The first time I told my father that I had gone to this place called Ralph's and that they had great cheap beers and awesome shows he replied "You mean that place hasn't collapsed yet? When I used to go there you could feel the whole upstairs move when the place was really rocking". While I'm unsure if it's the actual building moving or just my consciousness shifting from the booze and tunes, it's hard to look at the place the same way again after the first time you've gone there and really experienced it. What at first looked like a strange social experiment of bizarre engineering, now seems as comfortable as if grabbing a beer from the fridge and sitting in my living room. The best part about Ralph's is that after going there for a while you realize that no-one cares. While you may continue to believe that you're so important with your facebook updates of how classy you are, the reality is that you're not. Just like a small moment of zen, Ralph's can be that small island of equal footing for all amongst a sea of fetched hungry little egos. There's not much better than a burger and a couple of cold Narragansetts either. RIP Ralph! read more

Great dive bar/rock club dive. When in full-swing (usually Thursday-Saturday nights), Ralph's offers 3 full bars. The spacious patio area is a great place to hang out. On Sunday nights they project movies drive-in-style on the wall outside. Live music most nights of the week, along with entertainment in the form of spoken-word/poetry on Mondays and Wednesdays that is not to be missed. Plenty of off-street parking. The menu is limited, but a cup of chili or one of Ralph's famous cheeseburgers is sure to hit the spot. Cash only, but there's an ATM on site. read more

Been here the first time two Halloweens ago. A M A Z I N G !!! Great Metal night! Great drinks! And the prices... Suuuuper honest! The upstairs stage zone has a unique atmosphere! Love this place! read more

Ralph's Diner was one of the coolest places I've ever played. This place had kitschy brickerbrack everywhere, the stage was done up like a vaudeville show, an arcade machine with every game I blew my birthday money as a kid on, awesome sound, and a super sassy cook. I wish there were more places like this in RI. I look forward to going back. read more

Went to meet people who did hotdog safari for a drink. Stood in the bar FOREVER waiting patiently to order a beer. Ignored by 3 bartenders. Moved down to the left for a better spot, still ignored. All the people around us ordered and left. We sat down. Still no attention. The woman bartender starting clearing empty bottles all around us without even looking at us. The long ponytailed bartender did the same, plus counted his tip container and then arranged the bills in the cash register. I'd been there over 20 minutes with no recognition. I finally stopped mr ponytail and said "can I get a beer here?" He just looked at me. I told him what I wanted. He brought it and never spoke a word. The place is not that iconic or great to be treated like dirt. Many other venues with live music. Goodbye Ralph's read more

If you want a bunch of hipsters who don't care about anything especially service don't come here. Cool and hip left with the bartenders lip ring while playing chess all night on the bar. Don't order food without a peircing. And the electrical in this place, it will be the next station fire read more

I started going to Ralph's last summer, and I regret not going sooner! Ralph's is my current love affair and I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend. It's open every night, and fun every night. I have actual conversations at Ralph's, whereas in other bars I find myself just playing defense from scumbag guys. I have made great friends there and feel comfortable just showing up on my own for a beer. The jukeboxes are great, that's probably where all of my money ends up. Bands can be hit or miss but I'm glad there's a venue that supports some great local acts. Everyone is welcome at Ralph's! I've seen girls with tight booty shorts and pumps, and in the same night see some burly seventy year old stumbling around. Just come in, take a seat, and enjoy it. read more

Ralph's Chadwick Square Diner - Diners Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

This was, without any doubt, my favorite part of Worcester when I lived in the area. When I miss Worcester (and that is VERY rare) I miss Ralph's. There's a classic diner out front, serving burgers, fries, and beer. Downstairs there's a bar and a couple of pool tables, a jukebox and a big bar. Upstairs there's a stage, and another bar, and some tables and chairs. Also the neon sign behind the bar that says "time to f*ck." What I loved about this place was: The crowd. Some townies, some college kids, but the alternative set-a little more style. A few more peircings and tattoos. The random stuff on the walls. I found it oddly comforting. The smoking shelter. I wish more bars had this- I like not getting rained or snowed on, even when I may be intoxicated. The staff was always super chill, at least to me. The music never fails to be awesome. There is a cover. It's worth it. Even though it's Worcester. Maybe it's even worth the trip. read more

This place is a local gen. Great shows, great staff and the food is pretty basic and good. it's really the all around atmosphere you go for. The decor rules. read more

The burger is not bad. Like the music. Bartender is nice. Flies around the bar. Remember cash only!!! It's a great place to get wasted. read more

Ralph's Chadwick Square Diner - The regular burger - Diners Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

