Union Jack's Pub

Union Jack's PubUnion Jack's Pub
Union Jack's PubUnion Jack's Pub
Bar, Eatery

2750 Limekiln Pike
Glenside, Pennsylvania, 19038-2203
United States

(215) 886-6014 | map
unionjacksglenside.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.16
Reviews:
29
Ratings:
38
pDev:
10.58%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by TheFightfan1:
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Reviewed by TheFightfan1 from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
Another one that was deleted.... Ok after our trip to GG Brewers this was the next stop. This place was hoppin. Wasn't to impressed with the outside look of this place I guess do to the nasty weather. As you walk in there is a few tables to the left and a couple of booth seats to you right and the bar is in front of you. A very cool looking bar very unique wood features. The college football games were on a couple of t.v.s.

Our server was a bit busy it took a little while to get our drinks. I ended up getting the Great divide IIPA.Another one I did review but it must not have been up to BA's par so it was deleted.

They did have a good selection of beers including Great Divide,Southern Hemisphere etc.

A good pub if I am in the area I will definetley stop in.
Dec 01, 2009
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.63 by -Royce- from Pennsylvania

Mar 17, 2019
 
Rated: 3.93 by Slatetank from Pennsylvania

Sep 08, 2015
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Reviewed by Knapp85 from Pennsylvania

4.01/5  rDev -3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.25
A friend of mine took me here for beers and wings one night, They have a good tap list, their wings are pretty stellar. The service is pretty good. I've been back here several times since the first times and have enjoyed it each time.
Jul 04, 2015
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Reviewed by jrfehon33 from Pennsylvania

4.73/5  rDev +13.7%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
For a bar to be great it all starts with hospitality. The character of Union Jack's is apparent the minute you open the door and extends through the friendly/knowledgeable servers and bartenders. The English inspired menu has plenty to choose from but an American bar is only as good as its wings. I can't imagine a place having better wings than Union Jacks. But in the end it's about the beer. With over 20 taps, Union Jack's offers fairly priced domestic lagers, craft ales, hard to find imports and everything in between. If that's not good enough the large selection of bottled beer provides an excellent backup if what's on tap doesn't excite you. I've visited pubs in England, cafes in Belgium, beer gardens in Germany, and plenty of bars around the United States. Every place I stop in reminds me that the best bar I've ever been in is in my neighborhood, and that bar is Union Jack's.
Apr 11, 2015
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Reviewed by LehighAce06 from Pennsylvania

4.55/5  rDev +9.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.75
Excellent wings, great fish and chips. Awesome tap list, skews a bit toward imports (especially English) but that is neither out of place nor a problem. Taps rotate quickly and always have some nice ones to pick from. Coolers are stocked with an even wider variety including the occasional gem.
Feb 27, 2015
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Rated by Jayehm from Pennsylvania

4.39/5  rDev +5.5%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4.25 | selection: 5 | food: 4
Great beers on tap... I mean really great. They rotate through craft beers on tap frequently. The food is pretty good too. Try the wings.
Feb 26, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by BeerForMuscle from New Jersey

Dec 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4.4 by BlakMajik13 from Pennsylvania

Sep 24, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by brotatoChip from Pennsylvania

Sep 20, 2014
 
Rated: 2.5 by Watty from Pennsylvania

Aug 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by winterj81 from Pennsylvania

Jun 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by DaveHack from Pennsylvania

Mar 12, 2014
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Reviewed by mingo1968 from Pennsylvania

4.23/5  rDev +1.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I heard about this place from a few different people so i had the day off yesterday and thought i would stop in for some beers and lunch. This was a Monday around 11:30am. You walk in and the first thing you think of man can this place can tell some stories wood everwhere wooden bar some brass here and there looks and feels like and old saloon/pub. I thought this was great. They had about 20 taps and a bottle cooler. As soon as i sat down the girl behind the bar greeted me and asked if i would like the draft menu. I had an Avery IPA 16oz while i looked at the food menu. I ordered the Thai wings with fries. The wings were some of the best i've had sweet and spicey. The fries were good fresh cut with garlic and salt. To wash this down i went with Harpoon Celtic Ale Irish Red Ale. I am going back real soon. I can imagine that this place can get crowded with only about 15 tables so i will go back in the afternoon again. One thing i didn't like is this place takes CASH ONLY. I really don't carry that much cash with me so i thought this was a real pit fall. But i am going back and i recommend if your in the area give it a try
Jun 05, 2012
Photo of rfgetz
Reviewed by rfgetz from New Jersey

4.13/5  rDev -0.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Everything about this place brought me back to what life was like before I moved to the city and just started getting into craft beer.

