make their syrups in house. The food however was inedible. We got several dishes that the table shared and no one was really able to eat it due to the excessive salt. I don't think I've ever tried food so salty. EVER. Even after some cocktails the food was still so salty we couldn't eat much. I'm not sure if the chefs/cooks have ever tried their own food, because if so, it wouldn't have been sent out. It was a waste of food, we left full plates and no one wanted to take it home it was so bad. I'm not sure if maybe our experience was just a one time thing, or if their food is always like that. Will return for cocktails and the atmosphere, but definitely won't be eating there ever again.

Place was busy and as soon as we got there I could tell why. Drinks were clever and tasty. The Nashville chicken sandwich was amazing. Fries were surprisingly well done for a bar/speak easy. And to top it off our service was super friendly and helpful.

Ordered the shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and the breakfast and it was delicious. We were so happy as the food hit the spot. For drinks we had Not a Cesar and So, Apparently - both were so creative and amazing flavours coming together. Must try!

I really wanted to enjoy the food here but the fried chicken and wings were in desperate need of salt. The wings was also really oily. And the cornbread was beyond bland. Once more, I REALLY wanted to like it because I am really familiar with southern cuisine. Unfortunately, nothing really worked beyond the fries and our drinks. I do like the location though and the waitstaff were really nice.

They have a small menu for brunch and a lot of chicken items. I got the Shrimp & Grits but the dish wasn’t what I expected. I thought the potatoes would be more of a mash than small chunks. The taste was average but they could do better than give me 3 shrimps for a main.

Very nice service and atmosphere. We really enjoyed the southern cuisine. The fried green tomatoes are awesome! Grits Excellent! And I would recommend the Nashville fried chicken! With a side and appies is plenty! We will be back!

Wonderful!! The food was all fantastic - definitely get yourself a side order of that cornbread it is delicious. Everything was so yummy, I'm not usually a real person but I tried theirs and it was so good I'd do it again. The coating on the deep fried chicken was the nicest I've ever had. The staff were delightful, the ambiance is fun and exciting. All around delightful experience.

First time at Union. Nice feel on the interior of the restaurant, nicely decorated compared to the usual modern look. Staff was great, you will never have an empty drink! Always checking on you and fun. Food was tasty, none of that frozen pre made junk you find in a lot of places! The downside I found with Union was the pricing, parking and the inability to sit a large group together at one table. Very expensive. I compare Union to a few other places both downtown and in the suburbs, prices are in my opinion way too much for what you get. Parking for those not familiar with the area can be a bit of a mess or pay the $10 parking beside the restaurant. We had a group of 11 people and had to sit at 2 different tables, not together. If you don't mind the parking, not going with a large group of people or the pricing.. They do have great food, bartender is on point and amazing service. However, I find the price point a bit much. 2 drinks (gin and tonic), app (deviled eggs) and fish for my main.. with tip $69 + $10 parking = $79 for one person.

Beautiful place, excellent food. It just might be the best fried chicken I've ever tasted, juicy, savory and crispy. The cocktail list seems pretty decent, but the beer list could be a little more varied and extensive. Service was good to. Its not cheap, a bit on the pricey side although you know you're paying for quality. I strongly recommend you make reservations ahead.

The servers we had were fabulous. The drinks were a refreshing delight.... not your typical drinks. Serious effort put into the recipes which almost justified the high price point... almost. The food portions were ok, expensive for what we got. I have to say the fried green tomato appetizer was fantastic while the catfish was lacking. I think the chef is opposed to adding any salt, none on the tables either. Final verdict was that the service is great as are the drinks and the atmosphere. The prices are high for what you get. As a foody I wasn't impressed. Add on the $10 for parking it was just under $100 for one person (two drinks, an app and a main)

We had a great time at Union last night. Excellent and super friendly servers. Menu was varied and delicious (Popcorn Duck Hearts, Buffalo Tartare and the best Vegetarian bowl). Great to have a conversation with Matt even though the restaurant was busy. Although the restaurant stated the reasons why the pricing was higher (fairer labour practices, freshness & made to order) I didn't find the menu prices out of line with comparable or even other high end restaurants. Casual and comfortable.

I love it here. I live around the corner and come often. I don’t mind paying more when I know that union pays all of their staff a living wage, runs an outreach program, and hosts sexual harassment awareness workshops. The food is great, the people are top notch, AND you are welcomed with open arms when you show up with a baby! I can’t say enough great things about this place and how they make our community better.

The kind of place that will make fun of vegans (as any self-respecting meatcentric southern inspired joint should), but will happily make a kickass vegan version of their Country Captain. Really damn good-like a chana masala but with nuts in it. Thanks, Union! P.s.the Hibiscus punch tastes like you're 5 with the flu and get to down that yummy cherry cough med (in a very good way).

Loved the original and tasty choices of cocktails. It's a bourbon and whiskey amateurs' heaven. The food was AMAZING, excellent service... Worth every penny. And very handsome waiter to top it off (and tall hmmmm)

Went yesterday with a large group and booked in advance. The beer and service was great but the food was mediocre at best. Would definitely go back but only for drinks. They definitely need to work on their recipes. No one in our group was very impressed with their meal.

Excellent service, food and drink. Beautiful patio space but indoors is great too.

We had a wonderful meal last night at Union. Highlights were Cornbread, shrimp and grits and fried chicken but everything was delicious. Service- awesome! Will be back!

Went for some drinks and food with my buddy on the weekend and love both the staff and atmosphere. Cocktails, deviled eggs and fried chicken were all A+

I had the duck special tonight and wow. It was beautifully presented a and positively delectable. It was a great first-time visit!

Our first visit last night. Awesome. The customer service is above and beyond what you would expect. The fried chicken, grits and cornbread were amazing. The communal seating is still spacious. This place is a gem. Loved it!

Loved the food and drink!!! Gluten free options on the menu and the staff were so accommodating and overall amazing! Only one suggestion, a gluten free desert option would be perfect! Still giving this resto a 5 star!

Wow this place is so dirty I can’t even imagine the city haven’t closed it yet. Be careful if you plan on eating there, get ready to be stomach sick! ***no handsoap in the bathroom *** 1 star � cause I can’t give zero and the owners are quite lovely

What a great place. Just went for drinks but the atmosphere was amazing. The owner was awesome. He made sure to talk to us and ask us what we thought. Even though they were extremely busy he made time for us and to talk about what inspired things within the restaurant. The book shelf in the basement is so cool.

I was recently in touch with the owner of this restaurant, kindly asking if he'd like to have his restaurant featured in my blog in exchange for trying some of his products. I have been working on my blog for five years now and I have always reached out to establishments like his, in hopes of growing my blog content. <br/><br/>Of course I don't expect all that I reach out to to say yes. I have been rejected countless times by restaurants in Toronto and Ottawa. Majority have kindly said no, and others have been blunt - however in my 5 years of working on my blog, I have never come across an owner/representative who has gone out of their way to publicly harass me using an Instagram account "foodieutopiebeggar" and discredit my work. In addition to this, they also have made Facebook posts about my outreach in hopes of "exposing" and ultimately attacking, without ever informing me (I had to discover it on my own, 2 weeks after my conversation with them). The manner that had been conducted online was extremely immature, and I must say reflects how the restaurant must be.