4.5 stars.... Definitely not what you'd expect at all and that's part of why I love it. The Chadwich Square Diner (aka Ralph's) is a landmarked diner built in 1928 by the Worcester Lunch Car Company. If you're unaware the diner was invented in New England and the Worcester Lunch Car Company was essentially the company creating the diners in the 1920s-1950s, this is one of the oldest surviving diners. The diner is no longer a true diner but a dive bar that operates from 4pm-2am, the only food they have are hotdogs, hamburgers, and chili. The hamburgers looked amazing (they're cooking them on a cast iron grate and using fresh meat). The diner is connected to a proper building with a second bar and a second floor which houses bands for a small cover charge. The back bar has a photo booth (which looks old school but is pumping out crappy digital prints for $4), a pool table ($1), pinball machine (50cents), and a couple video games. It's a dusty, grimy, dive lined with taxidemied animals, old signs, art, and antiques. The juke box is full of old and new rock while the TV in the front diner is always playing old school VHS tapes of mostly B movies. Service is hit or miss and the $5 pints aren't anything special but $2.50 for a pint of Narragansett or $3.50 for select bottles are always a great deal. I also love the front area by the parking lot which has plenty of tables if you want to drink/smoke outside. If I still lived in Worcester this would definitely be one of my regular spots. read more

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I've thought about moving back to Worcester because I've missed this bar so much. There's few things as enjoyable as having a belle and sebastian dance party with your friends and the bartender here on a rainy thursday night, or drinking cheap Bass on tap while watching night of the living dead. Ralph's is hip without being an asshole or pretentious about it. I think that's why you get this really great crowd of college kids, arty people and older working class worcester townies. I'm a little scared for the place since lately they've been reinforcing the diner part of it (something about water damage), but I'm hoping they'll be able to keep the roof up. One more note: I'm *mostly* vegetarian except for the hamburgers at this place, which are the best I've ever had. Especially when maryanne makes 'em :) read more

My favorite place in Worcester and the bar with the most personality. Great people, geat staff, great location, great prices. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE!! I've only been here once. But it was awesome. It's huge, it's got a "restaurant", downstairs bar and upstairs bar with a stage. There's plenty of parking. Drinks are cheap. Bartender downstairs was cute. And the crowd was good. I just wish it was closer to Boston!! read more

Best bar in Worcester. Actually, one of the best anywhere I've been. Bartenders are friendly, great music, funny/interesting stuff on the tv and now the photobooth is working again! We had our bachelor/bachelorette party there. Good times. read more

At first glance one may be inclined to dismiss this place as a hole in the wall that caters to the local artistic community. You would be right, but it serves amazing burgers (both meat and veggie) in a down to earth environment. To sum it up - amazing burgers, good beer and nice people! read more

Anthony makes the best snickers shots. After he suggested it everyone in the bar wanted to try one! It was delicious ! Anthony also has a phenomenal presence behind the bar... Very entertaining and informative on future Ralph's events! Anthony can also grow a mean ponytail! Check out Ralph's and ask for Anthony :)! read more

Rarely do I feel compelled to go home and write a review of any establishment right away. Anthony, the bartender, inflicted this desire upon me immediately after the first drink he made me. I consider myself a gin expert, and I will say he made me one of the best G&T's I've ever had. He truly 100% gave a hoot that my drink was mixed perfectly. On top of that, he is patient, kind, and full of smiles. What could you ask for? If you're looking at the Ralph's Yelp you're either bored or from WAY out of town but I back this review dead sober. Thank you for a perfect couple of drinks! read more

Love this place! Miss the full menu but the burgers and dogs are still banging. Great venue for bands. Double bar makes for fast service at one or the other. Awesome summertime events read more

I did not enjoy myself here. I came here for a concert and spent all my time upstairs. It smelled awful, like body odor throughout the entire facility. I asked the bartender for a white wine and he said he didn't have any, so i got a vodka with sprite. It was horribly strong and the soda was flat. It was horrifyingly filthy there. When i walked in there was a movie playing outdoors with dining set up. That seemed very cool but after seeing how dirty it is in here, i would never eat a thing here. To add insult to injury, at the end of the night i saw bottles of wine behind the bar. I guess its ok for a concert venue but i wont be back. read more

I've tried this place a few times and never had a positive experience. Sometimes you can't expect much in Worcester but this place smelled bad, was full of ugly people, and the staff was unfriendly, at best. I enjoy Nick's and Vincent's, where did this place go so wrong?! read more

One star because no stars isn't an option, went and the bartender removed our drinks before we could get our money from the atm downstairs. No reason to ever go back. Awful establishment, no posted notice about cash only and completely unfriendly staff. (Side note: perfectly willing to go get cash downstairs but drinks poured down sink before opportunity given). Bartender was completely rude and cost $6 each to get upstairs to find this out. read more

I have friends that really like Ralph's but it's not for me. When I went I didn't want to sit anywhere, everything was sticky and they said they were going to be doing music and poetry or something of the sort and they had two drunk idiots up on stage who would take turns spinning each other around and trying to read their poems backwards. I left after abut a half hour. read more