Located in a relatively quiet suburb on the edge of Philly, UJ's looks like any other back road watering hole from the outside save for the few neon signs of craft brewers. Upon entering, your greeted with a relatively dimly lit room adorned with a mix and match collection of UK beer related and non beer related decorations. The bar, tables, booths, walls and ceilings show their age for sure, but its well maintained. Entertainment consists of a few plasma TV's and an old tube model, a golden tee machine, electronic dartboard and an out of place 5' tall gaudy, brightly lit digital jukebox.

The beer list of 20+ taps has a pretty good collection of craft beer sure to please those looking for sessionable brews, local crafts, hard to find seasonals, well known American craft beers and a BMC product or two. There is no bottle list, but feel free to walk up to one of 3 fridges which at last visit had 60+ bottles covering everything ranging from 5 different Russian River selections, a solid Belgian selection down to 2-3 fruity malt beverages.

The food was what bar food used to be like before everything was a gastropub. The wings are fantastic, burgers cooked to perfection and the half a dozen deep fried options and a dozen types of sandwiches are sure to please. Service was friendly, attentive and all you can ask for. The crowd was mostly young locals sipping on BMC's and listening to mid-90's tunes on the jukebox. The only knocks are they do not take credit cards and the horrible stench coming from the bathrooms.

So rereading my own review, nothing I said screams spectacular and demands you go there this instant. The odd thing is how comfortable and fun it was to go to a neighborhood spot that was a throwback to hangouts of yore but with the high quality craft beer i now demand. The place just clicked for me. I look forward to going back.
Aug 01, 2011
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Reviewed by cartagena from Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev -12.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Visit the place two times this month and I will say they have a very nice short tap list. They also have a good 12 oz and bigger bottle to share.

Some of the beers on Tap were new to me and that is a good thing to taste something new, others were very good know ones. Many were high % but need to be careful.

We went in last time for the Dogfish world wide stout 18% last week and they had just kicked it an hour before we got there but they did have it in a 12 oz bottle to try, that was great (shared with 3).

Hot Wings were hot and good but the roast beef I had previously was not.

The seating and place looked very nice like a bar saloon, with booth seating. Services were very nice.

Crowds were good on the days I went in with wife but was told that ladies bathroom needs to be freshening up (new paint and titles to cover up stains) as she gave it 2 out of 5 stars. Guys restroom no problem its OK.

Apart from the ladies room and that roast beef, I would recommend others to visit this very nice bar in Glenslide (near ambler and Ft. Washington). They have a bigger area like outdoor patio that they will be open when weather get better with tap lines in that area.
Feb 21, 2011
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Reviewed by hippityhops85 from Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Reviewing this while sitting at the bar. Been here a couple of times and everyone is correct: this place rocks.

Atmosphere is your standard pub. Booths on the right as you walk in, a couple of uprights, and a bar that runs the length. Beer propaganda surrounds you.

The service is really good. Not overly friendly and quick to the point. This place is cash-only too so come prepared.

Tap list is the best in a 15 mile radius. Everything from Lost Abbey to Feagly's. Really impressive. The food is your standard pub fare but their wings are silly good. The bottle selection is nothing to turn your nose up to either, really solid choices at fair prices.