Good food and service. Prices are a little too high for the portions though. Probably a better place if you're in to having a drink with dinner.

I just deleted my 5* review from 2014 so i could write a new one...Chicken and Waffles, amazing! Brought my mother in law out for Mother's Day brunch (day early). Everyone loved their food. 2014 at Union 613 is where my wife and i had our first Bourbon Lemon-aid, and we have been drinking them since. We had a Bourbon Pink Lemon-aid yesterday...yum! We also had an amazing reese puff infused rye with Maple Syrup. Our server was fantastic and brought me a free beer sample. Anyone who offers me free booze is good in my books!

Came to Union613 for the first time to host my fiancee's surprise birthday party. Right off the bat they were friendly and accommodating for my reservation. The food was awesome (had the fried chicken and hanger) and their drinks menu had a lot of interesting variety. The service was the best I've ever had in Ottawa, which really impressed me since it was such a busy restaurant on a Friday night. I would definitely come back.

We attended Union after my sister's wedding ceremony, and couldn't be happier with the food or hospitality. Our waitress (April) was congratulatory, warm, and adaptable. She treated our party to champagne, and placed my sister's bouquet in water without being asked. The food was delicious all around, but I most enjoyed my bourbon lemonade and lemon spaetzle entree. It was absolutely the best choice of venue for the occasion.<br/> <br/><br/>Thanks April and Union management!

Love this place. Awesome food, cocktails, vibe. One of my favourite spots in Centretown.You can't go wrong with the fried chicken. Union613 serves up the best fried chicken in the city, in my opinion. I especially love the Thai chili-infused vinegar that comes with it, and am partial to the pinto beans as a side.<br/>Although I'm a big fan of the fried chicken, the shrimp & grits takes top spot as my favourite Union613 dish. My mouth waters just thinking about it. The Frank's hot sauce brings some heat to this dish, which is balanced well by the cheesy grits.

Great Ottawa "hipster" haunt. Was not aware they had a brunch. Unique and flavourful breakfast. Good service - lots of coffee top-ups. Very affordable for the high quality. About $20 for coffee and a meal. Not crowded at 10am on Saturday. In my top 5 for Ottawa brunches.

First time we came here and it was for brunch. The vibe here is really awesome. The food is fantastic. Highly recommend the chicken and waffles.

The drinks are expensive but definitely worth it. They put a lot of effort and artistry into them. They tasted fabulous. The food was southern style when my friend and I went. Delicious. The atmosphere is laid back but absolutely charming. I'm definitely going back soon to try more drinks and food.

Awesome restaurant and bar, with chic clientele, and attentive and knowledgeable wait and bar staff.<br/><br/>Food is southern with a twist, with something for all palates. Complimentary app is steamed peanuts. I keep meaning to change my choice, but I always have the fried chicken with cornbread each time I go. The deviled eggs are positively amazing -- and a unique recipe. Worth a try, and if you are generous, share with friends.<br/><br/>Plan to visit next time you are on Somerset, and if you are really worthy, someone will tell you their secret.

Best fried chicken in town! Nuff' said. Oh and grits that taste like macaroni & cheese. I think that violates the laws of flavour but who cares. So good! The place describes itself as a "speakeasy" which for you youngins is an illegal bar operating during the progibition era. Last time I checked alcohol was legal in Canada...just a pet peave I have about this overused hipster term.

Went for dinner with my boyfriend one evening while we were visiting the city. So glad we went! Eclectic pub atmosphere, great service, and the food and drinks were fantastic! I had a ginger beer (they make all of their sodas in house) which was delicious and then halfway through, decided to add a shot of Black Seal rum (essentially make it a Dark and Stormy) -- even more delicious!! And the server was sweet enough to charge me for a cheaper drink given it would have been if I'd ordered them mixed together. We weren't famished, so we decided to get their deviled eggs to start, which typically come as 5-halves but they surprised us with six so we could split them fairly! Then we asked for one fried chicken entree with a side of hominy grits -- and were again lovely enough to split our meal for us and give us extra side dish helpings to fill out our split entree!! I mean, best service ever! Before the meal, instead of a bread basket we got a basket of hot, salty boiled peanuts -- um, how did I never know about these before!?!?? They get soft and salty and creamy like beans but are peanuts... my boyfriend didn't like them, but that just meant more for me! The fried chicken was actually the best I've ever had when you add their homemade pepper water hot sauce -- OMG! I wish they would bottle and sell it!!! And the cheesy hominy grits were piping hot in ramekins and were amazingggg. I also believe a mark of good service is when my water glass never hits empty (we both drink a lot of water with our meals), and it never even hit half empty. HIGHLY recommend getting exactly what we ordered -- I don't think I could ever order anything else. <br/><br/>Side note: Coolest thing, but when I went downstairs to use the bathroom, I noticed an odd looking bookshelf.. um, it was a secret door. Into a secret little speakeasy bar. It was empty at the time, but how frickin cool is that!? 😻😻😻

It was fun to try Union 613 for brunch and I really liked that when they could possibly make something in house, they did. Even the little things, like the ketchup for example, which is probably easier to just buy, they took the time to make from scratch.

This place is AMAZING. Went with a buddy for a nice meal and drinks and I was blown away by this place. We had a table for 2, but asked to eat at the speakeasy and got a seat. Really cool unique decor and atmosphere. The food is killer and the drink selection is top-notch. Highly recommend!

Restaurant decor is cool. Service is fine to why-are you-in-the-service-industry-if-you're-so-grumpy?. Bar and bartenders are really good and knowledgeable, though some of the feature cocktails look incredible on paper, but miss the mark. I thought the food was quite good, especially the fried chicken. I love the idea of this place and I've been back several times but the bad couple of service experiences have left a bad feeling I can't shake off.

When my boyfriend described it as comfort, soul food I can't say I was entirely excited to go but knowing how much he loved it, I decided to give it a chance... <br/>OH. MY. GOD... The best food coma ever. We had a nice seat at the bar where I was intently watching the bartender do her thing. We didn't order any cocktails but I wish we had, she knew what she was doing! For an app, we had the fried green tomatoes... So good! Then for dinner I had the steak with fingerling potatoes and a mushroom salad that I absolutely loved! So good!! My boyfriend had the fried chicken and cornbread which did not disappoint either. Great service, great food!!

What a cozy little gem. We went for dinner before a yukyuks show. We started with the steak tartare, which they made into 2 portions so we could each have a plate. For the entree my boyfriend had the hanger steak with a fingerling potatoe side and I had the porc chop with the fingerling side. The beer was delicious and we will definitely be going back. Ask them about the "secret" room downstairs.

