Stopped in here for dinner last night. Had the Sante Fe chicken sandwaich on a bulkie roll which was just ok. Their breakfast menu looked fantastic, and since they serve it all day I immediately regretted not getting a breakfast item. I will definitely give this place a second chance with the hopes that their breakfast can redeem them from this meager 2-star review. Also, it was pretty empty for a Monday evening, but I would imagine that it would be much more crowded on a Saturday or Sunday morning. read more

This is one of my favorite places to go to for food. There is a decent wait on weekends so keep your hangry friends away so as not to ruin the good vibes this place brings while you wait on line. The staff is always friendly and welcoming as they run a really tight ship most of the time. Big groups or small, I never see a change in quality. They look like they have fun while doing the really tough job of serving food in Allston. Bonus points for adding avocado to things and wanting to deal with hipsters. I have never found anything I didn't like on the menu. The specials are always interesting and I consider those to be a special treat. They actually make a good benedict more times than not and the hash is always a go to. read more

Don't judge this place by the tinted windows. Step inside because once you eat their waffles with chocolate flakes and ice cream, you'll want to keep coming back. Did I mention they also serve bottomless coffee? Oh wait, and the best part, they serve breakfast all day! I had their waffles for a late lunch once and wouldn't mind that kind of a lunch almost everyday! Good quality food and service. Definitely one of my favorite Allston haunts. read more

I should say that I only give 1 star for something truly awful. This place is merely slightly worse than mediocre. I loved Grecian Yearning, the diner/Greek restaurant that used to be in this location before it burned down back in 2008. Maybe the memory of that great, old school, cheap, family-run eatery makes me biased, but I still think the Union Cafe kinda sucks. Service is slow. The food isn't bad, just way overpriced for what you get, especially for Allston. ($4.75 plus tax for 2 tiny slices of french toast?) The decor is like the lame university student-center version of a coffee house-slash-bistro. All generic sturdy wooden tables and chairs inside a painted concrete box that can be easily hosed down when the frat guys get rowdy. At least you get free refills on your coffee. Wait, the coffee was bitter and cold by the time it came around? ...Damn. read more

I went to grab a quick dinner with a friend on last week and I would rating this place three star... I ordered a mushroom burger and my friend got the omelette dish that comes with the fries and potato wedges for omelette. I truly disappointed the texture of patty... I liked my friend's omelette though :) They put a rice pilaf inside of the omelette and also like their garlicky potato wedges. I just didn't like my PATTY.... it was definitely over cooked and kind a beef jerkish patty. The service is okay and staffs are friendly but I also have to admit that it is overpriced. read more

Good place to go if your looking for a quiet morning experience. The hash napoleon is delicious. The coffee though, isnt the best.

Terrible experience. Omelette drowned in BUTTER/OIL. come here if you want to eat oil with a side of butter

I tend to come here on the weekends for breakfast when I don't feel like driving. I'd say it's a bit expensive, the quality is okay, the coffee is horrible! I tried a special cappuccino that ended up making me wish I didn't order it, it tasted like dirty water. The service varies, sometimes the waiters are good and sometimes bad. Not much to say about this place except that it's conveniently located close to the T. read more

Way overpriced. Got the Florentine Benedict and the English muffin was so tough to cut thru - like cardboard. Pineapple on fruit side was slimey. The poached eggs came out cooler than normal. Go to Hopewell down the street if you want to spend that much money. read more

Great food. Friendly service. Lox bene with spinach was an incredible way to start my day.

Cannot believe how long it takes to get your food!! Have been here twice and both times have been left waiting for around 45 minutes just for a waffle. Can't even get your water refilled. Really poor and inattentive service, but pretty good food once it arrives. read more

The food is ok, but not good enough to compensate for the really horrific service whenever it's busy. If it looks at all busy when you enter, back out and run for cover. The owner, while nice enough, has no clue on running a restaurant. They will let you sit there forever and never tell you anything about your order, timing, reason for delay, ETA, etc. And if you complain, it's a chorus of "I'm sorry", with no explanation ever other than the "kitchen is slow." Huh? read more

