Ok, what do you think an ugly oyster exactly refers to? Hmmm. Let me know when you have figured it out. It is neither a reference to the food nor a compliment to women. Or so I am told. Here is another tragic story related to Reading's past, for those interested in weird history. There was a terrible event of domestic violence here that I never fail to think about when I go in -- in 1987, an off-duty police officer shot his ex to death, downstairs where she ran to call for help. He also killed an elderly patron and shot a cook. He died on death row a few years later. Domestic violence statistics in this country are still shocking and include all social strata of people. The place received a Guinness revamp in the 90s with supposedly-authentic stuff shipped in from Ireland and became a lot nicer. I especially love the tin wall coverings. The pub food is decent. I used to get Reubens there sans the meat, and they never gave me a hassle. You can snag one of the two cozy window seats and have a street view to the eccentricities of Reading. As a real Irish pub would have, there are plenty of booths. It can get a bit rowdy on weekends, so we stick to weekdays or afternoons when we want a really good UK beer. The Irish Whisky selection is the best I have seen. The lighter one I kind of liked is the name of the murderous cop, Powers. Ugh. Bar staff used to doodle a cloverleaf into the foam head on your beer, cute. You will never see a more packed place on St. Patrick's Day. Last I knew, the bathrooms left a lot to be desired. Making up for this is a large free parking lot, well, free at night. In the winter particularly, this place seems to beg you to come in and get warm. read more

We were passing through Reading this weekend and decided to stop by to try their Guinness, which is tapped to specification. To our delight, we ended up enjoying an unforgettable lunch. We started with the scotch egg and the crab dip--both were fantastic, but the crab dip was absolutely exceptional. My friend had the crab cake sandwich and raved about it, while I opted for the Portobello mushroom with crab sandwich. It was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had--packed with flavor and beautifully prepared. The fries were crispy and delicious, and I added a bit of malt vinegar for an extra tangy kick. The service was outstanding, and the ambiance was just as impressive. The restaurant is filled with charming details, like the old lights and stained glass, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. We enjoyed our visit so much that we ended up buying t-shirts to remember the experience. If you're not local, this place is absolutely worth the drive. Highly recommend! read more

Had lunch today with my friend. I Love Irish pubs since I went to Dublin. The greeting was welcoming and genuine. Bartender was friend curious and kjnd. She was very attentive !!! I had the shrimp bisque which I would call a chowder cause it was chunky and full off awesome goodness. It was so good I ordered another cup. My friend had the hot steam shrimp in old bay seasoning. Loved them cause they didn't skimp on the old bay. I had the crab cake sandwich which was yummy and just like I was in Maryland. Had the fresh cut fries. They were just the only disappointment of the entire lunch. The staff at lunch are the best of the best! They are nice, kind, attentive and just all around down to earth people. Great job to the staff!! I would recommend the Ugly Oyster to everyone. Gonna come back soon. Thanks again to a job super well done !!! read more

Had a terrible experience here during the evening of a concert. The staff ignored us and then when we asked the lumberjack bartender if we could .... order food from him he tried to talk us out of ordering food stating that.."who orders soup and salad in the summer." The server totally ignored us and we watched her ignore other people as well. We totally got that they were busy but really, can't you just handle it with a smile on your face? Every person in there had sympathy for them they were just too busy being rude to realize that they needed to chill out and ride thru the storm. I don't get why bitchy people go into the service industry..don't you work for tips?... read more

Ugly Oysters, Great Pub On a recent visit to Reading,PA and the most wonderful Fire Company Museum we had lunch at this not ugly at all Ugly Oyster Pub. As a long time lover of Fried Oysters I can report those served today were among the best I have had in years, fresh, lightly breaded and quickly fried to perfection and large, very large. A fellow luncher had the mussels with were lovely yellow-orange very big PEI mussles. The menu offers great options for non seafood lovers too. Prices and quality easily trumped (general reference not the POUS) my most recent lunches in the Philadelphia area. I will make it a regular stop for oysters and mussles when in the area. read more

