By Meagan Barrett ‘15

When I first googled Union Jack’s in Rio, I was momentarily concerned that maybe it wouldn’t be such a great thing to put in a high school newspaper. It is, after all, a pub. But then I walked through the front doors and was immediately greeted with the “Platform 9 and ¾” sign, and I was no longer worried.

As an Anglophile (or a person who likes English stuff), I thoroughly appreciated this British Pub. The architecture is wide and breathable, with a comfortable atmosphere. The theme is yellow-gold, burgundy and black. And even the font on the menus is reminiscent of chivalrous, medieval times. From where I sat, a great big window panel on the wall across the room had been opened to allow the fresh air to get in. And let’s not forget the enormous TV monitors mounted on the walls, to be seen from just about any angle.

The menu at Union Jack’s ranges from salads (or “Greens” on the menu) to hamburgers (or “between the bun” on the menu) to pizzas. The pizza was excellent, cheesy and crunchy at the same time just like it’s supposed to be, and plenty to share between two people. The small taste of burger I had was equally awesome. It was like someone had taken a burger from McDonalds, put real cow meat in it, and taken out 98 percent of the grease. It tasted like quality food. The only questionable selection would have to have been the chicken. The bit that I sampled from someone else’s plate tasted a little off. It was a bizarre mix of a “wasn’t cooked correctly” and a “I’m back in feudal Europe” kind of taste. But maybe that just makes it more authentic.

While the waitress was not required to speak in a British accent (which could add some serious positive benefits), the service was polite and helpful. The atmosphere strikes a healthy balance between a full-fledged sports bar,  and a mature, culturally stimulating restaurant. It’s true that it isn’t exactly the kind of place you’d go and eat at with seven of your closest teenage friends. But as a first date venue, or any kind of evening for a classy feel and casual appreciation for British things, Union Jack’s fits the bill.