I really wanted to give this joint four stars. The food is great, I particularly enjoy the Cajun Hash. Regretfully, two out of three times the service was painfully slow. Like, really, really slow. The third time it was normal for say, a dinner restaurant--but still really slow for a breakfast place. Every time I go, there's usually a lot of empty potential tables, but there's a lot of confusion among the wait staff as to who will greet and seat you. Then, on the really slow days, be prepared to wait 30 minutes or more for your meal to arrive. It will arrive hot, so I don't think it's an issue of food sitting there waiting to go to your table. Then, eventually your check will appear. I keep coming back though, holding out hope that the output increases, because as I've mentioned, there is some SERIOUSLY good breakfast to be had here. If the food was only OK, I'd have given 2 stars. read more

I visited @Union this morning for breakfast on the recommendation of a friend who said that the coffee they serve is fantastic. Now, I'm a self-admitted coffee geek and snob, so that sort of statement made around me has to carry some weight. I visited this morning to see if it would hold up to the hype. When I approached the store, I noticed a giant banner that boasted that they roast their coffee freshly every day, and another sign inside that boasted again that their coffee was both organic and fair trade. All right, you have my attention. For the coffee, you have two options when you order: a medium and a dark roast. I asked the waitress where the coffee's origin is from, and unfortunately I was given a half-hearted, "I think...Columbia..." as a response. I could see things going downhill at that point. I ordered a dark roast to say I at least gave it a try. The coffee, as my friend had described it was "Not awful," but that was the best I could say, too. It had very little distinguishable flavor, but instead just had a very vague buttery mouthfeel and a tin-like aftertaste. I drank about half the cup, throughout the entire half hour I was there, and couldn't bring myself to drink the rest. For a shop that prides itself in its coffee, I was very disappointed. However, my visit was not an entire waste, since the food ended up being pretty good. I ordered a bacon-bleu omelette, and was rather satisfied. The portions are rather generous and I left feeling pretty full. I would definitely visit again for a good meal, but never for the coffee. The service, also, is nothing special. I think my waitress spoke a total of ten or twenty words during about my entire stay, and didn't really seem to go out of her way to be either welcoming or have any personality. That being said, I didn't come for excellent service. On the whole, I think it's a nice place to stop by if you live in the area, or are looking for a pretty solid breakfast and a new place to try out. But if @Union isn't too close to you, you're not missing out on that much. read more

Alright, so I've been here a couple times, and to be honest, it's still sub par. I think I keep going because it's close and it has so much potential. For example, today we came for breakfast during peak hours. I get it, it's busy. But my water had no ice in it and my "freshly squeeze OJ" was warm too. Normally I wouldn't complain because I love OJ but since my water was warm, I was already a little irked. The omelet was delicious after I got it... 45 minutes later. It's got potential, so I'm not losing faith! read more

Great food, great service, great atmosphere. What more can you ask for? Everyone is super friendly, and the interior of the restaurant is very welcoming. read more

Pretty good diner fair. Above average. The service is nice, clean restaurant, good food (less greasy eggs than nearby refuge). Plus they have boylan soda.too bad the hours are slightly limiting. I could use a late night cafe. read more

@Union - Start your day @ Union! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

The service was below average, the staff was quite inattentive. Also the steak and eggs left a lot to desired.

Absolutely amazing!! I got the eggs benedict florentine and it was so delicious (and I can be picky about hollandaise sauce)! My friend got the omelette and let me tell you it was one of the biggest omlettes I've ever seen maybe like a solid two inches of egg (idk it's kinda hard to measure an omelette in inches ) The mimosa with fresh squeezed OJ was equally tasty! Our server Kenzie was awesome! Super personable, fun, and very helpful! Definitely going to make this a regular spot! read more

From the beginning had a bad experience. Forgot about our 9 person reservation we had made days prior. Then my meal was wrong and cold. Sent it back and got another wrong order. Then when I went to eat the eggs Benedict the eggs were hard boiled instead of pouched. Additionally after all of this they charged us extra for the biscuits I did not originally get. Additionally a friend with an allergy got bacon as a sub to home fries and they charged him as if it was a side. They did not help at all with our understanding of the check when we got it. Overall a 3/10 experience won't be returning. read more

We just ordered food through Doordash, and it came without the bread toasted for avocado toast or our side of toast, and the home fries and eggs had absolutely no taste or seasoning. For $40, I called to try and work with them to see if I could get some money back, but she was no helpful nor understanding and just said that we need to request to have the food seasoned. She was not trying at all to accommodate us - which I have extensive experience in customer service working in restaurants and would never let an employee treat a customer like that. Extremely disappointed :( read more

