The Union Bar & Provisions

We chose this place on a beautiful day for one reason only: to sit outside. When we arrived, the hostess told us they weren’t seating outdoors—even though two tables were already occupied there. Reluctantly, we sat inside. Just five minutes later, they began seating new guests outside. The patio never filled up, and there were always open tables, yet we were never offered the chance to move.

The food didn’t redeem the negative experience either. The spinach and artichoke dip was dense, dry, and tasted like it had been sitting under a heat lamp for hours. The other dishes were disappointing and were not fresh whatsoever. While our server was friendly, the hostess’s service was dismissive at best.

The only positive thing here is the design of the space, but unfortunately, that doesn’t make up for the poor service and mediocre food. We left disappointed, and wouldn’t recommend this spot for anything other than the decor and maybe a drink. Highly recommend skipping this place and going to Eros nextdoor for actual fresh quality food, good service, and outdoor seating.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 2

Looks can be deceiving. Buyer beware! The bartenders are dressed up like professional mixologists but they serve watered down drinks that would embarrass even the grimiest dive bars. My chicken sandwich was dry and it tasted like black char and gas exhaust. Avoid this place until they go out of business. Then a competent restaurateur can take over this beautiful interior.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 1

Had a great experience Friday night with the fam. Was sitting outside on the patio and enjoyed the weather. Had a lovely girl named Kaitlyn as our waitress, very sweet and genuine she made sure we had a great experience. Guided us through the menu and offered great recommendations. The kitchen definitely took the time to craft their menu to perfection, we had the nachos for appetizers and steak frites and the burger for entrees. The peach martini was very good as well. The manager came by the table as well, just shows the service is on point. I’d come back again for that alone.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Only stopped in for a drink but they were delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

The Union Bar is a beautiful, modern, and very clean spot in East Rutherford. The atmosphere feels upscale, and I appreciated the little touches—like someone opening the door for you. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive, which made the service welcoming from the start.

On the food side, the French Dip sandwich was absolutely outstanding—probably the highlight of the meal. The burger was a good size and juicy, while the nachos were flavorful (though very spicy, so be prepared if you’re not into heat). Unfortunately, the Cobb salad was a letdown—plain, boring, and unappealing in presentation. A missed opportunity for such a classic dish.

There were a few disappointments with the bar and service timing: no stuffed olives available for my martini (a small but frustrating detail, since so many martini lovers enjoy them), and the drinks took quite a while to arrive. The food also came out sporadically, rather than together, which disrupted the flow of the meal.

Atmosphere-wise, while the interior is lovely, it’s very cold inside—definitely bring a sweater. It’s also extremely noisy, and the sound of the train going by only adds to the loudness.

Overall, The Union Bar has a lot of potential: great presentation, friendly staff, and some standout dishes. But with slower service, inconsistent food timing, and a few misses on the menu, it’s not quite there yet. Hopefully, with some adjustments, it could become a go-to spot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

The staff is very nice and you can tell they care.
Food was on time, and very good taste. My old fashioned was perfect.
The manager check on us, which tells how they want everyone to have a good experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5