Recently, I visited Union Cocktail Bar & Restaurant near Meskel Square—one of those places locals and expats often take visitors for a relaxed night out. The venue has a modern, rooftop-style setting with a carefully put-together look. Its vintage touches—reclaimed materials, retro lighting, and urban lounge elements—give the space a sense of character.

The menu is eclectic, leaning toward a fusion, cosmopolitan dining experience. It brings together Ethiopian staples like tibs and shiro, pan-African dishes such as jollof rice and nyama choma, and a selection of international options, including pasta and some Asian-inspired plates.

Among the menu options are dishes like kuku choma—grilled boneless chicken legs served with ugali and spinach—priced at 1,700 birr. Another is the nyama dry fry, featuring beef cubes stir-fried with spices and served with ugali, kachumbari, and spinach, for 1,500 birr.

Cocktails are a major highlight—creative, well-crafted, and often a reason in themselves to visit.

Seated there, overlooking the newly renovated and brightly lit Meskel Square and surrounding landmarks, it’s an easy choice for a farewell dinner, small celebrations, drinks with friends.