The only thing I'd love to see here is a handpump. Give me some good cask ale along with everything else here and you have a customer for life. Highly recommended
Jan 09, 2011
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Reviewed by hopheadz from Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev -6.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I was in there a couple months ago because I heard that they had both Plinys on. My wife, kids and I went in for lunch. It wasn't during the peak lunch hours, I think it was about 3, so the place was pretty empty. The place has a nice corner bar vibe to it with some nice eye candy, beer merchandise, video game and a good jukebox. I don't remember what my wife had but she liked it. I had the Fish and Chips and they were perfect! I couldn't possibly hope for anything better, especially for the price, they were only $6.50! I would've paid twice that and been happy. Service was prompt and courteous. My only issue was the bartenders beer knowledge. When I asked her which one of the Plinys is the double, she responded with "it's not Belgian". When I said "no, I mean double IPA" she said "it's not an IPA, it's an ale, if you want an IPA we have DFH 60 min, 90 min and 120 min on" (They had a DFH promo the night before). I also heard her recommend HopDevil to someone who asked her what was hoppy without mentioning the Plinys or DFHs. My impression was she recommended it b/c it has hop in the name of the beer. Also I heard that they had an event that they called Hopfest. After The Drafting Room has done theirs 6 times I feel like they kind of own that name. Also I heard they stole The Drafting Room's Hopfest logo. That is pretty lame.
Nov 15, 2009
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Reviewed by spartanfan from Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -9.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This is a cozy, good old beer bar. Mirrors and beer paraphernalia litter the walls. I believe they have about 16 taps and a decent bottle selection, though most of the bottles are a bit pricey. Their burgers and cheese steaks are solid, especially the turkey burger, but nothing comes with fries. They have a dart board, golden tee golf, and a juke box. They occasionally have promotional events, like keep the glass, and usually have a food special. The service is usually bad, so if you're in a hurry don't come here. Make sure you verify your check before you pay because I've recieved the wrong total there on more than one occasion. Overall a nice place with great beer and good food. I recommend.
Oct 08, 2009
Photo of tim9887
Reviewed by tim9887 from Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +5.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
This place is great. Right down the road from me in Glenside, PA. very good beer selection (last time I went I had Rogue's Imperial IPA & Ommegang Rouge on tap!) and they have appropriate glassware for all their beers which in my mind is a huge plus. Food is standard pub grub with fish and chips and burgers and the like. I got a cheesesteak there for lunch one time and it was pretty good. Overall, great tap selection (good bottles too from what I could see...anybody know if they sell them for take-out?) and pretty solid food. Reasonably priced too - I got the two aforementioned beers and the cheesesteak for lunch for about $15 I think? The atmosphere is cool too - nothing fancy, just a great little pub (always sports on too...) with people there just to have a good time and knock back some brews. I'll definitely be taking a walk down there quite a few times this summer.
Jun 22, 2009
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Reviewed by BARFLYB from Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Been coming here for a few years and figured a review is due. It's always good to have a very local bar that specializes in good beer. Union Jacks is your standard neighborhood pub from the outside and is pretty much the same on the inside, except they have a great tap selection from time to time. The selection ranges on good to excellent depending what they have on.

I have never had an issue with a off beer which leads me to believe the clean the lines fairly often. Not the most immaculate place but very clean. The service is very attentive but their beer knowledge depends on who you get, it varies. They do know how to pour in the proper glassware which is always nice.

Standard pub grub with a limited but good selection. The wings are always good for a go but beware if you order hot wings because I think they put suicidal sauce on one of my orders which killed my palette. The taps always have a wide variety of styles from local and afar. I've had the pleasure of having Pliny the Younger, Ommegang Rouge, Yards IPA Firkin, you get the idea. A good bottle selection as well

Give this place a go if your in the area.
May 22, 2009
Photo of gdfan47
Reviewed by gdfan47 from Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev +10.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I Cant say enough great things about this place

my friend and I went because they had a Russian River night. We were very excited to be able to have PTE, Bling pig and Damnation

Its a really cool neat place, beautiful wooden bar, small but I didnt really feel cramped (cozy is the word). Cool beer signage and some tvs which had soccer on (... awesome).
They had about 20 drafts or so some victory, some Mardeous 8 and 6, and the rest im drawing a blank but they are all awesome. The bottle selection seemed impressive and had a good amount of belgiums and domestic, some elysian, voodo, dfh, Unibroue, troegs.. and many more im forgetting

The bartender was super nice and friendly and cleary knew alot about beer, cant say enough about how friendly and attentive he was.

We had some wings which were very very good. They were Asian sesame, very nice. They even had sarichia sauce.

