When the summer heat rolls in, finding the perfect spot for a refreshing lunch and a satisfying sandwich becomes a top priority. Look no further than Union Street Public House, a beloved establishment located right on Union Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Affectionately known as “Union Street” by locals, this restaurant boasts a unique history, claiming its place as both one of Old Town’s oldest locations and, in a way, one of its newer dining experiences. Let’s delve into what makes Union Street Public House a must-visit destination.
Alt text: Warm and inviting interior of Union Street Public House, showcasing the restaurant’s cozy ambiance and historical charm in Old Town Alexandria.
To truly appreciate Union Street Public House, it’s worth understanding its transformation. Many might be surprised to learn that the site wasn’t always a public house. Back in 1977, before Union Street emerged, this location was home to Kings Landing, a sophisticated fine dining restaurant. Contrary to some accounts, it wasn’t a warehouse but a premier dining destination rumored to be a favorite of Frank Sinatra when he visited the area. The late 70s and early 80s marked a period of evolution for Old Town. The original, smaller restaurant with its charming front yard was replaced by Union Street Public House, which expanded to maximize the space, reaching out to the sidewalk. The vision, brought to life by renowned Alexandria architect Bob Holland, resulted in a truly stunning restaurant. It features a welcoming Tap Room, a distinguished Whiskey Bar, a relaxed Oyster Bar on the ground floor, and an elegant dining room upstairs, complete with a balcony overlooking the vibrant Union Street.
From the moment Union Street Public House opened its doors, it became an instant sensation. Long lines of eager patrons were a common sight, reflecting the bustling dining scene of Old Town at the time, where most of the action was concentrated within a few blocks of the waterfront.
Union Street quickly established a reputation for its impressive array of draught beers, its curated selection of fine whiskeys, and consistently delicious, generously portioned food. With a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, the quality of their dishes was always a highlight. Moreover, Union Street became a haven for some of the most talented bartenders in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, including the legendary Bruce Wytucki, a fixture behind the bar for over three decades. On our recent visit, we were greeted by Luis, whose ever-present smile and eagerness to please exemplify the excellent service you can expect at Union Street Public House.
Alt text: Close-up of the “My Bar My Rules” Steak Sandwich at Union Street Public House, showcasing the stacked ingredients and inviting presentation, a signature dish in Old Town Alexandria.
During our visit, I was drawn to the “My Bar My Rules” Steak Sandwich, a Union Street specialty with a story. This iconic sandwich is a tribute to Carlos Myer, one of Union Street’s most beloved and memorable bartenders, known for running a tight and jovial bar. Reflecting his personality, Carlos created this now-famous edible masterpiece. Served on a lightly toasted, substantial English muffin, it features a generous stack of sliced 4 oz. petite filet, sautéed onions, melted Swiss cheese, fresh arugula, and a flavorful garlic aioli. Eating the “My Bar My Rules” is as much an experience as it is a meal. Its towering height means it might require a bit of deconstruction as you eat, but that’s precisely why it’s served with a steak knife – making it a fun and engaging culinary adventure. I found myself starting with my hands and then switching to a fork to conquer the rest. The sandwich is accompanied by thin-cut fries, reminiscent of McDonald’s classic fries (in the best possible way), perfectly crisp and addictive. The only challenge with these fries? Enjoying them quickly before they cool down!
My companion opted for a refreshing cold option, the Italian Grinder. Served on a soft sub roll, this sandwich is generously filled with Provolone cheese, savory capicola ham, salami, and zesty peperoncini, all topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and sliced onion, and dressed with a tangy oregano and red wine vinaigrette. It’s a substantial sandwich, and she happily took half home to enjoy later for dinner. Choosing a house salad as a side instead of fries, she appreciated the fresh, lighter alternative. All sandwiches at Union Street Public House come with your choice of fries or house salad, offering flexibility to suit every preference.
Alt text: The vibrant and appetizing Italian Grinder sandwich at Union Street Public House, showcasing the fresh ingredients and inviting presentation, a popular cold sandwich option in Old Town Alexandria.
The sandwich menu at Union Street Public House is diverse and enticing. It begins with options like a Grilled Veggie Sandwich and a flavorful Shrimp Po’boy, catering to various tastes. Burger lovers can choose from four tempting options: the classic USPH Cheeseburger, the unique Fried Green Tomato Burger, the rich Bacon Bleu Burger, and the fully loaded Badazz Burger. The menu rounds out with a comforting Pulled-Pork Sandwich and a refreshing Chicken Salad BLT, ensuring there’s a perfect sandwich for everyone.
The Tap Room at Union Street Public House is a popular social hub. The expansive bar offers ample seating, and comfortable booths line the walls. Two-top and four-top tables fill the spacious area in front of the bar and alongside the large windows that overlook Union Street. For beer enthusiasts, a dozen draught options are available, alongside seasonal craft cocktails that are sure to please. The back bar is impressively stocked, and the wine list is also quite extensive. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm, and a highly regarded Brunch menu is served on both Saturday and Sunday. Union Street also features daily lunch and dinner specials. Keep an eye out for a new menu coming soon, as there’s a new chef bringing fresh culinary ideas to this Old Town favorite.
As summer continues, the sandwich reigns supreme for a perfect lunch. Make your way to Union Street Public House to escape the heat and savor a delicious “bite” of historic Old Town Alexandria.
Alt text: The lively Tap Room at Union Street Public House, highlighting the bar area and inviting atmosphere, a great place to enjoy drinks and socialize in Old Town Alexandria.
Union Street Public House
121 South Union Street
Old Town Alexandria
703-548-1785
Unionstreetpublichouse.com
