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American Trash
Categories: Restaurants Nightlife Bars Nightlife Dance Clubs Restaurants, Bars, Dance Clubs [Edit]
1471 1st Ave(between 77th St & 76th St)
New York, NY 10021
Neighborhoods: Yorkville, Upper East Side
(212) 988-9008
- Nearest Transit:
-
77 St (4, 6, 6X)
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ages Allowed:
- 21+
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
51 reviews for American Trash
Review Highlights
-
"Relaxed atmosphere with juke box and a pool table." In 4 reviews -
"I had a lot of fun here one random night on the UES." In 13 reviews -
"Pool table, internet jukebox, and bands sometimes play..." In 6 reviews
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Maya F.
2/21/2012
Stopped by American Trash for the last beer of the night on a Saturday around 2AM; the place was refreshingly free of the usual weekend obnoxiousness. The bartender was wearing a t-shirt sporting the bar's logo along with this sound advice: "if everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough."
Cheap beer on tap, an Internet jukebox, pool, and free wi-fi (says one of the many tattered signs behind the bar). Do it.Listed in: juke can do it!
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Review from Melissa O.
Manhattan, NY
3/18/2012
Went in for a few drinks with some out of town friends. Just happened to find this place while we were wandering around town.
Nice enough bar. Got carded, which was odd since that's never happened to us before...
Nice environment and the drinks were great.
I'd go back when I'm in the area again. -
Review from Chelsea H.
Orlando, FL
4/28/2012
Best bar in Upper East Side!
Super friendly bar and amazing drink specials all the time, not just happy hour. You cant beat $10 pitchers and $3 shots.
Great non pretentious place that actually gives a crap about their customers.
I love it here! -
Review from Phil H.
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Seems like this place has been around forever. I remember coming here years ago when it was more of a biker rock and roll kind of bar. Even to this day it is almost the same, except the crowd is a little different. What is good is that you won't find the UES frats and preps singing along to Bon Jovi here. I like walking into a bar for a cheap PBR and hearing AC/DC or Bad Company.
Sometimes the crowd can be kind of sketchy here, and a mix of young and old. Can be confused with a dive bar but it really isn't. Pool table, internet jukebox, and bands sometimes play there on weekends too. Nothing too noteworthy on tap, but a decent bottled beer selection. They do have some bar food on the menu, but I have never eaten here. Also has a happy hour and shot specials.
Not a bad bar if in the area and looking for a mellow place to call it a night at. At least you can hear some decent tunes here if you prefer rock.Listed in: Yes, I have a drinking…, Beer and drinks on UES, DIVE-TASTIC!!!
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Review from Samantha B.
Manhattan, NY
8/25/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I walked by on a Tuesday and saw a lovely lady standing outside, with a guitar. I asked her if they were doing an open mic or something of the sort, and she said why yes they were! Every Tuesday night, said the girl I now know as Lauren.
I popped on by this past Tuesday and had a grand ol' time. I didn't realize there was an open mic happening right here in my neighborhood. Now that I know, I will surely be attending as much as possible.
Everyone was really welcoming. The acts were swell. It was what I think people would call a "singer-songwriter" open mic. The man who runs it, Dan, seems very kind. I'm a singer and he said he'd be happy to accompany me. How wonderful and giving is that? The vibe there was really nice in that way, and everyone is supportive. I'm not sure how many of open mics are, but I suspect they aren't all this way.
If you're a musician and you want to test out your songs, get feedback, or just do what you love and perform for live people, I would recommend this open mic.
Also, the bartender, Lanna (not sure if I spelled her name correctly) is very nice as well.
I will be back.Listed in: Music
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Review from Elliot N.
9/15/2011
COYOTE of the NORTH
Found a place that I could see myself going to regularly for happy hour and booz fests. This place is a total dive, which I like. No frat boys from Penn State, or kids dressed in pastels. Relaxed atmosphere with juke box and a pool table. Will head back soon.
No coyotes here though. For the true coyote experience, head to EV. See you there. -
Review from David C.
There is no irony in the name of this place. The only thing truly ironic is that they have coasters at the bar, like that is going to do anything? But seriously, once you get past the bad bar smell, you can focus on how dirty the place is.
I learned about a good beer called Shock Top. With a slice of orange, it was a nice treat. They do sell food, but I'm not that ballsy. There are plenty of HD TVs so you can catch the game. There was also an interesting mixed crowd of borderline homeless and upper east siders.Listed in: Best BEERs
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Review from Jim B.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2011
There are some odd people in this joint. Someone told me it closed down, which would not surprise me, although it would be a shame. Seems like someone took a bar located in South Georgia and dumped it in the UES.
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Review from Angel H.