Everything seemed very fairly priced , including takeout.

my kinda place i will return...
Jan 15, 2009
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Reviewed by PNeifert from Pennsylvania

4.63/5  rDev +11.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
I live near this UJ's and go there often. They have the best beer selection around by far, especially on tap, which is just about all I drink when I'm out. The wings are so much better than any others in the area, it's never a question of where you get wings; just how many or what flavor (I highly recommend Cajun). Call ahead well in advance if you want any for the Super Bowl for takeout. The rest of the menu is very good as well - try the English chips while there. Service is usually excellent. The bartenders know their beers and are good at recommending something that fits your taste. I have tried and learned about more beers at UJ's than all other sources in my life combined. On the flip side, the smoke is a huge drawback. They are also very Flyer-oriented, so if you want to go and watch a college bowl game or the NCAA tournament while there's a Flyer's game on, you may be out of luck. All in all, this is the one and only bar I'd go to in this area when I want a good pint paired with decent food.
Feb 22, 2008
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Reviewed by John_M from Washington

4.2/5  rDev +1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Had occasion to visit this version of Union Jack's yesterday. I've only been to two (the other was the Inn upon the Matatawny), so I don't want to over generalize, but it really does seem as if there is some sort of common theme by the ownership.

As with the Inn upon the Matatawny, the vibe is laid back and relaxed at this Union Jack's. The place is not very large, but has a good size bar straight in front of you as you walk inside. There are a few tables running along the wall to your right, and a few other tables and chairs interspersed throughout the pub. Nothing fancy about this place, but again, it has a very comfortable feel.

Seems to me they had around 20 beers on tap, with some very interesting selections, including Pliny the Elder the night I was there (also an excellent English ale; the wheeping wench). The lighting is kind of low and, just like the Inn at Matatawny, there is sort of a cool, dark atmosphere to the place.

I gather none of the UJ's accept credit cards, something I was prepared for after my visit to the Inn at Matatawny. The menu here looked to be pretty much identical to the other UJ's I visited, and this time I went with the fries, rather then the "world famous" wings. They were quite good (much better then the wings, IMO).

OK, I've only been to two of these places, so maybe I'm wrong about this, but this is the second one I've been to where the first thought that crossed my mind was "why in the hell did they pick this location?" UJ's Inn at the Matatawny is abolutely out in the middle of no where, and this place was in a small sleepy town, 10 or 15 minutes from I-276. Normally, I gather it's fairly easy to get to UJ's Glenside, but not at the present time (unless you're a local I guess). There is an extensive amount of construction taking place on hiway 309, and the normal exit to Oreland is closed. I called the pub for driving instructions twice, and while I think the employees did their best, I still had a difficult time with "just make a right turn at the light as you come into town, keep on going through several more lights, go by some industrial areas, then make another right and should get here." Huh??? Trying to get back onto 309 after my visit to UJ's was just as difficult, as the bar tender forgot that the route she suggested I take, took me to 309 going south (and only south), instead of north. Because of the construction going on in the area, there are detour signs everywhere. So it's fair to say that I got to see considerably more of the area then I really wanted to.

One other thing that struck as a bit odd was the clientele at UJ's. This was a Saturday night around 9:00, and the place was no more then half full I'd say. Other then myself, the folks there were all pretty young (mid to late 20's, and early 30's), and pretty much everyone was drinking bud. Here you have this absolutely fabulous draft and bottle line-up and no one is taking advantage of it. I don't know, but it just seems like this place would do a lot better some place else... almost any place else.

This is a great place, one I would frequent quite often if it were near me. Unfortunately, it's no where near me (the drive back to Baltimore from Glenside was not exactly the hilight of the day), so I probably will never come here again. A shame as this is truly an excellent place.
Jun 10, 2007
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Reviewed by leftmindedrighty from New Jersey

3.86/5  rDev -7.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Stopped here on an invite from a fellow BA, and also the next weekend to grab one of my favorite beers on tap.

This place has a great location, it seems like they get a fair amount of foot traffic, which is always good for a bar.

The tap line up is excellent, of mention that I had were, Young's S.L.A, Southampton Double White, Stoudt's Maibock, and Fuller's London Pride.