After reading all the positive reviews we were excited to check out Ralph's! Upon turing down the dark alleyway we began hearing faint sounds of punk rock music. As we entered we immediately felt out of place but, we were here for a new experience so... we sat down. If your ears are gaged and you have a few tattoos you will fit right in at this bar however, if you don't you may share our experience and feel out of place and sadly, unwelcome. The grill area looked clean but the rest of the bar (although difficult to see because the lighting was dim enough to breakout the flashlight app)... not so much. We left after a drink without trying Ralph's burgers. :( read more

Not a diner! Having burgers and chili does not make you a diner. Thought we were walking to our deaths down a dark alley into a very dark bar. We asked for menus and were looked at jokingly and told that they had no menus. Please rename Ralph's Bar read more

The bar is in an awesome location and the inside was pretty cool.....but the hipster bartender downstairs kept charging me different prices for the same beer. The first time it was $3.50 the second time it was $5.00 then the last time he tried charging me $14.00 for two beers. read more

I dumped my beer all over the bartender and she gave me one free. You don't like Ralph's, f*** you!

Went here for a burger before a movie with roomie. We both got a delicious flame broiled cheeseburger with the freshest fixings (lettuce, tomato, onion). Nothing else really for food except chili. We will definitely be going back soon for the live bands. Love hanging out here. A truly great dive bar in every state of the word. Some of the best burgers evahhhh. Noise level was quiet as it was only 5:00 PM on a Friday read more

I honestly thought the burger was a little overpriced, sorry. It was good, but for $8 I've had better even though it was enormous. That being said, $2 gansetts and the excellent atmosphere make this one of my favorite Worcester bars. read more

They overcharge for drinks. You can get a cheaper beer at the expensive Sole or Via. $6.00 for a 12oz Mich Ultra...

Our favorite bar. Best metal nights and always a good scene. Would recommend to anyone looking for beer, good music/conversation, and the best burgers and chili around. read more

This is my favorite bar in Worcester. Metal Thursdays rock \m/. You just need to go. End of story.

Great place. $4 bottle beer and $8 drinks. Different bands upstairs with $7 cover charge. You'll see some random people there. Great variety. read more

Went in for a burger and it was some hipster beard competition night. You'll find the burgers are pretty much all they have, but they're pretty tasty. My beer was also frozen and the ceiling was leaking. Again, worth putting up with if you like a good beefy fresh made cheeseburger. They also have veggie burgers. read more

Love this place. Eclectic doesn't do it justice. Stopped by on a whim, great burgers in the diner and the drinks... well, let's just say they were strong enough to take the enamel off my teeth. Hung out in the diner for a while and then moved to the back room and then upstairs. Totally random group of patrons on this night --- folks with nose rings and colored hair chatting it up with a bunch of guys who look like they fell of a sailboat with the boat shoes and shorts. Everyone getting along and having some drinks and just hanging out. Very cool to hit up a spot that has a variety of patrons that all seem to get along well, decent music, good food, strong drinks, and of course, abundant parking! read more

Not a diner or a restaurant...a rock club that serves 2 things: burgers & chile (and veggie burgers) Largest white russian I ever seen.

My parents used to go here when they were young and stupid. And now, its my turn! I love this place! There is always something fun to do. Whether it be eating a delicious burger, listening to an incredible selection of music on two different jukeboxes (that's right ladies -- TWO!), chatting it up with the awesome bartenders, hanging out with a smokies outside, playing naughty video games, listening to the bands upstairs, or spending night after night reading years and years of crazy gossip on the bathroom walls... this is the place to be in Worcester. Crazy decor, better bathrooms then most bars, and happy drunks all around. Sometimes you get lucky with good bands that play. Other times... well... try to drown out the noise with the jukeboxes downstairs. In any sense, don't worry about feeling like an ass for singing that awful 80's tune at the top of your lungs. We're all doin' it! What should I wear, you ask? Don't wear your sexy black cocktail dress. You'll look ridiculous. Heels? Ya alright. Flats would be better though. Skirt? Sure. Ladies, keep it simple. You can do sexy, but simple sexy. Gents, try to look nice for the ladies once and a while. This place has a decent male to female ratio, but to be honest... it could use some more attractive people. Really, are there any good looking guys left in Worcester? There are, you say? THEN GO TO RALPHS!!! read more

Scary at first but worth the screams. This place oozes, and I say ooze because it is a little raunchy looking, old school biker character. The exposed brick and funny statues throughout make it a comfortable fun place to relax. The drinks are made strong and don't break the bank either. One of the best reasons to go here would have to be the employees. They are funny, charismatic and loud; you won't leave without knowing one of their names. Great music, lots of liquor and a pool table? Why wouldn't you want to go there!! read more

You lucky bastard, you just looked up Ralph's! Keep reading about what a great place this is. Your night is going to get much better.

This is a fun place to hang with your friends and enjoy a few drinks. People are nice and the drinks are good (& reasonably priced) :) i didn't try the burgers, but i want too next time! read more