

Union Rec is an Ann Arbor gathering place serving comfort food shaped by hometowns from all over the globe. The menu pulls from taquerias, backyard BBQ, and street markets with bold bites, smoky flavors, and dishes that feel familiar and new all at once. Set along the train tracks between the Big House and downtown, it blends a bright dining room, lively bar, fireplace seating, and an attached coffee shop. Open for coffee, lunch, dinner, takeaway, and group dining, Union Rec brings warm service and easygoing energy to Main Street.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 545 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 636-9999
Website: https://www.unionrec.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
HOME | Union Rec | Ann Arbor, MI | Restaurant
Union Rec (@eatunionrec) · Ann Arbor, MI – Instagram
Union Rec – Destination Ann Arbor
Last Updates
Reviews
We placed to-go orders and just waited by the front door. When I paid for my food in cash, the waitress asked if I needed change, and I told her that I did. When she returned, I noticed my full change was not given back, so I asked where the rest of it was. She looked at me but didn’t respond and instead continued processing the credit card payments for the rest of the group.
After she finished their transactions, I asked again about my change. Typically, I tip well, but since she chose to keep my change without asking and ignored my question, I told the front door host to let her know that the change she kept would be her tip. I’m not sure if it was a math error or her not knowing how to count, but it was disappointing.
We eventually got our food and went back to the client’s house. We were all surprised that the tacos didn’t automatically come with any type of sauce on the side. Overall, the food was just okay and not as flavorful as expected. Also the small cup they give of the Mac n cheese was half full. They are pricey for the amount of food you get.
although prices are in the high end, is not a high end restaurant they are more on the casual vibe. The system automatically requests a minimum 25% tip (yes you can update but still!), and they charge a 3% credit card fee “to mitigate their costs” but again prices are already on the high end for rice, pork, chicken in their items.
-Atmosphere and food 5/5
Great and fun place !! I had it saved on my list of restaurants to visit and I’m not disappointed. Everyone on our table enjoyed the chosen food which had all great flavors, we appreciated the fusion of Korean, Latin, bbq and other.
-Service 5/5 Our server Casey was very kind and friendly.
The food was very good and the drinks were good. Good service.
Unusual women’s restroom – sink with two faucets and dimly lit.
The Korean BBQ taco and the brisket taco were both amazing. The guacamole was very good. Favorite drink was the rec margarita (pictured with the coconut rim – highly recommend). The almond sour was so-so (too bitter and sweet at the same time). The matcha strawberry was good too (brown looking in the pictures).
The interior is still a standout—bright, colorful, and welcoming. I especially love the couch area around the fireplace, which gives the space a cozy, eclectic charm that makes you want to sit and stay a while. The overall vibe and staff were friendly, which made the experience feel warm despite the food disappointment.
This time, I sat at the bar, but I wasn’t particularly into their drink menu—not a lot that appealed to me, and the prices felt a bit too steep for what was being offered. Since I was already there, I figured I’d at least try a bite to eat.
As a vegetarian, I was glad to see BBQ Cauliflower Bites on the menu, especially since I usually love that kind of dish. The menu described them as fried cauliflower “aggressively tossed” in BBQ sauce, which sounded promising. They came out in under five minutes, which was impressive in speed, but also concerning how quickly it was made. First, the portion was noticeably small for $9—definitely not shareable and barely enough as a personal appetizer. Second, the bites were indeed drenched in BBQ sauce, so if you’re ordering this, you should be in love with BBQ sauce.
What really ruined the experience, though, was that the bites were cold. Given how fast they arrived, I can’t help but wonder if they were pre-cooked and just sitting out, or maybe flash-fried and then smothered in cold sauce without heating it up. Either way, it was unappetizing and left me completely disappointed. I decided not to order anything else and cut the visit short.
Still, the interior space is inviting enough that I might come back sometime just to have coffee and chat with friends on the couches—but not for the food. I was told the coffee ends at 5:00 PM. Overall, cozy ambiance and nice staff, but it’s not somewhere I’d rush back to.
The menu was different with a familiar taste but with excellent flavor! I got the chopped salad with a Korean taco, and it was outstanding!