I didn't have any food here, although I must make a trip back for the much heralded wings. Overall, I thought the place was a good value, with a great tap lineup. Dollars to donuts I'll be coming back here.
May 19, 2007
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Reviewed by ercscotty from Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +20.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
This place is great for the beer hog enthusiast. You'll almost find something new and intriguing on tap weekly. Pliny the Younger was delicious. Most beers will give a little kick in the butt. The wings are the BEST along with great service. Its a great place to sit down and take a load off. During the summer with the deck open, it creates an even better enviroment.

You could spend hours there trying each and every beer they have on tap. If you're in the area I definetly recommend stopping in for a bite and great food.
Mar 09, 2007
Photo of ggaughan
Reviewed by ggaughan from Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +8.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
I finally got a chance to visit another Union Jack's after making several trips to the UJ's on the Manatawny in the past year or so. We visited at the end of our night so I didn't get a chance to stay for several beers but I got a good impression of the place from the time we were there. When you walk in the door there is a row of maybe 5 or 6 booths and then a good sized L-shaped bar down the left side. As with the other UJ's locations they have a nice tap selection from local breweries like Victory and Troeg's, other great U.S. craft brewers and a good selection of Belgian, German and English beers. The bottle selection is extensive as well. I had a Russian River Damnation as soon as I saw it in the case but was really itching to try the Lost Abbey Avant Garde and Lost & Found that they just got in as well. I would definitely go back and try to get through more of their selection and try some of the food as well as we didn't get anything to eat although I know they have wings adn if they are like the ones at UJ's on the Manatawny, they would be very good.

The service was good as well as the atmosphere, quality and selection but I would have to say that although Andy seemed like a nice guy, Tom that runs UJ's on the Manatawny seems to be cooler and friendlier guy but that is just my opinion.
Feb 26, 2007
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Reviewed by woodychandler from Pennsylvania

4.28/5  rDev +2.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
The BlitheringIdiot tour of his hometown was underway.

Entering from the parking lot, the entryway was at a slight cockeyed angle to the street. As we passed through the short vestibule, the long, laminated bar was at a left oblique. The centerline was dotted by three high tables and chairs. Along the right wall were a series of five booths and an abbreviated electronic game room. To the left of the game room and running down the centerline was a passageway with vintage tin signs, the washrooms, and to the extreme right, the entryway to the deck area, which was on two levels.

BI and I had some of the hot wings that he swears by, but they would have been more appropriate for my brother, who really gets off on spicy foods.

Beer? Shazam! Holy heavenly, Batman! Twenty-two taps, one German ceramic tower, and twin side-by-side coolers. I estimated at least eighty great beers in the two aft coolers, plus they sold for take-away, so I took some away.
Feb 16, 2007
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Reviewed by aforbes10 from Iowa

4.25/5  rDev +2.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
re-review for freshness: (11-24-07): my Dad and I stopped in here in the afternoon after Thanksgiving to have some wings and have a couple of pints. Soccer on the TV, which was great. Tap list included Wyerbacher Double Simcoe (my choice), Greene King IPA (Dad's choice), Victory Prima Pils, Breckenridge IPA, Spaten, Frankenkanzer Hefe (sp?), something from Stone that they were just hookin up when we left, Dogfish Head 60min, and several more (about 12-16 taps). Wings were amazingly delicious and meaty. Bought some bottles afterwards including Russian River Supplication and Voodoo Brewing Pilzilla. Very nice. My dad is going to try to get his buddies to go back with him since its only a mile or so from his house.

