Union Bar and Grill

Union Bar and Grill is a lively pub-style bar and grill on 42nd Street in Botahtaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar, a short distance from the river and the downtown core. The venue is popular with expatriates and visitors for burgers, bar food and cold beer, and it forms part of the 42nd Street strip of bars and restaurants that has become an after-work and evening gathering area. The menu follows Western pub conventions: a burger, chicken wings and fish and chips are signature orders, supplemented by sandwiches, grilled dishes and snacks suited to sharing at the table. The beverage programme is the other main draw, with draught and bottled beer, spirits and cocktails, and the venue is typically at its busiest in the evening and at weekends. The dining room is casual and sociable, with a noise level that rises with the evening crowd and music, sports broadcasts or conversation filling the room. Dress is casual. Prices fall in the mid-range ($$) bracket for Yangon, with imported drinks adding to a bill compared with local beer and food. Reservations are not required, and visitors can walk in, though groups wanting a table at a busy weekend time may wish to arrive early. Opening hours typically run from afternoon to late night, but confirm locally since closing times can vary. The Botahtaung location is convenient for visitors staying downtown or near the river, and the surrounding 42nd Street area offers other bars and restaurants for a longer evening out. Visitors who want local flavours may prefer to eat Burmese food elsewhere and use Union as a place to meet other travellers, watch a match or enjoy a familiar meal after several days of local cuisine. Staff are accustomed to international guests, and menus are available in English. Travellers should plan transport home in advance after a late night.