By Albert Sanchez-Alvarez on August 16, 2026 Verified by Google

I loved it. Super nice servers great experience but the ladies in our group did not like the food. Mine was great, from the brunch menu, I had chicken and waffles I substituted the chicken with spicy Nashville Chicken. I had a Madres cocktail (OJ GRAPEFRUIT JUICE AND VODKA) Very good. The other man in our group ordered the BLT, it was so big he took half home. Cool place don't take fussy wives. lol

By Eamen “E-men” Hameed on August 7, 2026 Verified by Google

Union Kitchen & Tap Review: Encinitas Vibe & Eats
Union Kitchen & Tap in Encinitas hits that sweet spot between a lively neighborhood hangout and a top-tier coastal gastropub. Located right on Coast Highway 101, this spot effortlessly captures the laid-back yet vibrant energy of North County San Diego.

Walking up to Union, you are immediately greeted by a stellar outdoor patio shaded by bright umbrellas and warmed by sleek patio heaters, making it prime real estate for people-watching along the strip. Step inside, and the interior is an industrial-chic dream: exposed corrugated metal walls, rustic wood accents, vaulted ceilings with skylights, and a massive wraparound wooden bar. Large garage-style open-air windows blur the line between indoor and outdoor dining, letting in the cool ocean breeze. It is loud, energetic, and social, packed with locals, sports fans catching a game on the multiple flatscreens, and visitors soaking in the casual beach-town ambiance.

Union’s menu leans heavily into "American fare" with a creative, upscale twist spanning share plates, burgers, flatbreads, and comfort-food favorites.

The Union Burger is an absolute heavyweight contender featuring a Brandt beef patty, aged white cheddar, organic butter lettuce, heirloom tomato, house burger sauce, and house pickles on a brioche bun. It comes with a side of house-seasoned fries that are perfectly golden and crisp.
Their Strawberry Salad was arefreshing and vibrant contrast, loaded with local strawberries, chopped baby spinach, marcona almonds, feta cheese, shallots, and a honey mustard vinaigrette.

They also serve up hearty items like Union Gumbo, Shrimp & Grits, and an extensive craft cocktail and local beer list featuring regional favorites on tap.

Final Verdict
Whether you are grabbing a post-surf craft beer on the patio, meeting friends for weekend brunch, or diving into a gourmet burger while watching the game, Union Kitchen & Tap delivers across the board. The service is friendly, the portions are generous, and the atmosphere is pure Encinitas.

By Nathalie Lawrence on July 20, 2026 Verified by Google

Dylan was a great server with a good sense of humor he made our experience awesome.

The cornbread was BOMB

the rest of the food was okay

By Pete Smells on June 2, 2026 Verified by Google

Great selection of beers and other drinks. All five of us were very happy with our food. Gumbo good, very spicy. I enjoyed it last night but less this morning. The added shrimp were excellent. Nice server. Not busy on a Monday in June.

By Evelyn Espinoza on February 26, 2026 Verified by Google

We share 3 different plates, the foos was good presentation, amount and flavor. The waitress were friendly, I just have a comment they just come when we call them, honestly I don't know if there was no more waitresses or just the 3 did I see. We set outside and the weather was so good.