What a find!! Cute atmospheric joint food was reasonably priced and delicious Servers were friendly and fun Son and I had the Sheppards pie Best I've ever had!! It was easy to find a seat and get served! read more

I really wanted to like this place. On the menu it claims three pieces of fish with the fish and chips entree. We got two..... the same with everyone else around us. Nobody received condiments, no cocktail , no tartar, we ordered three times before the server actually put our order in. The fish was fine, the fries were really good. Service is just lacking, everyone is nice, just really bad service, un trained, and not caring very much. read more

Stopped in for a quick late lunch snack on a Friday. Really large spot with a huge center wraparound bar and many tables / booths scattered around. Place was pretty quiet for the most part. Lots of pub foods on the menu. Wings were decent sized and good amount of spice rub on em. Ugly pretzel was nice and big with crab and covered in cheese - pretty tasty. read more

The Ugly Oyster - Wings (dry rub) - Irish Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

See all

DISASTER ! What was wrong? EVERYTHING! Service was horrible. Took way too long for the express menu that was available. Food was not as stated on menu. They shorted the fish in the fish and chips. Server spilled a beer on table and then charged for the replacement. Fried shrimp cold by the time I got sauce for dipping. Only two people served and had to ask for the remaining food. Dressing wrong for salad. Magical disappearing server. I will never return. Another couple told us they had the same experience. Too bad because the food used to be good. I do not recommend this place. read more

We were so excited when we noticed that The Oyster was back open after it was closed for an ownership change. The same building, cleaner atmosphere, good beer, and some new takes on food that are fabulous. Very friendly staff. Our new preferred stop while visiting Reading. read more

Food was ok. I swear the servers were high... smelled like pot. Oysters took almost an hour. Food was decent. Ambiance was good. Food and service was mediocre at best. read more

I'm just passing through while traveling. This was an amazing experience. The owner spent time telling me the history of the restaurant. The chef even came out to get my opinion on a new dish he was creating. Every person that worked there had an awesome personality and was very welcoming! I can't remember the last time a place made such an impact on me. The was immaculately clean! The food was delicious. And the overall ambiance was amazing! read more

See all

We've always loved the Ugly O and came out for a friend's birthday. We've been coming to this place since the 90's. I will start with a positive and say the staff was extremely friendly. Always a good thing. They were welcoming and warm. My husband and I sat at the bar while we waited for our friends to arrive The bartender asked what we wanted to drink and said, "I can make anything you want." So I excitedly asked for a Mojito. I should've known I was in trouble when she asked me what kind of vodka I wanted and then had to look up the recipe on her phone . Needless to say I got a Mojito made with vodka, and she just kind of shrugged her shoulders, and hoped I liked it. I took a few sips, realized this really isn't what I wanted (I like rum), and I ordered a Captain Morgan and Gingerale. My husband ordered beer, which, in retrospect, is probably what I should've done as well. We were charged for all three drinks, even though the first one wasn't made correctly. Our group of +4 (6 of us total) arrived, we sat down, and service was pretty prompt. Again our server was very friendly and her personality was great. We all ordered different things except two individuals who ordered the crabcakes. Our food took almost an hour to come out. The crabcakes were pretty bad. I took one bite because my friend asked me to try hers to see what I thought. The fish tasted old and it was loaded with fillers. I actually was worried that somebody might get sick from eating it. Fortunately, no one did. The crab soup also tasted off and oddly tangy- like there was yogurt in it or something- so I only ate a small portion of it. All around, the place looks great inside but they have to work to do- on their recipes, consistency, and capacity to make a variety of classic mixed drinks. read more

My husband and I were looking forward to having dinner at this restaurant. Reviews, menu, atmosphere all looked great. News flash...UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP!!!! We had a 4pm reservation. We sat at our table for 20 MINUTES....no acknowledgment! My husband went to the bar for service...after another 10 minutes, the bartender acknowledged us. Another 10 minutes to get my drink (muddled old fashion). The bartender asked me to taste if it was okay. It wasn't, but I didn't want to wait another 10 minutes for a drink. Next drink ordered was a draft beer. Lesson learned. Homemade bread bowl for $5 was frozen rolls heated up in the oven. Served with butter and no utensils. 10-15 minutes later someone came around that we could ask for utensils. My husband walked to the car to put more money in the meter for ANOTHER hour. She finally came around to take our food order. We asked for our check at that time. My husband had fried shrimp & chips. The shrimp was definitely frozen, breaded shrimp (8) for $20. I had fish & chips. Small fish portion and bland flavor. The waitress forgot to bring the malt vinegar and questioned the vinegar when she brought it to the table. $20 Beverage service was extremely slow. The menu on Yelp is NOT their current menu. Good luck to the new owner...you have a lot to learn and a long way to go. read more