old review: (12-28-06):We only very briefly stopped in here before we left town yesterday because i had heard it was a good place to get some bottled beer in the philadelphia 'burbs. It was the last place i visited on our trip so i already had filled up on bottles but i got some anyway because they had some Middle Ages that i hadn't tried and some Magic Hat my wife wanted. $12 to mix a sixer was kind of steep but the big bottles i got were 7.50 which was OK considering its a bar. I think mostly this is a place to go for the things on tap. The bartender told me they sometimes had Russian River but even when i was in they had Lagunitas and some Legacy among others. Bottles included but not limited to Dogfish Head, Brooklyn (Monster Ale), Erie, other penn. beers. nice.
Dec 28, 2006
Photo of Schooly
Reviewed by Schooly from Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev -3.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Looks like a 'hood bar in Glenside till you see all the taps that don't have all the BMC logos on them, and the cold cases filled with Micros on either side of the bar. My tongue flopped out of my mouth when I saw the Pliny the Elder tap (no Younger) and the Hoptimus Prime banner on the wall behind the bar. I was in for a treat.
I've been here a few times before and it was smoky as hell and I came out smelling like an ashtray. This last visit was not so bad, although it was late afternoon.
The cold cases had scores of micro products from Lagunitus, Russian River, Stone, Weyerbacher, you name it. I think there were three taps which had macro swill in it. Nice selection on the imports also.
Service is spotty to good. You can talk to the manager/owner for a while about beers, but the beer wenches don't seem to have the same enthusiasm for the Advocacy. But that's fine, they're just trying to earn a buck or two.
The food is good pub grub and filled me up nice. I got tenders with hot sauce (wings are strictly for when I'm drunk) and fries and I though it was delicious.
I'm looking forward to visiting the other locations.
Aug 30, 2006
Photo of akorsak
Reviewed by akorsak from Pennsylvania

3.41/5  rDev -18%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5
This is a Saturday night visit to UJ's solely for Pliny the Younger.

A: The place is a neighborhood bar in a working class neighborhood, so the atmosphere came across as better than it actually was.

Q: Service was slow even though the bar was not full, but Pliny the Younger was of high quality.

Ser: Not as attentive as I'd like, but then again the place is not the 4 Seasons.

Sel: Impressive tap offerings and many more bottled. Worth a trip to see, but please note my caveat below.

F: Didn't order any, but the wings are supposed to be good.

A big caveat, this place takes cash only, no credit cards. There is an atm on site, but come on! Who doesn't take credit cards in this day and age.
Aug 20, 2006
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Reviewed by JimsArcade from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 2.5
UJ's is in a somewhat difficult location to find on Limekiln Pike in Glenside, PA. Parking is miniscule at best: expect a long walk from your car to the pub if you go during peak hours. The exterior blends with the local area: it's a small building with an industrial/residential look. The interior is medium sized, akin to a neighborhood pub--a long bar with a few booths and tables, a few small TVs, an electronic dart board and a video golf game--with an outdoor deck for when the weather is nice. UJ's patrons come from all walks of life, like a good local bar should have.

The establishment is always very clean. I generally go during after-work hours, so I usually avoid the smoke problem previous reviewers have noted.

The staff are very friendly and willing to help out with beer choices. Questions about and suggestions for future beers are welcome.

The beer selection is easily tops in the immediate area. You won't find a better selection within ten miles, but UJ's has the advantage of diversity in its beer offerings vs. practically every other bar in the Philly area. Whereas most highly-rated bars in the Philadelphia region specialize in a particular country's beers or American micro-brews, UJ's has a great mix of them all. 20+ beers are available on tap, including one of their own recipe. (Their current beer is Hoptimus Prime, a brew made in conjunction with Legacy Brewing Company.) The bottle selection is superb, with what looks like 100+ different brews available in singles or take-out packs.

The food doesn't match the quality of the beer, though. Their wings are good, but they're not enough to make up for the rest of the menu.

If you're in the mood for a good beer, perhaps one you've never had before, you must try UJ's if you're in the Glenside area.
Aug 15, 2006
Photo of StoutHearted
Reviewed by StoutHearted from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
A great hangout, if you don't mind the smoke. In the past, the only reason to go here would be for the out-of-this-world wings. Now, the beer has been kicked up a notch. Pliny the Elder? Hell yeah! You wouldn't see that gem a year ago. I myself has a nice Brooklyn Smoked Porter and a Lagunitas 10th Anniversary Ale. The Lites and mediocre beer still rule the roost here, though.

The place has a cozy, British atmosphere with dark wood and swag on the walls. Booths and tables are available for settling down with some food, but they fill up fast, as this place is very popular with the locals. Service is pretty cool, especially at the bar, but not always up on their beer knowledge. I never had a rude bartender or waitress here, to my memory. There are TVs typically set to sports for enjoyment, and a dartboard in the back. There's also an ATM available, which has saved my ass a few times.(Expect a $2 fee, though.)

Food here is awesome, although I must order the hot wings as they are the most fabulous, sinful things on this planet. I tried their fish and chips, and that's a great dish, too.

