First and Union Kitchen

This place is noisy. Don’t expect to be able to talk to someone across the table. The music is loud, the close quarters and high ceilings make this an acoustic assault. It is quieter out on the street, the staff is slow, the food is sub par.
The food is overpriced and the children’s menu is definitely not nutritionally balanced.

The restaurant itself is nice. The food was horrible. We waited 45 minutes when the whole place wasn’t even full. We didn’t get an apology or anything. The eggs in my eggs benadict weren’t even runny the yolks were hardened. Why does two sausage links cost 5 dollars?
Not going back.

I was not impressed. Came here around 11 am and we got ignored for 10 – 15 min. We finally got menus and had to ask multiple times to order or for anything. Didn’t look very organized

I love small places with good food; I would say this place has made it to the top of my list. Even though it got busy during my visit, my friend and I got excellent treatment from the server who just happened to the bartender as well.
Drinks are made stiff. My cheeseburger was cooked to medium rare perfection. My fries were a bit over cooked but still good. I ventured across to the bakery where I picked up a lemon bar. Staff in the bakery were fun and friendly. I would definitely go back and try more things.

I have eaten here numerous times and have made this a regular spot for dinner. The food here is unique, but the menu is eclectic enough to make both foodies and plainer palates happy. Fantastic gyros, burgers, and a large selection of entrees and cocktails make this an all-​around great dining experience.

I grew up being a bit of a fooding and let me just say, the food does not disappoint! this place has the ultimate selection of brunch foods.
the only downside is that the service is often a little slow because the place is ALWAYS jam packed!

Well on a Saturday at 5 pm, no one in sight my family went for my birthday to this great looking place. I’ve driven by a few times, but hadn’t been in yet. The reason I like to mention no one but 1 other table is because if slammed I could understand food cooking and service to be slow and under par. But with only one other table and my party of 6 service and food should not be so slow and unfriendly.
So two people ordered burgers. Wow talk about cooked to death. The bacon was burnt and why bother advertising ½ burgers if you char them into a puck. Sweet fries good.
Two fishes, good fish. Lots of fries.
Chicken Alfredo, horrible. Worst they said.
Beet salad good.
Service, well the guy seemed like he wanted to be doing anything else. Food took at least 35 minutes. Probably since they were killing and I mean killing the burgers.
Needless to say, I think for half the cost we could have gotten burgers at blazing onion in snohomish and been far happier.
Way too much money for poor service and badly cooked food. Sad since I hoped it was good. Not many nice pub style places in snohomish to frequent.

Great food, a little pricey tho. I would definitely recommend doing unlimited mimosas for breakfast.

I’ve only had take out breakfast so can’t vouch for the food beyond that. However, the several times I’ve come for coffee, I’ve enjoyed awesome bakery items. Today I had a ham and Gruyère croissant and previously had spinach and feta croissant. Both were amazing. My wife today had the bread pudding muffin and said it was decadent.

Sub-​par, at best. Arrived during a bit of a rush, which I later assumed to be caused by employees messing up orders, and simply leaving the cash wrap never to return. After about 15 minutes of standing, we are finally helped, and order only a grilled cheese. We sat near the cash wrap, and after 25+ minutes, the sandwhich arrives.
The grilled cheese was cold and bland. Seriously, no flavor at all. How can you ruin a grilled cheese?
2 stars for location, open dining area, and clean atmosphere.

We came in on an early weeknight and the place was slowly starting to fill with diners. The bar seats about 12 and the dining room about 60. We started with the A.P.M.F. Poutine — fries covered with pork demi glacé gravy and cheddar garnished with chives and cilantro. Fries are thick cut, but we thought the gravy was a bit salty. We followed this with the House Wings served with a side of apricot sauce and side of bleu cheese and celery sticks. The wings are coated in a lot of flour and deep fried (too much flour for my taste), but you get about 8 big pieces. I didn’t care of the apricot dipping sauce… tasted like a fruity sweet chili sauce. Next up was the Devil’s Pasta — shrimp, scallops, peppers and onions in a spicy cream sauce with pappardelle pasta. Great flavors… very spicy. Overall, the food was good, but the service could use some improvement. A bit on the slow side with only two servers (one was also the bartender).

We arrived at opening on Sunday morning for breakfast, and took a window seat. The eye-​level window sill was dusty, but at least the bugs were in the dust were dead. I noticed that the floor under the table next to us was really crumby too.
Our waitress was fine: not chummy, but reservedly polite and prompt. She brought us strong coffee.
The kid and I each had the French toast, which looked killer on the plate, and had nice flavor. Unfortunately, parts of it were not cooked through. Had it not been more than I could eat, I would have said something. Instead, groggy and hungry, I ate around the rawness, and focused on the tasty, refreshing fruit cup.
Wife had the mushroom omelette, which was massive. She thought it was a «B.» Nothing was wrong, but there was nothing special about it except the size.
The bill came to what seemed like a million dollars, but was actually $ 56 + tip.

