Café Union

Brunch is absolutely terrible. Definitely all Sysco. It tasted and looked like high school cafeteria food. Our server forgot about our table and the bar wouldn’t serve us because it has to be your server, which I get but when it’s been 45 minutes like come on. They also did auto-gratuity which was infuriating after such a bad experience. Union is fun for drinks at night but I will neverrrr come back for brunch.

The only points this place is getting for their drinks, I had a long island iced tea and it was pretty solid and good sized. I came here on a Thursday evening with a friend group. We stood at the booths for a moment before they told me I could find a seat, and I did so. Afterwards, a man named Eddy came up to me, visibly drunk and he got way too close to me. Breathing hard in my face and constantly asking if I was enjoying my time, after one of these times he non-consensually kissed my hand, and it made me intensely uncomfortable to the point I had to walk out, crying and got a bloody nose from the incident. There may be good people who come support this business but I left in a horrible mood and for this, I will never return to this bar. If you go at all, please keep company with you.

⭐⭐⭐½ Union Café has been a Columbus staple for years and is known for strong drinks, brunch, karaoke, and being a welcoming LGBTQIA+ space in the Short North. This was my first visit back in a long time, and while some things were as good as I remembered, others left me a little disappointed. The biggest surprise was the ordering process. We went back and forth between the patio and inside trying to figure out where to check in, get menus, and place an order before learning that orders are placed at the bar. Once we figured it out, everything was smooth, but it wasn’t very clear for first-time or returning guests. The drinks were exactly what I expected. We ordered a Green Tea Shot and a Green Tea Cocktail, and both were strong, balanced, and well made. For food, I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla, which used to be one of my favorite menu items. It arrived hot, cheesy, and generously filled, but the chicken tasted very different from what I remembered. The texture reminded me of canned chicken, and it lacked the flavor and bite that made me keep ordering it years ago. I also tried the half Apple Orchard Salad. It looked great and had apples, feta, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and raspberry vinaigrette. It was fine, but not something I’d order again for the price. The Loaded Tots were easily the highlight of the meal. Crispy, hot, cheesy, and topped with bacon and chipotle crema. If I came back tomorrow, I’d order those again without hesitation. Overall, Union Café still offers a great patio, strong drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. I just wish the food had matched the memories that brought me back.

Had a blast here watching the Drag Race finale and meeting new friends. Yes their food menu has changed to a smaller, more focused menu but their cocktail menu is huge! Ordered the grilled chicken quesadilla and some fun drinks. Our server Nick was awesome!

I love blonde vanity. She’s so fun and I only come out for her!! The service is absolutely amazing and I feel seen every time I come. This is the kinda place to be yourself and feel good about it. I always make a new friend or have great conversations with patrons and love the atmosphere. Plz take the time to stop in and have a chat. The drag shows and trivia are fun as heck and I think this is a place for anyone to feel included!!!!!!

Monday night trivia with Blonde Vanity is my FAV 💃🏼 & she hosted one of the best drag brunches ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