Their order accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. I ordered something to go with no fries or bread--as in, just the food itself--and they didn't seem to get that and threw in fruit and a soggy piece of lettuce, which was extremely unappetizing. On a separate occasion, a friend asked for a plain green tea and got a mint green tea; he hates mint so he asked for another, and they gave him another mint tea, but there are clearly multiple green tea flavors above the coffee area. read more

The lobster benedict is sooooooo good. I also added fresh avocado in it. Best Love it. The smoothie is delicious. Try it. read more

@Union - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

Cant ask for a better lunch during the final season! @kodomo_tone #foodie lalallalalalalal read more

@Union - It's driving me nutssssssss!!!!!!! @kodomo_tone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

This is my go to brunch place. Get the chicken and waffles you will not be disappointed. All the times I've been here I always ask for recommendations and it always turns out great. read more

@Union - The chicken and waffles is a must! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

Friendly staff, excellent food variety (I always get something new when I go there.) The one downside is that sometimes the waits on weekends are up to an hour, but I've gone on Friday mornings and haven't had to wait at all. Would recommend the lemon raspberry pancakes read more

I went here on Saturday early afternoon for brunch. I totally enjoyed my Mexican eggs Benedict and coffee. The plate was a little lukewarm but the food was so tasty, I didn't mind at all. Like any breakfast place at weekend brunchtime, we had a long wait. When our party of five arrived, it was snug at the front door. As for patrons, the majority of people were in there early twenties. Not a bad thing. Just a heads up if you want to bring babies or strollers. And our server was very sweet. She had glasses - I forgot her name. But definitely a valuable asset to the Union business. I'd go here again anytime! read more

this was my second time here. ( the first time was just as bad ) My girlfriend and I were told we would have to wait for a table for 2 to open up. We were not allowed to be seated at at table for more then 2 people. They had 3 open tables. We had to wait for 15 minuets, while they sat people who came in behind us (a table of 5). Took 15 Minuets, to get them to take our order. Another 15 for our utensils to come. and another 10 for our coffee. From the time seated, to the time we finally received our food, it was about 45 minuets. (I would say that's really bad for a breakfast place.) Then the food came. My girlfriend ordered "Waffles", she was brought only 1 "Waffle".... Waffles means more then one!!. Just a plain waffle, at $7... WTF I ordered a side pancake, and the breakfast burrito. The Pancake had burnt spots, and the inside of my Burrito, (the middle of the eggs and cheese and veggies) was also BURNT!!! They folded it inside so I would not see it!!! this also comes with no toast or home fries or anything. It sucked. All in all, They give us a tiny amount of food, that took forever to receive, and it was burnt. The service here was non existent, the timing and the food sucked. I would love for this place to go out of business so a good restaurant could open here. read more

Food was good. Reasonable prices. Service was a little slow but everyone was really polite and nice. Sake bloody Marys, worst idea ever. read more

@Union - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Allston, Massachusetts

Food is fresh and good. Homemade hash is very good. Fresh squeezed OJ is good but could be colder. No muffins or danish available. A little pricey but only in area once in great while so I would return. read more

Can one give a score of zero stars on Yelp? The past 3 times I've been to @union have left me feeling like a high school boy after prom: uncomfortable, ignored, and disappointed. This past trip in particular was dressed with an extra splash of failure. Our eggs were undercooked, the server made us uncomfortable, and the food was cold. Oh, and by the way, don't order the lobster benedict. It sucks. Unless you like stale hollandaise sauce, cold lobster, and a soggy english muffin. Then it rocks. read more

Moved into the area a month ago...and after visiting a variety of other restaurants in search of breakfast (i.e.Steve's Kitchen/Place, Refuge Café, and even Bagel Rising) I finally stumbled upon @Union! I've frequented this place, at the very least, 6 times in the past month, whether it be for a take out iced-mint-mocha-latte (Better than the Banana-White-Mocha Latte) or for sit-down Homestyle Hash at any hour of the day...I've gotta say this is the place to be! With Free WiFi (secured...password is written near register) illy espresso beverages, and hash better than my dear ole' grandma's I give it 4 STARS! I would give it 5, but unfortunately weekend breakfast and lunch wait times are a little too long for comfort...concerning both getting a table and getting your food! But, either way, you've got me hooked @Union. read more

