A Trip to St. Philips Plaza

On a Friday in mid-April 2023, Ms. Karen and I took a trip to St. Phillip’s Plaza, ostensibly to acquire some Fig Vinegar. But first, I was hungry. So I talked Ms. Karen into having lunch with me at the Union Public House in the Plaza.

It was chilly out, so we sat in the sun on their patio, which is quite pleasant. Hardly anyone else around, not like nighttime when it gets crowded.

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We were soon greeted by a pleasant young lady who took our drink orders. Karen ordered an IPA and I ordered an Iced Tea, with lemon. When our waitress returned with our drinks, we ordered lunch. Karen ordered the Whiskey BBQ Flatbread ($15.50). This was barbeque sauce, white cheddar, roasted chicken, pickled onions,
pickled jalapeños, and cilantro.

I ordered their Fish and Chips ($19.00), which was beer-battered Arctic cod, fries, malt vinegar tartar, and coleslaw.

I’ll let Ms. Karen tell you about her experience.

“St. Philip’s Plaza is a well-known shopping mecca in the middle of town, off Campbell and River. Fairly upscale. To the north, across the street is the iconic church designed by Tucson’s well-known architect, Josiah Joesler in 1936. To the south is what, I consider, the best 3 miles of “The Loop”, a 136-mile non-motorized vehicle path that winds throughout Tucson and Marana. St. Philip’s Plaza is known for its Saturday/Sunday Market, always well attended, mostly arts and crafts.

But this day we headed over there to have some lunch at the Union Public House, find some of our favorite fig vinegar at Alfonso’s gourmet Olive Oil, and check out the Arizona Wine Collective, a wine-tasting room. But first, lunch.

We sat out on the patio. The interior is just too dark, especially after the long “Winter” we had. It was a little cool, so the sun felt good. The sunny patio was the best part but the Whisky BBQ Chicken flatbread was pretty good too. I would not call it flatbread through. It was actually leavened bread, so I would call it thin-crust pizza rather than flatbread. Definitely not flat. I am still working on the last piece today. The BBQ sauce was really good, and the jalapenos were just right.”

My Fish and Chips were really good, lots of fresh cod, not like what I had recently at Frog and Firkin by the University.

Ms. Karen and I rate Union Public House and St. Phillip’s Plaza both four Saguaros. Union Public House also operates two other restaurants at St. Phillip’s: Proof (Pizza) and Reforma (Mexican). You can read our review of Reforma HERE.

They also offer live music most days, Tuesdays through Saturdays on the stage in the Plaza.St. Philip’s Plaza. Definitely a venue for the younger crowd.

Union Public House
4280 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718
Phone: (520) 529-2775