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Irish Pub With Shuffleboard May Soon Replace American Trash Dive Bar

By Shaye Weaver | February 9, 2016 10:23am
 American Trash is in the process of switching hands.
American Trash is in the process of switching hands.
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DNAinfo/Shaye Weaver

UPPER EAST SIDE — A Gramercy Irish pub owner is looking to add class to American Trash.

The owners of Plug Uglies unveiled plans to open its second watering hole at 1471 First Ave., currently occupied by the dive bar American Trash, which has been running since the 1990s.

Although plans are still in flux, Plug Uglies is looking to update the venue to a classy, clean feel, according to Brian Stapleton, the bar's owner.

Plans for the new bar submitted to Community Board 8's street life committee show space for shuffleboard, 59 seats and a menu including wings, hot dogs and tater tots.

"It will be a place for people to come and have a nice drink ... we'll make it a nicer establishment," Stapleton said. "We hope to replicate the Plug Uglies concept. It will be classier with cocktails and beer on draft."

But American Trash manager Bob Sullivan said his employees are hoping their venue, which has a pool table, skee-ball and arcade games, won't change too much under the new owners.

"When they write the book about New York City bars, American Trash would have to be in the top 10," Sullivan said. "There's a total eclectic mix of customers ranging from open-eyed, new neighbors to hardened vets who remember the good old days and reminisce about them and have a good time anyway. We're a proud dive bar but not low class."

Celebrities, including Jimmy Fallon, have patronized the dive, according to workers.

Sullivan wouldn't comment on the future of American Trash, but said the place is beloved and in need of some TLC.

"It's like a movie star that's gotten older," he said. "The new ownership, who are established bar owners, are coming in to add their stamp."