As the summer heat rolls in, finding the perfect cool escape for lunch becomes a delightful quest. Our search for the ideal midday retreat, specifically with a craving for a truly great sandwich, led us straight to Union Street Public House Alexandria. Located, unsurprisingly, on Union Street itself, this Old Town gem boasts a unique dual identity: it’s both one of the area’s oldest locations and, in a way, one of the newer establishments. Let us take you through the fascinating story.
Interior of Union Street Public House Alexandria showcasing its dining area and ambiance.
Stepping into Union Street Public House today, it’s hard to imagine what stood here decades ago. Contrary to some past accounts, before Union Street Public House graced this location, it wasn’t a warehouse but rather Kings Landing, a sophisticated fine dining restaurant. Local lore even suggests that the legendary Frank Sinatra himself favored Kings Landing whenever he visited the area. The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a period of transformation for Old Town. The original, smaller restaurant with its charming front yard was replaced as Union Street Public House expanded, ingeniously utilizing the space right up to the sidewalk. The result was a stunning establishment envisioned by renowned Alexandria architect Bob Holland. The design incorporated a beautiful Tap Room, a dedicated Whiskey Bar, a relaxed Oyster Bar on the ground floor, and an expansive, elegant dining room upstairs, complete with a balcony overlooking the vibrant Union Street. It truly is an aesthetically pleasing restaurant.
From the moment Union Street Public House opened its doors, it was an instant hit. Long lines of eager patrons were a common sight, reflecting the bustling restaurant scene in Old Town at the time, where most of the action was concentrated within a few blocks of the waterfront. Right from the start, Union Street established a reputation for its impressive array of draught beers, a curated selection of fine whiskeys, and consistently delicious food. With a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, the cuisine has always been a highlight, both in terms of quality and generous portions. Furthermore, Union Street Public House has been a training ground for some of the most talented bartenders in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area. Among them is the legendary Bruce Wytucki, a fixture behind the bar for over three decades. On our recent visit, we were served by Luis, another example of Union Street’s excellent bar staff, who greeted us with a perpetual smile and a genuine desire to ensure a pleasant experience.
Union Street Public House's signature 'My Bar My Rules' Steak Sandwich, a culinary highlight in Alexandria.
During our visit, I was drawn to try the “My Bar My Rules” Steak Sandwich, a Union Street Public House specialty. The name itself carries a story. Carlos Myer, a beloved and unforgettable bartender at Union Street, known for his strong but fair approach, created this iconic sandwich. Served on a lightly toasted, substantial English muffin, it features a generous stack of sliced 4 oz. petite filet mignon, sautéed onions, melted Swiss cheese, fresh arugula, and a flavorful garlic aioli. This is more than just a good sandwich; it’s an experience. Its towering height makes it a bit of a delightful challenge to eat, often requiring a strategic approach with the provided steak knife. I personally enjoyed the first half with my hands, embracing the slight messiness, and then transitioned to a fork for the rest. The sandwich is accompanied by thin-cut fries, reminiscent of McDonald’s classic fries – a comforting and tasty side. The fries were excellent, although, as with all fries, best enjoyed while still hot.
My dining companion opted for a refreshing cold option, choosing the Italian Grinder. Served on a soft sub roll, this sandwich is generously filled with provolone cheese, capicola ham, salami, and spicy peperoncini, topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and onion, all dressed with a zesty oregano and red wine vinaigrette. It’s a substantial sandwich, and she ended up taking half home to enjoy later for dinner. As a side, she chose the house salad instead of fries. It’s worth noting that all sandwiches at Union Street Public House come with your choice of fries or salad, offering flexibility to suit your preference.
The Italian Grinder sandwich at Union Street Public House, a flavorful cold sandwich option in Old Town Alexandria.
The sandwich menu at Union Street Public House is diverse and appealing. It starts with vegetarian options like a Grilled Veggie Sandwich and moves to seafood with a Shrimp Po’boy. Burger lovers have a choice of four, ranging from the classic USPH Cheeseburger to more adventurous options like the Fried Green Tomato Burger, the Bacon Bleu Burger, and the fully loaded “Badazz” Burger. The menu rounds out with a comforting Pulled-Pork Sandwich and a Chicken Salad BLT, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
The Tap Room at Union Street is a popular social hub. The large bar offers ample seating, and comfortable booths line the walls. Tables for two and four are spread throughout the spacious area in front of the bar and along the wall-to-wall windows overlooking Union Street. For those seeking a cold draft beer, the selection is sure to please, with a dozen options on tap, complemented by seasonal craft cocktails that are equally enticing. The bar also boasts an impressive back bar and a well-rounded wine list. Happy hour is offered Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm, and a highly regarded Brunch menu is available on both Saturday and Sunday. Union Street Public House also features daily lunch and dinner specials. Keep an eye out for a new menu coming soon, as they have recently welcomed a new “Chef in Town,” promising exciting culinary updates.
With summer in full swing, sandwiches are indeed a perfect choice. For a delicious “bite” of historic Old Town, and a cool and welcoming atmosphere, make sure to visit Union Street Public House.
The Tap Room at Union Street Public House in Alexandria, known for its extensive drink selection and welcoming atmosphere.
Union Street Public House
121 South Union Street
Old Town Alexandria
703-548-1785
Unionstreetpublichouse.com