A really great atmosphere, ambiance, and mood. Perfect atmosphere for a date or intimate gathering. The service was superb. However, the food was mediocre at best and quite frankly, odd. I  didn't really have an appetite for anything on the menu. But it's good if you like unique things...<br/><br/>We were served BOILED peanuts while we waited for our food. The Kale and parsnip salad was such that. Average. <br/><br/>The beans were pretty good but I mean, how can you mess up beans? <br/><br/>Left feeling hungry and broke.

There for a gentlemen's gathering, meaning beer, beer, and food.  Now we have all heard about their boiled peanuts, their cozy atmosphere, and their vintage menu items.What makes them tick, however, is their attention to detail when making tried and true foods.  Even a devilled egg bursts with not only flavour, but a proper texture.  a little crisp crumb goes a long way to make them more than grammas eggs.  Slap in some thyme and jalapeno, and business is good.Fried Chicken was awesome, tartare was splendid.  I don't often do tartar, but yet again, their focus on proper yin and yang texture makes this one near perfect.  Corn bread fresh, beers good - although many are strong. Maybe one more "simpler" beer would be good for certain moods and occasions.Very friendly and busy server on a rainy December Monday suggests Union still knows how to make it work.  Strongly suggested.

This place has an AMAZING brunch. I went out here with a couple of friends who had never been here before. I've never had chicken and waffles for brunch but HOLY GUACAMOLE it was out of this world. The waffle was fluffy, firm, and delicious. The Fried chicken was juicy, tender, fall apart, heavenly, tantalizing goodness. The spicy syrup was surprisingly really really good. The homefries were SPOT on. Overall, so good I'm coming back again this weekend.

Great food.  Excellent service.  Extraordinary cocktails and drinks selection. The only suggestion I would make is to expand the food menu slightly.

Well my adventure began when I was seated with my party at a large table....... with people already sitting there!! Talk about awkward interrupting their meal. Ambience was well..... rustic. Supposed to look southern.. I'm guessing, nope not really, looks cheap.<br/><br/>Food not especially good either, Portions were small and expensive for size. Food had nothing special for taste that would make me come back. Took over an hour to get my meal. Disappointing.

Great hidden bar in basement. Love the ambience, staff are friendly and helpful. Fried green tomatoes, steak and chicken are winners. Cocktails are nice and individualized by glass as well.

On our first visit, we had the good fortune of being led downstairs to the speakeasy, which, true to its name, offers a jaunt back through time to the Prohibition Era South that begins as soon as you step through the bookcase-disguised door. The shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and pork chop all will not disappoint, to say nothing of the distinct cocktail list and desserts.The only issue we had was the seating, which isn't ideal for longer stays.

The food was decent enough, but their drinks were kinda gross. We were a large group for a birthday celebration so everyone ordered a drink and no one enjoyed their mix drinks. Would not return.

Power Hungry Owner. I go here a lot, I like the vibe, but maybe not again after witnessing the behaviour of the owner. He has a certain concept of the age and/or style of person he wants in his bar, and he's not afraid to "put people in their place" if they don't conform to his vision of a Union patron. I watched him verbally bully a young guy he was about to serve, who he did end up serving and continued to be rude to. Very uncool and entitled attitude. I don't want my money going to this guy.

Have only experienced brunch, but if that's a sign, I'll be back!. I went to Union Local 613 last week for brunch. I had phoned a week ahead of time and was told they were switching over to an online system. I was told I'd be called back to confirm; having not received a call by Thursday, I phoned back. The employee advised that it hadn't been confirmed, and re-booked it for me.<br/><br/>While the brunch menu only featured 5-6 items, boy were they tasty. We ordered beignets to start. The day's flavours were root beer float, sweet potato pie, and a cheesy-jalapeno mix. They were all delicious!<br/><br/>Amongst the table, we ordered two breakfast dishes: the catfish and the breakast poutine. Having chosen the poutine, the gravy stood out to me. Not only was it different from the standard, but you could tell a lot of love had been put into it. Plus, it featured crisp homefries instead of the the regular fries. According to our friends, the catfish was perfectly cooked and seasoned, with a bit of a kick.<br/><br/>The location itself is very cool; it's designed a bit off the wall. The staff were all friendly and quickly re-filled our coffee. Considering it was a $3 flat for bottomless, we certainly got our money's worth there. <br/><br/>I'd definitely come back for dinner based on the brunch. With tip, our brunch came to $48, so a bit pricey, but the quality and service was there.

Grad dinner, New Years...just all important events can be had here ;D. I'm tempted to write a bad review so I'll get some fb fame. ;D However, I could not do such a thing to a place with food that gives me "happy meat face". <br/><br/>Best fried chicken, amazing grits, whiskey sweet tea that I wish I could make as good at home - but I guess I'll just have to keep handing them my paycheques. <br/><br/>New Years Party was also fab, probably the best New Years I've had in a long time.

Great cocktail, great service!. Went to 613 for the first time last night for a drink on the way home. The speakeasy was full but we had a seat upstairs and lucked into one of the better servers I've seen in Ottawa. She was friendly and answered all of our questions...very knowledgable and helpful. The cocktail menu was interesting and had lots of variety. The old religion, a great gin cocktail was the perfect balance of sweet and sour! We didn't eat but I'm curious about the food. Seriously lacking in vegetarian fare though.

Ignorant bartender in basement. Went in fairly late. Was escorted by the hostess to the downstairs bar and seated at the bar, which the bartender was at. Three of us sat there while he completely ignored us. He then went to a table to serve them, came back and told us we will need to go to the upstairs bar to be served. He is shutting down. WHAT? You couldn't tell us when we were seated by your staff. Guess we are just not "hip" enough.

Speakeasy Indeed!. Some districts in Toronto still had prohibition of spirits right up until 2000. You read that right. But the provinces of Ontario, with the strength of key cities Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor and Hamilton in particular, repealed the Temperance Act that prevented the sale of liquor in October 1924.<br/><br/>Prohibition history is only partly why winding down the stairs at Ottawa’s Union Local 613 and through a door disguised as a book case into their speakeasy is so cool.

Awesome Beer Selection. I wasn't a fan of the pretentious hipster vibe, which is likely because I'm not cool enough to hang out at these types of bars. They have an excellent selection of beer on tap, probably the best I've seen in the City. It's great to see them supporting the local businesses. Not my preferable type of atmosphere, but definitely a great cultural addition to Ottawa's restaurant/bar scene.

It's fine.. I didn't mind the place but it was just okay. The food was decent but I felt the entrees and the sides were separate concerns that had no overlap. In other words, the sides were competing for attention with the mains. Not that they weren't good, but they didn't necessarily do a good job being a side. I found the same was true of the cocktails, they were good, but not if you were eating anything on the menu at the same time. Just too many things going on all at once.<br/><br/>The service was pretty good, but the atmosphere was not my thing. Too dark, loud and uncomfortable for me to want to spend any time there.