Ugly Oysters, Great Pub On a recent visit to Reading,PA and the most wonderful Fire Company Museum we had lunch at this not ugly at all Ugly Oyster Pub. As a long time lover of Fried Oysters I can report those served today were among the best I have had in years, fresh, lightly breaded and quickly fried to perfection and large, very large. A fellow luncher had the mussels with were lovely yellow-orange very big PEI mussles. The menu offers great options for non seafood lovers too. Prices and quality easily trumped (general reference not the POUS) my most recent lunches in the Philadelphia area. I will make it a regular stop for oysters and mussles when in the area. read more

The angry oyster lives up to its name. Bartenders first word out of mouth was the kitchens closed 20 minutes later a locals meal came out. Bartender sarcastically tried to pick a fight with one of my friends cause she asked if they had locally brewed beer, called her a trump supporter( she actually is). Then wen t on a rant about all the liberals at the Paula pound stone show( we were there). Looked for a bathroom and the other patrons refused to tell me where it was. So if your a natzi and hate fags and want a taste of Berlin in the 30's this bar is for you! read more

I dine at this place a couple times a month mainly because you get the hometown treatment. The staff has alway's been friendly and the food is good. Probably the best filet in town, and really great wings. I also enjoy their burgers with the horseradish cheddar. On oyster nite...the owner just might shuck & chuck an oyster at ya on the house. Or maybe that's just because my bar tab usually looks like a phone number. read more

Nice Find! This is truly a great place to eat , we had raw oysters are incredibly fresh then We ordered the crab dip and Ordered cold shrimp which were the jumbo, nice and crisp, and butterflied - excellent Then I ordered the Scallops which were also very good, perfectly cooked over a wild rice.All in all, we'll certainly return again! read more

Nothing else to say but...Great Bar!!!. Friendly bartenders, excellent food, the environment is very comfortable. The decor is filled with strange and exotic things to strike up a convo. The crowd is usually professionals after work, so the vibe is real calm and collected. Recommend you stop in and see Kerry...One of the best!!! read more

We were there on this past Thursday night. It was AMAZING! Gracie our server was unbelievably wonderful! The food!!! Oh the food!! It was brilliant! This was our favorite part of the trip! We left the next day to go back to Boston, me with a new favorite hoodie and my friend with a great new t-shirt. This Irish Pub is top notch!! read more

Excellent meal. Just got into town for a work trip. Found this place close to the hotel. After a long day on the road, the oysters and beer were awesome. I recommend the number 7 from the draft list. Don't be on the fence go here and enjoy your meal with friends and family read more

Nice find, close to arena Went there for a pre-concert dinner but did not have reservations as place is not very big and was booked the week before. We had to sit at the bar which was fine. Had a very good philly cheesteak and hand cut fries. Many beers on tap too read more

Great pub atmosphere Best grilled chicken sandwich, the marinade is perfectly flavored and keeps the chicken very moist and tasty Expertly drawn draft of Guinness Great service and an invested owner who supervises the entire operation Go there today! read more

Good food, fun place!! Food is very good with a friendly staff, just make sure you make reservations well in advance if your going to concert or sporting event at Santander as the place is very small and without them you won't get a table. read more

We went for the dinner. The pub food is quite good and the selection of beer is just fine. It can get a bit crowded during event times but it's worth a small wait. Tried the smoked cheese platter to start. Service is very good. read more

Great place for food and drinks. Bartenders are super friendly and accommodating unlike a lot of places that act annoyed they have customers. Food was always good and hot and never had a problem even late night menus. read more

Ugly Oyster is a great lunch spot in downtown Reading. It is consistently good food and very neat place. It can get a bit crowded during event times but it's worth a small wait. Service is very good read more

Horrible seafood. Bugs while you eat in the dining room. The smell of trash from the side entrance. Mussels still have sand and barnacles on them. Don't read more