I can't say one good word about the drinks, service, decor, or location, but I'm giving it a rare 5-star review based solely on bucket loads of pure, badass, genuine, no-pretense, they-just-don't-make-places-like-this-anymore character. To be totally honest, I've resisted writing a review of this place since I joined Yelp, just because I don't want it to change. I don't want it to be taken over by blipsters. I'm dreading the day that the owner renovates, so some cookie-cutter nightspot can take over and sap all the character from it.
There are two places I go when I'm feeling really sad: Church, and the Grand Union Hotel. When you walk through the doors, you know that life is, or has been, a warzone for almost everyone inside. And this is a place they can just take a load off, and in my experience they're remarkably warm to people who want to join with them.
Don't go if you're not ready for a little adventure, but if you keep an open mind, this place can be a little taste of dive-bar hospitality at its most honest. And remember that every single one of the locals inside has a story. You're entering into their space, so going in with a healthy dose of respect will be good for everyone. read more