Dark & Pretentious... but has Beyond the Pale on tap!. I've wanted to try this place for quite awhile, but had moved away from Ottawa. When there for a visit recently, I took my chance and to Union Local 613, without reservations, on a Saturday night. While it was packed on the main level, they had a small bar area in the basement that was... interesting? It would probably be a good place for a blind date; literally, because I had to use a candle to read the menu. Still, I thought it was quite neat, although I did get a bit of a pretentious vibe when we were told that cocktails would take awhile to make as they are very intricate and unique. Fair enough; for the price, they probably should be. As another reviewer mentioned, don't come hungry - portion sizes are pretty small, and all sides are extra. We ordered the catfish, which was actually VERY delicious! But about 4-5 bites, it's practically done. It wasn't a place I wanted to linger around in, so we left right after dinner. But those who like dark, loud kind of bars would probably stick around longer. I can't really say I liked it or not; it was a 'meh' experience for me, although I can say I probably won't be back. The most redeeming quality is that they have Beyond the Pale on tap!

Fried Chicken and Boiled Peanuts? Yup... and they were wicked!. Dinner starts with boiled peanuts. What...? Yup <br/>Give them a chance, they grow grow on you. I order the fried chicken and grits. <br/>Dinner came quickly and the service was courteous and professional. I had never had grits before and quite enjoyed them. The chicken was really good. The overall quality of the meal was very high and well priced.<br/>Also of interest was the decor and art on exhibit. A break from the usual dining monotony. <br/>I will definitely be back...

Raw chicken!! Empty restaurant.. Did not like it. My chicken was raw and the restaurant was empty.

Funky and Yummy. We have been here on a regular basis, and the food quality is consistently very good. We have enjoyed the corn bread, Louisiana catfish, southern friend chicken, and fried green tomatoes, among other things. The boiled peanuts are a tasty snack while you wait for your dishes.<br/><br/>All the cocktails are created from house made ingredients, from the tonic to the shrubs. The Caesar not a Caesar is a must try, but seems to be off the menu at this point.<br/><br/>The atmosphere is fantastic. We absolutely love the speak easy. No reservations are taken for that, but it is great for a date or just a fun time with a couple of friends. The upstairs is also great space. With a shared table experience, you never know who you are going to meet.<br/><br/>The service has always been very good. Knowledgeable staff and very attentive.<br/><br/>This place is definitely in our regular rotation.

The food, drinks, decor, and service were amazing! I honestly can't wait to go back.

Good food but not for the price.. 14 bucks for 2 small pieces of fried chicken and NOT including a side? No thanks.<br/><br/> If you include a side you're looking at $23 for 2 pieces of fried chicken and a little bit of corn bread. It's absolutely ridiculous.<br/><br/>It was great chicken. But this place is too expensive.

On our 1st visit my partner had the chicken with a side of greens. I had the oyster appetizer followed by the catfish & a side of greens. Only one word: WOW!

My new favourite restaurant! Great food and very attentive service. The fish cakes as an appetizer are a great choice. I had the southern fried chicken with pinto beans as a side. My date had the catfish. Looking forward to sharing this restaurant with friends and family.

Amazing!. I've been going here this year for dates, it's so cool! It has that 1890's feel and is so sexy!<br/><br/>The food is always great with an ever changing menu. Their corn bread, duck hearts, and grilled cheeses are incredible. But the real stand out winner at this place is their cocktail list. It's hard to find creative cocktails here in Ottawa, I think it's because they're all hiding at Union. Hey guys, stop being greedy and hogging all the good recipes to yourselves! One thing I've noticed about them is that they change the glass wear (or bronze wear) to match the drink, the vessel really does change the flavor of certain cocktails.<br/><br/>Definitely give this place a shot!

It was deadly hot outside and there was no air conditioning in the restaurant but we didn't care. They sat us at the back of the restaurant at a communal table that would seat 8 people or 4 couples. 2 girls sat next to us but we're afraid to try the food. Later a couple our age joined us. They were celebrating their anniversary. We got on really well with them and later the woman told me the secret about the basement. Another local told me more secrets. I was fully surprised and excited by what I saw. I will not reveal them here. Just enjoy the food and if the locals like you they may tell you a few secrets!!

Meh. Been wanting to try union613 forever, finally went! Must say, it wasn't all it was hyped up to be. I liked the decor and vibe of the place, that staff was friendly but the food was amateur southern cooking and really overpriced. They offer boil peanuts as snacks while you wait for your food, pretty tasty, very southern, but lack seasoning; needs more salt. I had the catfish and fish cakes; they were nothing special. The catfish was served with a pecan puree and greens, not really what you would expect from southern cooking. Catfish is supposed to be crispy, covering it in a pecan puree made it soggy. Its a simple dish that was fancied up poorly. Keep it simple, deep fried catfish, nice and crispy with some hot sauce or something. Another note, you pay for your sides separately from the mains, they don't come with anything, pretty pricey if you ask me for what you get. I would go back for drinks because of the unique atmosphere, but that's it. That being said, stick to the beer, most of the cocktails are fairly expensive for what you get (very small and $$$). Lastly, I found it weird that they put a time limit on your reservation, who does that? We were limited to 2 hours, which begs the question, if I'm not done eating or drinking, are you just going to kick me out? Pretty pretentious if you ask me. Overall, I'd say Union613 is ok, but I wouldn't be rushing to go there again. Sorry folks, kind of disappointed, I really wanted to like you.

Delicious food and drinks, great service, warm and inviting atmosphere. One of my favourite places in Ottawa!

Good food, great atmosphere, extraordinary service. Went for dinner last night with my husband and kids (2 teens), and had a great time.<br/>Everyone thought the food was excellent (best fried chicken, great corn bread, delicious hog jowls...).<br/>I thought it was just good - simply because I am not a fan of Southern cooking (can't digest it).<br/><br/>But we all agreed the decor and atmosphere were great, the hidden room was fabulous, the drinks were excellent, and the service blew us away ! TRULY outstanding crew... all of them !<br/><br/>We all want to go back soon !<br/>I just wish there were a little more options...

A new experience. Fun and themed. My sister and I went here for dinner. Great food with an interesting style. It's a small little place where you eat elbow to elbow with your neighbors. I'd recommend.

