This is more of an update. I haven been coming here since 2012 for there Wednesday 25 cent wing night which used to be fantastic. Now they have the audacity to still call wing night a deal when they increased the price to 45 cents a wing. They inflated the price on everything. My major problem is the service is abysmal now. They fired all the people who actually cared and hired high school kids who take there sweet time. I used to recommend this place all the time and now I am going back against my words and begging all my friends not to come here as well as new people I meet. With these prices you may as well go to Buffalo Wild Wings which at least give you more meat on the bone as well as excellent service. I used to love this place and their special Norty flavored wings but today will be my last visit. I hope this place goes out of business cause the owner went against the community and lost the trust of the locals.
(1)
Mike B.
The wings here are really good as is most of the other food on the menu. As far as the bar goes, however, if you aren't a regular the bartenders act like you aren't even sitting there - even on slow days. I've always waited patiently until I've been on the verge of getting up and leaving (usually after 5+ minutes without a single acknowledgement) before someone finally wanders by to take my order. Maybe I've just been unlucky and have yet to encounter a bartender here who at least pretends to want my business, but after about a dozen times with the same outcome I don't think it's me. The drinks are quite cheap, though - so you get what you pay for I suppose. Food is great, bartenders not so much.
(2)
Shakema H.
Had a great time for my friends birthday last night. It was pretty packed for a Thursday night #thirstythursday. Drinks were pretty cheap, I had a cranberry and vodka for $7 which is amazing compared to the city prices that I am use to lol. Mostly town locals but everyone is friendly & if you like to play beer pong this is the place for you. I've heard good things about the food but didn't get the chance to try it. It will be on my to do list next time.
(5)
Heeral M.
So this was a horrible experience. My boyfriend, friend, and I stopped there after a long morning and were very hungry. We went in and sat ourselves. We didn't have anyone come up to us so eventually I went to the bar to get someone to serve our table and ordered drinks while I was up there as well. The bartenders stayed in one corner of the bar and did not attend the other customers very well either (this was observed the entire time we were there). So finally someone came to us to take our order. We orders wings and a pie. Over an hour later the wings came out and they were cold as if they were sitting out for awhile. We were pretty upset at this point because we were hungry and were waiting for such a simple order. Our pizza still was not ready after an hour either. So we returned the wings after flagging down our server who didn't even bring them to us, and canceled our order. When we went to pay for the one beer and two sodas we got ourselves from the bartender the guy gave us an attitude and told us spitefully not to worry about it. The attitude was uncalled for especially after waiting over an hour and a half for service and food. There is no excuse for neglecting your customers. Btw the whole time the bartenders were hanging out in that one corner not doing anything but chatting with the same person the whole time.
(1)
Jim A.
I tend to concur with Mike B below. This place has always had a "bartender problem" in my mind and is a bit on the "cliquish" side with regards to their regulars. They seemed to have cornered the market on burly (read:fat) latter middle-aged male patrons and cater to same. Stopped in the other day for one of their famous thin crust pies and was treated with subdued enthusiasm and mediocre service. Perhaps I should gain about 50 pounds and become a regular beer guzzling lush. Then maybe I'll at least get a smile from one of their bar maids. I give it 3 stars because their food, at least their pizza, is very good. Eat it right out the oven for best flavor. I hear their wings are pretty good but I have never tried them myself.
(3)
Em M.
Outstanding thin crust pizza, really worth going out of you way for it too. You can eat in, take out or eat while watching a movie next door at the Dunellen Theatre. Friendly staff as well. The only drawback is that because this is thin crust and just so good, it's really easy to eat more than you normally might!
(5)
Alexis Y.
I've had the pizza and wings when I've been to the movie theater next door- they are the best in the area.
(4)
cb P.
Two words: onion rings.
(4)
Kurt G.
I've been going to Zupko's on and off for a long time. Yes, the food is good and the beer is cheap. But the service is glacially slow at times. I've been there during lunch, off hours, and rush hour and I can say that even with a few people at the bar, your food takes 15-20 minutes to get out, your beer glass will sit empty for 10-15 before it's filled again. All the while, a bartender keeps walking by and practically ignoring you. This has happened with several of the barkeeps and I'm a pretty decent tipper. So what gives? Is pulling a tap and filling a glass really THAT difficult? Am I a leper? Do I smell? No, it's just the incompetence of the staff. Don't go there unless you have several hours to kill, are waiting for your laundry, or are hiding from your wife. If you really want to be ignored, stay home and buy a 6 pack. It's cheaper and much less frustrating.
