I stopped by Union in Allston recently and was really impressed. The atmosphere is relaxed but lively, and the staff make you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. The menu is thoughtful — not overcomplicated, but with just the right touches that show care and attention.
What stood out to me most was the balance: quality without pretense, service that’s friendly without being rushed, and a space that feels just as good for a casual evening as it does for meeting up with colleagues or friends.
Thanks to Jinsun for leading me here — it’s the kind of spot that reminds me why I appreciate people who put professionalism and pride into what they do, something I value in my own work too. I’ll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beth Smith
It was super quiet when we came in around 9ish, got to sit where we wanted. Grabbed a mimosa bucket at $30, better than expected. Ordered our food and by the time we got it, completely cold. It started to get busy as we were eating and by the time we were done we waited another 15mins for the tab.
Cute place but eh.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Jordan k
Came in to grab a bite while my family was at the street fair. My son got hungry and joined and they were very accommodating to his needs (autistic with food sensory challenges) and were able to help us with an off menu sort of meal for him. Super kind staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel Kim
Love the foods, love the new interior, special/seasonal menus are always the goat
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
G Benett (mothratwins)
Excellent breakfast/brunch fare at reasonable prices. Friendly attentive service. The place was empty when I walked in at 10 AM, but grew more crowded over time, confirming other reviewers' comments about noise. Ideal dining off-peak!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vivien Sz.
Union Cafe is a cozy and welcoming place in Boston. The food is always fresh and tasty, and the coffee is really good too. The staff are friendly and attentive. It's a great place to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Pedro Pires
One of the best and cleanest places for a nice breakfast or lunch. Very friendly staff and great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elson Teixeira
Ordered a pick up on my break, didn’t receive any utensils or napkins, or any sugar in my coffee. Won’t be going back. Called to see what the issue was and they basically just brushed it off, like oh sorry but you could come back if you want. All set.
Service: 1
Sophia Lynch
Tasty food and great service :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gabriella
Tasty spot for breakfast, nothing too special. Some interesting menu items but unfortunately not outstanding preparation. We tried the Bulgogi Benedict and the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, which were each tasty though text was a hair in my pancake that was distinctly not mine (see video). Inside is loud and crowded. The server was not too friendly and was also a severe mumbler so we really had no idea what she was saying. Probably wouldn’t go back given the bounty of options in the area.
I think I’ve ended up going to Union once a year and every time I go ai am reminded of the reason I decided not to go there anymore. There is absolutely no acoustic in the large dining area with high ceilings so it is extremely loud. Like unbelievably loud! Your brain turning into a mush kind of loud. 15 min after we sat, we still didn’t have our coffees or even water. 45 min after we ordered our two plates of eggs and pancakes are iced. No one ever asks you if you need anything and it is super hard to get any of the servers’ attention. The food is good but the overall experience is awful!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Inessa Madorsky
Our party of 5 celebrated a birthday here and had a wonderful time. 🎂 We enjoyed all the dishes and drinks that we tried. Everything was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ruchi gamta
Great food, wonderful staff! Coconut mango pancakes were loved by my one year old❤️ pistachio cold foam latte is all that it says and more. Make time for this place if you are visiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sophia Perucchi
AMAZING BRUNCH!!! Can't recommend enough. Everything I've ever eaten here has been absolutely amazing and the staff is all super nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Damaris Montúfar
I love this place. Diner squirrel forever, and this hits the needs I miss. You can get a reasonably priced meal that will leave you very full!
I stopped by Union in Allston recently and was really impressed. The atmosphere is relaxed but lively, and the staff make you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. The menu is thoughtful — not overcomplicated, but with just the right touches that show care and attention.
What stood out to me most was the balance: quality without pretense, service that’s friendly without being rushed, and a space that feels just as good for a casual evening as it does for meeting up with colleagues or friends.
Thanks to Jinsun for leading me here — it’s the kind of spot that reminds me why I appreciate people who put professionalism and pride into what they do, something I value in my own work too. I’ll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was super quiet when we came in around 9ish, got to sit where we wanted. Grabbed a mimosa bucket at $30, better than expected. Ordered our food and by the time we got it, completely cold. It started to get busy as we were eating and by the time we were done we waited another 15mins for the tab.
Cute place but eh.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Came in to grab a bite while my family was at the street fair. My son got hungry and joined and they were very accommodating to his needs (autistic with food sensory challenges) and were able to help us with an off menu sort of meal for him. Super kind staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love the foods, love the new interior, special/seasonal menus are always the goat
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent breakfast/brunch fare at reasonable prices. Friendly attentive service. The place was empty when I walked in at 10 AM, but grew more crowded over time, confirming other reviewers' comments about noise. Ideal dining off-peak!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Union Cafe is a cozy and welcoming place in Boston. The food is always fresh and tasty, and the coffee is really good too. The staff are friendly and attentive. It's a great place to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
One of the best and cleanest places for a nice breakfast or lunch. Very friendly staff and great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ordered a pick up on my break, didn’t receive any utensils or napkins, or any sugar in my coffee. Won’t be going back. Called to see what the issue was and they basically just brushed it off, like oh sorry but you could come back if you want. All set.
Service: 1
Tasty food and great service :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tasty spot for breakfast, nothing too special. Some interesting menu items but unfortunately not outstanding preparation. We tried the Bulgogi Benedict and the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, which were each tasty though text was a hair in my pancake that was distinctly not mine (see video). Inside is loud and crowded. The server was not too friendly and was also a severe mumbler so we really had no idea what she was saying. Probably wouldn’t go back given the bounty of options in the area.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
I think I’ve ended up going to Union once a year and every time I go ai am reminded of the reason I decided not to go there anymore. There is absolutely no acoustic in the large dining area with high ceilings so it is extremely loud. Like unbelievably loud! Your brain turning into a mush kind of loud.
15 min after we sat, we still didn’t have our coffees or even water. 45 min after we ordered our two plates of eggs and pancakes are iced. No one ever asks you if you need anything and it is super hard to get any of the servers’ attention. The food is good but the overall experience is awful!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Our party of 5 celebrated a birthday here and had a wonderful time. 🎂 We enjoyed all the dishes and drinks that we tried. Everything was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, wonderful staff! Coconut mango pancakes were loved by my one year old❤️ pistachio cold foam latte is all that it says and more. Make time for this place if you are visiting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
AMAZING BRUNCH!!! Can't recommend enough. Everything I've ever eaten here has been absolutely amazing and the staff is all super nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love this place. Diner squirrel forever, and this hits the needs I miss. You can get a reasonably priced meal that will leave you very full!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cajun Hash
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