Whiskey Walkabout

Whiskey and politics visits The Union Street Public House

9 Sep 24

Close to the end of King Street and in the thick of the carnival-like atmosphere of Old Town, the Union Street Public House is situated in a renovated warehouse originally built in 1790  The whiskey bar is somewhat of a speakeasy.  They really don’t advertise it.  I wasn’t even sure that there was a whiskey bar there.  We went to check it out a few months ago and ate at the front bar somewhat confused.  The whiskey selection was okay, but pretty standard for a pub.  We ordered a meal which was tasty, but that was about it.  Then three men sat down next to us at the bar.  Just as we were about to leave, I heard one ask if there was another bar.  The bartender said, “Oh, sure.  There’s a really nice whiskey bar in the back.”  We happily followed the men and when we arrived, I heard angels sing.  Don’t be fooled by the front bar.  For whiskey, the back bar is where you want to go.

Opening in 1986, Union Street Public House has been serving what they call “revolutionary American cuisine” in a warm and lively atmosphere.  Not a big whiskey drinker?  Don’t worry, the Union Street Public House has an extensive selection of both beer and wines.  Growlers of beer, bottles of wine, and cocktails are available for carry-out. 

We visited this past Saturday - this time privy to the whereabouts of the whiskey.  Tim was working the bar.  He was busy and hustling.  There was a good crowd but it was relatively quiet - easy to have a conversation.  The entire staff was fast, efficient, professional, and best of all, fun!  They take a lot of pride in their work.  I asked Tim why the whiskey bar was closed on Sunday and Monday (the main bar is open).  He explained that, like so many pubs and restaurants, they really took a hit during the pandemic.  Tim works five days a week and he’s not comfortable relinquishing the bar to just anyone.  He wants somebody who is competent and who takes pride in running one of the best bars in the DMV.  If you know somebody who’s up to the challenge, you might recommend that they talk to Tim.  It would be great to have that valuable whiskey resource available all seven days a week.  

The selection of whiskey is excellent.  There’s no doubt that you’re in a whiskey bar when they hand you the whiskey menu.  They cover all the major types of whiskey and have an extensive offering of whiskies made in virginia.  (More on that later.)  Tim said that later in the evening, they turn the lights off and light the bar with candles - just like they did in 1790.  I look forward to visiting later next time and enjoying that experience. 

My wife and I usually prefer to sit at the bar to eat and, boy, were we glad we did this time.  Tim spoke of a “secret bar menu” in a hushed voice.  It included fish tacos, wings, and patty melts and a few other things.  They all looked great.  Stick with Whiskey and Politics to learn all the secrets of the DMV.

What we ate:  The Missus ordered from the secret menu - a Hatch Chili patty melt.  Tim told us that he personally selects and roasts the chilis himself.  She thought it was delicious.  Me - I had the Penne Pasta with chicken, sweet sausage in a vodka sauce.  It was exceptional - a good balance of the three main ingredients and just the right amount of sauce.  We were quite full after our meal and decided against dessert.  But the Three Layer Chocolate Cake, NY Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse, and Crème Brûlée all looked delectable.  I thought the prices were quite reasonable.  The Union Street Public House is a great place to take your spouse or steady on a date.  

What we drank: They have an interesting selection of cocktails.  We decided to try those before dinner.  

My wife had a “My Mule, My Rules” Moscow mule - Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka, lime juice, Orange bitters, Ginger beer - a little too floral for my tastes, but my wife enjoyed it.

I stuck with my preferred standby but with a twist.  I had a ‘Midnight Manhattan’ - Sazerac rye, Creme de Cacao, Amaro Averna, Angostua bitters.  I was really impressed.  I’m looking forward to enjoying those again.

During dinner I was struggling to decide what my digestive would be.  I wisely narrowed it down to a Virginia whiskey.  That made the decision more manageable.  Tim recommended the Belmont Farms Bourbon, but I’m a sucker for a Bottled-in-Bond.  I ordered a Belmont Farms, Kopper Kettle, Barrel Select Bonded VA whiskey (https://www.belmontfarmdistillery.com/home).  I’ll have the bourbon next time I visit.  It was exceptional.

Getting to the Pub is pretty straight-forward.  There's metered street parking available as well as nearby off-street paid parking throughout the Old Town area.   There is a parking lot on Wales Alley (next door), but it’s relatively small.  The parking spots in the lots are tight.  I don’t recommend driving your big-ass pickup truck to any of those parking lots.  I had a good challenge squeezing my minivan between two vehicles.

The Union Street Public House is a wonderful semi-hidden gem.  I recommend it and I’m very much looking forward to having our next meetup there.  See you Monday, 16 September.  They’re opening the whiskey bar just for us!  See you there.

https://www.unionstreetpublichouse.com/

121 S. Union StreetAlexandria, VA 22314

Tel: (703) 548-1785