(1)
Tracy H.
From the looks outside.. this bar looks like a dive and well from the inside its not so pretty either. The food though.. is AMAZING! It takes them a while to get it out to you because the bartender is who is waiting on you and as well as tending to the regulars at the bar. Is a great place to take some friends on a friday night and have some drinks and some good food. The movie theater next door is also part of zupkos.. though I have never experienced it since the merge I hear nothing but good things about it.
(4)
Morgan T.
All I have to say is: lunch specials. Sandwich + fries and a beer for $5. The wings are the best. Pro-tip: you can order them as a lunch special and get an extra beer (our waitress suggested this).
(4)
JC T.
Good lunch specials (5 buck's for a burger, beer and sides) and quality pizza. Was upset when I saw the wings by their size and style but boy was I wrong. I would say its some of the best wings I've ever had.
(4)
Stephen C.
"The diviest of dives" is how I generally explain this Dunellen staple, but perhaps that's a misnomer now-a-days. I've been a Wednesday regular for at least a year now (I'd occasionally show up for Wings beforehand, but my general crowd has been a Wings-night regular crowd for longer than me). Things are different now than when I was first introduced to Zupko's. It's still definitely a dive bar with its cheap prices, local clientele and limited beer list, but over the past three months things have changed - and in my opinion, for the better. About three or four months ago, Zupko's came under new management (though same owners), and slowly I've been noticing changes. The tavern now has a beer list sorted by ABV (which is delightful for an alchie like me). They have also introduced a wine list because, let's be honest, that joke from literally every movie involving a dive about serving both kinds of wine: red and white is a little tired, and there is no real downside to having variety in wines if that is your cup-o'-tea. The kitchen has been moved and where it formerly was has been converted into a back room with a front-ward facing to-go area if you decide you just want the food and not the atmosphere. And let me tell you, the food is delicious. Some people here are complaining that the Wings Night prices have gone up from $0.25. I have slowly noticed that increase, but I completely understand. Inflation, economies changing, and also in general chicken prices have increased. It's still an excellent deal, and the chicken tastes delicious with sauces including Mild, Hot, Scorpion, teriyaki, scampi, and "Norty" which is the sauce made by the big, lovable bear of a bartender by the same name. If you see him, offer him a hug. The "Norty sauce" is a big draw and absolutely something worth trying at least once. Outside of wings, I absolutely love Zupko's pizza. I lived in a... let's call it a "pizza desert" for 8 years, and coming back to NJ has made me appreciate Zupko's pizza even more. Up until recently wings and pizza were pretty much all I ever tried, but I've been branching out lately. Tuesdays has $2 tacos, though I haven't tried those yet. I've tried the Z-burger, and it is fantastic. Also, their pierogies 100% get my stamp of approval. I definitely intend on trying out more off the actual menu in the future. You will notice I've really only mentioned Wings night. They also have Pong night on Thursdays starting around 10/10:30, but I have only been twice. The nightly crowds tend to be pretty singular. There's the Wednesday night crowd, and then there's the Thursday night crowd, and from what I have seen there isn't much crossover between. That being said, while Wings night is a nice way to relax and chill with friends, Pong night is a bit more of a party, and everyone there is super chill and friendly, so really it depends on what your speed is. Big props goes to the guy who organizes and runs Pong Night for putting up with my shit when I was shouting "FUCKING QWAIN" all night. One downside right now is there seems to be a decently high turnover rate for the staff. Many of the wait staff and bartenders were on only for the summer, so right now is sort of a changing of the guard. The staff that is staying is awesome, as are the people coming on, though probably for the next month or so you will see people training, or perhaps still a little green with their system. That's to be expected and doesn't really bother me at all. That being said, the people who have been there a while are all awesome, and if you are going to be there, take the time to get to know them. Oh, and tip well. So I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that the Dunellen Theater is attached to the bar. Watch a movie with a pitcher in front of you, all that good jazz. This also means the bar is a great place for a night cap after watching a movie. For families, I wouldn't say Zupko's is the /most/ child-friendly restaurant ever. It's certainly not a family-style restaurant a-la Applebee's, but that's okay. That being said, I have seen children's birthday parties there, and everyone seemed to be having fun. Also, I have seen families eating there no problem, just please understand this is still absolutely a bar and restaurant. So now that I have written pretty much a small novel on my favorite local food joint, let me sum-up. Zupko's is a dive that is slowly getting classier without, in my opinion, losing that dive feel I've come to enjoy. It's nice enough for families to come and eat, and maybe a date (though I wouldn't recommend a first date). The food is excellent, the crowds are fun, the wait staff is, in my opinion, getting better. If you didn't like Zupko's before, give it another try now. If you're a regular and you're unhappy with the changes, give it some time. I think they will grow on you. One final note: The jukebox is the best here. You legitimately have no idea what is going to play next.
