Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen

It’s written in most history books that St. Augustine, Fla., is the oldest town in the United States. It’s known for its history, tradition and memories.

However, if you ask most residents of the City of the Village of Clarkston, they’ll say they’ve got St. Augustine beat.

Clarkston has been around since 1832. It is a town that can take pride in its rich history and deep roots. The downtown area has many of the same buildings of its historic past, restored to last for years to come. The building that houses the Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen is one such example — it has been around since 1840.

Today, it’s a restaurant that provides a remarkable gathering place for both residents and visitors to the area.

In 1996, owners Curt Catallo and his wife, Ann Stevenson, opened the Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen in the building that was originally the First Baptist Church of Clarkston. In the 1970s, it had been converted to a nondenominational church. This remained for a couple of decades before being turned into the restaurant that it is today.

The restaurant still has the original pews and stained glass that church members enjoyed on many Sundays long ago. When Catallo and Stevenson turned the location into a restaurant, they took out the suspended ceilings, carpet and anything that had modernized the building, returning it to its true historical status. The original church bell still remains, although Catallo was sure to hide the rope so guests can have a peaceful meal.

“We give a communal restaurant with crafted food not found at every other (freeway) exit,” Catallo said. In a sea of chain restaurants, there’s only one Clarkston Union.

“It’s appropriate that Clarkston is in Independence Township, because there are so many independent shops. If you take a walk through the long-standing downtown, you’ll find an independent grocery store, independent gift shops and independent restaurants.”

Clarkston seems to be protected from the spreading chain businesses and metropolitan cities.

“Downtown Clarkston has a lot of culture. People can take a walk and grab a newspaper, pick up groceries, doughnuts, flowers. There’s a lot there,” Catallo said.

He values the history in the buildings and recognizes it’s something that cannot be replicated with blueprints alone. There certainly are challenges that come along with the upkeep of every old building, but he feels it’s part of the reward of owning a one-of-a-kind, antique structure.

The husband and wife pair have had a noteworthy involvement in preserving the village’s history. Besides the Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen, they own Union General, a charming little gift shop next door. Their most recent contribution was in taking over the Clarkston Café, built in 1928.

The Clarkston Café reopened its doors in January after a complete restoration. It’s now an attraction with an upscale menu of traditional café fare to match the style.

When Catallo and Stevenson took over the buildings that now house the Union and Union General, both were in condemnable condition. Their effort changed that.

“The building does the work,” Catallo said. “The restaurant was built at a historic gathering place, and it’s still a historic gathering place.”

St. Augustine may have its mark on the timeline, but the Village of Clarkston is just as rich in history, spirit and quality dining.



If you go

Clarkston Union Bar, 54 S. Main, Clarkston, (248) 620-6100.