Love this place. It isn't that close to me, so I don't go there often, but when I do, I always have a good time. (Sorry for sounding like a Dos Equis commercial).
They have pool, foosball and a pinball machine. They only cost 75 cents per game, which I think is pretty good. It is one of the better bars because you don't have loud music blasting and people grinding up on you like freshmen do at frat parties.
Beer is pretty cheap too! I think a pitcher of Yuengling is only $11. They only take cash though and they do have an ATM inside for your convenience.
I am definitely a regular but I am not a #1 fan. In terms of New Brunswick bars this one is BY FAR my favorite.
PROS:
Not Bro central which I guess to most of these reviewers equals hipster central. Sorry not everyone inside is wearing ugg boots and northface jackets/Rutgers hoodies.
Good layout, back area
Good selection of drinks
SUGGESTIONS:
I wish there were more drink specials. If some of the happy hour specials were extended during the work/school week there would be a LOT more customers.
I never like to complain about wait staff, I have even been a bartender so I KNOW how hard it is but.... sometimes the staff can be very short and off putting. I have a few friends who have stopped coming because of this.
Maybe I am crazy but often times the drinks don't seem strong enough
HOWEVER not to say this place isn't totally great. It's just the wanting perfection thing ;) When you spend so much of your time and money somewhere you want it to appreciate you.
This bar is great for people in their 20s and 30s looking to get a drink at one of the New Brunswick "college" bars... but without the d-bags. It developed the reputation of the "hipster bar," but by far my favorite bar I went to during my Rutgers years.
They have a beer called River Horse: Triple Horse, which is brewed in New Jersey and has 10% alcohol per bottle. Pretty solid tasting and friendly on the alcohol content.
The back has a smoking patio and a cool mural of the Simpsons characters. Â Inside has funky decorations, a pool table, juke box, foozeball and some arcade games.
The owner is a guy name Rob who is super friendly and interacts with his guests.
They have an ATM there... but keep in mind it is a CASH ONLY bar.
Pretty good dive. Was a little unimpressed with their bar (don't get egg on your face by asking for a mojito like this guy did!). Probably best to avoid any cocktail that isn't liquor + mixer, had an undrinkable Long Island Iced Tea there. But their happy hour specials are great (6 dollar miller lite/rolling rock pitchers, 3 dollar well drinks, etc). Nice outdoor sitting area, and agreeable staff. Check it out if you're one for the hipstery dive scene
Review Source:So I've been coming here for a while, and I can't say I'm a regular, but non the less a frequent customer. I'll put this out here real quick before the review really starts. Hipster central, lots of beards and plaid clothing. I'm not saying this in a bad way or in a way I'm bashing this place because of that fact. It's just a mere observation from the many times I've come here, lots of hipsters that's all, and you know what that's not a bad thing. Also since it's January and its cold outside, I have been noticing a large influx of people at this specific bar wearing leather jackets, haha. I came in with my leather jacket and fit right in, which is pretty funny. Not that I care, but the crowd definitely knows how to dress.
Now unto to the goods, the BEEEEER! I love the Wich Ale, it almost taste like Yuengling but even more on the flavor. And I absolutely love Yuengling so this place was immediate love at first sight. I normally get a pitcher which is about 9 dollars, so it's cheap and affordable. Another reason I like this place is the atmosphere. The atmosphere here is a lot more mature and carries a nice crowd to it, nothing you would see if ahem* ahem* on Easton Ave. Which is a big plus, because I'm not looking to get my shoes stepped on nor am I trying to fight the crowd of people at the bar for a simple beer. They have a foosball and a billiard table which is pretty awesome to me. What else is better than, a beer and some billiards!
Something you'll also notice here is the music selection, you'll see that there is a juke box in he back which always roaring at night. I love the music here, lots or rock and good jams to keep people in that talking mood. I love it for the bubbly atmosphere and good vibes, as well as the house beer. So if your looking for a nice evening with old friends, and wanna grab a beer but trying to stay away from the craziness and rudeness of some bars on Easton Ave, this place is the go to place.
Cheers!
Favorite dive. Great low key place to go with your friends. If you hang out in the bar area for a while you'll eventually get a table and you can cram a bunch of people behind it since there's a bench on the wall. Pool table, a few arcade machines and a juke box that has decent music on it. Patio out back that's not bad in good weather. They heat a little shed on the back of the building in winter for the smokers.
Crowd is older and more mature than the college shit-show on Easton. More tattoos and square frame glasses. No bros or guidos. People are mostly with their friends and keep to themselves; lots of regulars who live in the neighborhood.
