Union Grill

The Union Grill has quality food that not only tastes amazing, but comes in more than generous portions. Everything is made fresh daily and from the freshest ingriedients. Their Pot Roast is out of this world and definately hits the spot considering its slow cooked for hours in a wine sauce, and they recently brought back their Crab Cakes, which are so delicious they practically melt in your mouth!\r I know numerous people have complained of the constant menu changes but thats is what makes this place so exciting- there is always something new and delicious to try! Besides, if you have an old time favorite dish, I'm sure that if you suggested it to the staff they would be happy to try to put it back on the menu temporarily ( the staff is excellent-very friendly and customer oriented). Oh, and the fountain drinks or Iced Tea may possibly be $2.50....but did anyone see the size of them? It's like having three fountain drinks in one- Definately worth the price!\r \r The Carnegie Museum and college campuses are also just down the street- very convienent for anyone interested in eating amazing food after a trip to the museum or a hungry college student. They also have child friendly meals that are just as taste bud worthy as the adult dishes...all you have to do is ask!\r Pros: classy yet relaxed atmosphere/great servers/top quality food Cons: nothing!:) more

I'm CMU student and my bf and I have been eating there very frequently for over one year. They have decent price with great food. Waiters are friendly also. Here, what I like abt Union Grill .Their soups are fabulous (wedding soup and potato soup are my fav) .Pittsburgh salad (salad u can eat is your main course . huge n delicious) around and price is around $13 .Five hour pot (I forgot the exact name) .NY steak (my bf like it but they are expensive $25 at least) .Philli Cheese Steak around $10 (I prefer authentic one not pgh cheese steak) That's all. hope it helps. Pros: delicious food, friendly staff. Cons: wait time more

When I was a graduate student at CMU 5 years ago, I was introduced to this establishment. After my very first visit, I was absolutely hooked, frequenting this place at least once weekly. Sure, the menu has undergone frequent updates, but these updates only serve to improve upon the quality/diversity of the previous menu. The Union Grill has become an indispensable institution to Oakland. The crowd is diverse, and sophisticated, however, that doesn't make it the perfect spot for a family dinner! I highly recommend this restaurant to family and friends, alike. If you've never been, do yourself a huge favor, and stop in sometime ! Pros: Cozy & friendly atmosphere, perfect service, perfect menu Cons: Too crowded during peak hours more

New and wonderful menu items!! Thank you Union Grill!! Pot-roast is to die for!! Telling all my friends!! Also, what a wonderful grilled cheese (loved it!!~~) I will be back!! Everyone needs to go there now! Best restaurant in Oakland!!! Pros: everything! Cons: nothing! more

I feel bad for the union grill..everyone is always giving it such a bad rep..I am a student who has been going to the union grill since I was a freshman, and I am now a senior. It has changed a little bit, but I don't think it's for the better or worst. I think change is essential. The union grill is a very busy restaurant, with great food and great drinks. They have always had big portions, which for me, I love because as a student I am broke alot of the time. That's one of the many reasons why us students flock there so often. I have never had a bad experience there, and this is coming from someone who eats there once a week, at least. I bring my family when they are in town, and they are always pleased. I am in marketing, and I can say that it doesn't seem like a bad idea to change things around, you want to stay on top. I do miss alot of the old menu items, and I would love to see them back, or at least some additions to the menu that they have. It's pretty uninteresting, but delicious, none the less... Pros: close to everything, great wait staff, big drinks Cons: non smoking more

Union Grill used to be a great Restaurant 2 YEARS AGO!!!!!! Note I used to go here a lot a couple of years ago, Since I moved back to Pittsburgh recently I decided to go back to my favorite restaurant, was I in for a shock not only is the menu almost completely different which isn't a bad thing but the quality of the food has gone downhill. They no longer have crab cakes which at the time were the best around but no longer have any specials which used to be great, a totally different take on the menu so you were getting best of both worlds, even the fish selection went downhill they used to have great variety of fish. I got a burger to be on the safe side and my two friends one of which got a salad and added salmon for 8 BUX!!! what a rip, it would be one thing if the salmon didn't taste like it was sitting around for 2 weeks but come on I guess its only as fresh as the day they THAWED it out, on top of that the salad greens where bitter and wilted. My other friend opted for baked ziti, yum overcooked noodles covered with crappy marinara sauce and rubber cheese. The only highlight is that they still serve giant drinks A+. After we got our check I asked our server what happened to menu and food because its completely different from a couple of years ago and they said that they had gotten a new chef, well if that's the case get a new chef or get the old chef back for that matter get someone who knows what food is suppose to taste like. If you are used to the great restaurant Union Grill used to be move over and usher in the new era of bad food served at the new defunct Union Grill. Pros: Big drinks, close to almost everything in Oakland Cons: Food and Value more

