Union House Taproom & Livery

Overview

Union House Taproom & Livery operates as a bar and grill at 12 East Main Street in Richland, Pennsylvania, a small borough in Lebanon County. The establishment occupies a historic building that lends character to its dining spaces, combining elements of a traditional American tavern with contemporary bar and grill offerings. The business serves the Richland community and surrounding areas as a gathering place for meals, drinks, and entertainment throughout the week.

Food and Beverage Program

The kitchen at Union House Taproom produces a menu centered on American comfort food, with particular emphasis on bar fare that extends beyond typical pub offerings. The menu includes small plates suitable for sharing, quick bites for casual visits, and full entrees for lunch and dinner service. A dedicated kids' menu accommodates family dining, while dessert options round out the meal service.

The culinary program features several distinctive items that have developed followings among regular patrons. The French onion cheesesteak represents a creative fusion approach, served with French onion soup for dipping. A breakfast burger demonstrates the kitchen's willingness to experiment with unconventional combinations. Wings constitute a significant portion of the menu's appeal, offered with multiple sauce variations that allow for customization.

The beverage program encompasses the full range expected of a taproom designation. Draft beer selections rotate to provide variety, while the bar stocks wine, cocktails, hard liquor, and coffee. Bartenders maintain familiarity with the drink menu sufficient to make recommendations based on customer preferences. Happy hour programming applies to both food and drink offerings during designated periods.

Weekly Programming and Events

Union House Taproom maintains an active events calendar that provides different experiences depending on the day of visit. Thursday wing night has become a particularly established tradition, offering discounted pricing on wing orders that draws regular weekly attendance from area residents. The special pricing structure provides value-oriented options for both individual diners and groups sharing larger orders.

Live music performances occur on weekends, featuring regional bands that perform across various genres. The venue accommodates dancing during these performances, creating a more energetic atmosphere than typical weeknight service. Trivia nights provide intellectual entertainment for teams of participants, while bar games offer casual amusement for those seeking lower-key activities. Karaoke sessions appear on the entertainment rotation as well.

Sports viewing constitutes another programming element, with the establishment serving as a destination for watching games. This positions Union House as a multipurpose venue that can accommodate different customer intentions, from quiet dinners to lively event nights.

Atmosphere and Setting

The interior environment balances several characteristics that might seem contradictory but coexist in the space. The historic building provides architectural interest and a sense of place rooted in the community's past. Within this framework, the atmosphere maintains a casual, cozy quality appropriate for a neighborhood establishment while incorporating trendy elements that appeal to contemporary tastes.

The layout includes a bar area for those preferring counter service and proximity to the bartending staff, as well as table seating for traditional dining arrangements. Outdoor seating expands capacity during favorable weather conditions and provides an alternative environment for those who prefer open-air dining.

The establishment has cultivated an inclusive environment, welcoming diverse groups including families with children, college students, tourists passing through the area, and LGBTQ+ patrons. This broad accessibility reflects a community-oriented approach to hospitality that aims to serve Richland's full population rather than catering to a narrow demographic.

Service Model and Dining Options

Union House Taproom operates with dine-in service as its primary model, with staff attending to tables throughout the meal. Takeout orders accommodate those who prefer to enjoy the food elsewhere. The establishment accepts reservations for those wishing to secure seating, particularly useful during busier periods such as weekend entertainment nights or popular weekly specials.

Lunch service begins earlier in the day, continuing through dinner hours. The menu accommodates solo diners comfortably, making it a viable option for individuals seeking a meal without requiring companions. Quick bite options serve those with limited time, while the full menu satisfies patrons planning longer visits.

Payment processing accepts modern methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payment systems, providing flexibility for customers regardless of their preferred transaction method.

Accessibility and Parking

The facility provides wheelchair accessible seating, restroom facilities, and parking lot spaces to accommodate patrons with mobility considerations. However, the entrance itself is not wheelchair accessible, which represents a limitation for some visitors. Those requiring accessible entry should contact the establishment in advance to discuss accommodation options.

Parking availability includes both a free parking lot and free street parking in the surrounding area. This eliminates parking fees as a consideration for visitors and provides multiple options depending on lot capacity during busier periods.

Amenities

Standard amenities include restroom facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity for patrons who wish to use internet-enabled devices during their visit, and high chairs for young children. The on-site bar serves as the beverage hub, with bartenders preparing drinks for both bar patrons and table service.

Location and Community Context

Richland, Pennsylvania is a small borough with a population of approximately 1,500 residents, located in Lebanon County in the south-central region of the state. Union House Taproom's position on East Main Street places it in the commercial center of this small community, where it functions as a social gathering point for local residents.

The establishment's role extends beyond simple food and beverage service to serve as a community venue where residents encounter neighbors, celebrate occasions, and participate in shared entertainment experiences. The Thursday wing night tradition exemplifies this community function, creating a predictable weekly gathering opportunity that has become part of local social rhythms.

For visitors from outside the immediate area, Union House Taproom provides an opportunity to experience small-town Pennsylvania hospitality in an authentic setting. The historic building, local crowd, and regional character offer a contrast to chain establishments and urban venues.

Practical Information

Union House Taproom & Livery can be reached by telephone at +1 717-866-9394. Additional information about current menus, entertainment schedules, and hours of operation is available through the establishment's website at www.theoldunion.com. Prospective visitors planning attendance during entertainment events or popular specials may wish to call ahead regarding expected capacity and reservation availability.