Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar

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For those residing in or visiting Illinois and looking for a unique and vibrant dining experience, Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar in Chicago’s River North neighborhood offers a compelling blend of Japanese culinary traditions with a modern, urban flair. This establishment seamlessly combines the delicate art of sushi with the robust flavors of a Japanese barbeque bar, creating a menu that caters to a wide array of tastes. It’s a place where high-quality ingredients meet creative preparation in an atmosphere designed for both lively gatherings and intimate meals.

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar distinguishes itself by offering more than just your typical sushi spot. Its diverse menu, featuring an impressive selection of sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri, is perfectly complemented by an array of delectable skewers cooked over a 900-degree open flame robata grill. This dual focus provides a rich culinary journey, allowing diners to explore various textures and flavors in one sitting. The modern and interesting decor, as noted by customers, contributes to a stylish and energetic ambiance that sets the stage for a memorable dining occasion. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or a fan of grilled meats, Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar promises an exciting and satisfying meal right here in the heart of Chicago.

Customer reviews consistently highlight the "fantastic food" and the "variety with skewers" as key draws. The establishment has proven itself to be a popular choice for significant events, with one reviewer noting a perfect graduation dinner for a party of ten, praising the helpfulness of the staff. This dedication to both excellent cuisine and attentive service, even during busy periods, underscores Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar's commitment to providing a top-tier experience for its Illinois patrons.

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar is conveniently located at 230 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA, in the bustling and fashionable River North neighborhood. This area is one of Chicago's premier dining and entertainment districts, making Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar an easily accessible and highly desirable destination for locals across Illinois. Its central location in River North means it's surrounded by other attractions, making it an ideal spot to begin or end an evening out in the city.

Accessibility to the restaurant is excellent, whether you're utilizing Chicago's extensive public transportation system or driving. The establishment is within a comfortable walking distance from several CTA train stations, including the Brown and Purple Lines at Chicago Avenue, and the Red Line at Grand Avenue. Numerous bus routes also traverse the River North area, offering convenient stops close to the restaurant.

For those arriving by car, street parking is available, though it can be competitive in this popular neighborhood. Utilizing ride-sharing services is a convenient option, and there are several parking garages nearby for a more secure parking solution. The restaurant's modern facade and inviting interior are easy to spot amidst the vibrant River North streetscape, ensuring a smooth arrival for your dining experience.

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar offers a comprehensive range of dining services and a diverse menu designed to cater to various preferences, from casual lunches to upscale dinners and private events. Their offerings seamlessly blend traditional Japanese elements with innovative culinary twists.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy a dynamic and stylish atmosphere for lunch, dinner, or social gatherings. The main dining area is spacious, accommodating up to 100 guests, with a vibrant and energetic ambiance. They also feature an Izakaya Room, a charming private space for up to 20-40 people, complete with its own full-service bar, ideal for intimate events, parties, or business presentations.

• Sushi Bar Experience: Guests can enjoy a wide selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi prepared by skilled chefs. Highlights include "Truffled Sake," "Spicy Mango Maguro," and "Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna," showcasing unique flavor combinations.

• Robata Grill Selections: A unique feature is their "Barbeque Bar," where various meats and vegetables are grilled over a 900-degree open flame. Popular items include "Miso Salmon Skewers," "Short Rib Skewers," "Lamb Chops," and "Prime Skirt Steak," offering a rich, smoky flavor complement to the sushi.

• Omakase Experiences: Union Sushi offers curated omakase options for a chef-driven tasting journey. They boast "Chicago's First Hand Roll Omakase" (5 courses for $40 per person), where rolls are crafted and served one at a time for optimal freshness. Additionally, they offer a "10-Course Premium Nigiri Omakase" (priced under $100 per person), featuring high-quality ingredients like A5 Japanese Wagyu, Hokkaido Uni, and Otoro, focusing solely on premium nigiri.

• Lunch and Dinner Service: Open for lunch on weekdays (Monday-Friday, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm) and dinner daily, ensuring flexibility for various dining occasions.

• Full Bar and Beverage Program: A comprehensive drink menu features a selection of Japanese-inspired cocktails, sake, wines (including half-off wine bottle promotions on select days), and a variety of spirits, designed to pair perfectly with the diverse food offerings.

• Private Events and Catering: With various event spaces and a dedicated event manager, Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar is well-equipped to host private functions and offers catering services, making it a versatile venue for both personal and corporate events.

