I had heard about Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen before its debut on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (where Kid Rock personally takes Guy Fieri to Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen, as well as Union Woodshop). I had always heard how crowded the Clarkston Union can get, so I shied away from it. But, I finally decided to get to Clarkston Union right when they open at 11am and my husband and I were happy to be the first ones at the restaurant, as it filled up shortly after.

Click here for pics of the Clarkston Union Bar and Kitchen in Clarkston, Michigan.

I really enjoyed the interior of Clarkston Union. It was a nice change and so different from most restaurants. It helps that it's an old church that's been converted. And, I love the use of the pews as booths. All the wood is warm and welcoming. However, for an establishment that was most likely built to carry the voices of the choir, you will also find that it still carries voices, noises, and cries from a cranky child... making it a loud dining experience.

Now onto the food. We went with the Union Reuben and the Union Press. The Reuben at Clarkston Union had a few twists that made it different (see pics) from a tradtional reuben, e.g. slaw instead of saurkraut and a cherry dressing instead of thousand island. The sandwich was good, but I can't wholeheartedly agree about the cherry dressing move. The Union Press is an iron-pressed panini with a side of mixed greens. This was good as well.

Finally, we just had to split a half order of the infamous Clarkston Union Mac n Cheese. It's as good as they say. Crunchy topping, a great selection of cheeses (sharp cheddar and mild pinconning), and the penne regate pasta all make this a far cry from other mac & cheese dishes. That said, it's still mac & cheese. I'll drive miles for a great steak, but I'm not going to crave the $13.95 mac & cheese.

Clarkston Union is definitely unique and takes pride in its offerings. Just be prepared for the above average prices. $40 for a "lunch for two" is a bit steep in my book.

Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen
54 South Main Street
Clarkston, MI
(248) 620-6100

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