A Return Visit to Union Tavern
I’ve been to Union Tavern before. I was there earlier this year as part of a trip with the folks at Visit Rochester. When I was there before, I tried their fried fish platter and thoroughly enjoyed it. Because of that experience, I was genuinely happy to make another trip out to try something new on the menu.
Sometimes returning to a restaurant can feel routine, but this felt more like a continuation of a good first impression. I already knew the food was solid, so this visit was about seeing what else they do well.
A Historic Spot Across From Seabreeze
Union Tavern is located directly across from Seabreeze in Rochester, New York, and sits in a building built in the 1850s that has a very deep history in the area. From what I understand, at one point, the building was owned by a pirate and was used for bootlegging booze. The current owners embrace their “spirits” and happily give guided tours by request.
Today, the space is home to a restaurant and bar with a storied past, and you can feel that history when you’re inside. It’s the kind of place where the walls seem like they could tell stories if you gave them the chance.
Trying the Union Melt
This time around, they had me try their Union Melt.
The sandwich starts with chuck roll that gets slowly marinated and roasted for six hours until it is fork-tender. That beef is then added to caramelized onions and hot cherry peppers, topped with melted Swiss cheese, and served on thick, toasted bread.
The result is a very delicious and very tender sandwich.
Let’s Talk About the Spice
The most unique thing about the sandwich for me is the spice. My tolerance for heat has increased over the last two years of trying a lot of spicy food, so I can handle things better today than I used to. For me, this lands at about a four.
The spice sits on the tip of your tongue and around your lips and honestly makes them go a little numb — in a good way. The sandwich is cheesy, toasty, tender, beefy, spicy, and delicious.
Every bite balances richness with heat, and nothing feels overpowering. It’s bold without crossing the line.
Garlic Parmesan Fries on the Side
The sandwich also comes paired with their garlic Parmesan fries, though calling them fries doesn’t quite feel accurate.
They’re almost like if you took a potato wedge, cut it in half lengthwise, and then deep-fried it. They’re addictingly good — oily in a good way, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, garlicky, cheesy, and just about perfect.
They were so good that I didn’t want to wash my hands after eating them because I didn’t want the smell of garlic and cheese to go away.
Why This Visit Stood Out
What stood out most on this visit was how comforting everything felt. From the historic building to the hearty sandwich and side, Union Tavern delivers food that feels intentional and satisfying.
It’s the kind of place you could come back to again and again and still find something to enjoy, whether you’re ordering something familiar or branching out.
Union Tavern and Eat Local New York Restaurant Week
I’m very happy to see that Union Tavern will be joining us for Eat Local New York Restaurant Week, presented by my friends at The Summit Federal Credit Union.
Whether you’ve been before or this would be your first visit, it’s a great opportunity to stop in, try something new, and experience a Rochester staple for yourself. Get out there and check them out today, or make plans to visit during Eat Local New York Restaurant Week April 13-26, 2026.
📍 4565 Culver Rd., Irondequoit, NY