This was our 2^nd foray into this establishment. We first tried it when the Snohomish Bakery moved to the location and opened their little «café» area. We were not impressed with the chaotic layout, lack of service and offerings, but given the reviews of the food for the First and Union Kitchen, we decided to give it another try.
Okay, try to stay with me…
Entry into the «restaurant» was confusing, the bakery cases are directly in front of the entrance, but there is no way of knowing whether or not it’s seat yourself, or hostess seating or if you should stand at the cases and order food… but wait, that’s because you have to go to the left for the «Kitchen». Which, incidentally is also a bar? Still confused, as we saw people seated in the «Bakery» area, which is rather large, we entered the «bar area», hostess seating, I guess –or at least that’s what the sign said– please wait to be seated… We were greeted by a young lady, who said «just pick an open table and I’ll take care of you»…okay…I guess this means there is not really hostess seating, or that waitresses pick and choose which tables they will serve??? There are apparently no manned sections? There are also, in my opinion, too many tables for the space. The wait staff and guests had to weave their way around each table. It could be disasterous if someone happened to be trying to move their chair or get up as a waitress was passing w/​plates or drinks. Strike 1.
Strike 2… who charges $ 2.50 for drip coffee… just as an aside, a young couple came in, ordered coffee to start, and by the time they had perused the menu, they chose to leave… they simply got up and walked out. The prices, are high. $ 4.50 for a side of bacon or fruit? I had oatmeal on the brain, so I ordered the steelcut oatmeal, which comes with fruit and what I presume was meant to be bakery «fresh» cinnamon/​raisin toast…$ 7.50…ouch…my husband opted for the blueberry pancake stack… which comes w/​fruit. $ 10.50. double ouch… for just 3 pancakes and a little cup of fruit? No meat? No eggs?
Our coffee arrived and we realized there were no spoons in our wrapped flatware set… no worries, the handy stir sticks the waitress gave us will work just fine??? Who does that in what appears to be an «upscale» establishment?
Okay, so lets move to the food, because frankly, that is a bright spot. The blueberry pancakes come in a 3 stack, each the size of a plate. They are huge… and buttery tasting, and delicious… but again, they only come w/​fruit, so if you were expecting meat or eggs, sorry. My husband couldn’t make it through half, so I would suggest asking for a single, but they are wonderful. The oatmeal comes w/​dried cranberries, cinnamon, and a thimble of brown sugar and jam… just enough to sweeten it slightly… again, delicious. The oatmeal was cooked perfectly, fluffy, not globby. The side of fruit is apparently offered with all meals, and I like that idea… score a point for that decision. But their bakery bread, must have been day old or older… and it was burnt. I would have loved to have actually tasted a slice that was not cremated, because I am told the bakery is outstanding. We did have to wait a long time for our order to be taken and we did have to wait for water, and we did have to ask for more cream and there was no sugar available or offered for the coffee. We also had to wait especially long to receive our order. A couple who came in after us, and who ordered the Challah french toast (which looked equally as delicious) received their order first… when we were clearly finished, it took a long time for any member of the wait staff to acknowledge «can I take that for you or would you like a box» and we waited and waited for our waitress to return w/​our check.
Strike 3… the overall vibe was not conducive to a breakfast or «brunch» atmosphere… I don’t really appreciate having the only seating available in a bar area… and because there are no signs or a hostess area at the front entrance, a customer should not be left to guess. Even though it was 11 am, I don’t like the idea that at least half the people in the place were simply there to drink… again, breakfast in a bar is not «classy» or likely preferred for most people who could actually afford this place or the older, more nicely dressed people we saw in there. The entire building exudes a much more upscale atmosphere. The prices are too high for breakfast/​brunch and while the food is good, I simply think they’re continuing to miss the mark in how to keep a happy, returning clientele. There is little incentive for us to return, but, if you’re in the Snohomish downtown area and want to try the bakery and this «kitchen», by all means. My rating of 2 is based upon all the factors above, but others may and likely do have varying differing ideas of what garners high marks.

The one thing you can tell when you take your first bite is that whoever made it really put their heart into it. Not only is the heart there, but the food demonstrates a talented hand. One of the best pasta dishes I have had in my life. I had the Devil’s pasta, and everything in it was masterfully crafted, down to the freshly made pasta. The shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked. The sauce was a perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
Not only is the food to die for, the atmosphere is the perfect mix of charm and chill.
One might wonder at this point why I didn’t give it a five… I really wanted too, but unfortunately the service left much to be desired. Overall, if you are a foodie, this is one place you have to try, and go back again and again. You can take in all of the charm of Snohomish, and go antiquing (if that’s your thing, or you have a wife that loves that) and have an amazing meal. Enjoy :).

This is the best place to eat in Snohomish hands down!
You can tell from the first bite that the owners and chefs/​cooks simply love food! The portions are generous, the flavors are well seasoned and balanced, the dishes are creative and thoughtfully done. The food alone deserves 4.5 stars (only one dish we’ve had here was slightly inconsistent).
The breakfasts are amazing (rosemary roasted potatoes and homemade corned beef hash!), and the dinners are delicious (devil’s pasta, basil gnocchi)!
My husband and I are constantly surprised that this little gem isn’t more crowded when we visit– the food here is honestly some of the best I’ve ever had and you can feel the love that goes into the entire restaurant!
I highly recommend making a stop at First & Union!

