When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Plug Uglies
Why Plug Uglies is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Plug Uglies is a beloved neighborhood bar with deep roots in New York City's Gramercy area since 1997. Known for its inviting atmosphere and friendly staff, it is an ideal place to meet up with friends for good times and great drinks. The bar offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, featuring 125-year-old pine seating and a large bar top that adds character to the setting. With extensive sports coverage on 15 televisions and New York City's longest free shuffleboard table, it creates an engaging environment for sports fans and groups looking for interactive fun. The Gramercy location is notable for comfort foods like roast beef sandwiches while the newer Upper East Side spot, opened in 2022 in the former Bar Coastal space, offers an expanded kitchen and a tweaked menu, including diverse cocktails and a developing food menu to enhance the dining experience. The Upper East Side venue also shows Bay Area sports games, catering to longtime fans. Both locations provide multiple screens for watching games and a welcoming vibe that encourages socializing, making Plug Uglies a prime destination for friends seeking both lively entertainment and a cozy neighborhood gathering spot.
Here's what people think of Plug Uglies
As of recent, Plug Uglies holds a 4.3-star rating based on 259 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Plug Uglies for its welcoming, friendly staff and the excellent atmosphere that makes it a comfortable place to hang out with friends. Positive reviews highlight the spacious and attractive new location at 295 3rd Avenue with its unique historic pine fittings and the longest free shuffleboard table in New York City, which adds a distinctive entertainment element. Customers enjoy the diverse drink offerings, including a well-curated cocktail list that has evolved with the bar's expansion. Sports fans appreciate the numerous screens and the ability to watch a wide variety of games, including Bay Area teams at the Upper East Side location, creating a spirited environment for communal viewing. Additionally, the food menu is improving, especially at the Upper East Side, where enhanced kitchen facilities allow for a broader selection beyond traditional comfort foods, which patrons have enjoyed at the Gramercy site. Negative feedback is relatively limited but includes remarks about ongoing menu development and some transitional growing pains as the bar updates its offerings and moves locations. Some patrons note that while the bar's expansion improves space, it may change the intimate feel of the original spot. The overall sentiment remains strongly positive with a 4.3-star average rating from 259 reviews, indicating that despite minor critiques, Plug Uglies is widely regarded as a top-tier local sports bar and gathering place. The balance of good food, drink, friendly service, and lively entertainment have made it a favorite destination for over two decades.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
carl tabor
New location. Up the block and across the street from the old spot. The new spot. Is similar. A little nicer. Higher ceilings. Shuffleboard made. Bigger booths. Still no kitchen though. I heard it’s coming. I hope so. Annoying to order food while thinking up a clever trivia team name.
A G
Jah set me up quick and was always attentive to me making sure my drink stayed full. Great service
Marioska Solarte Colmenares
The bar and the Space is really cool, unfortunately the bartender that was in charge really sucks. I think his name is Mike, he was the worst host ever and you couldn’t even ask for a cocktail because he got mad. I asked him to come closer because I wanted to ask for a bunch of shots for my friend’s birthday and he just looked at me and left. All the people that we were there worked in the industry and this guy was the WORST. I’m never coming back. I gave a star because I don’t have the option of not giving any.
Mike Bishop
Went here for the Superbowl. Great Niners bar. Everyone was friendly. Staff was great. You can bring in food from outside which was a great alternative than having to offer something. Plenty of TVs, beers
David Ryan
They have a shuffle board and fireplace, but don’t serve food.
How to reach Plug Uglies
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Why Plug Uglies may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
Plug Uglies is an ideal destination for gathering with friends because it combines a vibrant social atmosphere, excellent food, and sports-focused entertainment in a comfortable setting that welcomes groups of all sizes. With a strong 4.3-star rating from over 250 reviews, it clearly resonates with patrons looking for a reliable, fun spot to unwind and enjoy quality time together. The bar’s long-standing history in the Gramercy neighborhood and recent move to a larger, more inviting space at 295 3rd Avenue show its commitment to maintaining a welcoming community hub. Its ambiance balances an old-world charm with modern touches, creating a cozy yet lively environment where conversations flow and memories form easily. Whether you and your friends are sports fans eager to watch a game on one of the many screens, food lovers hoping to savor some of New York City's best buffalo wings and crispy chicken tenders, or just looking for a spot with friendly staff and a chill vibe to catch up after a long day, Plug Uglies caters to all these desires seamlessly. Plus, with happy hour deals, a broad beer selection, and the option to bring in outside food in some locations, it’s uniquely flexible for groups wanting to customize their outing.
What activities can groups enjoy at Plug Uglies?
At Plug Uglies, friends have multiple ways to engage and enjoy their time beyond just having a drink. Sports watching is central to the experience—there is an impressive number of TVs around the spacious venue so groups can cheer on their favorite teams without missing any action. The bar has a reputation for showing a variety of sports, especially basketball and football, making it a go-to destination for game day meetups. Beyond television entertainment, the space features shuffleboard tables, which offer a fun, interactive activity perfect for a group looking to add friendly competition to their night out. This blend of casual gaming and sports viewing creates an energetic yet laid-back setting. The bartenders and staff are known for their friendly and attentive service, which helps larger groups feel well taken care of regardless of party size. Whether you’re visiting during a happy hour to take advantage of drink specials or arriving later for the full menu, the combination of good vibes, social games, and multiple viewing options keeps everyone engaged and entertained throughout the visit.