The Ugly Oyster - $20 Fish & Chips - Irish Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

See all

Lots of issues- table was a couple of cocktail tables pushed together- 7 people and we had made a reservation- also sat on kiddie stools. service was awful- so slow and ordered fish and chips- everyone's food came out but that- oh sorry we should have told you we ran out- so everyone ate but the person that got fish/chips- got their food 20 min later. The food was very mediocre- the oysters were warm instead of being served cold, the soup was borderline cold. The reuben and wings were good. The whole experience was below par and I would never go back. We spent over $300- so not very inexpensive either read more

Visited this place when back in town on business. I went specifically for the scotch egg and shepherd's pie - two great dishes that I remembered from my last visit. However, I soon found out that the restaurant has undergone a change in ownership and that they apparently didn't get any recipes from the previous owners. As a result, there were no scotch eggs or shepherd's pie on the menu. The new owner told us they should both be back on the menu in May. [I didn't understand why you couldn't have already gotten a recipe off the internet.] Anyway, I ended up getting fish and chips, which were OK though unremarkable. read more

We decided to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to a restaurant we hadn't visited in years. Spoiler alert: some memories are better left untouched. Upon entering, we discovered there were only five brave souls in the bar/restaurant--on a Friday night during prime dinner time! This should have been our first clue to run faster than a cheetah chasing its next meal. But alas, we stayed. Why, you ask? For science, perhaps? We started with the clam chowder, and oh boy, did it startle us. Not only was the center ice-cold (microwave mysteries abound), but the metallic aftertaste had us wondering if we'd accidentally ordered "aluminum stew" instead. Next up: fish and chips. The fish was hot, yes, but it was so tough and rubbery, it could've doubled as a stress ball or a spare tire. Then came the prime rib--a Friday night special, they said. Special indeed! It seemed more like a relic from last week's dinner service, reheated hastily on a BBQ grill for one final hurrah. It wasn't so much "prime rib" as it was "subpar roast beef with dashed hopes." This was our first visit since the restaurant was sold, and based on this culinary experiment gone wrong, it'll also be our last. If this is what the new owners call dining, I'll take my chances with leftover pizza at home. read more

The food is always delicious and the service is always friendly. Some of our favorite meals here include the oysters (of course!), the crab leg special (the BEST crab legs in Berks County!), the prime rib (again, best in the county!!), and the fish and chips. They make a juicy, tasty burger and the fries are fresh-cut "boardwalk" style. They pour a great Guinness and offer a good selection of other beers on tap and additional beer offerings in cans or bottles. We love the nautical and Irish pub ambiance as well as the Irish tunes piping overhead. It's a great place for a date night, or to catch a game on one of the TV's, or to bring the family in for a meal. read more

There were multiple mice running around under the tables and bar stools. Ordered the 6 oysters and the fish and chips, one of the oysters was bad and the fish was spoiled and stunk like ammonia. Couldn't eat anything that I ordered. Will not return. read more

See all

The place is a dive but the oysters and mussels are good! Our server was also the friendliest person around. Working solo until the next shift came on, she still was warm and helpful to our table of four. This is basically a bar serving up different beers and large glasses of wine. Other cocktails are available but didn't seem to be their forte. We ordered mussels as an appetizer and they were large and very fresh. Our entrees were also plentiful. Fried oyster platter was yummy! My husband and brother in law had the cheese steak and they were huge loaded with steak, onions sweet and hot peppers. They each took half home. I had the fried shrimp and fresh cut fries...very tasty. This place is a bit grimy but you'll definitely get your money's worth. read more

See all

Yay for dollar oysters! That was a great treat. We had a fantastic dinner here. It's a small, super friendly bar with cool decor (love the ceilings)! There were a lot of choices for this pescatarian, and my omnivore husband was also happy. We were just passing through town, and we loved seeing all the locals popping in for takeout or to enjoy a drink and conversation at the bar. Parking is a bit tricky because the signs are confusing. Plan to pay using the parking app. read more

See all

Love the menu especially the authentic pub foods. The chips they serve are incredible. We never had a bad meal or a bad drink and we love the atmosphere. read more

The greeting... do you have reservations? No. Well we are booked up. The first reservation was at 5. It was only 4. The place was empty. We were seated at a high top table. The silverware was dirty, the mustard was sticky and has hard dried mustard on the lid. Probably a week or longer since it was cleaned. There were crumbs under the condiments that are left on the table. I was sitting where I could see the bar and I saw the person making a drink and she stuck her fingers in the jar to get a cherry and then poured cherry juice in the beverage. The food was ok. Nothing to brag about but nothing to complain about. The server was not very friendly. It was like she hated her job. We were in town for a show at the local arena and restaurant should be thankful for out of town people visiting the establishment. I don't recommend. Next time I will find another place. read more

