Ugly Oyster
| Address: | 21 S 5th St, Reading, PA 19602, USA |
| Phone: | +1 610-373-6791 |
| Site: | theuglyoyster.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 11:30AM–2AM 12PM–2AM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 10
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Karen Doyle
Our Sons and Granddaughter moved here 2 months ago to Reading, PA, From Wisconsin. My husband and I came from Indiana on a Surprise visit to see our children, this is our first trip to beautiful Pennsylvania. We chose The Ugly Oyster Drafthaus for dinner and cocktails. Its located in the Downtown area of Reading, On Fridays the Ugly Oyster has free parking, just around the corner of building. It was pretty busy Irish Pub, We were greeted by a friendly Hostess.. We were told theres a small wait for a booth, so we sat at the bar and ordered cocktails. My husband served in the Military was stationed in Germany this was the Only place he had the opportunity to order a Ayinger German Beer since being in Germany, I had a very happy hubby. I had the White Zinfandel Wine, yummy. The Batenders were fantastic set of people. Was seated at booth bout 25 mins, waitress was friendly took our order, Had Fried Oysters with Cocktail/Tarter Sauce, & Shrimp Cocktail for Appetizers. Fish & Chips for Dinner. Wait time 15-20 mins. Large portion of Guineas battered Fish & Homemade Fries. All very delicious, only downfall we had was the fries are covered in Obe to much salt for our taste but they were happy to bring out fresh hot fries without the Obe. Ordered 3 Fish & Chips dinners to go for the Kiddos, was quick to go. We will definitely be back when we visit again. Thank you for the Nice evening with my Husband. Preslik/ODubhghaill (Doyle)
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Bruce Slusser
I had high hopes after reading the 50+ reviews. Upon arrival we were greeted by...well we werent we had to walk back to the hostess who was sitting at the bar eating on her phone. Rather than showing us to our table...pointed and said you can go sit over there. At this point we though ok..whatever thats fine. So we proceeded to order (our waitress was kind and courteous). Received oysters expecting "the ugly oyster"to have some pretty decent eats...wrong. I think someone with Parkinsons shucked these oysters because they were destroyed...huge chunks of shell in ALMOST every bite. Not to mention they were served with soup crackers.... who the hell serves oysters with crackers. To be fair, there were a few good ones. So next up was the fish and chips...easy right...wrong. Although the portion was nice the fries were completely swimming in pepper. To say the least a poor attempt at seasoned fries? Im not sure what the deal was but Ive never had fries like that. The fish was alright. Oh and to top it off my wife had hair in her dish. Unfortunately we wont be back, which is upsetting because I was hoping to find a good local spot to come enjoy.
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A Private User
Very cool atmosphere, beautiful building both inside and out. Service was so-so. Young guys who were very polite, just not very attentive, every time we needed a beer (there were only two of us) we had to stop them and ask (three times and I am still waiting for the cocktail sauce, three weeks late!) There was a woman behind the bar who spent most of our time there with a permanent frown on her face, there was no warmth or hospitality coming from her at all. The place is very small so no matter where you are you see the bar. The food was lack luster and certainly does not match the build up you anticipate from such a lovely place. I found virtually nothing irish on the menu, just the same old same as every other bar.
AD
Adam Roades
I have relatives who have lived in and around Reading for years. So I was surprised that wed never tried The Ugly Oyster before. Walking in the pub on the unassuming city corner, my wife and I were pleased by the authentic Irish pub atmosphere complete with Guinness decor. We ordered the pretzel/cheese/crab appetizer - tasty! - then settled in with a Guinness, the mussels (big portion!), and the fish & chips (crispy and delicious). Since it was a Monday afternoon, there wasnt a crowd, but I can only imagine the fun it would be to revisit on a Friday night. Well be back for sure!
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Steven Sr.
Stopped in a year ago while in town for a concert. We were very pleased with service, food, atmosphere. Was driving by yesterday and made it a point to go out of our way by 20 minutes to visit again. It was just as pleasant as we remembered. We would drive an hour to dine here again. We believe it worth the trip from Southern Lancaster County. Great place, great food, great service. The waitress was very personable and the owner came by our table several times to insure we were content. Very refreshing attitude, made us feel like local friends. Five stars from us.
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Keith Curtachio
An Irish Pub in Reading PA. I stopped in with a couple of friends on a business trip. They had a few beers on Nitro as all good Irish Pubs should. The beer was good. We ordered filet mignon and it was great. I was more impressed because the chef came out to make sure the temperature was right on them. We had just cut in and they were very rare. They refired the steaks and then they were perfect. It shows the care because we ordered rare and he was just making sure his rare was our rare. Made it a great night. I would go there again.
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Brendan McGhee
Stopped here in between shows at the Arena. Loved it! Great for working mans budget. When you travel an hour and a half to go to work its really nice to find a place with both excellent prices and excellent quality. Staff Is lively, fun and polite. Marvelous selection of drafts, ales and stouts, nice bottled inventory. One of the best burgers Ive had on the east coast and Ive had em in every big city! Lots of old bay on the fries. Also, very nice atmosphere and interior architecture. Very neat to look at. Will be back!
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John Reinhard
Big fan of steaks, and the strip with house (Montreal) seasoning was one of the best steaks Ive ever had... Ever. Similarly my wife is a big fan of fish and chips, and as an English style pub theirs doesnt disappoint (she got the original). Shrimp bisque was good although its spicy. Sat at bar (make reservations- duly noted for next time), and bartender was excellent, both in service and making you feel welcomed. Definitely will go back again, not only because of all the above, but more because of all the things I didnt try!
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Pamela Winter
Super dinner, authentic atmosphere, reasonable prices! What more could you ask for? I had the fried oyster sandwich and the oysters were incredible! No dry stringy lumps of bread crumbs but honest to goodness Chesapeake Bay fat and juicy puppies! I hadnt had those since we stayed in Chincoteague! And these were TDF (to die for) the same - - simply AWESOME! Hubby had chicken fingers and said they were perfection. Waitstaff was quirky and friendly. It made for a great experience.
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Anna Shoemaker
The food was good! Beer was good. The lady that surved us was very very rude not professional at all. We went two days in a row the first night just me and my husband and she was naming beers to another customer and she forgot one so my husband told the customer the other beer since he was drinking it and she like freaked on him. Saying dont tell me how to do my job. The second night we went with friends and she was very rude to my friends boyfriend.
