UPDATE: This place is closed. Sorry!

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Union (Downtown)

1400 First Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 838-8000
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Here at the flagship Ethan Stowell restaurant (see also Tavolata, How to Cook a Wolf, Anchovies and etc.), the menu changes daily but remains focused on Northwest seasonal delights. Portions sometimes seem small for the prices, but the food can be superb bordering on sublime. From the outside, Union has a forgettable New Seattle gloss, but the bar is inviting (as are the prices on the bar food menu), and the dining area is impressively high-ceilinged and posh-feeling (if in a slightly generic way). It's nice here if you can afford it.
Hours: Mon-Sat 5 pm-1 am
Categories: Bar, Restaurant

Restaurant Details

Bar Details

The Stranger's Reviews of Union

 
 

Average Rating:
  • 3.40000/5 Stars.
Reviews/Comments (5) RSS

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5

Over rated.

Unfortunately, the last time I was there, I was very disappointed. My rabbit ravioli was tough, & the interior so salty, my tongue was burning. My sweetbreads, on the other hand, were bland. My octopus salad would have been perfect had it more acid. I have eaten there two other times, with mixed results as well. That last time, I spotted Chef Stowell in the kitchen, so I expected the food to be better than the other times I had been. It was actually slightly worse. The menu is too expensive for me to go down that road again. & they have the audacity to charge for a few pieces for bread!
Posted by Katie on January 9, 2009 at 10:20 PM · Report
4

Don't go there!

I don't know what the rest ofyou are talking about. The place had the atmosphere of an office, the food was mediocre and expensive (have the fish at cafe presse and it will blow union away for half the price). The hostess was not rude, she was barely a presence. The waitress was rarely to be found. Finally Ethan called up because they screwed up my credit card and when I told him the experience was pretty bad, he didn't even apologize, express concern, or seem to care. The drinks were superb and that's why I'm giving it two stars. It's important that places like this get no support or they will crowd out the creation of new high quality ones... don't go there.
Posted by Charles on July 13, 2007 at 11:51 AM · Report
3

Don't be afraid

There may be some things on the menu here that you have never heard of before. The service staff is real nice and will answer any questions that you have. Everything here is great!!! The cocktail menu kicks major ass. The wine list is awesome, well and as far as the food, you will find yourself licking the plate cause it's so good.
Posted by yum on July 10, 2007 at 11:17 PM · Report
2

Expensive for good reason.

This is one of the best kitchens in town. The food is excellent. Pick anything you like, it'll be excellent. You are not remotely capable of cooking this food. At least not without, you know, spending all day at home trying to be a top chef. Pick your poison: Union's a definite night out of shelling out some serious dough, but you'll be dining like a champ for it. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and down to earth. The wine list offers a big range of great choices, which your server will help you with no problem. The only thing stuffy here is some of the customers, but that's really no bigs; the bar is usually populated with its fair share of low-key locals, and a showing of server types from other places, here to wind down.
Posted by Pizzle on June 18, 2007 at 2:39 PM · Report
1

Treat Yourself

Opted for the wonderful tasting menu. Was not disappointed with each course. Make any day feel like a special occasion and indulge in Ethan Stowell's fresh and imaginative dishes and presentations. Definitely for the food aficionado.
Posted by T1 and T2 on May 25, 2007 at 4:23 PM · Report

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