This was our first visit today. The bartender/waitress was very personable and friendly. We went late afternoon so not busy. It is kind of small but cozy. we had the portobella mushroom sandwich with the crab sauce, seemed like crab with cream cheese maybe? it was super delicious. Also had the crab cake sandwich. The crab was like a giant meatball, not sandwich-like at all. It also seemed creamy and room temp, not fried like I would expect a crab cake to be, or at least every other crab cake I have had in my life. It is like a crab salad you would spread on bread. I was expecting different. Their sweet potato fries were excellent. read more

Leslie is the best! We loved everything about this place! Beer was on point! You feel like you are in Ireland! Fresh oysters, buck a shuck on Wednesday nights! Delicious crab imperial pretzel out of this world! Try the delicious regular cheese steak (beef steak), very unique (special sauce)! Upgrade your beef steak with sweet potato fries and caramel sauce, you will not be sorry folks!! Finished this visit with a piece of homemade chocolate cake! read more

See all

Great food with great service. Desiree is the star! So attentive and so funny! Had great banter with the family which made us enjoy our meal so much. Also have to say to come here for the shrimp bisque, it's so delicious and rich! Reminds me of a dish my aunt makes. Always nice to have food take you back in time. The jerk salmon salad was delicious as well. The salmon was very soft and seasoned perfectly. Tasty vegetables with this peppercorn dressing that took the salad to the next level. Will be coming back when ever in town! read more

See all

Every concert we go to around the corner, the "Ugly Oyster" is always a a great place to eat, we look forward to eating and trying another great meal!! Recommend 100%, bring an appetite!! read more

Classic chill spot in reading. Wings are phenomenal and show stopper. Service was great as we went on a slow night. Really wish they had more Irish focused food (shepherds pie or Guinness stew) on their menu but I imagine that they do for specials some days. Have a large selection of beer, though! read more

Fabulous selection of draft and draught beers. Great menu for a small place. The shrimp or steak is always wonderful. I absolutely love the cheesesteaks, salads, and soups. Crowded and SRO if there's an event at the Arena. read more

Food was great! Service was alright. Finished a drink and had a mouse turd in my mouth. They gave a piece of cake to make up for it... why would anyone eat a piece of cake from somewhere they had a mouse turd in their mouth from read more

Stopped by and oysters 1.00 tonight raw. Really good plus had the wings Oysters on the Half Shells read more

The Ugly Oyster - Raw oysters - Irish Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Holy Mackerel if I knew I could have this much fun with my clothes on, I would have been in Reading, PA a long time ago. 1st off, the ugly oyster in Reading, PA, makes no sense at all. I went to the ugly oyster because I heard they had a fantastic house-made sauce for their cheesesteaks. I will go back to reading because the Ugly Oyster has a fantastic house made sauce for their cheesesteaks AND for $0.75 they will put peanuts on your cheesesteak. This is the one time you have to go to one of my other sites and see the whole video. You think ugly oyster, Reading, house-made sauce, peanuts on cheesesteaks is crazy, wait until you see the urinal in the video. I wish I remembered the bartenders name because she was awesome and the woman at the bar was very nice to tolerate me. Superfragilisticexpialidocious experience at the ugly oyster!! read more

See all

So disappointed. Ordered from here today & all the clams and mussels were empty. Served me about 5 baby shrimps and I had to season the crabs my self at home because the butter they sent was absolutely disgusting and tasted like oil. I will stick to ordering from a different location when it comes to seafood. read more

The Ugly Oyster - Steamed Seafood Sampler - Irish Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Good place to unwind after work. It's a real Irish pub that was built in Reading after they had won a contest before my time. Don't expect anything fancy. Great burgers. My friend loves the chicken sandwich. They have old bay for the fries. read more

service was awesome, but saw a mouse run next to me while I was eating... immediately regretted eating the salad and oysters that was cold and raw.. read more

