The Union Restaurant | Old Salt Co-op
About This Spot
Nestled in the heart of Helena, The Union Restaurant | Old Salt Co-op greets you with a quietly inviting atmosphere that strikes a balance between sophisticated and unpretentious. From the moment you step inside, there’s an easygoing warmth in the air—a space that feels lived-in yet refreshed, familiar yet thoughtfully curated. The natural light spills through the windows, illuminating the attentive flows of lively service without ever rushing the rhythm of your visit.
This is a place where the art of gathering is honored, whether it’s over a thoughtfully grilled sirloin or a beautifully layered salad. The wood-fired grill at the bar subtly draws your attention, creating a gentle hum of anticipation; the chefs’ craft becomes part of the room’s energy without overshadowing genuine conversations and quiet moments alike. Here, locally sourced meats and seasonal ingredients aren’t just features on a menu, but the foundation of meals that invite you to savor each bite slowly—sharing stories, smiles, and discovery with your table.
The Union’s character is rounded out by the people who bring it to life—servers who know your name, who chat beyond the menu and remember your preferences, adding a personal touch that lingers long after the plates clear. This warm encounter complements food that balances depth and comfort, like the crisp snap pea salad offering freshness against the rich, smoky allure of beef fat fried onions or the intriguing harmony found in a beet and nectarine salad. It’s a menu that encourages exploration without overwhelming, one that rewards those who come hungry for both flavor and fellowship.
Whether you find yourself here for a leisurely brunch or an evening gathering, The Union feels like a quietly joyful local refuge, a place where first visits quickly become familiar and every meal holds the promise of something authentically grounded in Helena’s spirit.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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On-site services
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Fireplace
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Great beer selection
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Great dessert
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Great wine list
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Live music
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Serves local specialty
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Assistive hearing loop
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Happy-hour drinks
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Happy-hour food
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Healthy options
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Organic dishes
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Private dining room
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Spirits
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Vegetarian options
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Wine
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Wi-Fi
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Wi-Fi
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Upmarket
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Family friendly
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Groups
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LGBTQ+ friendly
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Tourists
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Transgender safe space
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Dinner reservations recommended
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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Has changing table(s)
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High chairs
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Kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Paid parking lot
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Paid street parking
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
Dan Wilding 04 Jan 2026
We stopped in for lunch. W tried the Smoked Meat Balls and the Pasta dish. We also tried the fried onions... each were excellent. The service was good. The restaurant atmosphere is wonderful. The food was very good. Weed certainly go back.
Mandi Petrosky 28 Dec 2025
Helena has been needing a brunch place like this! Coming from a foodie who has enjoyed brunch all over the country this is top 5 ever! Such well balanced flavors and great presentation. The service was amazing too, Diana was such a charm and so friendly!!! If you have to wait just know there is a reason and it’s worth it!
Lobo M. 15 Dec 2025
This place was so good, we went 2 nights in a row! With Brandi we had the perfect host! She was way more than a waitress: Polite, funny, friendly - and what makes a restaurant visit special: She was personal, meaning: You could talk about many other things than just the menu or the order - life, travel, interests; and that’s what makes it personal! Very nice! The food was delicious! The meat was perfectly made to order. Our chef, Gabe, was only his 2nd and 3rd night at the grill - and he did an awesome job! And as a side we had the polenta: What can I say?!? It was to die for! The Union is a very nice place for fantastic meat and a nice atmosphere. Highly recommendable! Thanx guys for great work!
Dillon Torno 15 Nov 2025
I don't understand the number of low reviews. The Union is like The Bear if you've ever watched that show. Grill team and expo on display at the bar, great service as well. The steaks are incredibly reasonable and delicious. They are made in front of you on a wood fire grill. The chimichurri is out of the world. Fantastic apps.
Garri Mauch 30 Oct 2025
The old Bert and Ernie's has received an upgrade! It is a wonderfully joyful atmosphere. Light and bright with smiles all around from staff. We instantly felt welcome. From farm to table. Montana cattle ranches provide your steak of choice, and as for your sides, the chef has created a collection of exceptional dishes that charm your pallet. Emily took great care explaining the menu and was quick to be sure we received everything we needed. Our food came out quickly. There are no steak knives because your butter knife glides right through the fresh steak. Exceptional service and extraordinary food. A sensational addition to Helena.
Amy Adams 10 Oct 2025
Love a great farm to table experience. Nice enough but not so fancy I felt out of place. The beet salad was hands down the BEST I've had. So yummy. We had some sort of beef croquettes for a starter & they were fabulous too. Star of the evening was my 16 ounce ribeye, medium rare. Seasoning was perfection and the grilled ciabatta bread rounded it out nicely. Would definitely give them a try if you are in the area.
Matt C 30 Sep 2025
This was truly an outstanding experience. I ordered the pork chop, and it definitely ranks among the best I've ever had. It was cooked flawlessly—juicy and bursting with incredible flavors. The side dishes were heavenly as well. We also tried the sirloin and the premium cut New York strip, both of which were perfectly cooked. They were grilled just right, tender, and succulent. We felt no regrets about our meal choices. Although we had to wait a bit longer than usual for our food, it was absolutely worth it. The service was friendly; while it didn’t quite reach five-star levels of attentiveness, the chefs certainly compensated for it with their exceptional culinary creations.
Teresa Christine 18 Sep 2025
Wow, just wow. This place is absolutely amazing. We came in from a long 3 hour drive. It was a decision made last minute. Best meal we’ve had since we’ve been in Montana. Our server Sandra was so very sweet and kind to us. We had no idea this place closed at 9 on Sunday. We arrived 30 minutes before closing, still had the best service! Place was amazing! 10/10