Union Local 613's culinary victory!. So last night I decided to meet my wife at her work and take her out to have a lovely dinner. We've been to Union Local 613 on a few occasions before but have never written a review, especially one that would adequately express our experience there. So here goes...<br/><br/>Last night, a misty yet completely unpleasant early evening, my wife and I tried to decide where to go for dinner. A part of us wanted to go someplace that was not the norm and a bit special. As we walked down Somerset Street East, we reflected on the pleasant meals we've had previously along the strip, especially at UNION Local 613. On a whim, we figured being the middle of the week, we'd try our luck and see if we can get a table for two. <br/><br/>We walked in and noticed the front door was open but the door to the restaurant itself was closed as the staff was readying for dinner service. We were greeted by none other than Ivan Gedz, one of the owners, who opened the door for us warmly - we weren't going anywhere anyway as we did not want to interrupt them as they were setting up. Ivan, sporting the casual southern comfort UNION LOCAL 613 attire and some pretty wicked "friendly mutton chops", asked if we wanted drinks or dining. After we shared we wanted to dine, he found us an opening and kindly advised that there was a reservation for 7:30PM but seeing as it's 5:30, he asked if we felt that would be fine, which was perfect in fact. <br/><br/>I asked if I can go through their shared library (90% culinary, 5% Douglas Adams, 5% misc.). He ecstatically proclaimed to please help ourselves, that's why they're there. He apologized to us as we were the first to arrive that we may hear a little swearing during the setup. I assured him it's all good because I tend to swear A LOT. Noticing a book on Marco Pierre White, although you can't deny the man's pasion, the fact he mentored Gordon Ramsay and set the tone of what would be considered "normal" Chef behaviour is a bit dated. Nice to see Chef White has mellowed considerably in recent years and he does have some amazing recipes. Nevertheless, we shared our mutual disdain of the trended ego verbal abusive media overplayed bipolar mentoring "encouragement" seen on food shows these days. He shared that such behavior may work but in the end will ONLY get you the most 70-80% true motivation. It's all about inspiring appreciation for the ingredients, the discipline of the culinary art itself and the enjoyment of the patrons. Couldn't agree more Ivan!!<br/><br/>As we sat and admired the beautiful rustic chic deco (the bottled light fixtures are gorgeous), we were soon greeted by our server Bernard, who is by far one of the best servers I've experienced lately. Not only was he well informed, but pleasant, informative, engaging and absolutely attentive. Not once was my wife's water empty as he graciously filled her glass without interrupting our conversation throughout the dinner and in a manner fitting of a trained sommelier. For myself, I simply ordered some good old fashion organic sweet tea, not too sweet, perfect amount of lemon and just refreshingly good.<br/><br/>Our server brought us their signature southern boiled peanuts which we enjoyed those tasty delights to our heart's content (do I detect ham hock?). We began with an appetizer. After viewing all the wanting delectables, Bernard suggested the duck hearts with puréed avocado and ancho sauce garnished with peanuts. The duck hearts were cooked to a perfect medium rare that when eaten, has a texture reminiscent of a perfectly cooked flank steak and wasn't gamey at all. The lime juice in the avocado purée and the sweet subtle heat from the ancho sauce along with the bite from the crushed peanuts heightened the dish.<br/><br/>For our mains, my wife ordered the ritz crusted Louisiana catfish, pecan purée, wilted frisee & lemon. The fish was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The pecan purée was buttery. The wilted frisee with lemon was a perfect compliment both in flavour and texture to the fish. For myself, I ordered my favorite, the coffee cured hog jowl, honeycrisp, pickled beet, mint, basil, benne, ginger-sorghum dressing. This dish is rich but incredibly tasty. The hog jowls were not only incredibly tender but the honey glazed fat has crisped the meat so perfectly leaving the fat to literally melt in your mouth underneath the deliciously seared outer crust. The granny smith apples with the pork helped cut out the fat with each bite and the beets were pickled to perfection. The fresh herbs added the variety needed for each flavourful fork morsel. I am reminded yet again why this is one of my favorite dishes there. Bernard earlier anticipated my indecision to go with this beloved fav and suggested to order one piece of the free-range & southern fried chicken with their housemade pepper vinegar which I was most curious to try. We ordered white meat to share and the chicken as not only tender but succulent, juicy and the crust was delicious. The peppered vinegar sprinkled over the breast meat elevated the dish without masking the chicken flavour, in fact, we both found that it helped to elevate it further. <br/><br/>For the sides, we ordered the cornbread in bourbon brown butter. I love the corn bread they make here. My wife, who doesn't like corn very much at all but actually enjoyed the cornbread very much. It was airy, tender but not crumbly, nicely pan crusted from the butter and savoury sweet. We also ordered a side of the warm fingerling and coprin mushroom salad with chicken liver vinaigrette. It was a perfect accompaniment to the mains and rightfully suggested by our server Bernard. I've had the hominy grits and pinto beans before, although incredibly delicious, they can be a bit filling. At this point, my gut was ready to burst.<br/><br/>During our gastronomic feast, Ivan came around to see if we enjoyed our meal. The only response I can best vocalize at the moment was "Simply awesome!". Bernard asked if we wanted desert and although my wife and I are both fond of their coconut lime tart, we just couldn't eat another bite.<br/><br/>Our bill came about 72$ without tip and the only drink ordered was my sweet tea. It was well worth it considering how much work and preparation goes into the components we were served. Although my wife and I are in no way close to winning Lotto Max anytime soon, dinner for two at that price was perfectly fine by us for two individuals who just wanted a pleasant dining experience and a really good meal after a long day in the office and after casually walking in from the rain. <br/><br/>As we were paying our bill, we both agreed that with the amazing service Bernard provided, there was no way to leave the bare minimum. So I rounded it off to $100 with the tip. Thanks UNION local 613 for a great dinner and some incredibly delicious comfort food to fill our bellies during the walk home. We'll be back soon enough!

So good. If you order a drink, appy and meal, and split a dessert, it'll likely be at least $50, but this restaurant is one of the few places I've been in downtown Ottawa where I felt like the meal, in and of itself, was worth the price. The cocktail I had was a thought-out, proper drink I've been craving every since. The food was equally impressive and clearly prepared by someone who knows a thing or two about cooking (we especially loved the duck heart and chicken boulon appys). The ambience and service were great. Maybe we got lucky, but I can't wait to go back!

We went to celebrate a birthday on 18 April. All I can say is fabulous.....fabulous food, fabulous atmosphere and most of all fabulous staff<br/><br/>Thanks

Good food, better atmosphere. The food here is very good depending on what you order. The potato and mushroom side was incredible and the catfish was to die for but the cornbread and the flank steak were okay at best. If you are looking for delicious, inventive cocktails and a chill, cozy atmosphere this will become your headquarters.

Ashley DC. I LOVE this restaurant for both the food and the vibe. Always a pleasurable experience, though I do have one suggestion - add a vegetarian option to your late night menu! I know some of the options can be modified to make them veggie-friendly but still..

Bourbon & Bacon? Yes!. First time here after a Bourbon tasting this past Monday. The nibbles we had during our tasting, provided by the kitchen, were stellar. Devilled eggs - always delicious - with bacon; Boudin balls - zesty, crispy, spicy, meaty - had to stop myself after two. We lingered for dinner and had something at the bar. D had the fried chicken (very succulent and delicious - why doesn't this come in a bucket size?), I had an app special - perilously thin (do not attempt this at home) and delicious slices of rib-eye, horseradish cream and a non-mayo petite diced potato salad. D was in heaven as he thinks mayo is a vile creation that alchemists should never have stumbled upon. Other dining companion DK enjoyed the hog jowls ('borrowed' a bite and wow...) with the fresh pop of mint, sesame seeds and beets. The Kitchen Wizards here put together some tasty bites. Must. Return. Soon. Great job @Unionlocal613 (P.S.: Bacon infused bourbon? Speechless!

