🧭 Great Food & Drinks at this Pleasanton British Pub

Good Morning Tri-Valley! Lots of news and fun things to share with you this morning!

Have you checked out the Union Jack in downtown Pleasanton yet?

OMG. This spot is such a fun addition to Main Street, with classic British food, tasty drinks, and honestly, really great prices.

I spent a recent evening there sampling some of their menu, and I loved everything. The inside feels like an authentic British pub, and the outdoor patio is perfect for a quiet pint and food with friends.

The cocktails were so good. A few must-try drinks include the Only Fans Martini, a passionfruit martini with the perfect balance of tart and sweet, served with a sparkling wine sidecar; the Guinness Old Fashioned with Irish whiskey, chocolate bitters, and a Guinness foam top; and the Pimm’s Cup, a classic British summer drink made famous at Wimbledon.

And then came the food.

They have two types of oysters: fresh Point Reyes Miyagi oysters and BBQ oysters. Both were delicious.

The giant pretzel is served with spicy mustard and housemade clam chowder dip. I’m still dreaming about that chowder dip.

The Shepherd’s Pie was the best I’ve ever had, made with short rib and lamb. The Bangers and Mash is another classic I could eat over and over again, with fantastic gravy and a side of mushy peas. And of course, the Fish n’ Chips had beautiful flaky fish with thick-cut fries.

Did I save room for dessert? Not really, but we forged ahead.

The Sticky Toffee Pudding was perfect, and they surprised us with a new dessert coming to the menu soon: Blackberry Pavlova. Absolutely stunning.

Big congrats to Maurice, Lester, and the Union Jack team for absolutely nailing a proper British pub concept in the heart of downtown Pleasanton.

Definitely add this one to your Pleasanton list.

The Sunshine Saloon is celebrating 45 years in Pleasanton, and this one brings back memories.

Both my husband and I used to hang out at “The Shine” back in the day, before we even knew each other, so I love seeing this Pleasanton classic still going strong.

Since 1981, owner Bob Rossi has turned this spot into a local favorite with good food, cold drinks, sports on the screens, and the kind of laid-back energy that keeps people coming back.

Cheers to 45 years of good times at The Shine.

Tap 25 Oktoberfest is back September 25–26 for its fifth annual celebration in downtown Livermore.

Expect two days of beer, food, live music, games, and all the stein-raising energy. There will be limited-edition ceramic and glass steins with first fills and discounted refills, eats from Wingen Bakery, Smashed Broz Burgers, and Smash’N Stack, plus live music, keg rolling, stein holding contests, and gift card prizes. Prost.

ONLY A FEW SEATS LEFT! Pasta’s Trattoria is back with another big wine dinner, and this one features Caymus Vineyards.

On Wednesday, September 16 at 6pm, Pasta’s will celebrate its 114th wine dinner with a five-course prix-fixe menuand hand-selected wine pairings.

The menu includes assorted appetizers, Pasta’s famous lobster roll, grilled pork tenderloin, prime filet with crab, and pumpkin bundino, paired with wines from Emmolo, Mer Soleil, and Caymus, including the 2020 Caymus Napa Special Selection.

Tickets are $170 per person.

For reservations, call 925-417-2222, book on OpenTable, or visit Pasta’s Trattoria in house.

IGNITE is hosting its September Mixer at Pete’s Brass Rail & Car Wash on Tuesday, September 8, from 5:30–7:30pm. Click here for more details.

This free event brings together young professionals, entrepreneurs, and rising leaders from the Danville and San Ramon chambers for an evening of real connections, fresh ideas, and local business community energy.

Attendance is free, but advance registration is encouraged.

It’s the end of an era in Dublin.

Rigatoni’s has officially closed its Dublin location after 27 years on Dublin Boulevard. The Italian spot was a longtime Tri-Valley favorite for casual pasta, takeout, and party pans.

The good news: you can still find Rigatoni’s in Castro Valley, and sister restaurant Strizzi’s remains open in Pleasanton, Livermore, and Fremont.