(5)
CATHAL O.
I went there on wing night with my wife and one of her friends great combination of really tasty wings and my wife had a pie which we were told the recipe was over 40 years old that was nice to hear and it too was very good, great drink specials, bartender was attentive and the night didn't break the bank, Cheers
(4)
Michelle D.
The "Norty" wings are the Best Wings HANDS DOWN! With the cheap .40 wings on wing night and the friendly staff, this place was a very pleasant surprise!
(4)
Candace K.
The best pizza around. Thin crust with just right right combination of sauce and cheese. I just wish they were closer to where I live.
(5)
David S.
Best wings I've ever had. $0.45 per wing on Sundays during football season. They also have very good pizza. It reminds me of Chimney Rock Inn.
(4)
Jeff S.
great place to have beer and burger. They have a nice menu. If you want to see a movie, it's attached to a theater.
(5)
Elizabeth W.
I like the old man bar feel and the food. The pizza is the best thin crust around. But the service has really gone downhill during the past year.
(2)
Kay T.
Go Tracy, Go Tracy. She hit the nail on the head!!!! Yummy Buffalo wraps. Jane hey have $1. beers and a $5. lunch during the week that comes with beer. How you doing? I had the flounder on a hardroll w potato chips, cole slaw a pickle and beer for $$$$5. dolllars. Hello. That was awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Its a sports bar with alot of old heads in there but never the less a kewl pit stop! I will be hitting there once again! zupkostavern.com/index.h…
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Melvin G.
This is more of an update. I haven been coming here since 2012 for there Wednesday 25 cent wing night which used to be fantastic. Now they have the audacity to still call wing night a deal when they increased the price to 45 cents a wing. They inflated the price on everything. My major problem is the service is abysmal now. They fired all the people who actually cared and hired high school kids who take there sweet time. I used to recommend this place all the time and now I am going back against my words and begging all my friends not to come here as well as new people I meet. With these prices you may as well go to Buffalo Wild Wings which at least give you more meat on the bone as well as excellent service. I used to love this place and their special Norty flavored wings but today will be my last visit. I hope this place goes out of business cause the owner went against the community and lost the trust of the locals.
(1)Mike B.
The wings here are really good as is most of the other food on the menu. As far as the bar goes, however, if you aren't a regular the bartenders act like you aren't even sitting there - even on slow days. I've always waited patiently until I've been on the verge of getting up and leaving (usually after 5+ minutes without a single acknowledgement) before someone finally wanders by to take my order. Maybe I've just been unlucky and have yet to encounter a bartender here who at least pretends to want my business, but after about a dozen times with the same outcome I don't think it's me. The drinks are quite cheap, though - so you get what you pay for I suppose. Food is great, bartenders not so much.
(2)Shakema H.
Had a great time for my friends birthday last night. It was pretty packed for a Thursday night #thirstythursday. Drinks were pretty cheap, I had a cranberry and vodka for $7 which is amazing compared to the city prices that I am use to lol. Mostly town locals but everyone is friendly & if you like to play beer pong this is the place for you. I've heard good things about the food but didn't get the chance to try it. It will be on my to do list next time.
(5)Heeral M.