Queens, NY
5/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I remember this place from the '90s. Back then, it was a pretty cool. Made for a nice diversion from the L.E.S. bars back in the day.
So the other day on a late Friday afternoon, I dropped in here for the first time in years. I didn't necessarily wanted to drink per say; to be honest, I was looking for a place to recharge my cellphone.
After discovering one electrical outlet not being used, figured I might as well hang out, get myself something.
The bar pretty much looks more or less the same from back in the grungy '90s. The only difference is, or perhaps I finally realized this after all these years...the clientele consists more or less of after-work yuppies who want to get their rock n' roll groove on. The average age is probably 35-45.
At the end of the bar was a man, who brought his toddler into the place with him. While he was sipping his beer, the baby stroller was parked next to his stool.
It kinda looks like a dive, but its not really. Pretty big bar, with a pool table and internet jukebox in the back. The music is more or less mainstream Metal and 80s'/90s Hard Rock. On that Friday, someone put on vintage Ironmaiden.
There's a kitchen, and bands play there on the weekends. Can't really say anything else besides what I saw. Never had the bar munchies nor seen a band perform in the place.
What this establishment has on tap is okay. Having Doghead beer on tap went in their favor.
Another thing that American Trash has to their advantage is that it's not your typical U.E.S. bar. So if you're sorta in the mood for a rocker place, but you don't want to hit below Union Square, this might be the place. -
Review from victoria c.
New York, NY
2/9/2011
It's a damn shame that American Trash is closing. It was close to work, cheap, and they let you bring in your dog! There's nothing I like more than getting a bucket o' beers and rolling around with puppies.
You will be missed.Listed in: watering holes
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Review from Michael F.
New York, NY
3/26/2009
The door to the bar opens, and there it is, wafting right in your face: the smell of stale beer.
The good thing about this bar is that it's an oasis in the middle of the sterile upper east side. It looks like it should be somewhere downtown. Genuine dive bars with decent prices are a rare commodity in this nabe. On a weekday night (at least the Wednesday night when my friends and I were there), it's fairly civilized, and the smell abates once you spend more than 10 seconds inside.
It's pretty spacious and has a decent pool table, and I'm betting that it gets packed on a weekend night, which begs the question: Is it double jeopardy to go out to a UES bar on a night when it is also likely overrun with bridge and tunnel douchenozzlery? Methinks yes. I'll stick to coming here when I visit my friend who lives nearby. -
Review from Meagen B.
New York, NY
2/11/2012
I started going to this bar last week. They had an open mic night that was surprisingly good. my friends and I ordered some bar food. The chicken quesadilla and Mac n cheese puffs were yummy. The bartenders are really friendly too. One of my new favorite dive bars . Oh yeah they have a pool table and phone charging station too .
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Review from Jay G.
New York, NY
I have a soft spot in my heart for a few things on this beautiful planet; kittens, puppies, drunk girls struggling against the effects of gravity and dive bars with cheap beer. This place isn't so much a dive bar but it does offer cheap beer and a good variety too. Its a good place to get a few pitchers of beer and something simple to eat, not the Oak Room, but a good place.
For those keeping score at home, American Trash was the bar that Jeffery Skilling freaked out at in April 2004, yea- the Enron CEO. He thought he was being 'followed by FBI agents' and he proceeded to rip open a few guys' shirts off. Some one should have told him to take his business down into Chelsea...its kinda expected down there. -
Review from Phil G.
Manhattan, NY
2/10/2012
This is the best dive bar on the Upper East Side. The barmaid is awesome, the beer is cheap, and there's a complete dearth of fratty douchebags. There's always a great collection of characters who come from all walks of life. Music is good. A++
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Review from Liz K.
New York, NY
2/25/2008
Two Good Words: Dude City
Two Bad Words: Creeptastically Doggish
So the good news is, if you are a dude who wants a hand job, this place is for you, because when I went there, there were fifty year old hookers texting potentials. The name of this bar says it all, on the wall I saw an advert for a guest bartender from the howard stern show. Drinks are strong, and they have a juke box where you can play music. I was going to give it two stars, but I ended up giving three because it's just not my style, and despite how creepy it felt being there, I actually had a lot of fun. If I was by myself, though, it would not have been a fun night. -
Review from george d.
Manhattan, NY
10/16/2011
so $30 was my total bill last night, 4 beers, and a burger..nice
i didnt quite "feel it" when i 1st walked in but after an hour or so the atmosphere started working for me.
great bar to grab some drinks and will def go back -
Review from Andrea D.
New York, NY
4/20/2008
I disagree with those who think this bar is a true dive. This is an UES bar trying to keep up with the real dive bars in the LES.
It wasn't a bad spot and I would probably go back with a group but I only gave it 3 stars because the crowd was a little strange. All guys and a lot of older guys trying to relive their younger days.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Sorren M.