Great food, huge portions, great prices, and friendly service. What more could you ask for?
The bar is well stocked and I suspect they probably know a thing or two about mixing a good drink. Great selection of beers to compliment anything on the menu. The meatloaf sandwich was pretty amazing as was the tomato bacon soup. Their house hot sauce is smoky, flavorful, and on every table.
I would eat here anytime I’m near Snohomish.

BEST. BEST. BEST… Reuben sandwich I have EVER had in my life.
«Bronx Reuben — Grilled corned beef, Swiss cheese & Remoulade sauce on toasted Jewish Rye. — $ 15»
Pricey for a sandwich coming out of a small rural farm town you say? Yeah, but this isn’t a normal Reuben. Not like one I’ve ever had before anyway.
The corned beef in this masterpiece tastes like they made bacon out of Prime Rib. I don’t know if such a thing exists, but the meat is a beefy, slightly smokey, bacon-​y BBQ result. In fact, I’m wondering if this particular preparation isn’t based off the Montréal Reuben «viande fumée» recipe — a cross between BBQ and corned beef (although much less smokey than American BBQ). The rye bread is perfectly grilled. Crispy on the outside, firm yet soft inside. The sauerkraut was just right, and its tarter sauce cousin, the Remoulade was a fine choice that held the balance between sweet and savory.
As if the Reuben wasn’t enough to win over my stomach, their Caesar Chicken Wrap couldn’t have been better if it had tried. Lots of lettuce, sauce and the chicken tasted as though it had been salt-​brined then grilled in an herb d’Provence dusted Panko — but not in that fast-​food, deep fried then breaded type of way.
A plate of their perfectly crispy seasoned fries, a side of mayo-​Dijon, and it made for the perfect day trip getaway meal.
The service is definitely on the slow side (apparently even when it’s not busy); But the café itself is relaxing and quiet — nice after a day of antique cruising.

First & Union’s concept is somewhere between a bistro and a pub, with an attractive, casual, contemporary ambience, and a menu ranging from burgers to duck confit, roasted beet salad, and rib-​eye steak. No complaints about the food; the bread was a heavenly, rustic mini-​baguette from their sister outfit, the Snohomish Bakery. And my entrée-​sized chicken Caesar salad was perfection: smoky, tender, abundant slices of wood-​fire grilled chicken tossed with the perfect amount of good dressing, freshly-​grated Parmesan, and a handful of delicious, garlicky, house-​made croutons.
But The Single Girl Diner, how she wearies of being left to languish in restaurant corners, stomach growling as service is promptly and graciously rendered to larger parties who come in after her, watching as menus, drinks, and bread are borne to these more important customers – and their orders taken – before she’s brought so much as a glass of water. The service needs work. My server was pleasant when I was fortunate enough to see her, but put me dead last for everything, though I came in before larger parties.
This is a good, reasonably-​priced spot with a lot of potential, but the service should be more attentive. First in should be first served.

So I finally had the pleasure of coming here for breakfast. My family has dined here multiple occasions, and have always raved about the food. I ordered the First and Union omelet (smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers). I was impressed with the omelet to say the least. It was very large and, though I was expecting the typical shreds of salmon, it was filled with huge chunks of delicious fish. The bread was to die for– thick, flavorful, and fresh. They also serve their omelets with a bowl of fruit; a touch that really lightens the heavy meal. (I appreciate this because, at most restaurants, a bowl of fruit is a substitution or addition). Anywho, maybe the best part was the potatoes. I come from an English family. Potatoes are important. I know good potatoes, and these we’re good potatoes.
Now it may seem like this restaurant is deserving of a five star rating, but there are a couple things that prohibit it. The first is that the restaurant is a little confusing. They share the same building as the First and Union Bakery. I’m not sure if it’s the same owner, but the bakery has some pretty bad reviews and I didn’t understand the separation. When you visit (because you should), enter left, not right.
The second is the service. Our waitress was nice enough, but she seemed to lack confidence. When we were ready to order, when she brought us food, when she offered us coffee: every time she seemed hesitant. You need to feel comfortable in order for your guests to feel comfortable. Open up! Don’t worry, we don’t bite!
The last is the price and size. The food was very expensive, and the proportions were huge. I’d much rather pay less and not have to take two thirds of my food home in a box.

I have eaten here on several occasions and the food has always been very good with generous portions and nicely presented.
Last night I really enjoyed the Rueben which is prepared with thick slices of house made corned beef and on yummy Snohomish Bakery rye. The sandwich was quite large and took home half to heat up this morning with the addition of a poached egg. Yum!
They have some great craft cocktails that I always enjoy and I appreciate the use of local spirits.
Servers are very friendly, but my complaint is that service can be very slow as they seem to be understaffed right now. In a town filled with mediocre restaurants, I am willing to compromise as I am never in a hurry when I go to a restaurant anyway and the good food prevails over what is lacking in service.