The Union Cattle Co., 42 South De Lacey Ave., Pasadena, Ca.,
(626) 405-0007

According to the Union Cattle Company website

The Union Cattle Company is the American chophouse, serving steaks, seafood, whisky and smores. Our Executive Chef, Edgar Ardon, uses only the highest quality ingredients and our bar is abundant with everything from our home-crafted brews to great single malt scotches. The restaurant is characterized by Western-chic décor with historical artifacts adorning the walls and a mechanical bull for those who are ready to cowboy up. Whether you ride or not, our relaxed upscale environment promises to deliver a truly unique dining experience in this day of corporate unoriginality.

Well, the atmosphere is 'western' although I don't think I would call it chick or upscale. The service is not great but it is decent, the drinks are fairly inexpensive and the crowd, while slightly rowdy is not overly obnoxious. In fact in can sometimes be fun to watch some of the guests play at being cowboys or cowgirls or watch some of the people of my age group (older but not that old) pretending that they are twenty years younger while they sometimes make fools of themselves.

The menu prices aren't bad considering you can get a 14 oz. prime rib for just $21.00, a 24 oz. porterhouse for $36.00 or if you want seafood, the oven baked halibut for $22.00. All meals include, as they say, two sides but not a salad. The quality of the beef is above average but doesn't match JJ Steakhouse or Monty's but then the prices are lower also. The main problem is that I don't think they know the meaning of rare. It's very hard to get a piece of beef that's cooked less than medium.

This is not a dress up place. Jeans and tee shirts or western attire seems to fit best.

If you like to ride or watch people ride a mechanicle bull, like to dress very casual or have a hankering to be a 'cowboy or cowgirl' or if you like rock music while you dine, the Union Cattle Co. may be just the place for you. However, if you are like me and want a relaxing meal with top quality beef and superb service, pay the extra and go to JJ or the more casual Monty's.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr.
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