1/23/2009
Staggering out of here many a time calling it another night I'm completely "American Trashed", it never fails to leave me with a sense of warmth and a happy feeling that if I didn't make friends that night (which I usually do) the bar staff were all so friendly and the regulars will always just... 'be there'.
Dark and dingy it may be, American trash has the best digital juke box with a wide selection of albums, a rather large variety of drinks, a pool table and some booth style seating for the more intimate.
The decoration is very typically what you'd expect from an American bar, just not on the Upper East side of manhattan surrounded by the wealthy Italians. However not to say it's a bad thing at all it brings the bar great character and brings a feel of relief to you after a days work or in my case a day in the sun in central park, with the most relaxed atmoshphere and the decor which takes you to a far away place perhaps to some, high school back in so-cal, it really is a great place for beginners to the drinking scene, and perhaps for those who are not up for a eventful night out on the town.
Happy hour here is seriously a happy hour!
American trash?? Yay! I'm a fan!! -
Review from Payam Z.
4/28/2009
This bar looks severely out of place!
American Trash is the kind of bar one might expect to find off the highway en route to Detroit. Bikers and some shady lasses are found alongside some genuine everyday Joes, and it's the latter group which make this an easygoing drinking establishment with a tolerable vibe.
As you walk in, you will notice a wallpaper of outdated American memorabilia, hear the hard rock in the background and smell the smell that is American Trash!
You will also notice the Jagger on tap and overall cheap booze!!
Give it a try, for me it was just below OK. (2.5 stars) -
Review from David M.
Austin, TX
1/6/2009
During my first time in Manhattan last year, my roommate and I went to a couple to drink on the UES. After awhile, we were in dire need of an atmostphere that most resembled something on 6th ST here in Austin. Fortunately for us, we noticed this place right down the road and finished up the rest of night here.
The drinks were stout and fairly descent for the price. The bartenders were pretty friendly and entertaining. I also liked the fact that they had a notepad to set up a roster for everyone who wanted to play some pool. -
Review from Betty T.
New York, NY
7/2/2011
Goldschlager and hot sauce. Try it you'll like it. I promise. Trashy American Bar. I like it AND in my neighborhood. Score! Seeing another parent from my kid's school not so scorish, but it turned out ok.
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Review from Kristopher K.
New York, NY
6/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went in the afternoon. It was a cool place with games like scrabble and connect four. The sound track was interesting and it was pretty slow. Bartender was friendly. No good happy hour specials and I didn't try the food although I'm told its good.
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Review from Lauren B.
1/26/2010
I went here on a Saturday night to hear a friend's band play recently. I thought the bar was fine for the purpose it served, cheap drinks, room to stand and listen to the band, and not an over crowded bar. I was able to walk in, find a place to lean, get a beer easily at the bar and comfortably listen to the music.
The music wasn't too loud, either, as so many live bands in small spaces are. I would consider it a dive, but with clean bathrooms, which is always a plus!
All in all, I thought it was a good, mellow, unpretentious place on the UES. I would go back. -
Review from Sarah L.
Manhattan, NY
11/21/2011
I love this bar. its right in my 'hood and I can no doubt always get good service, great food, and affordable drinks. I also enjoy the crowd and never get sick of this place.
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Review from Brittany L.
New York, NY
5/26/2011
IT IS NOT CLOSED!!!!! i was in tonight. the bartender joe-super nice and lana is sweet! drinks were cheap and while i didn't eat- the food smelled AMAZING!
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Review from Suzanne G.
New York, NY
5/28/2008
I had a lot of fun here one random night on the UES. There definitely were almost all men in this place, no wonder we were hit on so much. There is a pool table and jukebox, and I think photo-hunt as well- lots to do for my friend who isn't a big drinker.
The bartenders were great and we ended up chatting with them the whole night. Really fun people, and the beers are cheap. This place really wasn't crowded at all, which creeped me out at first but it ended up being a great night anyway. -
Review from Kassy M.
12/29/2010 2 photos
American Trash is totally not my kind of scene but every time I've gone there, I've had a decent time. It is extremely divey and the average age is about 40. Some of the men there make me uncomfortable but it's kinda of nice to be in a bar that makes you feel like you're not in the UES.
Listed in: live music
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Review from Lacey S.
New York, NY
3/10/2010
Great dive bar on the Upper East Side.
I went with a group of friends on a Saturday night. They have a $10 open bar from 8-10pm on Saturdays including well drinks, a few draft beers, and house wine. $10 for an open bar? Yes, please.
The place was pretty empty and we were all able to grab stools at the bar and nearby bar table. The bartenders were very attentive and they continued to refill our glasses until 11pm, despite the fact that the open bar was over.
