Local Union 271 - Palo Alto, California

Hesam

Disappointing, and a such waste of money and time.

I can’t imagine anyone coming back here after dining once. The food was tasteless - the wings were half as good as what I could make myself, $18 for some measly portions that were not even prepared right. The burger was empty of any taste, like any. The other dishes all the same. Food is not the attraction here, it’s the ambience and location, but you could find that many other places and get a nice dinner while you’re at it

Also the hours are posted as midnight but they closed shop at 10:30 and pushed us all out. Not surprised at all the way this place is run.

Emilia L.

It's so great to discover a healthy, delicious and beautiful vibe restaurant in the Bay Area. I really enjoyed the bright, surrounded by the greenery plants and the natural light that shines in. The food was great, and they're mostly from local farmers. Lots of healthy options you can substitute and good portions (I had the omelette and it was is enough to feed two). The service is also great, our waitress not only was sweet but also very tentative. Definitely will come back soon to try out other items on the menus.

Please park in the garage on Bryant Street if you can't find street parking.

Steven L.

It’s a nice looking restaurant with sidewalk seating. The duck-fat grilled grass fed burger wasn’t particularly special. The potatoes were good. The rock cod fish tacos were also unremarkable. The lychee lemonade was quite expensive. There’s a significant upcharge for a couple of pumps of lychee syrup. Our server was very friendly, hospitable and checked up on us frequently enough for us to feel taken care of.

dravya J.

a beautiful restuarant with charming decor! the food was very average, although the half lunch meal for only 13 was a decent amount of food!

Jacqueline H.

This place just always finds a way to disappoint me. I’ve been here a solid handful of times, ordered different items and drinks, and every item is just okay at best. I keep wanting to like the place with the “farm to table” appeal and pretty rustic decor, but the food is so meh. With the exception of the bread. The bread is good.

Today I came in when it was fairly empty and sat at a two person table that was placed so close to the table of 6 next to it…the waiter took my order from behind me. It was just so uncomfortable whispering and trying not to hear everything next to me. So we moved to the bar. Host was super accommodating. Service was friendly and fast. But the Bloody Mary was pretty terrible and the food was a D+. The food is what disappoints every time. I should know better but I keep getting gaslit by the pretty plants and the healthy adjectives on the menu!

Wook C.

The spirit of Local Union 271 is great. High ceilings, natural lights, modern yet cozy decor, with an open kitchen and bar. It almost gives you a mediterranean feel. They kept the layout of the previous brunch place - Union Cafe (?) - but completely upgraded the interior. Great job here.

The menu is also straight forward. American comfort brunch and cafe cuisine, presented in a visually pleasant and upscale manner. Local Union 271 thus should be pretty awesome for a date-brunch or for lunch meetings. It's almost a sure bet.

There are a few downfalls however. First, the tables are just crammed in. It almost feels like a communal dining hall rather than a luxurious getaway. And everyone has to speak loud due to the natural echo of the open space. Please remove one column of tables and that'd do wonders. We were practically shouldering the folks from the next table and could not have a conversation.

Second, the food. Yes, they are presented wonderfully. But when you serve tuna ahi poke, you simply cannot compromise on the freshness of the fish as well as get the sauce balance off. Ahi poke on top of greens is something that is difficult to mess up. Yet, past the presentation, I had mediocre tuna with off-balance sauce. The wasabi paste was really mellow and nice but just too little of it.

Local Union 271 has so much potential. And they really do seem to be trying. Ease up the table density, make sure to better tune your food, and I think there's a hit lined up. As of this writing though, not worth the price.

Roman K.

We had a great time at Local Union. It’s our local favorite! We appreciate dogs are allowed on the patio. Maritza was super friendly and very kind.

Jen M.

The menu has some fun and interesting items on it. The food was OK, but nothing amazing. The service was incredibly slow. And if you have asthma or are sensitive to fragrances, DO NOT use the bathroom! There is an air freshener in there mounted on the wall that could choke you to death. Overwhelmingly strong. Also, the chairs are very uncomfortable.