Posted in News and Features

Grab a Cocktail and a Bite at Sip on Main in Union

A place that’s as ideal for date night as it is for an evening spent chatting with friends over drinks and appetizers, Sip on Main in Union offers the intimate setting of a cocktail bar you’d typically find in a city, right here in Franklin County.

Sip on Main bar. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

The space features warm, inviting lighting as well as a blend of textures like leather sofas, velvet seat coverings, and a beautiful wood bar that also serves as a centerpiece to the space. Although the overall aesthetic leans a bit on the upscale side, the fare is casual, delicious, and shareable.

Sip on Main is a cocktail bar, but there’s also a decent mocktail menu available. On a recent visit with a group of ladies, I had the establishment’s non-alcoholic Mule. The drink combines lime juice, honey, and ginger beer. The mocktail was balanced, not too sweet or tart, and refreshing, plus I loved that it was delivered to me in a copper mug, just like a traditional Mule that’s made with liquor.

Non-alcoholic Mule. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

For food, I sampled a number of delectable snacks, such as the Fry Board, an option dedicated to fry lovers and the indecisive alike. A tray of crispy, starchy goodness, the Fry Board features four types of fries: shoestring, curly, sidewinder, and sweet potato waffle, plus three dipping sauces. Although all were tasty in their own right, I liked the sweet potato fries best, since those aren’t often found on restaurant menus.

Another menu item I tried and really liked (much to my surprise!) were the fried pickles. While I like the taste of fried pickles, typically I’m the kind of girl that will tap out after one or two, since I usually find them too salty or just too…pickle-y to keep eating beyond those first few bites. One of the women in the group I was with ordered the fried pickles and I tried one, expecting to only eat that solitary fried pickle. However, I found them just right, not too salty nor was there an overwhelming pickle flavor, and they remained crispy long after they were served to us (we ordered a LOT of food on this visit so we could chat and nibble on the snacks throughout the evening).

My favorite item I had that evening was the BBQ Pork Belly Flatbread, a balance of salty, sweet, with a slight hit of spice. The flatbread is topped with chunks of pork belly tossed in barbecue sauce, sliced jalapeno and pineapple, melted pepperjack cheese, and topped with a drizzle of ranch. The flatbread crust was a pleasing texture, neither too crisp, nor too soft, and all the toppings just worked together to create a sort of umami magic that made me want to eat the entire flatbread, however, I summoned my willpower and ate half.

BBQ Pork Belly Flatbread. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

The Socialite recommends Sip on Main!

The details:
201 E. Main St., Union
siponmain.com
Find Sip on Main on Facebook
Follow Sip on Main on Instagram

Posted in Events, Updates

What’s Happening in Franklin County March 3 – March 8, 2025

There’s a lot happening this week around Franklin County, Missouri.

Tuesday, March 4
Bad Beats Dance Class is a fun way to get fit. This hour-long class will feature a blend of music genres and decades such as music from the 90s to present day, with dance moves that encompass Latin, jive, country, hip-hop, and more. Register for the class.

Wednesday, March 5
Explore your creative side and choose from making a St. Patrick’s themed Highland cow or a Mardi Gras painting at a paint night held at Sip on Main in Union. Included in the ticket price is a pre-traced canvas, plus $5 off food/drink at Sip on Main for that evening. 
Find out more and register.

Photo via Brushin’ Whimsy’s Constant Contact Signup Link

Thursday, March 6
Stop by The Tipsy Keg from 6 to 9 p.m. to line dance, or just relax and take in the music and dancing with your favorite drink in hand, if that’s more your style. 
Find out more.

Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design services.
“My goal is to make your home your castle.”

Saturday, March 8
The third annual Shamwalk & Run event in Pacific will benefit MVR-III Bridge Foundation and Back to School Backpack Program. This St. Paddy’s Day themed run and walk will feature vendors you can visit before or after the race, as well as a Most Spirited Contest, 4 Leaf Clover Run, and Pot of Gold.
Find out more and sign up

Saturday, March 8
The Denim & Diamonds event in St. Clair will feature a Dolly Parton lookalike contest, exclusive offers from small businesses in the area, and giveaways. 
Get the full list of participating vendors

Photo via Denim & Diamonds’ Facebook Event

Saturday, March 8
Happening at Winehouse 66 in Pacific, Nibbles & Sips is a thoughtfully curated appetizer and wine pairing class designed for both discovery and enjoyment. The first half of the experience will feature a guided tasting of four expertly selected wines, each paired with a small bite to enhance its flavors.
In the second half, relax and enjoy a social grazing session—grab a glass or bottle of your favorite wine to share, savor the appetizer pairings, and enjoy great company in a welcoming atmosphere.
Register for this event.

Saturday, March 8
Tickets to the Washington pub crawl include a coolie cup and a participant shirt, which allows ticket holders to access  specials at the 15 area participating pubs, free shuttle service and scavenger hunt.
Find out more.

Saturday, March 8
Ladies, Littles, & Lattes + GRPC is a group that aims create a welcoming, safe, and clean environment for children to play alongside their caregiver and peers in the community. The Garden Gala fundraiser is set in a stunning garden backdrop and guests will enjoy dinner, entertainment, and four-hour open bar. Don’t miss this opportunity to mingle, engage in meaningful conversations about the organization, bid on exclusive items in the silent auction and learn how your support can make a difference.
Purchase tickets and find out more.

Photo via Garden Gala’s Facebook Event
Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County Feb. 17 – Feb. 23, 2025

Weather permitting, here’s what’s happening around Franklin County, Missouri this week.

Wednesday, Feb. 19
Explore your creative side and choose from making a St. Patrick’s themed Highlander cow or a Mardi Gras painting at a paint night held at Sip on Main in Union. Included in the ticket price is a pre-traced canvas, plus $5 off food/drink at Sip on Main for that evening.  *UPDATE* Due to snow, this event has been rescheduled to March, 5.
Find out more and register.

Thursday, Feb. 20
Learn how to make and use a sourdough starter, while also learning about sourdough’s amazing gut health benefits. 
Find out more and how to pay for the workshop.

Thursday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, Feb. 23
Escape the ordinary at the area’s newest brewery and winery, Fugitive Bluff Brewery and Winery, located in Berger. The opening weekend festivities will include food, beer, and wine. *UPDATE* Due to snow, Fugitive Bluff has postponed its opening and may open Saturday and Sunday. It is expected to announce its opening plans on Facebook on Friday, Feb. 21.
Find out more.

Photo via Fugitive Bluff Brewery and Winery’s Facebook

Friday, Feb. 21
Do you write poetry, can you deliver a joke with impeccable comedic timing? Are you a singer or musician? All are welcome to share their talent at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Open Mic Night. Or, maybe sitting back with a coffee or tea in hand taking in the music or spoken word of the guests is more your thing. Either way, stop by the coffee shop for an entertaining evening. 
Learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 22
The same great food and music you’ve come to love at the summertime CajunFest is being held this year indoors in February. The Cajun Night event will feature live music from from Dennis Stroughmatt with Creole Stomp.
Find out more.