So this was a horrible experience. My boyfriend, friend, and I stopped there after a long morning and were very hungry. We went in and sat ourselves. We didn't have anyone come up to us so eventually I went to the bar to get someone to serve our table and ordered drinks while I was up there as well. The bartenders stayed in one corner of the bar and did not attend the other customers very well either (this was observed the entire time we were there). So finally someone came to us to take our order. We orders wings and a pie. Over an hour later the wings came out and they were cold as if they were sitting out for awhile. We were pretty upset at this point because we were hungry and were waiting for such a simple order. Our pizza still was not ready after an hour either. So we returned the wings after flagging down our server who didn't even bring them to us, and canceled our order. When we went to pay for the one beer and two sodas we got ourselves from the bartender the guy gave us an attitude and told us spitefully not to worry about it. The attitude was uncalled for especially after waiting over an hour and a half for service and food. There is no excuse for neglecting your customers. Btw the whole time the bartenders were hanging out in that one corner not doing anything but chatting with the same person the whole time.
(1)Jim A.
I tend to concur with Mike B below. This place has always had a "bartender problem" in my mind and is a bit on the "cliquish" side with regards to their regulars. They seemed to have cornered the market on burly (read:fat) latter middle-aged male patrons and cater to same. Stopped in the other day for one of their famous thin crust pies and was treated with subdued enthusiasm and mediocre service. Perhaps I should gain about 50 pounds and become a regular beer guzzling lush. Then maybe I'll at least get a smile from one of their bar maids. I give it 3 stars because their food, at least their pizza, is very good. Eat it right out the oven for best flavor. I hear their wings are pretty good but I have never tried them myself.
(3)Em M.
Outstanding thin crust pizza, really worth going out of you way for it too. You can eat in, take out or eat while watching a movie next door at the Dunellen Theatre. Friendly staff as well. The only drawback is that because this is thin crust and just so good, it's really easy to eat more than you normally might!
(5)Alexis Y.
I've had the pizza and wings when I've been to the movie theater next door- they are the best in the area.
(4)cb P.
Two words: onion rings.
(4)Kurt G.
I've been going to Zupko's on and off for a long time. Yes, the food is good and the beer is cheap. But the service is glacially slow at times. I've been there during lunch, off hours, and rush hour and I can say that even with a few people at the bar, your food takes 15-20 minutes to get out, your beer glass will sit empty for 10-15 before it's filled again. All the while, a bartender keeps walking by and practically ignoring you. This has happened with several of the barkeeps and I'm a pretty decent tipper. So what gives? Is pulling a tap and filling a glass really THAT difficult? Am I a leper? Do I smell? No, it's just the incompetence of the staff. Don't go there unless you have several hours to kill, are waiting for your laundry, or are hiding from your wife. If you really want to be ignored, stay home and buy a 6 pack. It's cheaper and much less frustrating.
(1)Tracy H.
From the looks outside.. this bar looks like a dive and well from the inside its not so pretty either. The food though.. is AMAZING! It takes them a while to get it out to you because the bartender is who is waiting on you and as well as tending to the regulars at the bar. Is a great place to take some friends on a friday night and have some drinks and some good food. The movie theater next door is also part of zupkos.. though I have never experienced it since the merge I hear nothing but good things about it.
(4)Morgan T.
All I have to say is: lunch specials. Sandwich + fries and a beer for $5. The wings are the best. Pro-tip: you can order them as a lunch special and get an extra beer (our waitress suggested this).
(4)JC T.
Good lunch specials (5 buck's for a burger, beer and sides) and quality pizza. Was upset when I saw the wings by their size and style but boy was I wrong. I would say its some of the best wings I've ever had.
(4)Stephen C.