I was at the Union Grill this week and the food, service, and atmosphere was fantastic. The staff seemed to be having a good time and helping one another out. My server was not rude at all! The food was great, I had pot-pie, (which was a special last year) my server said that so many people were requesting it that they put it on the menu. The menu is seasonal. It was very busy and everything seemed under control. Our food came very quickly, and dessert was absolutley delicious. My husband got a ""Chophouse Burger"" which he said was the best he had ever had. The other couple that joined us ordered off the ""fresh seafood"" menu and the scallops and trout were thorougly enjoyed. I recommend that you try this restaurant if you haven't, or give it another go if for some reason you had a bad experience. We were pleasantly pleased and will be returning with friends very shortly. I suggest that you do the same. Pros: Big portions, lots to choose from Cons: Hard to find a parking spot more

I totally agree! This place has seriously gone downhill just within the past year. I understand that the restaurant may want to keep a fresh menu but these constant changes are ridiculous. Not only are the new menu items uninteresting and totally lack creativity (and flavor) but RAISING prices and LOWERING quality is not the best way to keep customers coming back. The specials have become a joke...seriously, hot dogs?! What happened to his place? Pros: walking distance of all universities Cons: boring, tasteless, inconsistent menu more

This used to be one of the best go-to places for lunch or dinner around Oakland. Good food, big portions, nice atmosphere...but several changes in the last year or so have really shown a downhill trend. And why does the menu change monthly??? Just when I find something that I really like (chicken cobb sandwich), they remove it and replace it with an alfalfa sprout and cream cheese sandwich. huh? Before that, it was the buffalo chicken sandwich. Seasonal menu changes are one thing, but constantly changing what is already a relatively small menu gets dangerous if you're a creature of habit. Pros: nice atmosphere Cons: frequently changing menu, slow service more

Waitress tried to intimidate us into ordering before we were ready, acted like ordering $12 of food a person wasn't ordering enough, and was generally absent or unhelpful the whole time. If they don't want business, they should just say so. Pros: decent food Cons: pay $15 for a meal and being mistreated by staff, no thanks more

The Union Grill, although ideally situated, priced moderately, and chock full of good food choices is absolutely ruined as you enter the door by a hostess that should know better and should act better.\r \r I, for one, do not like getting greeted at the door of a restaurant by a scowl. Nor do I enjoy having my party of 6 be made to stand in the entrance and clog the entire flow of the bar and restaurant because we have a 7th lagging a few minutes behind to park the car.\r \r I especially have a problem tolerating a hostess snipping at me because we have a late party member.\r \r The icing, is being informed that, after we protested, we could be seated but if our 7th arrived after we ordered ANYTHING, that person would be banned form ordering.\r \r In short. I opt not to be treated as a child in an establishment where I aim to enjoy and spend my well earned money.\r \r To the Union Grill, you hostess cost you 7 customers with high paying jobs and clients to entertain in the immediate area, 7 customers with big mouths and many friends.\r \r if you rule was aimed at curtailing the 20 something college kids that straggle along and fill up your tables...what you have resulted in doing is displaced 7 more affluent and paying customers.\r \r Enjoy.\r more

...NO I WAS AT THE UNION GRILL! I went to the Union Grill on Craig St. the other day. The food was alright, the service was pretty good, everything was going pretty well until an argument erupted between the bartender and a server. The bartender, IN FRONT CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES called the server a C**K SU**ING F**KER! I could not believe it. Who operates a restaurant this way. The best food and service in the world could not mask the dysfunction behind this operation. I tried to call for the the owner to complain in the days afterward but could not contact her, apparently she was out of town. Obviously not such a good idea with the crew of people they have there. I have made a point to tell all of my friends, family and acquaintances about this restaurant and anyone else who reads this post. The rest of the staff behaved as if this were a common occurence. With that kind of language and how fluidly it was delivered I believe it. Beware if you have small children. A visit to this restaurant may acutally effect thier developmental outcome. more

Location is everything, and Union Grill has it. It's cuisine has been described as ""Californian""- I don't know where that comes from, but in everyday parlance, it's a typical American-style restaurant (think Ground Round or TGI Fridays for the menu). Because so many people go there (mostly CMU and Pitt parents taking their kids), frankly UG can afford to be rude- unless people want Asian, Italian, or deli, the Grill is the only sit-down restaurant nearby. The food is just OK- it really isn't anything special. Service is also just OK- I've had good servers and I've had truly awful servers. South Oakland has better places to go than the Union Grill- but there are enough unadventurous diners that will keep the place in business for years to come. Also, don't be surprised if you are accosted by panhandlers right outside- they can be pretty aggressive at times. Pros: Location, menu pretty friendly to most people Cons: Service is bad at times, and panhandlers stake out the location more

