About Union Encinitas
The Vibe
A stone’s throw from the stunning shores of Cardiff and many of California’s best surf spots, Union Kitchen & Tap – Encinitas is a neighborhood-friendly, community-oriented venue located in North County, San Diego. Stylish but not stuffy, this location offers an intimate yet open environment boasting three separate dining areas, a lively main bar and comfortable seating with reclaimed wood accents and modern furnishings. Union’s classic American menu made from fresh, local ingredients is perfectly paired with delicious craft cocktails, local brews, a popular beer list and vintage wines for an all-around experience aimed to satisfy every customer.
OUR CULTURE
We pride ourselves on a culture complete with endless innovation, spirited personalities, local love and a customer-centric attitude. Our staff know and appreciate the value of the local Encinitas community, and always seek to provide the best to every visitor.
THE FOOD
Inventive American cuisine categorizes the food choices at Union Kitchen & Tap, and our product-driven menus showcase the quality and purity of each component, allowing the flavors of each ingredient to shine and placing the passion and craftsmanship of our chefs on full display. Our seasonal menu reflects a repertoire of new and traditional cooking methods enhanced with the best and freshest ingredients, including those from our very own, lovingly-cultivated patio (VEG) garden.
The drinks
We take the same pride in our beverage selections as we do our dining menus, emphasizing interesting and artisanal winemakers and showcasing house-made cocktails and craft beers with distinguished appeal. Our creative mixologists serve up a myriad of classic and progressive cocktails balanced with a broad spectrum of specially selected spirits and liqueurs.
The drinks
We take the same pride in our beverage selections as we do our dining menus, emphasizing interesting and artisanal winemakers and showcasing house-made cocktails and craft beers with distinguished appeal. Our creative mixologists serve up a myriad of classic and progressive cocktails balanced with a broad spectrum of specially selected spirits and liqueurs.
OUR TEAM
Alan Schuman
GENERAL MANAGER
Alan Schuman began his hospitality career behind the bar at 21, where he discovered a passion for craft cocktails, restaurant operations, and creating memorable guest experiences. After working in restaurants throughout the Bay Area, he built his career from bartender and beverage professional into an accomplished restaurant operator and leader.
In 2011, Alan helped open Driggsy's Seafood Sports Bar & Grill in San Jose, developing and managing the restaurant's bar program. He later joined Naschmarkt Restaurant in 2013, where he created its craft cocktail program and contributed to the restaurant's recognition as one of the top dining destinations south of San Francisco, including Zagat recognition in 2015.
As his career progressed, Alan expanded his expertise into restaurant management, openings, and operations. From 2020 to 2026, he operated three restaurants with Hero Ranch Kitchen Group, helping drive growth through operational excellence, team development, and concept execution.
In 2026, Alan relocated to Southern California and joined OMG Hospitality as General Manager of Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas. He continues to focus on developing high-performing teams, elevating guest experiences, strengthening beverage programs, and driving restaurant success.
Whether behind the bar or leading an entire operation, Alan's approach is rooted in thoughtful hospitality, strong leadership, and creating restaurants that guests are excited to visit again and again.
Sven Rusch
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Originally from New York, Executive Chef Sven Rusch found his passion for food at an early age, inspired by his father, a pastry chef. He began working in bakeries as a kid before launching his culinary career in Hawaii, starting as a line cook in Lahaina, Maui, and working in kitchens across every island.
Sven moved to San Diego in 1991 and became a fixture in the local restaurant scene, spending 10 years at Rock Bottom Brewery in the Gaslamp Quarter and 12 years with Wonderland in Ocean Beach before joining Union Kitchen & Tap in Encinitas.
A longtime Encinitas resident of over 24 years, Sven is a devoted husband and father of three. His wife is a registered nurse at Scripps Hospital nearby. Outside the kitchen, he enjoys surfing, skiing, snowboarding, and golfing with his family - bringing the same passion and balance to his life that he brings to his food.
Our Brand
We pride ourselves on the consistency and quality offered at every location. Stop in and visit any of these OMG Hospitality Group restaurants today!