"The diviest of dives" is how I generally explain this Dunellen staple, but perhaps that's a misnomer now-a-days. I've been a Wednesday regular for at least a year now (I'd occasionally show up for Wings beforehand, but my general crowd has been a Wings-night regular crowd for longer than me). Things are different now than when I was first introduced to Zupko's. It's still definitely a dive bar with its cheap prices, local clientele and limited beer list, but over the past three months things have changed - and in my opinion, for the better. About three or four months ago, Zupko's came under new management (though same owners), and slowly I've been noticing changes. The tavern now has a beer list sorted by ABV (which is delightful for an alchie like me). They have also introduced a wine list because, let's be honest, that joke from literally every movie involving a dive about serving both kinds of wine: red and white is a little tired, and there is no real downside to having variety in wines if that is your cup-o'-tea. The kitchen has been moved and where it formerly was has been converted into a back room with a front-ward facing to-go area if you decide you just want the food and not the atmosphere. And let me tell you, the food is delicious. Some people here are complaining that the Wings Night prices have gone up from $0.25. I have slowly noticed that increase, but I completely understand. Inflation, economies changing, and also in general chicken prices have increased. It's still an excellent deal, and the chicken tastes delicious with sauces including Mild, Hot, Scorpion, teriyaki, scampi, and "Norty" which is the sauce made by the big, lovable bear of a bartender by the same name. If you see him, offer him a hug. The "Norty sauce" is a big draw and absolutely something worth trying at least once. Outside of wings, I absolutely love Zupko's pizza. I lived in a... let's call it a "pizza desert" for 8 years, and coming back to NJ has made me appreciate Zupko's pizza even more. Up until recently wings and pizza were pretty much all I ever tried, but I've been branching out lately. Tuesdays has $2 tacos, though I haven't tried those yet. I've tried the Z-burger, and it is fantastic. Also, their pierogies 100% get my stamp of approval. I definitely intend on trying out more off the actual menu in the future. You will notice I've really only mentioned Wings night. They also have Pong night on Thursdays starting around 10/10:30, but I have only been twice. The nightly crowds tend to be pretty singular. There's the Wednesday night crowd, and then there's the Thursday night crowd, and from what I have seen there isn't much crossover between. That being said, while Wings night is a nice way to relax and chill with friends, Pong night is a bit more of a party, and everyone there is super chill and friendly, so really it depends on what your speed is. Big props goes to the guy who organizes and runs Pong Night for putting up with my shit when I was shouting "FUCKING QWAIN" all night. One downside right now is there seems to be a decently high turnover rate for the staff. Many of the wait staff and bartenders were on only for the summer, so right now is sort of a changing of the guard. The staff that is staying is awesome, as are the people coming on, though probably for the next month or so you will see people training, or perhaps still a little green with their system. That's to be expected and doesn't really bother me at all. That being said, the people who have been there a while are all awesome, and if you are going to be there, take the time to get to know them. Oh, and tip well. So I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that the Dunellen Theater is attached to the bar. Watch a movie with a pitcher in front of you, all that good jazz. This also means the bar is a great place for a night cap after watching a movie. For families, I wouldn't say Zupko's is the /most/ child-friendly restaurant ever. It's certainly not a family-style restaurant a-la Applebee's, but that's okay. That being said, I have seen children's birthday parties there, and everyone seemed to be having fun. Also, I have seen families eating there no problem, just please understand this is still absolutely a bar and restaurant. So now that I have written pretty much a small novel on my favorite local food joint, let me sum-up. Zupko's is a dive that is slowly getting classier without, in my opinion, losing that dive feel I've come to enjoy. It's nice enough for families to come and eat, and maybe a date (though I wouldn't recommend a first date). The food is excellent, the crowds are fun, the wait staff is, in my opinion, getting better. If you didn't like Zupko's before, give it another try now. If you're a regular and you're unhappy with the changes, give it some time. I think they will grow on you. One final note: The jukebox is the best here. You legitimately have no idea what is going to play next.
(5)CATHAL O.
I went there on wing night with my wife and one of her friends great combination of really tasty wings and my wife had a pie which we were told the recipe was over 40 years old that was nice to hear and it too was very good, great drink specials, bartender was attentive and the night didn't break the bank, Cheers
(4)Michelle D.
The "Norty" wings are the Best Wings HANDS DOWN! With the cheap .40 wings on wing night and the friendly staff, this place was a very pleasant surprise!
(4)Candace K.
The best pizza around. Thin crust with just right right combination of sauce and cheese. I just wish they were closer to where I live.
(5)David S.
Best wings I've ever had. $0.45 per wing on Sundays during football season. They also have very good pizza. It reminds me of Chimney Rock Inn.
(4)Jeff S.
great place to have beer and burger. They have a nice menu. If you want to see a movie, it's attached to a theater.
(5)Elizabeth W.
I like the old man bar feel and the food. The pizza is the best thin crust around. But the service has really gone downhill during the past year.
(2)Kay T.
Go Tracy, Go Tracy. She hit the nail on the head!!!! Yummy Buffalo wraps. Jane hey have $1. beers and a $5. lunch during the week that comes with beer. How you doing? I had the flounder on a hardroll w potato chips, cole slaw a pickle and beer for $$$$5. dolllars. Hello. That was awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Its a sports bar with alot of old heads in there but never the less a kewl pit stop! I will be hitting there once again! zupkostavern.com/index.h…
(5)