My wife and I have always been at least moderately impressed with Union (and all the other restaurants owned by Seth Woods and Jeff Gates). The food is always tasty and approachable, the staff amiable and polite and our greeting at the front door warm and friendly. But where we have never been sold are on any of the wine lists at any of the restaurants (with the exception of Aquitaine which we've always enjoyed browsing). However, this all changed on our last visit! As usual we were perusing the wine list for ANYTHING new and out-of-the-ordinary when our server (Jesse, who is one of the best!) asked if he could help with a selection. When he realized our questions were out of his league he sent over a rather sharply-suited young man who we were informed was the company ""wine guy"". We didn't know that the group had a ""wine guy"" unless they had kept him rather well hidden. My wife was interested to see what this youngster could do for us and after giving him the 3rd, 4th and 5th degrees she was satisfied with his knowledge-level and allowed him to guide us to something we had never had (and which was not even on the list yet). For the life of me I can't remember what he poured for us (Italian, something to do with Barolo?) and it was stunning. We have never felt more taken care of and hope that this young man, whose name we forgot to even ask, will help Union and the rest of Chef Gate's restaurants rise to the heights we know they can achieve.
Pros: NEW WINE GUY! IMPROVED WINE LIST! Killer service, impeccable warmth
Cons: Can be loud, lots of regulars so tables go fast, only romantic if you can get a corner banquette
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