I work at a large corporation very close to this rest., and although I don't complain, I thought I def needed to write something. Some friends and I went there to have lunch. There were four of us and NO ONE waiting behind us. There was a table for six but they REFUSED to seat us because there were NOT 6 of us there. So we walked. A second instance - some friends and I came over for happy hour. Ordered food and drinks and were there for about 2 hrs on a Thursday night. Not 10 minutes after we paid our bill, the hostess told us we needed to leave because there was an 1.5 hour timelimit, and we had been there for 2. Well isnt that just a crime. Waiter was very pleasant, but he was also new....so that might explain it. Although food is good, you do NOT feel welcome to enjoy your stay. Not a place I will go again. Also, when we were there, there were also at least 12 other individuals at different tables from our exact place of employment. You can bet I will spread the word. Cons: The worst service from MANAGEMENT I have ever received! After you pay the bill, be prepared to leave immediately!!! more

I go hear often because I am a student and I noticed some of the other reviews posted and feel that I must defend this restaurant. The food was great. I have tried many of the things on the menu my favorites are the fish tacos and the rich boy sandwich. The mac n cheese is the best I have ever had. As a waitress, also in Oakland, I know how busy it is working in a restaurant, never expect to sit in a table for more than an hour or two here (there is a sign at the door). It is also not Luca so don't expect that kind of service. The servers have like 7 tables just relax that is the kind of place it is, get in get out, your taking up someones table therefore thier tip, respect that. Pros: great food, good service, cheap Cons: odd smoking area more

Loved relaxed atmosphere but appreciated cleanliness not typically seen in oakland restaurants, esp. Pitt. We were seated in 3 or 4 minutes. Our waitress was cheerful and professional. We got a half-pound burger, delicious shrimp and garlic bread sandwich, a big fish sandwich, and TWO HUGE fish tacos for under 8 bucks. Incredible serving sizes for the price, had to take the second taco home. The waitress simply proclaimed, ""that's how we do things at the Union Grill, huge servings of great food at a great price!"" Some folks aren't used to the oakland atmosphere, you have to roll with it if waitstaff is busy... such is life. great for college kids and casual dining. For the complainers, we don't really want your type around our great restaurants anyway! PLEASE DO stay away. P.S. it should be common place to say thank you, even for water... way to be professional. Pros: Friendly service, Great value Cons: Parking can be tough more

After coming in with a party, where we provided our own food, we were still met with rudeness after we had reserved the room for several hours. The servers went so far as to poke some of us to get a ""Thank you"" after being served water. This service was absolutely unacceptable and met with more defiance and rudeness come closing time. This venue is not at all recommended because of a wait staff that believes it can treat patrons any which way it wants. Cons: Rude Service more

Immediately after paying the check and finishing dessert, we were told: ""you can continue your conversation at the bar."" We had finished a meal of two entrees, bottle of wine, dessert. There was absolutely no wait, there were free tables surrounding us, and it was well before closing. Amazing how decent food and value can be completely negated with such abysmal service. Not surprised to see others share similar experiences. Will never return. Pros: leaving, never returning Cons: service, lack of service, rude more

The hamburgers are Union Grill are delicious and enormous; waffle fries are a necessary accompaniment. Take out is simply and easy. The guy who took my order was friendly and prompt. He also ran the bar, fetched my food, and served drinks to the bar attendants and those seated at tables. I did not find the staff to be rude; they simply seemed very busy. Tons of people flood this restaurant on a daily basis, so the place is hopping. I think they simply need one or two more people to help staff. more

The only dish worth going to Union Grill for is the hamburger, but the rudeness of the staff makes the experience horrible. I disagree with previous reviewers; I don't think that anyone should have to put up with rudeness from waitstaff. The food is just not that good. If the staff thinks that you are a student, the service is worse. We've gone in ""casual clothing"" and in ""business wear"" and the difference in service is unexcusable, especially from a restaurant in close proximity to many universities. If you insist on partonizing this restaurant, then avoid the strawberry shortcake with its bland poundcake and limp strawberries, the watery pasta, the too-salty soups, and the greasy sandwiches. Stick to the hamburger. Pros: hamburger Cons: rude slow service more