Union Tavern

📍 Gay bars in Somerville

4.8

Union Tavern in Somerville offers a cozy spot for live music enthusiasts, featuring local bands in a trendy setting near Bow Market. The atmosphere is welcoming, with friendly staff and a comfortable community vibe, making it ideal for sharing stories and enjoying brews. However, the venue has faced criticism for inconsistent payment to performers and a cramped stage, which may not accommodate larger bands comfortably.

Despite some drawbacks, such as limited food options and occasional service issues, Union Tavern provides an affordable music venue with a lively atmosphere. The bartenders are often praised for their kindness, and the drinks are well-received. While there is room for improvement, the tavern remains a popular spot for live music and community events in Union Square.

Features and services of Union Tavern

From the business

  • Identifies as women-owned

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Live music
  • Live performances
  • Sport

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Dancing
  • Food
  • Food at bar
  • Happy-hour food
  • Late-night food
  • Spirits
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Catering
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar on site
  • Gender-neutral toilets
  • Toilet

Atmosphere

  • Casual

Crowd

  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Transgender safe space

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

Parking

  • Paid street parking

Union Tavern is in position 4 out of 4 in gay bars in Somerville

Customer Reviews

★★★★★
★★★★★

Union Tavern has a rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on over 204 reviews on Google

Kylee Schadler

Bands stay far away if you want to get paid for a gig!!! I'm with the band Slay the Giants who recently performed there, and was informed that they are not getting paid, even though 2 of the 4 bands who performed that night did. How is that in any way a good way to do business?! I didn't realize this was a popularity contest where only the bands chummy with the owner get paid. And don't even try to say it was lack of people because I was there and saw how many people showed up. There's no way anyone could know who was there for what band. And one band had never even performed live so how were they drawing a crowd and still got paid?! Any gigging artist knows how hard it is to lug all the equipment and set up and then give their all for a show. But to then not get paid, even after you were told you would, is just a slap in the face and completely unacceptable. And based on other reviews, we are not the first band to run into this problem here. ADDITIONALLY the stage was so small only a 3 piece could fit on it comfortably, there was just a blank white sign out front with no name on it, they dont serve any food, and the parking sucks. I've provided a pic to prove just how cramped it was on stage. Luckily 2 of the members have wireless hookups so they could move off stage so they didnt impale each other.

Kylee Schadler ☆ 1/5
Mike Fallon

This place features local bands in a trendy spot in Union Square Somerville, adjacent to the Bow Market Street shops and restaurants.

Mike Fallon ☆ 3/5
Cory Wu

I've recently started frequenting Union Tavern, and I can't stress how amazing the environment is. It's a cozy space which is perfect for sharing a few brews and some amazing stories with other patrons. I will certainly be back soon!

Cory Wu ☆ 5/5
jim murphy

First time visiting this bar in Somerville and had the chance to listen to some live local bands. Personally, for me, great atmosphere, bartender was awesome and I think I met the owner Jerry, and he had me in stitches!! Great time and will be back for sure!!

jim murphy ☆ 5/5
Joseph Lavoie Jr.

Gerry is a great guy, I highly recommend their special events like Tuesdays.

Joseph Lavoie Jr. ☆ 5/5
R W

Drinks are overpriced and underwhelming. Bathroom is usually a mess. Music is way too loud and the sound guy often shows up late. This place also does not serve food. Overall, pretty bottom of the barrel venue - there are so many obvious things the owner could do to improve this place. Based on the precedent below, definitely hoping for a spicy reply from the owner who clearly takes everything too personally. However, it's almost impressive how impermeable he is to any of the abundant feedback that is offered here on how to become a better venue. Union square is lucky to have an affordable music venue at all, but I wish it weren't in the hands of someone who cares so little about people's experience.

R W ☆ 1/5
Sarah Clancy

Attended last night for a queer community event and had a blast! The bartenders were kind and accommodating and the atmosphere was amazing. The drinks were also fantastic! Very comfortable community vibe to it with friendly staff and regulars. Will definitely be returning!

Sarah Clancy ☆ 5/5
View all reviews

Information about Union Tavern

Address

Union Tavern is located at 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143, United States

Business Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 17:00–01:00
Wednesday: 17:00–01:00
Thursday: 17:00–01:00
Friday: 11:30–01:00
Saturday: 17:00–01:00
Sunday: 12:00–01:00

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