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
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