Back in the day this place was the "greasy spoon" called Grecian Yearning. Well I yearn for those days. I find this place lacking in warmth and service. The food is okay but very overpriced. I used to go in there 2-3 times a week for their overpriced breakfast sandwich until one day I came in but I had forgotten my debit card in my jacket pocket at home. I was so hungry and pleaded with them to let me pay them tomorrow. Now I know people are jaded and used to people trying to get one over but I was in there all the time an the girl knew my face and how I like my coffee. The order was already made and in the bag but she wouldn't let me come back to pay for it. I was floored...and really hungry. Needless to say they have lost my business. read more

Really great spot for brunch ! You could order anything off the menu and you'd never be disappointed. They also have mimosas, which is relatively unexpected in Allston. read more

The egg and cheese on a croissant was amazing--even if at ~$5 it was more expensive than Starbucks or McD's for a breakfast sandwich. Gourmet greatness in the morning + free wi-fi inside. I almost wish I lived nearby to soak it in. Would go back for dinner. read more

I haven't been to union in over a year. Last time I was there, the entire restaurant smelled like the dumpster outside. After ordering drinks only, we had to leave because we would not be able to enjoy a meal while it smelled so horribly. With no server in sight, we left more than enough money to cover a regular orange juice and a chocolate milk, plus tip. Unfortunately, our server felt the tip was not adequate because she came running and screaming at us outside on the street and asked if that's all we were going to leave for her. We vowed not to return. We decided to give it another try this morning. The only reason we tried again was because Steve's kitchen was closed. After not being greeted or told to sit ourselves, we found a table for 4 and were given menus without a greeting. Not once did a server glance at us in 10 min, even though we noticed a group of 4 servers sitting at a tsble . We had no drinks and were not even aware of who our server was. After seeing a server clearing the take next to us, we asked if it would be possible to order and her response was "give me a minute". After waiting several more minutes with no result, we left and were again reminded of the lack of hospitality and customer service that we avoided in the first place. Rest assured we will not be returning for a third try. This establishment only gets 1 star because you can't give no stars. read more

I hate that the food is so delicious here, because it just means subjecting myself to the crappiest, most frustrating service in Boston. If you're planning to come here, set aside at least 2 hours because the waitresses are SO SLOW. We've had them completely forget that we're there, lost our order, forget simple things, not bring our drinks til the end of the meal, etc. It's so frustrating. I feel like some of the servers genuinely try and they never give attitude or anything like that, but the restaurant just always seems severely understaffed. It keeps me from coming here more often. That aside, the food is amazing and very crave-worthy. The eggs benedict are really good, and the hash browns are the best out there. I've overheard people at other tables in the restaurant say the exact same thing - delicious food, awful service. The prices are decent - about $10 for a breakfast entree - and the coffee is just OK. read more

Horribly slow service, but good breakfast. Just expect to wait 25 minutes before someone takes your order, and another 25 minutes before your food arrives. read more

I used to love this place. Food came out quickly and was great tasting. After my last visit I willing not be returning. This place does not even deserve the one star rating I have to give it. We waited for we'll over half an hour for two breakfast plates to come out. When they finally did my eggs were extremely undercooked and my friend's plate had a hair in her corned beef hash. The waitress was nowhere to be found. When a manager finally came after we flagged a different waitress down, she seemed to have little concern for our predicament and was more concerned about wasted food than our returning business. She seemed confused about why my friend would be upset by finding a hair cooked into her meal, and commented "so you guys would prefer all this food to go to waste" as she was taking away our plates. Rather than seeming even mildly interested in rectifying the problem and keeping our business, she came across as incredibly rude and uninterested in having repeat customers. As we were waiting to pay for our latte we noticed as a cook bent down in the kitchen that she was not wearing a hat or hairnet. Gross, but it explains where the hair came from. Extremely frustrating that my wasted time was no concern of theirs. read more

If you're looking for the diner experience in allston, this is about as good as its going to get. eggs are great, service is good and prices are where they should be. perfect for sunday hangover food read more