Clarkston Union Gluten Free Options
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Clarkston Union is iconic. Housed in an old church, this first Union Joints establishment is notorious for their mac and cheese. Now with a gluten free version, and a complete gluten free menu, this place is a “must visit.”
Clarkston Union Background
If you’re unfamiliar with Clarkston Union, they are the original restaurant in the Union Family of Joints. Curt Catallo and wife Ann Stevenson opened Clarkston Union over 20 years ago. Their vision of renovating an old baptist church into a restaurant started a legacy of unique restaurants.
It’s been a huge success. They’ve gone on to open other restaurants, such as Union Woodshop, Vinsetta’s Garage, Fenton Fire Hall, and Honcho. They renovate each building to keep the character of the original structure and breathe new life into it. I think the interior of Vinsetta Garage is my favorite.
The Most Macked (Gluten Free) Mac N Cheese
In March of 2016, Clarkson Union messaged me with an invite. They wanted to let me know they had finally perfected their take on a gluten-free version of their famous Mac N’ Cheese. This is no ordinary mac n’ cheese. Featured on Food Network, Esquire, and even television shows in Canada, this dish is notorious.
After a quick half hour drive from Flint to Clarkston, we arrived at the restaurant and directed to a booth seat. (They made booths from repurposed church pews!)
Gluten Free pasta, pizza, burgers and sausages on a bun were all available to me. Dessert too! I learned they source their gluten-free products locally, including buns from Rumi’s Passion in Plymouth. They utilize local meat and produce as well.
“It Tastes the Same”
So the moment of truth. My husband tried his regular mac, then he tried a bit of mine. A look of pleased surprise crossed his face. “It tastes the same,” he stated. (He was even more amazed with our leftovers, and that it still tasted the same, and the noodles didn’t disintegrate.) If I hadn’t ordered other items, I would have inhaled the whole dish right there.
Why Does Clarkston Union Offer Gluten Free Options
When I first went to Clarkston Union in 2016, their executive chef Aaron Cozadd was personally familiar with Celiac Disease and food allergies.
The head chef at Clarkston Union is now Becca Townsend. She too has a personal connection to dietary restrictions. Her mom lives with Celiac Disease, not to mention many staff members have to eat gluten free. Chef Becca fully believes that everyone deserves to eat safely.
*Note, they no longer have a separate gluten free menu. They note Gluten free options on the main menu.
Do they Accommodate Other Food Allergens?
“We offer lots of dairy free & vegan options especially with weekly specials. We have some tree nuts on our menu (walnuts, almonds & sometimes cashew). We are careful when guests have tree nut allergies & keep the staff trained on how to navigate that.”
What Kind of Oil Do They Use for Frying?
For starters, they do NOT use peanut oil. They use canola oil for fried foods. For cooking, they use a canola olive oil blend. Their pan spray contains sunflower seed & canola oils.
How Does Clarkston Union Prevent Cross Contact?
Because safe dining options are important to them, they take several steps to try to provide a safe gluten free meal.
Do they maintain a separate prep area?
“We do not, but we do store our gluten free macs, buns & pizza crusts on their own separate shelves. We also sanitize thoroughly in between prep tasks. The Commissary prep kitchen (where we get our mac & cheese) has specified areas where gluten free mac & cheese is made.
When making allergy dishes: line cooks change gloves, get cleaned utensils/knives/cutting boards from the back & get all items from the back cooler. Plus they prepare gluten free dishes in a separate pan instead of on the flat top.
What training do staff receive on preparing GF meals safely?
Our Sous Chef is allergen certified. In addition, all servers have a laminated card that lists allergens for every menu item, including weekly specials. In addition, they train all staff to ask each customer if they have any food allergies.
Do you have picks or special plates that denote a GF meal?
Yes, we use red dishes for our gluten free mac & cheese. For other gluten free dishes, staff include a tooth pic.
Does Clarkston Union Offer Vegetarian Options?
Pictured above is their bacon cheeseburger with onion jam. HIGHLY recommend. However, they also have a portobello burger, which I believe is vegetarian. When we first visited in 2016, we enjoyed an amazing vegetarian pizza. Their pizza options rotate.
They also offer pork free items, including sausage. On our first visit, my husband enjoyed his sausage so much he was almost moved to tears. Their sausage immediately took him back to the flavors he missed from his childhood. To say that Clarkson Union has won us over as patrons is an understatement.
The Union Joints Family
As we closed our evening, we took some time to talk to our waitress, Yvonne. I asked about her background with the business and her reasons for working there. She said she’s been there over 9 years, practically half the time the restaurant has been in existence. I asked her what kept here there for so many years. “We’re family.” She stated that the staff and owners all celebrate life together, going to each other’s birthday parties, weddings, and funerals.
More Than Just a Customer
I asked our waitress if she had an stories of customers that left a lasting impression up on her. She immediately told us the story of a particular elderly woman. This older woman came into the restaurant on a busy day, wanting to sit in one of the very large booths, all by herself. They thought it odd, but obliged.
The elderly woman thanked the wait staff, and explained it was the first time she left her house since her elderly husband recently passed. This couple had been married for 50 years and ate there frequently. She just needed to sit in “their booth.”
Important Tips on Parking!
While there is parking on premises (including handicap parking), it can get cramped! Utilize Depot Park for parking if lot is full. For Sunday brunch, Saturday lunch & Friday/Saturday dinner, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation.
Restaurant Location, Hours, and Contact Information
Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen
54 S Main St
Clarkston MI 48436
(248) 620 – 6100
Monday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm, Sunday 9 am to 9 pm
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Have you been to the Clarkston Union? What’s your favorite dish there? Which Union Joint is your favorite place to get a meal?
** Although Clarkston Union provided us with a free meal, all thoughts and opinions are my own. We’ve become loyal Union Joint fans after this, taking friends and family to experience their meals, time and again.**
Clarkston Union is one of many Michigan restaurants I’ve visited. You can view a list of them on my Michigan gluten free dining post. Please remember to always ask any restaurant about their food preparation practices.
Originally published March 2016