The guy behind the popular Raleigh bakery, Union Special, shares his favorite eats and sips in and around town
by Catherin Currin

For our 2023 Guide to Where to Eat and Drink in the Triangle, we surveyed a dozen food industry folks to find their go-to spots for everything from an elegant date night to a casual drink, to the best place to bring someone in from out-of-town. One of those folks was Union Special owner Andrew Ullom. At Union Special find not just a great cup of coffee but inventive riffs on classic sandwiches like the Cuban or grilled cheese and a solid loaf of sourdough to take home. Below we learned where you can find Ullom when he’s not running Union Special’s two locations.

What’s your favorite place for a craft beverage?

Crawford & Son. Ask for a mocktail, dealer’s choice.

What’s your favorite casual spot?

The Roast Grill

Where do you go for date night spot?

Seoul Garden. We like to go there often.

What’s your favorite new spot?

Longleaf Swine BBQ!

Where do you take an out-of-towner?

St Roch and Players Retreat

What’s your go-to coffee spot?

Iris Coffee Lab

Where do you go for brunch?

I recuse myself here because Union Special Bread’s brunch slays all others.

What and were would be your last meal on earth?

A cheeseburger from Fine Folk

Whose a chef to watch?

Victoria Mosby of Mo’s Munchies

What’s a place worth the drive?

Tesoro in Carrboro

What’s your favorite food truck?

Gym Tacos

What’s your weekday lunch spot?

Ideal’s in Durham is so good!

Where do you go when you want international cuisine?

Chuan Cafe

This article was originally published on December 29, 2022 on waltermagazine.com