Why is Plug Uglies perfect for a group meetup?
The versatility and size of Plug Uglies make it an exemplary venue for hosting group meetups, be they casual catch-ups, celebrations, or sports events. Its layout accommodates both smaller clusters of friends and larger gatherings, with enough space to avoid feeling cramped. This generous room size ensures groups can hold conversations without having to shout over noise, a common issue in many city bars. Furthermore, the staff have a well-earned reputation for professionalism and friendliness, which enhances the ease of organizing a group outing there. When it comes to food, the menu highlights stand-out items like the city’s best buffalo wings—hot, crispy, and coated in a tangier-than-usual buffalo sauce—paired with classic vegetables and dips. These wings are popular not only for their taste but also for being a shared, easy-to-eat option that fosters communal dining and conversation. Also, the bar’s location in the Gramercy area, known for its welcoming neighborhood feel, adds to the comfort and appeal for groups seeking a safe, accessible spot in the city. For those wanting to mix things up, bringing in food from nearby eateries is an option at some Plug Uglies sites, adding flexibility to group dining choices.
What makes the food and drink offerings at Plug Uglies stand out?
The culinary offerings at Plug Uglies are a draw in themselves, making it more than just a bar but a destination for satisfying meals with friends. Their buffalo wings have earned particular acclaim as some of the best in New York City, delivering a perfect balance of heat, crispiness, and an acidic flair that refreshes the palate. The chicken tenders are another highlight, praised for their phenomenal quality and freshly fried texture that not only matches but often exceeds expectations for bar food. Beyond wings and tenders, the bar offers a good variety of beers on tap and in bottles, allowing each guest to find a brew that suits their preference, from domestic staples during happy hour to more interesting craft selections for later in the evening. While the original location did not serve food, many patrons appreciate the ability to order in from nearby pizza places, ensuring the group can enjoy a complete meal with minimal hassle. The drink menu’s combination of beer variety, reasonable pricing during happy hour, and the availability of pitchers makes it competitive and budget-friendly for group outings.
How does Plug Uglies’ atmosphere contribute to the experience?
Plug Uglies’ atmosphere is a crucial element that keeps groups coming back, characterized by a “makeshift clubhouse” vibe that feels inviting and authentically casual. The décor blends a historic nod—referencing the 1800s New York gang after which the bar is named—with modern and comfortable furnishings, including exposed brick walls and thoughtfully arranged seating that invites lingering. This creates a sense of belonging whether you’re there to watch a nail-biting game or simply catch up over drinks. The crowd is known to be lively and slightly rowdier at times, perfect for groups looking for a dynamic night out without the overwhelming loudness sometimes found in bigger sports bars. Yet, the bar doesn’t crank up the volume excessively, making it easier for groups with mixed sports interest to enjoy themselves without being drowned out by cheering crowds. This well-balanced atmosphere facilitated by personable bartenders and owners invested in the bar's history and community ensures that everyone in the group feels welcome and connected to the place.
Why is the location and history of Plug Uglies important for visitors?
Plug Uglies’ location in the Gramercy/Upper East Side area of New York City situates it within a friendly, accessible neighborhood that enhances its appeal for local and visiting groups. Having been a neighborhood staple since 1997, the bar carries a rich personal and communal history that adds sentimental value to the visit. Recently, it moved just a couple of blocks from its original spot, expanding into a larger space designed to better serve its loyal customers while preserving its old-world charm. The owners and staff have deep roots in the community, with the place being a site of many personal milestones, which increases its authenticity and sense of tradition. This history complements the modern bar experience, giving visitors a unique blend of classic New York City bar culture with contemporary comfort and entertainment. Additionally, its proximity to public transportation and a variety of local dining options makes it an easy meeting point for groups, further encouraging repeat visits and making it a dependable choice for celebrations or casual meetups.
What should groups know before visiting Plug Uglies?
When planning a visit to Plug Uglies, groups should be aware that while the bar offers a vibrant atmosphere and great food, it does not serve full kitchen meals at every location; some spots, particularly the Gramercy location, encourage bringing in food from nearby restaurants. However, this flexibility allows groups to customize their dining experience, combining Plug Uglies’ acclaimed wings and tenders with other favorites. Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially during major sports events or weekends, to secure seating and ensure a smooth meetup. Happy hour deals typically run until early evening, making it a smart choice for pre-dinner drinks and appetizers. The bartenders’ welcoming nature and the professional management improve the overall coordination of group visits, from accommodating special requests to handling split bills efficiently. Lastly, guests might find the noise level varies depending on the crowd and event but generally remains comfortable for socializing without requiring shouting.
In summary, Plug Uglies stands out as an excellent group meetup spot in New York City due to its combination of community-rich atmosphere, renowned food and drink offerings, diverse entertainment options including shuffleboard and multiple TVs, and its spacious and thoughtfully designed setting. Whether rallying for a big game, celebrating with friends, or simply enjoying a night out, it offers something for everyone seeking both excitement and comfort in a single neighborhood bar.