Great Evening. Stopped by yesterday afternoon for some beers and a meal. Bride and I had never been and was looking forward to a new experience. They had great local brews on tap, Entree was delicious, slow cooked beef something. We liked the ambiance and music. Mains were Catfish and the Chicken. Both were great. The staff are very attentive and professional. Place is highly rated in Ottawa and it deserves all of it. Keep it up.

Worst meal in years. I am writing this the morning after my meal at Union. It was really terrible. And I love food but this was so bad I had to write a review. I had the hog jowl (translation- pigs cheek) and brocolli side- and before you can say hog jowls a bit of a risk- its really not. I have eaten it many times at other spots and its been exceptional. This was terrible- there was almost no meat, they had attempted to render the fat but hadnt and it was thick with charred grissle that did not taste like anything but burn. That coupled with the $15 cocktails (wtf) in the Speakeasy combined to make a night that was overpriced and underwhelming, despite the great company I was in. Sorry Union- ive been a fan from the start, but that was unacceptable.

Great experience. Ivan the owner was really kind. Great place....

Creative food, fabulous service. This restauant is a gem in Ottawa. I was treated to a birthday dinner and enjoyed the whole experience. The atmosphere and waitstaff were warm and accommodating and the restaurant has an interesting and creative design. I ordered the hogsjowl with grits side; my partner had the squash with broccoli side. We both enjoyed our meal. The waitress brought out an incredible lavender dessert for my birthday, on the house.<br/><br/>In my opinion, the food is not incredible but very good. But it's the overall package that makes this an absolute win. I'll be back!

Great food, great Evening. I finally had the pleasure of taking in dinner at Union Local 613 in October. The food was fabulous, the staff lovely, the atmosphere fantastic. Despite being packed, I never felt like I was being shooed away or told to hurry up and vacate. I also appreciate the restaurant's role of giving back to the community and supporting worthy causes. Keep up the great work! Thanks! Matthew

Wasn't my favourite. Union Local 613 is the new 'it' spot for hipsters. I wanted to like it, but just didn't.<br/>THE GOOD: location, decor, really good drinks, nice art, attentive and friendly staff, appetizers were super.<br/>THE BAD: For what it is, it's overpriced. I get it; communal tables, drinks in mason jars, food served on trays with paper - it's supposed to be "union-y." But if I'm getting a "union" experience, why am I paying high-street prices? Dinner for two (1.5 apps, 2 mains, 1 shared side, 1 shared dessert and 4 drinks) was over $125. For basically a hipstered-up cafeteria? Not for me. <br/>THE FOOD<br/>Apps: Smokey mountain ham, hot-sorghum mustard & fall pickles. $10. Tasty. Large portion, excellent mustard. Salad with dungeoness crab. $11. Best thing of the night. The crab was lovely and plentiful.<br/>Mains: Southern fried chicken w/ pepper vinegar and 1/2 corn bread side. $16. The other three people in my group loved this. I was indifferent. The meat is juicy but the breading cracks and falls off. The vinegar is - weird. I'd rather a nice bbq or gravy. The corn bread is nice and light, but it and the butter lack flavour. Beef flank steak, oyster mayo & black garlic-radish vinaigrette, 1/2 side corn bread. $20. Very tender and tasty. The oyster flavour really comes through. The vinaigrette adds a nice bit of citrus.<br/>Dessert: Carrot cake. $8. Uninspired. Overpriced. Fried cherry & lavender pie. $8. Nice balance of flavours. Could take more lavender.

Very cool place! Great food, drinks and service!. I've been wanting to try Union Local 613 for a long time and finally made it in last night. Loved it! The service was super friendly and attentive. My friend and I shared the fried chicken, hog jowl and broccoli. We were very impressed that they split everything for us onto separate trays. Not necessary, but really nice. The fried chicken was absolutely delicious. Crispy and flavourful batter without being thick and the meat was very tender and moist. Both the hog jowl and broccoli were great as well. We both had whisky cocktails, which I liked even though i'm not a big whisky drinker. It was too busy for us to go for drinks at the Speakeasy bar downstairs but we did take a peek inside. It's a cool cozy little space behind a bookcase. There was a huge wait list to get down there, so maybe next time! Love the decor and vibe of the restaurant and can't wait to come back for dinner and/or drinks. Haven't seen anywhere in Ottawa like this, very impressed!

I love good food and will generally eat/try anything, but we were very disappointed with our meal last evening. I ordered the catfish which was tasty, but the greens and purée that accompanied it were actually inedible. My tongue is still raw this morning from the overwhelming salt taste. The cornbread side was very bland and completely uninteresting. We tried the carrot cake for dessert which was okay, but again had a inedible sauce on the side. This was a fail meal. I would not return or recommend to anyone else. <br/>One great thing was the decor, the service was also good.

Great ideas, but.... After friends raved about it, I was happy to find this uber-cool spot in one of those Somerset Str. houses where restaurants seem to always struggle. The cool industrial salvage decor and awesome service (your water will never be empty) from cool bearded guys in black t-shirts should keep this place in business, as should the great food. <br/><br/>I loved the catfish po' boy, but I didn't order a side so the sandwich arrived all alone on a plate. There is something sad and unsatisfying about a lone sandwich on a stark white plate. For a place that puts so much effort into details, this total lack of presentation was surprising. Even a couple slices of cucumber would go a long way toward not making the customer feel like he/she was being punished for not adding a $5 side to a $13 sandwich. As it is, the lone sandwich and a lemonade came to $18 before tip. A side would have pushed the bill to plus $25, which just seems a bit steep for lunch. That said, they do seem to be trying to do original things, and this isn't cheap, but they need to remember the small details too.

Come for the service, stay for the speakeasy, skip the chicken n' testes. I'll probably write a longer review at a later date, so let's stick to sweet sweet bullet points for now:<br/><br/>1) Superb service, including very accommodating and knowledgeable barmen and waiters. First class.<br/>2) Disappointing fried chicken. Sure, I guess you could give me vinegar with my fried chicken, but is that really better than a homemade BBQ sauce of some kind? The now-defunct Jean Albert's made far better chicken.<br/>3) Atmosphere up the proverbial wazoo. The speakeasy downstairs is the kind of spot you won't find anywhere else in this city... chock full of hipsterosity, but yet remaining unpretentious. Ten thumbs up.<br/>4) Some unusual offerings, such as lambs' testicles, which the servers very much push, but aren't necessarily the tastiest nuts available.

Nice location, good music and drinks! However I didn't like the food at all. Ordered the fried chicken and didn't even finish it...

