10 Must-Try Dishes And The Latest Menu Secrets At Union New American (2025 Update)
Union New American has firmly cemented its status as a premier dining destination in Tampa’s WestShore district, and as of late 2025, its menu continues to evolve, blending classic American comfort with sophisticated global influences. This in-depth guide provides the absolute latest on the restaurant's offerings, highlighting the signature dishes that have earned it rave reviews and the new culinary directions being charted by its award-winning kitchen team. If you’re planning a visit to this Next Level Brands establishment, understanding the menu's diverse landscape—from the raw bar to the celebrated mains—is essential for a five-star experience.
The restaurant’s concept, which masterfully fuses American standards with Asian and Steakhouse classics, is what sets it apart in the competitive Tampa Bay culinary scene. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a commitment to innovation, the current menu reflects a dynamic approach to "New American" dining. From the highly praised Crispy Rice appetizers to masterfully crafted cocktails and rich desserts, Union New American delivers a comprehensive and elegant experience that keeps loyal customers returning and continues to draw new crowds to the WestShore neighborhood. This article breaks down the best of the latest menu, ensuring your next meal is unforgettable.
The Culinary Architects: Chef and Restaurant Group Profile
Union New American is not just a restaurant; it is a flagship concept from the prominent Tampa-based Next Level Brands Hospitality Group, which also operates popular venues like Forbici and Boulon. This group is dedicated to elevating the Tampa Bay culinary landscape by creating highly lauded dining experiences. The restaurant's success is deeply tied to its leadership in the kitchen.
Executive Chef Jacob Rios: A Chopped Champion
- Name: Jacob Rios
- Title (Current): Director of Culinary, Next Level Brands
- Previous Role: Executive Chef, Union New American
- Key Achievement: Winner of the Food Network show "Chopped" (February 2023)
- Culinary Style: Known for blending his Puerto Rican heritage with modern American cuisine, focusing on intense flavor and creative presentation.
- Influence on Menu: Responsible for the major menu refreshes across brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring a dynamic and fresh offering.
Kitchen Leadership and Philosophy
While Chef Rios has been promoted to a directorial role, the kitchen at Union New American continues to thrive under the guidance of Casey Alfonso, a Tampa native who leads the culinary team with a deep respect for tradition and a drive to create exceptional dishes. The collaborative environment ensures the menu remains innovative while maintaining the high standards set by Next Level Brands.
The Ultimate Union New American Menu Breakdown: 10 Essential Dishes
The menu at Union New American is structured to offer a journey from light, shareable plates to hearty, sophisticated mains. Here are the 10 must-try items that define the current dining experience, incorporating the latest updates and signature favorites.
1. The Signature Crispy Rice Collection
This category is arguably the restaurant's most famous and a true testament to its Asian-American fusion concept. The Crispy Rice is a perennial favorite and a mandatory starter.
- Tuna Crispy Rice: Topped with Chili Mayo and Scallion, this is the original and most popular version, balancing crunch, spice, and freshness.
- Salmon Crispy Rice: A delicate alternative, often featuring a similar spicy-creamy topping.
- Wagyu Beef Crispy Rice: A richer, more decadent option for steak lovers.
2. Raw Bar Excellence: Tuna Tartare
Part of the expanded raw bar starters, the Tuna Tartare is a beautifully presented dish. It is served with citrus ponzu and togarashi rice crackers, providing a bright, acidic, and textural contrast. This dish showcases the kitchen's commitment to fresh seafood.
3. The Unexpected Handheld: Smoked Prime Rib Sandwich
While the menu features several handhelds, the Smoked Prime Rib Sandwich stands out as a luxurious lunch or dinner option. It’s a classic steakhouse component reimagined for a modern American menu.
4. A Modern American Main: Kombu Cured Seabass
For those seeking a lighter, yet intensely flavorful main course, the Kombu Cured Seabass is a standout. Curing the fish in kombu (edible kelp) imparts a subtle umami flavor, highlighting the kitchen's technical skill and global influence.
5. Chef Rios’ Comfort Classic: Chicken Schnitzel
This dish is a nod to European comfort food, executed with American finesse. The Chicken Schnitzel is praised for its perfect crispness and tender meat, often served with a bright, complementary sauce or side.
6. The Decadent Steakhouse Cut: Berkshire Pork Chop
As a restaurant that incorporates Steakhouse elements, the Berkshire Pork Chop is a must for meat enthusiasts. Berkshire pork is known for its superior marbling and flavor, offering a premium experience.
7. Plant-Based Innovation: Smoked Eggplant Enchiladas
The menu ensures there are sophisticated options for all diners, and the Smoked Eggplant Enchiladas are a creative, flavorful plant-based main. This dish demonstrates the versatility of the "New American" concept.
8. The Brunch Favorite: Country Biscuits and Smoked Fish Dip
Union’s brunch menu is a highlight, and this Southern standard is a perfect example of the menu's eclectic nature. The Country Biscuits and Smoked Fish Dip offer a comforting start to a weekend meal.
9. Dessert Highlight: Masterfully Crafted Chocolate Cake
Reviews frequently praise the dessert offerings, with the Chocolate Cake being singled out for its richness and quality. It provides a perfect, indulgent conclusion to the dining experience.
10. Happy Hour Bite: Salmon Crispy Rice (Special Price)
While a full-price favorite, the Salmon Crispy Rice is a must-try during the daily Union New American Happy Hour (3:00 pm - 6:00 pm). Sampling this signature dish at a special price is the best way to experience the restaurant's unique flavor profile without committing to a full dinner.
Navigating the Union New American Dining Experience
To fully appreciate the Union New American experience, it’s helpful to understand the various dining times and the extensive beverage program, which are crucial elements for building topical authority around the restaurant.
The Dynamic Menu Segments
Union New American offers distinct menus throughout the day, catering to different dining intentions:
- Lunch: Features a robust selection of Salads and Handhelds, perfect for the WestShore business district crowd, alongside the popular Crispy Rice and Sushi Rolls.
- Dinner: This is the most extensive menu, featuring the full range of Mains, including the Gulf Snapper, Kombu Cured Seabass, and premium steaks.
- Brunch: Available on weekends, the brunch menu includes unique items like Southern standards and unique egg dishes, along with a special cocktail menu.
Cocktails and Happy Hour
The Cocktails menu is a point of pride, featuring masterfully crafted drinks that are frequently praised in reviews. The beverage program is designed to complement the eclectic food menu.
The daily Happy Hour, running from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, is a popular time to visit. It offers tempting bites, including the aforementioned Crispy Rice, and delightful drink specials, creating a cheerful atmosphere for after-work socializing or an early dinner start.
Union’s Culinary Philosophy and Entities
The restaurant’s philosophy is to offer an eclectic, modern American cuisine that draws on global flavors, a concept often referred to as "New American Cuisine." The menu successfully integrates elements from Asian cuisine (Sushi Rolls, Crispy Rice), classic American dining (Country Biscuits), and Steakhouse traditions (premium cuts), ensuring there is something for every palate. The attention to detail in presentation and flavor, driven by the Next Level Brands vision and the talent of chefs like Jacob Rios and Casey Alfonso, keeps Union New American at the forefront of the Tampa dining scene.
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