U.S. 42 in Union bustles with restaurants

This story originally appeared in the Dec. 20, 2024 edition of the LINK Reader. To get stories like this first, subscribe here.

With the addition of a trifecta of local chains opening in Union, the area has been bustling with newcomers and locals alike. With Braxton, Dewey’s and Greater’s joining the roster, these nearby local establishments are great stops, pre or post a Braxton Scooter. Join us as we dine on Mexican, Chinese and American cuisines along U.



S. 42. Valle Escondido Of Valle Escondido’s four Tristate locations, Union’s is the only one in Northern Kentucky.

It makes for an excellent place to fill up before heading down the road for a beer. Just make sure not to fill up on chips and salsa, as enticing as those may be, because main dishes are the real showstoppers. Valle Escondido has seemingly infinite possibilities: quesadillas of all kinds, burritos bigger than your hands, crunchy chimichangas and, of course, sizzling fajitas.

Besides the Mexican menu classics, it also features specialties like Mexican stew, with chopped steak, peppers, onions and tomatoes simmered with rice and beans. It’s a dish certain to warm guests up on cold days. Catch up on the week's top headlines every Saturday morning window.

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style.display = 'none'; }; Sign up Pollo Cancun, featuring grilled chicken breast, imitation crab meat and shrimp covered in cheese sauce, is another mouthwatering choice. It’s served with rice and beans.

If the food options weren’t enough to draw you in, the massive margaritas will be. The Cadillac Margarita with premium tequila, amaretto and Gran Gala is dangerously delicious and best paired with a burrito Mexicano. Shanghai Garden Practically hidden in the big buildings along U.

S. 42, Shanghai Garden’s seriously small space is a tiny tucked-away place to hide from hustle and bustle. Where better to escape than a place with some crab rangoons? Nearly its entire menu comes in around or under $15, making it a great spot for a cheap and delicious dinner.

Although it may seem unassuming from the outside, what it has to offer inside is abundant. Classic Chinese menu items like fried rice, lo mein, and Hong Kong chicken all make an appearance on their menu. For a Kentucky twist on a Chinese dish, try the grilled Bourbon Chicken.

In addition to myriad menu items, Shanghai Garden also features a Hibachi menu. For those who want Hibachi without the overstimulation of a traditional Hibachi restaurant, Shanghai Garden offers all the flavor with none of the fanfare. Blind Squirrel If you’re looking for a hometown bar and restaurant with classic American favorites, live music and a casual ambiance, Blind Squirrel is the place to visit.

Its massive tap beer selection ensures IPA fanatics and Amber Ale aficionados each have ample choices to sip. Although beer on tap is its largest offering, the Squirrel doesn’t skimp on the other selections: The bourbon and cocktail menus are just as lengthy. It also has one of the largest mocktail menus in the area for guests who want a fun drink without the hangover.

For food, start with Rumpke Mountain nachos – tortilla chips with either ground beef or pulled pork topped with queso, jalapenos, green onions, guacamole, pico de gallo and spiced sour cream. With mountain in the name, this gigantic sharable dish is great for a game-day snack. Or opt for pickle fries with wasabi ranch.

Sandwiches and burgers constitute the bulk of the menu, with choices from pesto grilled chicken sandwich to a beer cheeseburger (with homemade beer cheese, crispy onion straws, lettuce and tomato on a pretzel bun). Add in fish and pizza for other options, and everyone leaves with a full stomach. What to Know If You Go Valle Escondido Location : 8863 U.

S. 42, Union Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.

-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.

m.-10:30 p.m.

; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.

m. Website: valleescondidomexicangrill.com Phone: 859-869-0060 Shanghai Garden Location: 8761 U.

S. 42, Union Hours : Monday, closed; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.

-9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.

m.-10:30 p.m.

; Sunday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.

m. Website: shanghaigardenunion.com Phone: 859-384-8300 Blind Squirrel Location: 8537 U.

S. 42, Florence Hours: Monday, 4-10 p.m.

; Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.- 10 p.

m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.

-midnight; Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.

m. Website: blindsquirrelflorence.com Phone: 859-869-9886.