A San Diego Story Of The Engine That Could: Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas

Take your seats, and get comfortable. It’s time for a sweet little San Diego story of the engine that could!

You all may know this engine. Think, skillet cornbread with rhubarb gelato… Spanish octopus with jicama slaw… and the best Bloody Marys in Encinitas….

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Yes, we’re talking about Union Kitchen & Tap! These fine food purveyors not only delight our taste buds, but they have a lesson to share for our dream-driven souls: keep going!

That’s right. When you believe you have a great idea, fight the good fight. And what better example than Union’s Encinitas location and the story behind their hotly debated expansion.

After much push-back from the city dating back to January, the restaurant has just finally been granted official permission to move forward with their plan that will enable patio seating in close vicinity to their on-site garden.

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They spent months patiently revising the initial proposal to meet local ordinance standards, and now the restaurant is looking forward to transforming their currently vacant patio into an al fresco dining space suited to sunny San Diego.

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This expansion is a majorly positive move for Union, as patrons can now enjoy one of the finest aspects of Encinitas – the beautiful San Diego weather and sea breeze!

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The proposed patio area will be renovated, roofed-over and soundproofed, all of which were requirements in order to follow through with the proposal that initially was turned down due to local ordinances keeping alcohol-related incidents and late-night noise to a minimum.

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Construction to the new patio dining area is set to be completed by the end of 2017. The new outdoor dining section will hold up to 50 additional guests, and will close nightly by 10 p.m.

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“We feel it’s a benefit to the community. We feel it’s something the vast majority of the community would like,” said Chris Cox, director of operations for the OMG Hospitality Group (PB AleHouse, Backyard Kitchen & Tap, Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp, Encinitas).

We at There San Diego couldn’t agree more! Union is right down the street from our office and one of our favorite places!

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