I liked just about everything about this restaurant. We had the boudin meatballs, fried green tomatoes, the fried chicken, the cornbread and the grits. First, Let me start by saying that, we ordered way too much food for two people, and that all the food was very heavy, however we were glad to have splurged on the sides/apps. That is because the sides were absolutely wicked. We started with the boudin and tomatoes. The Boudin itself was very tasty, and they came with this awesome spicy lime mayo sauce. The pimento cheese with the fried green tomatoes was spot on, reminded me of those crappy old El Paso taco kits (in the best kind of way). The fried chicken was moist, and flavorful. Too often you have fried chicken where the crispy skin is the best part, and the meat is secondary. This wasn't the case, and was actually the opposite, the crust was ok, and the chicken itself was packed with flavor. Finally the grits were good, extremely rich, nice texture, the cornbread was phenomenal, very tasty, and again, extremely rich. When it was all said and done, we were in a food induced coma. As for the decor, very trendy, nice artwork, cool bar with a nice assortment of liquor. And before I forget, I had the viva revolucione drink, made with there homemade 'kola', it was a delicious, heavily spiced take on rum and coke. Get it. My only complaint (and I hope the management see this) your bar stools are horrible!!! The most uncomfortable chair ever made and used in a restaurant, which is a shame because i actually loved sitting at your bar (minus the seats). For the love of god get rid of them! With that being said, I loved my first experience and will definitely be back.

Best for lunch. I realize that some folks quibble that the dinner menu is pricey, given the relaxed ambience. My advice is to visit for lunch instead. Sure, it's still a little more than what you'd pay elsewhere, but on the other hand it's hard to find a great lunchtime menu that changes often, chock-full of items that are actually made on premises. Their cornbread is addictive. You've been warned.

Cozy, delish. If you are looking for a cozy, casual place with friendly service, this is a place to go! Don't be put off by the weird sayings on the menu, everything is absolutely delicious. They change their menu regularly and everything that I have tried, from the catfish, to the potato grit is fabulous. Prices are also very decent. Perfect for a casual Friday night with friends.

Wow. Second visit to Union... started with a Sazerac - intense taste of the South! Loved our hidden location... cozy (although a bit stuffy on a hot with summer night!). Cracker crusted catfish with pecan puree.... wow... best catfish ever! The chard wirh smoked rabbit was a bit too salty for my taste, but the corn bread with Bourbon butter made me forget any issue i had. ..we loved the corn on the cob, pork jowl, chicken, ribs.... What more can i say? Love this resto!

Expensive, meh food. I went there with a group of friends and being incredibly lactose intolerant I asked many questions about my options. I ended up with 4 slices of beets and 3 roasted kale leaves, all for $15. Needless to say, I left hungry. Everyone else's food looked okay, nothing out of this world (no one raved about it). Not on top of my list whatsoever.

Amazing take on deep south cuisine!. Just came back from dinner at Union - spectacular! Let me tell you, they know what they're doing with fat, salt and vinegar! Started with the peanut amuse bouche - boiled in fat, with a zesty seasoning of salt. We shared the fried green tomato app - carefully stewed in fat, fortified with skilfully selected salts and vinegars from the deep south. Not for the faint of heart! On to the mains - I had the fried chicken, with beans. Chicken was moist and tender, with a crisp and mouth-watering crust made of flour and fat, and a lovely salt flavour, enhanced with dry curry, just like you find in those elegant yellow packages at the supermarket. Mouth feel was enhanced by a hair, ethereal and gossamer but generous enough that half of it could be swallowed while the other half remained in my mouth. Beans were rendered soft and pliable by cooking in fat; the usual blandness combatted by a bold dose of vinegar, made subtle and balanced with judicious application of salt. My partner had the catfish, rolled in salt and crisped in fat, with a side of chard, the typical bitterness of which was subdued with a sweet/sour vinegar reduction. A meal we won't forget!

One of the best restaurants in Ottawa. If you want a proper cocktail in Ottawa, this is the place to come. If you want delicious food, this is the place to come. If you want knowledgeable and helpful staff, again, this is the place to come. Union 613 is one of my favorite restaurants in Ottawa. It offers beautiful decor, good food, and good drink.It also offers something a little bit different and a lot bit special.

Good food, bad temp. Went to Union Local 613 for a second time at lunch. Food was good, but the temperature controls left a lot to be desired, ie we were sweltering! My friend had the fried chicken, which she said was very good. I had the fried green tomatoes, with ham. It was a very nice dish. The tomatoes were fried perfectly, the ham had a nice smokey flavour, and the salsa accompaniment complemented both well. Much better than the Mac and cheese I had the last time out.<br/><br/>Service was ok. The waitress kept the water glasses filled, but that was pretty much it.

Best cornbread!. Best cornbread in town! Don't underestimate this seemingly simple and homey dish. Great atmosphere and staff! Definitely coming back.

Southern comfort. My husband and I had a fantastic meal here last Saturday night. We’d<br/>visited this site long ago when the restaurant was Le Metro, then again<br/>when it became another restaurant completely decorated in white, so we<br/>were really impressed to see how completely the space had been<br/>transformed. The detail of the decor is impressive, from the aged<br/>planks on the floor to the variety of unique light fixtures. The<br/>feeling is decidedly informal, a stylish deep southern grunge. It made<br/>me want to sing “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive”.<br/><br/>Upstairs, there are hardly any tables for two. We started off at a<br/>high table with barstool seating but my short legs made it impossible<br/>for me to anchor my feet so we asked to move to the bar where I was able<br/>to rest more comfortable on the kick rail. In a place like this, I<br/>think eating at the bar is ideal. The view is great and the bartender<br/>was handy to answer all of our questions. It was a lively place to sit<br/>and we enjoyed it.<br/><br/>To start, I had three crunchy fried green tomatoes with sweet corn and<br/>roasted red pepper relish and delicious smoked ham. For me, it was a<br/>meal in itself. My husband had barbecued foie gras torchons on black<br/>pepper biscuits with strawberry ketchup. These were also delicious; the<br/>foie gras was like butter. My main course was the hickory smoked hog<br/>jowl sweetened and slightly lightened with a cubed watermelon salad. <br/>Good god, it was spectacular! I’ll admit I was unable to finish it<br/>because it was just so sumptuous. I was sad to leave a few small,<br/>succulent bites on my plate but I think I would have had a heart attack<br/>if I’d tried to finish it. My husband had the sous vide Southern<br/>Fried chicken, which he said was also delicious; I wasn’t able to<br/>manage a sharing bite. We both had the skillet cornbread as a side and<br/>it was so light, fluffy and delicious that it set the standard for my<br/>future attempts at making cornbread. Apparently, sour cream is the<br/>key.<br/><br/>For dessert, we had booze. We both decided to try a glass of “White<br/>Dog”, a popular new unaged whiskey, essentially legal moonshine that<br/>contains 60% alcohol. I’m not normally someone who drinks spirits but<br/>I needed a serious digestife after downing all that animal fat and White<br/>Dog was just what the doctor ordered. It was very smooth and felt like<br/>liquid heat going down. <br/><br/>Before we left, we went downstairs to visit the “speakeasy”, a<br/>cozy, dark lower room that holds a few more small tables and a bar. <br/>Next time, I think we’ll dine downstairs to enjoy a different<br/>ambience. <br/><br/>All in all, we had a great meal, served promptly by knowledgeable,<br/>professional staff and paid a reasonable price for our evening out. Two<br/>appetizers, two mains and five drinks came to $110 before tip. We’ll be back!