Nice selection of craft and non-macro brews, both in bottle and on tap. It's pretty cheap, too. They're a cash only bar and have an ATM, but just bring $20 and you'll be good.
Mich L.'s review below basically sums this place up better than any review I could ever write. I think every girl in this place has ink.
I will admit, during the year, it draws in a much more neutral crowd, and you will see a lot of easton ave regulars in this place on weeknights. Beer & shot place, cash only, lots of Arcade Fire, Johnny Cash and Bombay Show Pig type music playing.
This was my first visit to this classic New Brunswick bar. They have a great selection of beers on tap and bottled, as well as spirits. There are a few tvs so you can catch the game or news while unwinding with a bottle of Blue Moon Summer Brew.
Parking is a pain for non-Rutgers people, but we lucked out! We went here a few days ago and school ended for the kids earlier this month. Sweet! It's pretty close to the other bars on Easton Ave. I'll definitely add this one to my list of "Bar crawls" in New Brunswick.
If you're looking for a meat market this is the wrong place for you.
If you want some place to relax with some friends and be able to have an actual conversation, the Ale N' Wich is definitely the go to. The crowd is just a touch older than the Easton ave bars, and as such it's a much better dynamic. Lots of regulars and everybody is nice, rather than trying to get into your pants.
They have pool tournaments on Monday nights, and pretty good specials most nights, so it's definitely somewhere to check out if you want to have a beer and relax.
The big draw, especially for the winter is the heated smoking patio. In the summer it's also terrific for listening to the sounds of New Brunswick.
I have conflicted feelings about my four-star rating.
Bluntly put, this is a... (inhales) hipster bar (exhales). The highest concentration of beanie-wearing, glasses-wielding hipsters are in the smoking area out back by the Simpsons mural. If you want to (absurdly) challenge my claim and debate that this is not a hipster hot spot, I only need to quietly point to the sign with the PBR specials. ...plus the bartenders are wearing plaid.
Hipster kingdom aside, if you can come here with a group of friends and take up a spot in the corner, i'm sure you can enjoy yourself here. The beer selection is unique for new brunswick and the atmosphere is more laid-back and suitable for an older crowd than the bars on Easton Ave.
Also, the pool table is kind-of a novelty and doesn't seem like normal regulation size but it lends itself to the leisurely atmosphere.
Overall, I did find that this pub was an interesting change of scenery, begrudgingly admitting that hipsters are people too and if you don't bother them, they will probably only silently judge you.
For those looking for a guido and frat/sorority free bar, this is the place. It's very hipster, mostly grad students and upper class men. If you are looking to get it in, this is definitely the wrong bar for you.
I love coming here because its very lax. Good selection, friendly atmosphere and the outdoor area in the back is pretty sweet, I love the Simpsons mural.
Also the caramel apple cider was one of the most delicious drinks I've ever had. I really wish they sold them in pitchers...
My only regret with respect to the Ale 'N 'Wich is the fact that I didn't truly "find" it until my time in NJ was rapidly coming to an end! Â Sure, I had passed this little hole-in-the-wall pub on the corner of Hamilton St. hundreds of times during my undergraduate days, but never gave it a shot. Â Instead I did what every Rutgers undergrad did and frequented the much less classy/much more sweaty Easton Ave bars. Well, I guess I'll just say that I wasn't yet ready for the more down to earth and laid-back vibe of this gem during those early days.
You won't find the typical college crowd at this pub, and that is certainly a good thing. Unless you live near the bar, it probably is a bit too much of a hike for the majority of undergrads when there are a good deal of bar/pub/club options closer to campus. Â Instead, there is an older, more sophisticated crowd at the Ale 'N 'Wich, and there are clearly a good deal of regulars that frequent the bar. At times, the crowd could also take on somewhat of a hipster feel. Â
The bartenders are always friendly and fast with respect to their service. If memory serves me, there was not a huge selection of draft beers but there was a decent selection of microbrews. They don't serve much food, and I like that. The decor of the place is fantastic, and there is a pool table, foosball table, and jukebox, all of which give the place a very cool vibe. It is a small bar, which lends itself to the community feel within its walls. There is an outside patio area as well if you want to see what's happening on Hamilton Street (sometimes a dicey proposal).
All in all, this is a very chill and laid-back spot that is just perfect for grabbing a couple of beers with your buddies. Give this place a shot if you have not already. You will not be disappointed!
New Brunswick has many bars to choose from, but unfortunatly most of them are just run of the mill. Then theres Ale 'N Wich, quietly placed down hamilton st away from the frat deuce-eery of easton ave. This spot is down to to earth and I advise anyone that's just trying to hang out and drink a beer, maybe socialize a little, to come here.
