Gramercy’s best kept secret has come to the Upper East Side. The popular bar Plug Uglies, which has served that neighborhood for 25 years, has now opened a second outpost right here in ours — taking over the space formerly home to the beloved UES hangout Bar Coastal, which closed last spring.
The vibe has drastically changed inside the storied space located at 1495 First Avenue, at the corner of East 78th Street, and that’s a good thing. Plug Uglies is a ‘drinking establishment’ all its own.
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The inside is refreshed with a refined upscale decor that include old time photos, with an added warmth from the wood finishings and lots of exposed brick.
Gone are the surfboards that used to hang from the ceiling of the previous California-themed watering hole — now replaced with an impressive display of wood panels arranged in a herringbone-like pattern. The design is an homage to the original Plug Uglies location downtown.
Subway tiles accent the bar, which is also lit — making storing a jacket or bag on hooks hanging beneath a little easier— while an antique bronze cash register rests on a counter against the wall.
There are also plenty of TVs stationed throughout Plug Uglies — so sports fans can stay plugged-in to the live action — as well as a free shuffleboard table in the back left corner of the space.
Twelve beers are available on tap including Bud Light, Stella Artois, Allagash, Victory Prima Pils and Wolf Pup Session IPA. Right now, cocktail list is still being finalized and the kitchen is still about a month away from firing up.
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Once it does, Upper East Site learned the menu will feature elevated bar fare, including Oklahoma-style onion smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches and wings, as well as finger foods like bacon-wrapped dates, deviled eggs and blistered shishito peppers. Brunch plans are also in the works.
While Plug Uglies is new to the Upper East Side, the team behind the new bar is not — they also own and operate Craft + Carry located at 1630 Second Avenue, between East 84th and 85th Street.
During its soft launch, Plug Uglies will be open from 2:00 pm until 3:00 am every day — so be sure to stop in and welcome the new establishment to the neighborhood.
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