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar stands out in Chicago's competitive dining scene due to a combination of unique features and a commitment to quality. These highlights make it a compelling choice for locals seeking an exceptional Japanese-inspired meal:

• Dual Culinary Concept: The seamless integration of a high-quality sushi bar and a Japanese robata barbeque bar is a significant draw. This allows diners to enjoy a diverse range of flavors and preparation styles under one roof, from delicate raw fish to expertly grilled meats and vegetables.

• Modern and Engaging Atmosphere: The restaurant features a "modern, interesting decor" with a "vibrant and trendy vibe." It successfully blends Japanese artistry with an "American warmth and personality," creating a welcoming, accommodating, and stylish environment that defies traditional expectations.

• Innovative Omakase Options: Offering both a "Hand Roll Omakase" and a "Premium Nigiri Omakase" at competitive price points (especially the 10-course premium nigiri omakase under $100) sets them apart. These chef-driven experiences provide an exclusive journey through high-quality ingredients and precise preparation.

• Variety of Rolls and Skewers: Customers consistently praise the "good rolls" and the "variety with skewers." Specialty rolls like Truffled Tuna and Spicy Mango Maguro showcase creative flavor combinations, while the robata grill offers delicious options like Miso Salmon and Short Rib skewers.

• Excellent for Group Dinners and Events: The spacious dining area and dedicated private event spaces make Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar an ideal venue for large parties, celebrations, and corporate events. The staff's ability to handle large groups effectively, as highlighted by a graduation dinner review, is a strong point.

• Attentive and Helpful Staff: Despite being a "busy night" in one review, the staff, including a mentioned "fabulous help" named Indy, are generally praised for being "great" and providing good service, particularly for pre-booked parties.

• Unique Dish Offerings: Beyond the core sushi and BBQ, the menu includes distinctive items like "Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna," "Buffalo Duck Wing," and "Sashimi Cup," demonstrating a playful and creative approach to Japanese-influenced cuisine.

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar regularly offers promotions and special events that enhance the dining experience and provide excellent value for locals:

• Happy Hour / Union Social Hour: Available Monday-Thursday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (dine-in only). This popular offering includes a majority of items under $10, $9 cocktails, $7 wine by the glass, and $5 beers. This is an excellent opportunity for Illinois residents to experience Union Sushi's offerings at a more accessible price point.

• Half-Off Wine Bottles: Guests can enjoy half-off on wine bottles on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to close. This promotion excludes certain holidays but provides a great incentive for wine lovers to enjoy their meal.

• Lunch Service: The weekday lunch service from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm provides a convenient and often more affordable way to enjoy their menu, perfect for a mid-day break.

• Omakase Value: Their 10-course Premium Nigiri Omakase is explicitly promoted as being "priced under $100," offering "unmatched value for true sushi connoisseurs" given the inclusion of luxury ingredients like A5 Japanese Wagyu and Hokkaido Uni.

It's always recommended to check their official website or call the restaurant directly for the most current information on promotions, as offerings can change.

For reservations, inquiries about private events, or to learn more about Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar, please use the following contact details:

Address: 230 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Phone: (312) 662-4888

Email (General Inquiries): info@eatatunion.com

Executive Chef/Owner: Mike Ham (email: sushimike@comcast.net)

Website: www.eatatunion.com (for menus, online ordering, reservations, and private event inquiries)

Hours of Operation:

• Monday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm (Lunch: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm; Happy Hour: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm)

• Tuesday - Thursday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (Lunch: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm; Happy Hour: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm)

• Friday: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (Lunch: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm)

• Saturday: 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm

• Sunday: 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm

For residents across Illinois, Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar in Chicago's River North offers a compelling and multifaceted dining destination that goes beyond a typical sushi restaurant. Its innovative combination of high-quality sushi and savory Japanese barbeque provides a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone in your party.

The restaurant's vibrant, modern atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for various occasions, from a casual happy hour with friends to a significant celebration or a romantic dinner. The availability of both communal dining spaces and intimate private rooms, coupled with their expertise in handling large groups, makes it a versatile choice for any gathering. Locals appreciate the unique culinary offerings, the attention to detail in food preparation, and the overall energetic vibe.

Furthermore, the regular promotions like Happy Hour and half-off wine bottles make this upscale dining experience more accessible, encouraging repeat visits. With its prime River North location, excellent accessibility, and a commitment to providing a "fantastic" food experience supported by attentive staff, Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar is truly a standout choice for Illinois residents seeking a memorable and exciting Japanese culinary adventure.

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar

230 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA