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Category: American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: PennsportDon't Just Wish Someone A Good Holiday, Give Them One With Chili's.
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This is rapidly becoming my go-to place in Pennsport. Not that there's much competition, but still - this place has everything I need in a neighborhood bar:
Decent beer selection
Good food (had a kick-ass roasted red pepper soup tonight)
Attentive staff (they remember they've seen me before)
Pool table
Darts
Ping pong (ping pong table fits over the pool table, so sometimes you get it, sometimes you don't)
Neighbors
Apparently there is quizzo on Thursday nights. I'll be checking that out.
They really won me over last month when they allowed me to bring in a cookie cake for a birthday gathering.
After my third visit to this fine establishment, I feel it's time to let you all know my deep and endearing thoughts. Hold on to your hats, folks.
But seriously, UA is good. Do yourself a favor and indulge in the nachos. We got them sans any add-ins (chicken or beans? I forget the extras) and it was delish on it's own. Freshly fried tortilla chips were heaven, and there was something in the salsa that was sweet- and quite refreshing. (I asked our server what was in it, and his response was "I watch them make it in the back and they put a whole buncha' stuff on it!")
The rest of our dinner was good, but forgettable. I had the chicken sandwich and greens, which had a hair in the salad. He had the fish tacos, and they were cold.
All in all, it was a good meal with a great beer selection. I am a sucker for anything pumpkin, and the pumpkin beer was excellent (they had two pumpkin beers at the time of our visit, but I do not remember specifically which it was) and very attentive service.
Lastly, if you plan on eating here, and ultimately, I suggest you do, make sure you bring a sweater/gloves/scarf. I am always freezing in this place.
I had a good experience here. The food was very good and the service was good. Albeit a bit slow, but still the server was engaging and cheerful.
A good place to drink and get some great comfort food. The place is small, but cheerful.
Try the chili, chicken sandwich, biscuits with gravy. Our salad had too much dressing on it, but otherwise I would have to say "GO."
As the establishment closest to my home - I am a bit biased, in that I've dined at UA well over a dozen times in the past year. I thought I'd share a review of where they are today.
After some internal struggle and tweaking - Ugly American have finally settled on a simple yet creative menu; seasoned with just a few specials here and there. I've not been disappointed yet - I especially love their nachos - completely unique with a sweet and spicy mix that is to die for!
I am a fan of their Garbage Plate - but have enjoyed other entrees as well. Don't go by their online menu at their website - as it doesn't seem to be updated with what is ACTUALLY available.
The bar has a very casual vibe - good selection - and quite queer friendly; which is a nice oasis for an ever-growing queer population in the Pennsport section of the city. Additionally the music selection ROCKS! I'm always pleased with what I hear....
Also - they finally brought back weekend brunches - BOTH Saturday and Sunday afternoons!
Phillies game night at the Ugly American was probably not the best representation, so we will go back another night to see what the crowd is like. On Phillies game night, however, the crowd was mostly at the bar, and pretty bland. Overgrown frat guys and their girlfriends, but to their credit, they weren't overtly annoying and yelled only when truly game-appropriate.
The beer selection is decent for a bar that I didn't expect to have much of a beer selection. The late-night menu was obviously small, but we enjoyed our roast beef ($9) and cheeseburger ($10), respectively. My only negative comment about the sandwiches is that the buns sucked. They were dry, too large, and too hard. I had au jus for my roast beef, and even that couldn't rescue the bun. I ended up leaving half of it on my plate. The french fries were good, though if you like them extra-crispy, I would recommend asking for that. I personally enjoy the odd soft french fry, and they were salted just the right amount.
We sat semi-upstairs on what I assume is a converted porch. The table was decoupaged with Phillies past and present (not really our taste, if you can't tell) and the art on the wall was interesting enough to warrant looking at it for a few minutes, but not riveting or particularly original either.
The service was good, but not fantastic. When we walked in, there is no obvious hostess station, so we kind of wandered around until someone who worked there found us and asked if we wanted a table. I'm not a big proponent of uniforms in general, but it was really hard to tell who was an employee and who was a game fan.
We will probably return with semi-frequency if only because we can walk there. Plus, our bill was $24 for two people, and that ain't bad.
Went for Quizzo on a Thursday. Pretty small place but nice atmosphere. Had the Phils game on one big flat panel screen to the left of the bar. That made drafts $1 off. Small (6?) but good draft selection. They had Lager, Philly Walt Wit, Sly Fox's O'Reilly stout, Southampton Triple Abbey ale (good) and a Pale Ale supposedly made for the Ugly American by Stoudt's, etc. The food was good. I got hot wings: excellent sauce. My girlfriend and I also shared a hummus plate which came with fresh spinach, roasted red peppers and a great feta. Very good. The bartender Danny was very friendly and attentive. We'll be back!
I happen to live in Pennsport, and this place has been slipping my mind recently. I don't know why, it just has. I had been here a handful of times, and recently returned. Good beer selection, late night happy hour, and a pool table and darts. They didn't even get mad when one memeber of our party literally threw every dart into the chalk board backboard (by accident of course!). Pleasant enough atmosphere, and the food is pretty good as well. Burger and wing specials on Wednesday nights. I am going to try and frequent this spot more often!
Went back a couple times recently; hadn't been since it opened. While the food is good and the service friendly and efficient, I was disappointed that they'd scaled the menu WAY back and that wasn't reflected on the menu shown online.
It's a great place for a burger (excellent) and some drinks, but not really for a restaurant experience (which it kind of had been when it first opened).
Parking under I-95 is great. Just need to run across Front St.
After reading glowing reviews of The Ugly American, I was pretty excited to check this place out. It's ok. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars but Yelp doesn't play that game.
Strange to admit this but I wish the place were...well, uglier. It's cute and cozy. I was hoping for something more gritty (not divey), just a bit more worn than the white tablecloths, candles, and arched windows.
But I digress.
The food was good, nothing spectacular. My boyfriend and I split the duck nachos, which were tasty but tiny in portion. He then ordered the garbage plate which was a strange mish mosh of burger patty, mac and cheese, and fries. He said it tasted just like it looked. I had the trout sandwich, which was enjoyable. I thought the cucumber was a nice touch. For dessert, we split the special of the day --- blueberry bucket. It was a bit too sweet for me but my boyfriend ate it right up.
I don't think I'll be back to Ugly American unless it's for a quick drink pre- or post-movie. I'm pretty bummed the chili popcorn never makes it to the table diners, so perhaps a visit to the bar is in order!
Love the name...hate, well.....
I went on the Ugly American website before going and decided that we would hit up their late night happy hour from 10-11 after seeing a movie at the Riverview (which is across the street).
We went on a Friday night, and were seated immediately at the dining area in the back, which overlooked the crowded bar area. Everyone looked like they were having so much fun down there at the bar, chomping on some kind of interesting looking popcorn. We were the only ones sitting in the upper deck. We asked our waitress (who was friendly AND funny) about the late night happy hour and unfortunately, only the front bar area gets to partake in that fun. The front bar is the only place where you can get that crazy looking popcorn too. Why were we seated here?!
Well, I guess because we looked hungry and unsettled from just seeing The Happening. Which we were. So, we took about 15 minutes staring at the menu, eating their complementary biscuits which I believe are exclusive to the dining area that we were sitting in.
We ordered the cheapest drinks they had (a $5 glass of wine and I believe a PBC Kenzinger?) because we were pissed we couldn't get the happy hour.
There was only 1 vegetarian option, and my veggie friend had a hard time deciding if that was what he wanted. So he didn't get anything. I felt bad for suggesting the place...
But not so much because the food that I ordered was actually delicious. I got a muffaletta that I split with my boyfriend which came with fries or a salad (we went for the fries) and it was fantastic! I'm glad we spilt it because it was gigantic. The asiago and olive salad complemented a slew of Italian meats fantastically, and the kaiser style roll was crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.
All in all, I loved the food and the service, but hated the dining area. I wanted to be where the party was at at the bar eating that crazy popcorn, drinking thrify, and eating a muffallletta. Next time, I'll do it that way.
P.S. Go in the bathroom and look at Texas. It's HUGE!
Tried this place for a drink initially and Jim the bartender is really cool, as most of the staff seem to be here.
Just got back to try out the food finally and had a great meal with some friends. We shared what we ordered and everything was great.
After reading some reviews here, (Yelp works!), we ordered the Fried Ravioli( Braised beef & ricotta filling, marinara,shaved cheese). It was a tiny bit salty but in the best way. We all loved it and were glad we shared two orders of it.
Most of what we ordered were specials, which were great. One exception was the Fish Tacos (Grilled mahi-mahi, soft corn tortillas,
honey poblano sauce, fresh lime and cilantro). These were really good and fresh.
Though we were all full by the end, we decided to share a dessert since they all looked tempting as hell. We decided on the Coconut custard pie with choc g'nache crust and it was super.
Dont know what our server's name is but she was perfect too.
Yeah, Im heading back there.
Good addition to the up and coming East South Philly area. I haven't eaten here yet, but everyone I know who has says it's really good. Especially the brunch selections.
Had a few Harpoon Raspberry UFOs the other night when I was in the mood for a girly beer. Basically a Dirty Hoe (wheat beer and framboise) premixed in a bottle, this was very tasty, light and not too sweet.
They also had Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA on draft, which was killer, and only five dollars, for a sort-of rare and high alcohol beer. Loved it with their bar snack, a very spicy popcorn with peanuts and caramelly toffee- careful, the heat builds and leaves you sucking down your beer!
All around very good vibes, bartenders were attentive and cool, can't wait to go for brunch!
Going to the Ugly American on a Monday night is my favorite thing to do with said evening. Phoebe, barmaid extraordinaire is trying to bring more cocktail type drinks to Ugly American and she's doing a fantastic job. The crowd is chill and TOP GEAR (!!!) is on the television. Getting tipsy while watching Jeremy Clarkson is pretty much my idea of nirvana.
Already a great vibe here despite opening recently.
It seems big until you walk around and realize there are only about 12-14 tables in total. This is what I call "philly casual" style... and not the Fishtown variation on that. The place is divided in two parts - one side bar and dining overlooking, the second is the quieter dining area separated by a wall running the length of the restaurant. A couple of pieces of Americana style decor to go with the theme. Casual but clean.
This place just opened about 30 yards from my front door. It used to be an Italian restaurant called La Vigna, I think.
Anyway, The Ugly American is classy and comfortable, with a generously-seated bar, a good beer and wine selection, and some mid-priced lunch and dinner selections that leave you happy with the money you have spent.
Candles, a massive HD TV, and loads of elbow room at its many tables make this place a solid destination whether your trying to catch the game or survive your first date.
The employees and the clientle are friendly and you should try the spicy caramel popcorn. That's right, spicy.
Maybe I'll see you there - I'll be in there constantly.
The food is generally quite good. I've had the veggie sandwich, the burger (without the bbq sauce and it was great!), wings, grilled steak salad, some other things I don't remember now. The beer selection is usually great, with excellent seasonal drafts. The wait staff is friendly and competent.
Atmosphere is great. Nice decor. Wine selection by the glass, sucks. The menu isn't the best. It doesnt match the space. Always a nice crowd at the bar. Food is so so. They really need to explore more wine options. and maybe rethink the menu options. I'll still hang out there for cocktails.
The service was great, and a great ambiance for a date (I wasn't on a date but that's ok). There wasn't very many vegetarian options, that's my only complaint, I was lead here on false pretenses that there was in fact many options but only like two.
This restaurant/bar is at the end of my block, and I've been there a few times - once for dinner and once for drinks. The food was delicious and reasonably priced for what you get, but still a little bit of a budget buster for me. The beer selection is great (Flying Fish 90 minute on tap!) and the bar menu is much cheaper and delicious as well. I love walking the dog on Sunday mornings, because the scent of brunchy goodness overpowers the typical I-95 exhaust fumes on Front Street. I should go more often . . .
For some reason, I thought they would have more vegetarian items on the menu. The service was good and the place was clean and had a nice atmosphere. I was expecting that for $10, my salad would be quite sizeable, however I found it to be on the small size.
whatever you do, don't get the nachos. $9 for a plate of half soggy, half burnt nachos. ew.
Went to "The Ugly American" tonight and this place is great. Food is better than you could expect. I recommend also the homemade ice cream.The decor is charming and you feel right away comfortable.It is simply elegant, and very clean. + service is pro. I will go back with friends as well as with family, because the place is made for both. The side part is quiet and almost private. The bar is nice and really inviting. For those who love sport, knock yourself with the screen. If you are driving there, don't worry about parking, there is a lot of space almost in the front of the restaurant.On a Tuesday night by 7.30pm the place was almost full. I guess "The Ugly American" is going to be soon " fully committed". Well Done.
I heard good things about this place but I have to disagree. The service was pretty slow and sloppy. The food was ok nothing special. The atmosphere was a little too yuppy or Artsy for my taste. If your into hippster places you may like the atmosphere but not me. Sorry wanted to like this place since it's in my area but I rather have La Famiglia back. By the way that's the former name
i have been to this restaurant a couple of times and i have mixed feelings about it. it is right around the corner from my house so i really want to like it, but i am not totally sure. the dinning room is cute and sort of romantic, but last night the stealers/ chargers game on an there were some rather excited people hooping and hollering, which was rather distracting. then they didn't have the beer on tap that i was looking for, but eh thats no big deal. we ordered some nachos to start, which were yummy with a totally delicious sauce. but when it came to dinner, their online menu and their actual menu were not the same, meaning the steak with truffles (the whole reason my roommate wanted to come) was not on the menu. so she went with the chill instead, yummy, but it was $15?!? i had the fish tacos which were not so bad, a little fish-y, but pretty good. for dessert we had the bread pudding and it was very very good.
so all and all this place has its very good parts, and its bad parts. its just a matter of what you get.
So I have been on a quest to try new places lately... mostly so I can review them on Yelp... but it has left me with an overall somewhat irritated feeling that I didn't try all these awesome places years ago. In this case, the restaurant has only been open for 10 months, so I don't feel THAT bad... but it's literally RIGHT around the corner... and it is AMAZING! My friend and I got there early and we had the beef ravioli appetizer while waiting for our other friends to get there. When it came out we both made a face at the fact that there were only two raviolis for $8, but the second the first bites were in our mouths we agreed that it was TOTALLY worth it. They were absolutely delicious. I could have just gotten two more orders of them and called it my meal. We were also brought fresh baked rolls and butter... equally tasty!! Once our friends got there we all ordered: Chicken caesar salad, steak and blue cheese salad, bbq bacon cheeseburger and roast beef on wick (we still don't know what that means but it looks like a roast beef sandwich) and everyone was totally satisfied. Not to mention the raddest music selection ever (Bad Religion, Dropkick Murphey's and random other post punk bands), which we were informed was the bartenders ipod. The dining room is open til ten, but the bar is open til one... and I believe I have found my new neighborhood hangout!
great service, great food. good place for breakfast.
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