With the beer rapidly improving, this place would be a favorite hangout if it weren't for the smoke. However, I would not turn down an offer to go here and see what's new on tap. Other bars around UJ's are: the illustrious Chick Orlando's, the Blue Comet, and the brewpub G&G's. It makes for a great stop on a pub crawl- bring the Febreeze if you sit inside for more than an hour!
Jul 31, 2006
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Reviewed by SkinnyElvis from Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +7.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 3
UJ's is my home court & flying under the BA radar. This is a local's bar but the owner is a beer nut so that the beer quality is exceptional. The food is nothing but average except for really good wings. The beer is great: Russian River, Dogfish Head, & Victory always seem to be on tap and they focus on locals including Flying Fish, Legacy, and Sly Fox. The cold box for takeout puts this place above the rest: I have gotten RR, Stone Double Bastard, plus other great beers to go without missing a beat. Service is good plus they are friendly even when busy. Basically when I have a pass from the wife, I am heading to UJ's. Cheers.

Updated 3/24/09
Jul 27, 2006
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Reviewed by blitheringidiot from Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
If fellow BA PopeDX can't believe he is the first to write a review of good ole local BA beer bastion UNION JACK'S, I can't believe that I am the second to do so. UNION JACK'S (a.k.a. UJ'S) is a small local beer lover's bar tucked away in North Hill's / Glenside PA on Limekiln Pike. Their outdoor sign declares "100 Beers." Well, on any given night, they are probably darn close. The usual 20-25 drafts are some usuals well mixed with some startling super surprises. Case in point: Victory Hop Wallop, Russian River Pliny the Elder AND! Younger, Stone Ruination, Yards IPA, Heavyweight Lunacy, Midle Ages Wailing Wench, Youngs Special, as well as other rare British entrenched treats. You just never know what is flowing at UJs.

The ambiance is a narrow and long interior with green wall mounted table lamps above each of the eight to ten bench booths. The bar seats about 20 so, as the B-52s say, hurry up and bring your juke box money. There is a pay juke box, slightly above average pub grub, like fish 'n chips and tasty wings. The prices are wallet friendly. UJ'S will not send the red coats to raid your colonial wallet. There is an air filter to keep the smoke to a minimum. The bathrooms are passable. As far as the "Would I bring Mom here" test? Probably not. Someone else's Mom? Sure.

Usually, the waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable, especially since the owners love, serve and re-stock the brews. This is a BA paradise. Extra mad props to the fact that UJ'S sells single bottles from their two massive cold boxes! Sure, you'll shell out $4-$6 smackers depending, but for convenience and variety, *** BEER BARGAIN ALERT *** Don't leave without buying beer to go!!!

How UJ'S manages to snag some of the best beers around remains a mystery, but they do. Any beer bar that offers a mind boggling two huge cold boxes and 20 to 25 taps of mostly mouth watering malts and hopsfor $4 to $5 and other monetary money magnets at $3 for the general jilted Joes, makes for a welcome wayside wander in my book.

Last swigs: Locally speaking, UJ'S is a top notch beer bar over the Drafting Room, beer-wise, and a potential goldmine on "any given Sunday." One of the first joints to have DFH Rum and Whiskey. Finally, there is an outdoor deck that closes at 11:00, darts that no one uses and a cool old taxi cab out front.

Beer is good. Happy beering.
Jun 02, 2006
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Reviewed by Aprilluvsbeer from Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev -0.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Some say their beers are slightly overpriced, but I am willing to pay that and have their awesome wings (reasonably priced). This bar is one of my favorites. Great atmosphere with friendly people. The only entertainment are darts and some kind of game...golf, maybe? As you can see, I do not go there for the games..The music is a jukebox with a wide range of music, andof course, TVs all over.

The food is your typical pub food, but like I said above, the wings are the best around. Their sandwiches are just as good.

They have "100 beers" as they have written on their marquee. A lot of obscure, not very popular type of beers, which is great when yo uwant to try something different. They even carry Smithwyck's, which is an awesome beer.

