After months of eager anticipation, Union Kitchen & Tap is finally here. Or perhaps a more fitting description is that it’s finally exploded on the coastal Encinitas culinary scene — drive past it on any given afternoon, night, or weekend, and you’ll notice that the bar area (viewable through three huge garage-style windows), is always bustling with hip, beach-crowd types and entrepreneurs.
Owner Eric Leitstein, an Olivenhain resident, wanted to open a place for the community near home. Company spokesperson Justin Brown explains, “The revitalization of Downtown Encinitas was initially really focused on the north end and this was an opportunity to bring some additional vitality to the other end.”
The neighborhood tavern serves up New American food, local craft beer, small vintage wines, and handcrafted cocktails. Executive chef Jason Gethin cures and smokes his own bacon, and makes his own ketchup. “We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback on the burgers, which has been great to hear because a lot of time and effort went in to making sure they were world class,” Brown notes. Gethin has a background in Southern cooking, “so he makes amazing Shrimp and Grits, and the Brick Roasted Chicken, which is his take on chicken and dumplings, is incredible.” Favorites of the Ranch & Coast team also include the flatbreads, particularly the Prosciutto, which is layered with farm eggs, La Quercia prosciutto, burrata, and rocket. The Carlsbad Mussels & Clams delight the taste buds with fennel, tomatoes, chorizo, and parsley.
Beer is no doubt continuing to make its mark in San Diego, and Union provides a credible selection of craft brews — 20 on tap to be exact, and many from local breweries. Check out Union’s Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest releases as selected by GM Jim Hurley, “a huge beer geek [who speaks] very credibly about what we are serving and why,” notes Brown.
Equally impressive is Union’s décor — the ceilings are made from reclaimed grape stakes and snow fence from Wyoming, while the tables were custom-made by local woodworkers. And as for the coveted outdoor space? While most would think a liquor permit would be the natural guess, Brown clarifies, “Our plans are to eventually permit the space, and we are working with our neighbors and the city to do that. [But] we have a number of great ideas of how we want to use the space — a children’s play area, outdoor movies, our own farmers’ market are just a few of the things we have discussed. We really want to make sure it is a place locals can enjoy, and visitors can experience what an amazing place Encinitas is.”
Insider tip: Coaster ticket holders receive 20 percent off (ticket must be dated same day and can not be combined with any other offers or specials). (760/230-2337, www.localunion101.com) MIA STEFANKO