I will absolutely be making this part of my Saturday routine. -
Review from Amanda K.
Plano, TX
1/26/2009
I have been completely over-served here many a time. Love it!
It's a dark, dingy dive and completely packed on a Thursday night. Pitchers are $10, but cheaper if you flirt with Ian, the bartender. And the food is surprisingly good at 1am.
While I no longer live in NYC, I always stop by American Trash when I visit. -
Review from C M.
New York, NY
9/16/2010
such a fan. as divey of a dive bar as you can get in this neighborhood. also, points for an excellent name.
a) its cheap
b) it doesn't feel like you're on the upper east side.
c) $3 PBR
d) it reminds me of college, but not in the nasty fratty way that most of hte ues bars do.
e) friendly bartenders
except once i saw a pregnant woman pounding shots in here. that was kind of awkward. minus one star for serving to someone who was clearly in her third trimester. -
Review from Robert M.
New York, NY
2/24/2010
A very cool place.
friendly staff thats usually pretty hammered. you could wear a suit here or dress like a biker. hell, there may even be real bikers here.
good pool games, a good "punch" game. some arm wrestling happens. lots of peope doing shots and yeagermeister.
it isnt really a dive (its on the UES) but it does have cheap beers and a varied crowd. -
Review from rachel f.
Norman, OK
7/16/2007
Cheap beer, check. Frat boys in polo shirts, check. Middle aged business professionals letting it lose and trying to be twenty-five again, double check.
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Review from M. Deloris D.
Arlington, MA
9/2/2008
I'm going to give this place 5 stars because there is no false advertising here. WYSIWYG American Trash was, indeed, trashy. Imagine being released from prison (errrr science) camp. Then riding a bus from the Cape to South Station and hopping a bus to NYC straightaway, here you have a cross section of my life.
I was being punked by NYC. Between the Fung Wah seats and a McDonald's bathroom in Chinatown (why is this place ALWAYS SO FILTHY) I may have caught VD. While mulling that over, I hopped the train uptown to meet my friends when unfortunate of unfortunates, my sandal breaks...hmmm, VD from a seat, warty feet from walking barefoot on NYC streets...moving along, I go to grab two slices of pizza. I'm famished. I get the pizza on a recon mission and run back to American Trash...CRAP!! I forgot my $14 in change, two drinks later, I'm running back to the pizza place to get the change and luckily, they gave it back. In conclusion, it was a trashy day...I was trashy I am American, I was in the right place. If you want a dive bar that offers NOTHING MORE than it's name, American Trash is your spot. -
Review from Sharon K.
New York, NY
2/22/2010
This bar is the best on the UES. I always have so much fun. $3 PBRs = yay!!
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Review from J L.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/1/2011
Okay, so I was in the Big Apple the other day & so of course I had to knock back a few at American Trash which is one of my favorite bars in NY, if not the world. The jukebox is great, the bartenders & waitresses are attentive & easy on the eyes, wide variety of booze. The icing on the cake is that American Trash is open until 4:00am :) which gives me plenty of time to get sloshed and meet new friends. I honestly don't see why anyone would want to drink anywhere else in the Upper East Side.
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Review from Brianna S.
New York, NY
9/24/2007
Yah this place is a little trashy as the name implies, but the staff are very nice. There are plenty of games to play, its inexpensive and the best part is...they allow dogs in the bar.
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Review from Taryn L.
New York, NY
4/17/2010
Just finally went in here after living (and walking by this place) in the hood for six years! Never any interest in trying it. Boy am I glad I finally went. It's my new favorite dive bar. Who needs the east village when you have a filthy, musty, ridiculously fun spot one block away from your apt on the completely vanilla ues?! Who can argue with $4 vodka soda's? AMAZING!! Also, seriously good open-mic night, those musicians were super talented. Bartender tried to blow up my spot the other night when I was here on a date saying she'd seen me the night before (complete lie - like I said, had never wanted to go in here before) but I think she just thought my date was hot. Can't be mad at her for trying:)
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Review from Max B.
New York, NY
8/23/2008
Yes here you have it, the pinnacle of mediocrity. A gem so pristine that it may be described as "more tolerable than most bars on the Upper East Side." Some legends say that the "Nu-metal and Trance constantly blaring out of the jukebox is a thoroughly unfortunate misstep." Of this, the medium de la medium, I say loudly and with a vigor unbecoming of me "meh."
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Review from Rocky K.
San Bruno, CA
11/12/2007
I'm always here at least once when I'm in town. The booze is cheap and the bar is what it says it is. A trashy dive bar, and thats part of its charm.
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Review from Emily S.
New York, NY
9/13/2010
Love this bar sooo much!