The only downside to Union Jack's is that it is really, really smoky. My eyes get irritated from the smoke, not to mention what I smell like when I leave. Yuck. That is the price I pay for wanting good beer and good food.
Mar 30, 2006
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Reviewed by ithacabaron from California

4.13/5  rDev -0.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
A straight 4.0 place if there ever was one...but while you're there, it always seems like it should have a higher rating. Eh, what'll ya do.

Atmosphere is wooden/throwback/irish/shot-and-a-beer, with a few extra touches, such as the nice mirror at the back of the bar, and the handsome overhang above it. Neato booths with high backs are on the right hand side -- unless you're going to sit at the bar, see if you can snag one of these for you and your friends. Crowd ranges from construction workers to townies to Beav...sorry, Arcadia college kids sipping pints and staring down textbooks. Gets a little smoky at times. Not the most grizzled place you've ever seen, but certainly not hoity-toity. 80% of the collars here are decidedly blue.

Quality is just fine. Never had a bad pint, and don't expect to.

Service is friendly, especially if you're a regular. Pints come early and often from the barstaff and sometimes with a joke on the side. Occasionally it's hard to get the attention of someone, especially when they're hanging out at the far end of the bar by the coolers, but hey, everyone needs a chance to eat, even the bartenders.

Selection has gone up a full point in the last year alone, and it could easily be a 4.5 before ya know it. Great kegs show up here, including one-offs -- Victory Hop Wallop, Sly Fox Odyssey, Victory Golden Monkey, a few different Legacies, and some old standbys, like Fullers ESB and a rotating Anchor tap. Bottles are fantastic too, and again, specializes in local hidden gems and limited batches -- for instance, this was, I believe, the first beer bar in the area to carry Sly Fox's bottled line, including their Saison. Other gems have included a full Dupont line, Double Bastard, a selection of Smuttynoses, more Legacy brews in bottles, some Unibroue, and other treats. Ah, heck, I'll give this a 4.5. Why the hell not?

Food is decent pub fare, with giant portions, for those who care. Killer wings.

Prices are reasonable, but for whatever reason, draft brews are always a bit on the high side. On the other hand, you can walk out of here with a sixer of Stone IPA for 10 bucks. It's odd, I know. No growlers...at least not yet. :-(

All in all, a great place to go for a pint, and the best place for 30 miles in any direction to pick up a sixer of craft brew. Definate blue-collar neighborhood bar feel, but quickly emerging as a beer geek destination.

UJ's, a pilgrimage site? Who woulda thunk it?

***
Why To Make The Scene: Because it's Friday night, you're tired from the week, and you just want to eat some wings and hang out with your friends for a couple laid-back pints.
Jan 06, 2006
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Reviewed by PopeDX from Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev -6.3%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
I can't believe I'm the first to write a review for this place...would I take my mom here? Probably not. Would I take BlitheringIdiot's mom here? You betcha!

Right on 152, really more in North Hills than Glenside is Union Jack's. Uh it's got the whole British thing down without being too, shall we say...British. The food there is really good, the best buffalo wings around, with their own superyummy bleu cheese, and really tasty fish and chips. Worth getting just for the chips, really.

Which brings us to the beer. There's your usual selection of macros and imports, and 5 or 6 micros that rotate, but not hecticly. They seem to get some rare stuff, which is surprising because I never notice a lot of real beer lovers there. A couple of nights ago I had a Love Fish and a Hop Wallop on draught. I followed those with a nitro-tapped Red Hook Porter/Yards IPA black & tan. Their take out selection is pretty good also.

The service is always really nice, though usually not too up on the beer it would seem. The other night, however, I had a nice conversation with one of the staff about beer in general, and she really knew what she was talking about.

Overall it's easily the best beer bar in the surrounding area, and the mix of good beer and good food make it one of my favorite places. It gets really smoky inside when it's crowded, though, and can be rather loud. Just because of the atmosphere factor we find ourselves going to the Blue Comet much more frequently...

As for pubcrawling, you've got the aforementioned Blue Comet nearby (which you go to for the atmosphere and not the beer), and the soon to be opened GG Brewpub. Fatty's, McMenamins and General Lafayette aren't too terribly far, either.
Aug 06, 2005
Union Jack's Pub in Glenside, PA
Place rating: 4.16 out of 5 with 38 ratings