We found this place by mistake, but this is th best mistakes we've done. Food is delicious and so is th ambience and the waiter. Will recommend it and even go back.

Amazing!!!. By far one of the best meals we have had in a very long time. The service, food and atmosphere are outstanding. Definitely in the top 3 best restaurants in Ottawa. :)

???????. This place is very good but Lone star is millions of times better hands down what is the fuss with this place again it is good but Lone star is way way way way better

Awesome restaurant!. Dropped by Ottawa for several hours, and headed to this place since it was the "hottest" in town according to Urbanspoon. We were not disappointed. The service is impeccable, and the food is amazing. We had the fried chicken (the skin on this thing is amazing, the flavor, the crispiness), the biscuits with sausages and gravy was delicious, the potato wedges are some of the best ones I've had. The fried pickle spears, however, were not my thing (but it may be yours). The bumbleberry pie was great, and the pineapple-lime jello dessert was new.<br/><br/>The cocktails were pretty refreshing for the warm day we had. And the decor of this place is super charming. The bookshelves (made out of waterpipes!) are adorned with cooking books and books from famous chefs/restos around the world, the lighting was made out of wine bottles, and the random art pieces everywhere.<br/><br/>A must go if you're in Ottawa!

What a show!. Thought we'd pull in last night after having dinner around the corner, to see if there was a chance at a table for two. Even better, after a short wait we were seated at the bar (upstairs). Well, let me tell you, I have sat at my fair share of bars, and these kids are pure entertainment.<br/>New fave way to enjoy union!<br/><br/><br/>-----13 Jun, 2013-----<br/><br/>Great hang out spot. Food was good, service was good, nice ambience.. I can see myself coming back here often late nights.

How do I grieve?. Mediocre food at high prices with an affected hipster vibe. Fried chicken was too soggy and expensive for what it was at $14 for 2 pieces of chicken (sides are extra). Ribs were bland, nothing special. A Canadian take on Southern hospitality? Have these people ever even been down South? Because down South you get big portions at fair prices. I did enjoy the buttery cornbread though.

A fun experience. Atmosphere is great! Food is good, and the drinks are high quality. I didn't love my experience in the speak easy in the basement (fewer options; drinks were small and pricey). Service is friendly and consistent. I wish they would add a few more menu options. I love the communal dining.

Super cool spot food was bang on service was great and really cool hidden bar in basement behind a bookshelf. Ill be back next time I'm Ottawa for sure

I went in for a friends birthday a few weeks ago & all in all, I think it went well. I was disappointed in the food, but I'll definitely go back because the service was wonderful and I love the vibe there.

I really really want to love it. Awesome vibe. Spectacular service. However, the food didn't impress me. The fried chicken lacked flavor. I didn't care for the grit (except the cheesy part on top). I will go back and try other things on the menu. This place looks and feel too great not to give it a second chance.

Excellent place!. We stopped by here for some drinks...the service was very good and attentive. I tried their own House-made Root Beer-it was amazing!... and my friends had a shot from their selection of Bourbons which were thoroughly enjoyed. Unique atmosphere. The food looked great too although we didn't order any this time but will have to go back again to sample the menu!!!

Yummy and cool interior design

Monday night dinner. I'm not really sure what the fuss is all about with this place. The service was extremely slow. We arrived at 7:30 on a Monday evening and didn't get out until 10:45. The food was decent, but nothing particularly special. There's only 5 main dishes to choose from. The atmosphere is very dark and very noisy. There were a few nice touches, such as the homemade cola, which was delicious. If you sit near the kitchen you will be overwhelmed by smoke. However, I must say the dessert was excellent. The red velvet cake was the best I've ever had.

Great Atmosphere, Extreemly overpriced Food. Been to this place twice as I enjoyed the atmosphere. However, the second time we sat near the kitchen. It was SO uncomfortably hot it ruined our tables experience. I recommend, if your worried about this and I'm honest it was over 30 degrees, ask not to sit there. <br/><br/>Anyway, Purchased Short Ribs once and Catfish another time. The short Ribs are very tough, expensive as old heck for such a small amount (25) without a side dish! I couldnt believe. Dont get me wrong, if they were standard rack of pork ribs or even beef ribs, no problem, but these are a very small portion of thin sliced ribs. extreemly unimpressed. <br/><br/>the Catfish was ok, pricey for the quality again.Nothing special. <br/><br/>We had some sides, the Grits are nice. <br/><br/><br/>Overall a nice place for a drink and maby an appie, but the main courses are so overpriced for the quantily/quality.

Best restaurant in town. Don't listen to the negative reviews about Union, they have great food (I highly doubt anyone who's not a chef could make what they make) and the most attentive servers I've ever seen. We raved about the peanuts so much they shared the recipe with us. Hey Moxies and Milestones you should send your servers to Union so they can learn you need more than blonde hair and big...well you know, to be good servers. Great food, great atmosphere, great staff = great experience. And a speak easy to? Nice.

The food was good but nothing I feel I could not make myself. Portion size was small. Over priced! 20$ for a piece of catfish? And you have to buy your side?! An extra 6$

I like this place.. Union Local 613 is a nice restaurant with friendly staff and good food. I particularly enjoy their sandwiches, like their spicy catfish po'boy and ham and cheese. The menu changes often so it's best to check their website to see what is currently being served.<br/><br/>It is a bit pricy (though I would put it more at $$$ than $$$$) and I wasn't impressed with their Yardbird dish but the rest of their varied menu of Louisiana-based cuisine is top-notch. Certainly worth a visit.

Changed my mind, love this place. Was much better a year after opening, I wasn't blown away when I went in 2012 but after trying again for lunch I can say this is a great place. The chicken was great as was the mac and cheese lunch. The homeade sodas were equally tasty. Will be back.

Amazing restaurant. I loved the fried chicken w/ the side of grits!

Great food, amazing bartender and service. They felt bad seating us at the bar and gave us free appetizers . We will be back! Try the cornbread- worth the calories!

I went to Union with my mother and after reading a few reviews was really looking forward to it.! I ordered thé foie gras app and although the first piece tasted great, the portion was too big to est alone. My mother ordered the catfish and enjoyed her meal although was certainly not blown away. I ordered the quail and enjoyed it but again was not overly impressed. It was bland. We shared the veggies and the cornbread and although everything tasted good, the overall meal didn't leave a very memorable impression. I think the food is about 15% overpriced. The atmosphere is cool- especially for Ottawa. Nice to have some hipster restaurants doing new things, but the food should come first.