There are times when you simply encounter the right person at the right time. Such was the case today when I ventured over to Broad Ripple's Union Jack Pub, one of Broad Ripple's landmark establishments having graced the neighborhood since 1979.
The truth is I was having kind of a melancholy Mother's Day and was really just in the mood for some solitude, some reading, a quality meal and, yeah, a little bit of kindness.
The minute I hit the door at Union Jack, not literally despite being a tad reckless in the wheelchair, I knew that I'd made the right choice. I was greeted warmly and enthusiastically by Rebekkah, who would end up also being my server. As I've noted, I don't always frequent Broad Ripple - many of the businesses aren't particularly wheelchair friendly and parking can be a royal pain. On Sunday, parking is free at meters and it just feels less chaotic.
While I'd been to the Union Jack in Speedway, though it has been years, I'd actually never been to Union Jack on Broad Ripple. I'm assuming they're related, though in looking them up they have two separate websites. So, hey, who knows?
Union Jack is fairly wheelchair friendly. The front door is a larger wooden door, but not difficult to manage. While I didn't travel the entire restaurant, the layout was such, mostly booth/table combos, that a customer in a chair can sit in a variety of spaces. As I entered, a sign was out noting to seat yourself. I chose a comfortable 4-top and Rebekkah was right behind me moving the chair in such a quick way I'm not sure I even saw her do so.
Union Jack is an English style pub with an American twist. It's the kind of place you go to watch soccer, especially the Indy Eleven and league play, though they also offer regular events. The menu is wide ranging, though there's an emphasis on New York and Chicago-style pizza along with a popular fish & chips and various other sandwiches, salads, soups and more. The beer menu includes 21 rotating taps, malt scotches, whiskies and more.
While there are multiple reviews that comment about slow service, my experience was that the entire dining experience is at a leisurely place. In some ways, it reminded me of Giordano's in the sense that you don't necessarily want to go there if you're in a huge rush. The same seems to be true here. On this day, when I was in the mood for major chilling out, I found the pace and the atmosphere just perfect.
Rebekkah took my unsweetened iced tea order and allowed me time to peruse the menu. I was initially concerned as the menu seems to emphasize parties larger than one. However, deeper looking offered up some "small" options and my selection, a 7" personal pub pizza that comes with 2 toppings and choice of sauce. I chose pepperoni and sausage. While I'd contemplated a breadstick appetizer, most of the appetizers seemed a bit pricey and meant to share so I avoided it.
I didn't time the arrival of the meal, though I would agree that it seems to take just a touch longer than the current trend of four-minute, five-minute and six-minute pizzas. I didn't find it unreasonable and thought the quality of the final product made it worth the wait. Rebekkah was sure to get me a refill even before my pizza had arrived - a definite plus.
The pizza put nearly every other personal pizza to shame with the only possible exception being W.B.'s. When you order personal, it's usually compromising toppings and taste. Not here. The toppings were plentiful and it was still surprisingly thick. Seriously, I was very happy.
Rebekkah's service was the real winner here. She was friendly and familiar, yet not inappropriately so. She was timely and attentive. She was warm, genuinely warm. I don't know if she knew I was a Yelper, as signing in can be tracked, or if I just seemed like I needed attention or if she's simply always like this? The truth is the service was not only what I needed personally, but it was simply stellar service. It almost felt like I was in a smalltown diner where "babe" isn't flirting but a sign of genuine warmth and welcome. I could tell she was actually listening, because she would respond to even small comments - "thank you" always got a response and she did this several times. One of her closing comments, said with utmost sincerity, was "I appreciate you."
Like I said, sometimes you meet just the right person. Today, I wanted to relax, enjoy my paper, have a quality meal and feel welcomed. The atmosphere was terrific, the pizza top notch and the service was the kind of service that makes you immediately start thinking about your next visit. read more