Union & Finch
No, Union and Finch is not a diner. We actually were not even going to write a review because of what we ordered and the fact that this establishment is definitely not a diner. However, after our breakfast, we could not keep this place a secret.
Union and Finch is unsurprisingly located on the corner of Union and Finch Street in the heart of Allentown. The parking lot is deceivingly difficult to find, but appreciated because the alternative is street parking (yuck). We did make a reservation for brunch, but you do not really need one to get a table. They have plenty of seating indoors and outdoors, and we got a table in their outdoor area, which is essentially a greenhouse filled with tables. It was not too warm yet, so sitting outside was comfortable and warm. Union and Finch has a dedicated brunch menu, filled with so many delicious sounding breakfast and lunch options that it was difficult for us to narrow down our choices. We can say without hesitation that we will be back for brunch again soon.
They had plenty of appetizer choices, but we ventured for a “small plate” option of halloumi. Halloumi is a Greek cheese, similar in texture to paneer cheese from Indian cuisine. Their preparation had the cheese deep fried and drizzled with honey and a creamy yogurt sauce and sprinkled with za’atar. Absolute banger. The cheese itself is super flavorful and seasoned well with a nice crisp exterior. The texture and brown on the outside were outstanding. The honey was a great touch and we kept scraping the bowl for more of the sauce and honey. Excellent preparation and a great start to our meal.
We also ordered a seasonal mimosa flight. It included mango coconut, hibiscus, citrus cantaloupe, and orange creamsicle. All were pretty good, but Ben’s favorite was the orange creamsicle (anyone who knows him is not surprised by this) and Bethany’s favorite was the mango coconut. While it was expensive, you get a lot of mimosa for the price. We think it was worth it.
Bethany
No coffee today, just a cold cup of water and a flight of mimosas. I highly recommend this combo. My favorite was the mango coconut, but honestly they were all yummy.
With no breakfast wrap on the menu, I settled for a breakfast sandwich instead. I got “The Hangover Sandwich”, which was an egg and cheese sandwich on a brioche bun with bacon and chorizo. Looking back at the menu, it was supposed to have hollandaise sauce on it, but I do not think they put any on (which would have enhanced an already delicious sandwich). The chorizo was super flavorful and not too spicy, just a delicious bite with the egg and roll. It was a small and thick patty, and I think I would have preferred a big thin one to cover the whole sandwich. The bacon was not noteworthy, especially next to the chorizo. The egg was fine, nothing special there. It came with fries on the side, and they were super yummy. They were nicely cooked and crispy with a good amount of salt.
Ben
There was Benedict on the menu but there were so many other things that I really wanted to try something different. I did end up getting something Benedict adjacent, breakfast poutine. It was fries and tater tots covered in cheese curds (but wasn't chunks, more like a slab of cheese on the whole thing), scrambled eggs, bacon, and hollandaise with a bit of scallions. It was absolutely incredible. The fries were pretty good, the tater tots were so crispy and delicious, the cheese was good (albeit maybe a bit too much), bacon was small chunks so it didn't get in the way and the egg was very fluffy. The hollandaise was probably the best part. It was really thick, almost half way between a mayonnaise and a hollandaise. It all together was just exceptional.
We ordered the seasonal mimosa flight. I liked the orange creamsicle the best followed by the mango coconut. I guess you could consider this my OJ for this breakfast review.
not a diner, but an absolute banger