Great place. We just might become regulars here. First time we went we got 2 orders of wings (6 of the Four Leaf Clover, 6 of the Original Ugly O). Peter's favorite were the four leaf, mine the original. Four leaf definitely had a strong mustard taste, originals were pretty standard but excellent. For our entrees i got the seafood sampler which was OK. There was one set of crab legs, clams, and shrimp. Not too flavorful and not really a lot of food. Peter got the Reuben which was out of this world. He frequently orders reubens and he said it was the best he's ever had. The pumpernickel rye was toasted to perfection (ie wasn't falling apart) the meat portion was generous, and in a word "delightful." Second time we ordered 2 orders of wings again, this time the honey sriracha and the Ugly O, both fantastic. I got the petite 5 oz filet mignon with fries. Fries were great, petite filet was really something. It must have been sitting in a corn beef brine because it had some of the corned beef spices on top, it cut/tore like a piece of well cooked corn beef, and essentially it tasted like a corned beef steak. It was delicious and cooked to perfection. Peter got the fish and chips which was on par with the Reuben in quality and being remarkably delicious. It was served with a dill tartar sauce. The fish used (guessing cod or haddock) was meaty and substantial, fried to perfection. In our estimation, so far, the Reuben and the fish and chips are their most special offerings. We also got oysters both times, of course. We tried raw and steamed, we know now that we prefer steamed. The raw, to us, taste like your slurping down seawater but the steamed are enhanced by the saltiness and just overall better. More like a mussel. The blue tip were fantastic. Also last but certainly not least, Desiree is the gem of the Ugly Oyster and really has that hometown, "what're you having" kinda touch that makes you want to come back again and again. read more

See all

I had been craving oysters for a long time and was pleasantly surprised to find this quaint seafood restaurant during a trip to my hometown. We arrived shortly before closing, but the staff couldn't have been more accommodating and let us stay as long as we wanted. Our waiter, Kayla, was extremely friendly and very efficient. I ordered the house oysters and they were extremely tasty, served with housemade horseradish that had a welcomed kick and, even better, they were very modestly priced. Although I'm not a beer drinker, if you are, you'll be amazed at the extensive selection of quality ales that hey have on draft. I highly recommend this place and will definitely return when I visit Reading again. read more

The Ugly Oyster - House oysters were delicious and priced well. - Irish Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Everything was great, except for the wings. They were soggy skinned and not crispy which makes them kind of gross to eat.

I lived in the Berks county area for going on 21 yrs. And I pass by this place multiple times a week. So I figured I'd head in one day for lunch. Not only was the waiter SUPER nice but she suggested a beer and let me sample it (since I'm not a huge beer drinker). Well this Belgium beer was amazing. It sucks that I don't recall the name. It went well with my fried oyster sandwich n fries. So later that night I decided to bring a friend for dinner since she wanted seafood. I know they get it fresh daily. She ordered the plate of Blondy oysters on the half shell and I got the fish n chips. When I tell you the waitress all harassed me as if they knew me for years, it felt like an episode of Cheers. Oh and the fish n chips had a clean, light and crisp taste. And who doesn't like the fresh cut fries?? Thanks to the ppl for making my 2x dinning experience amazing. read more

What's not to love about the ugly o? Great food, cool bar, friendly staff, cold beer, and other tasty libations!

The Ugly Oyster is definitely original. I've never been to an Irish pub with a predominately seafood restaurant where I was able to get German beer on not the best part of town. All of those things are fine with me. For an app I ordered the soft pretzel covered in cheese and crabs which was pretty good. Very filling for a pretzel probably better to share or it's about a whole meal. I also ordered the steamed seafood platter which was decent. The staff was mainly friendly and attentive. I liked the place and would return. read more

See all

I love the food and the ambiance. We went for lunch around noon - not crowded at all, probably the best time to go if you would like to pick the best seats and enjoy the food, the service, and the beers. My fave: fried oyster sandwich. Prices were reasonable, IMO. read more

The food and atmosphere is a well needed positive vibe. It definitely makes you wanna go back

We showed up and the place was packed due to a concert at the nearby arena. Kudos to the staff for being able to still provide good service in the midst of that onslaught of people. The food was very good, especially the Scotch Eggs. A big Thank You to our waitress Paris who chased us down outside after we had left because my wife had left her credit card on the table. That was above and beyond. read more

The interior lives up to its name - it's dark, dank, and ugly ... the bathrooms in particular. But the Ugly "O" is CHARMING. Think of it in terms of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest. In both cases, "ugly" is a term of endearment. The winner is still adored and praised. We can look past its homely qualities and directly into its unabashed, genuine soul. You see, the Ugly Oyster knows its not pretty. It also knows that looks are superficial, and it's what's inside that really matters. Owner Glenn Rigg apparently attended the Guinness Irish Pub Concept Program at the Guinness Brewery in Ireland in order to obtain official training in all things Guinness from varieties to pouring/serving to culinary uses. It's as authentic as you'll find in Berks County, and it doesn't disappoint. One note, though: beware the crab cakes. The menu touts there is "barely any filler", but they were loaded with bits of shell and absolutely overcooked. That's my fault for ordering crab cakes in Reading, PA and not the shore, but I thought perhaps their boastfulness was warranted. It's NOT! If you have a hankering for seafood here, try the fried oysters or stuffed shrimp. But stay away from the crab cakes. read more

See all