Review Source:"Seriously" this place is great! I mean "seriously" the bartenders are quick and the prices are "seriously" reasonable. Â We got there around 9pm on a Saturday night just before the crowd showed up. Â Not a college student scene we saw most people in 30's and up. Â There was a "seriously" wasted woman who couldn't stop saying things were "seriously..." Â I thought we could get food there however just chips. Â A nice dark spot with plenty of cool decor, an outside area, pool and foosball table.
We will return.
The Ale 'N 'Wich holds a place near and dear to my heart. Â It is where my wife and I courted. Â We would go there every night and hang out. Â It is the first place I bought her a drink. Â It is the first place we held hands. Â It is the first place I played a song for her on the jukebox.
Outside of the sentimental value, it's still a cool place. Â It's off the beaten path as far as Rutgers bars are concerned, and as a result it's clientele is a bit older, less reserved and way more cool. Â The bartenders were always swell, and no one had a more awesome mural than they did.
I love hanging at the ale n wich. Â I feel at home there. Â I am also a fan of their outdoor smoking patio and their insanely good prices.
I am a big beer drinker, and they have a nice selection, however, the staff doesnt always lead you to the appropriate drinks to fit your taste buds.
One of my favorite places to drink in New Brunswick. It's off the beaten path of Easton Avenue bars, on the corner of Louis and Hamilton but I used to live 5 houses away in my undergrad years, so it easily became our watering hole.
It's a chill vibe and attracts a slightly artier, older patronage. Definitely not a place to dry hump some coed and take shots out of a test tube (not that there isn't anything wrong with that). Â There is always good music playing and they an awesome beer selection, so I'm never bored or upset if they are out of what I've decided upon drinking that night.
There is a pool table and a foosball table. This is also one of the best bars for smokers in the Bruns since they have this great smoking area outside- even nice during the winter months, since they have a heat fan. It's also known for the sick Simpsons mural that's been there since forever.
Cash only, so don't think about slapping down your plastic to open a tab (there is an ATM if I remember.). Will also have some sports on in the background, and they do have some fun promotional nights with free stuff.
This place is a little sketchy on the outside, and same thing on the inside...but once you are inside, sit down, order a beer...all is clear.... this place is awesome. Â Attentive, friendly bar staff. Great selection (and prices too) of beer. It's got a really laid back, chill vibe to it, and isn't as uppity/obnoxious/rowdy as other NB bars - which is why I like this place! You can actually hear yourself think, AND have a conversation without screaming at the top of ur lungs.
Random memory - I remember one of the owners or bartenders used to always have his dog with him in there!
-Summary-
Note: 4.5 overall
Pros: Foos table, laidback atmosphere, good drinks, outdoor area
Cons: Don't accpet credit card (may have changed since I last went)
My favorite college bar! Note that this might not be everyones favorite, as its not the traditional 'trance music let me make out with that random chick why does it smell so much like sweat who just bumped into me and grabbed my ass its been 20 minutes why cant I get a drink' experience that some people like. If you do, fair play to you, but this isnt that. This IS, however, a great place to come with some friends to hang out, have a few drinks, and have a great night. They have a pool table and a great foosball table, a great outdoors area, nice staff, good music, and decent beers on tap. If you're looking for a good 'local bar' experience, you may have just found it.
The most laid back bar in New Brunswick, Ale 'N 'Wich does not attract your typical college crowd; rather, it's a hang out for artists, music fans, beer lovers, and generally those looking for a relaxing atmosphere without the "bump and grind" of most New Brunswick bars that cater to the early 20s crowd.
The pub underwent renovations in the last few years, and it definitely has a more polished & authentic look and feel now, with new floors and a real classic tin ceiling, among other alternations. There's also a foosball and pool table, wifi, as well as an outdoor patio, with its walls decorated with a hilarious Simpsons mural. With the somewhat dim lighting, chill crowd, and the every present christmas lights, it certainly provides for a cozy atmosphere.
If you're a beer lover, you'll be happy that this pub has a wide variety of bottles and drafts at your disposal, ranging from Sierra Nevada Pale Ale to Hitachino Nest White Ale, all of which are priced reasonably. You'll be paying the same for a bottle of Miller Lite and most New Brunswick bars, so why not enjoy a tastier beer here?
Chill place, actually one of the less visited bars about 3/4 blocks off the main Easton Ave. strip.
Smaller venue - so don't expect a golden rail type setting or anything.
Thumbs up for the outdoor seating with the Simpsons mural on the back wall. Even more props for the bloody amazing music stream.
Great selection of beer on tap.
There is a pool table if you're lucky enough to be able to squeeze on! Other reviewer is right about the outdoor area being a little smokey (on account of smokers)
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