Tuesday 3rd of April 2012 01:57:43 PM

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Union Ale is in an intriguing rusted steel building with a glassed-in patio in front. It’s located where State Street starts to pass under Highway 101, not far from the main beach area in Santa Barbara.

The front is the patio area with windows all around, a quarry tile floor, and mostly open to the sky. Further back is a beautiful and unique white marble bar with a handful of tall chairs. The ceiling is quite high and it is quite dark. Seating is provided by various tall round polished stone tables with tall chairs. Continuing back, a raised platform with five more tables has windows on two sides.

Another bar section with more tables is off the greenhouse area, and there are two dark cave-like rooms in back with low tables and black leather couches.

Flat screen TVs with sports (sound off) are ubiquitous, leading to the impression of a slightly upscale sports bar.

There were 20 taps on our visit - seven house brews (actually contract brewed by Central Coast Brewing?), one major, and the rest a selection of mostly California craft beers.

There is no table service - order at the bar. Food is fairly typical pub fare - ribs, wings, burgers, salad/wraps, sandwiches, pizza, fries, and a few appetizers.

There is some limited parking at the back.