The Uptown Social

Updated February 7, 2016: Once again, so disappointed last week in the service (on an extremely slow night) that we left after our drinks were ordered but before they were served. This is highly unusual for us to (appear to be) be this rude, but after waiting literally over ten minutes and our waitress just chatting up at another table, we got fed up and left. Sure wish the old crew was back. The service is sliding downhill like a runaway train. We’d been frequent visitors in the past (almost weekly) but doubt we’ll be back much, if at all.
Our previous review for comparison from 2013, obviously my «Positive side #2» has gone by the wayside:
We frequent US almost weekly except as noted below. If you rated this lower than a three-​star then you need to come back. This should’ve been a five star review except for these mostly minor factors, so let’s get them out of the way before getting to the good points:
1. The outdoor seating is great but it’s also an open smoking area and my wife is allergic to smoke. I wish they’d make the shorter part of the terrace facing Austin Avenue non-​smoking.
2. There’s one younger male bartender (not Wally, he’s the best!) who’s lack of social skills is so bad we actually leave upon arrival if we see him there. Haven’t seen him in the past month or so and I’m hoping management has figured him out.
Now on the positive side:
1. Bloody Mary’s, Wally won the state-​wide «best in Texas» BM contest this year, and if you like BM’s, you love them here. If you don’t like BM’s you’ll like them here.
2. Overall very good friendly service. I’m always very forgiving if service is slow when there’s a crowd and it’s rare we’re not seated/​served fairly promptly.
3. The food is great, it’s more casual but it fits right in with the character of this place. The Ghost Chicken Wings are my favorite.
4. Good beer selections. My wife’s the Bloody Mary drinker, I go for a good beer. Try the Golden Monkey, but go easy, I think it’s 9.0%.
On the neutral side:
1. Sometimes the music is a bit loud but we manage or just sit at the bar.
2. Wish they were open Sundays.

This was our first time at Uptown Social. We were looking for a casual happy hour spot in Georgetown. We found the place to be nice with great service… we tried some appetizers and ordered a pizza as well as listened to the jazz band that came on at 7. Would recommend this place and plan to go back.

Love this place. Came in on a whim (was actually headed to another highly rated restaurant in same building). The music called us in. A cool jazz band, Contrafat, was playing. Had the mona lisa pizza and watched the game. Great pizza. Great vibe. Really great wrap-​around deck with a view from 4^th floor.

I love eating here. I come in often and know the staff for the most part. It’s a great place too enjoy pizza and beer!

Great views and so glad I went ! Everyone is super friendly and drinks and food were excellent.

I want to love this place but I just couldn’t click that third star…
This is a great place to chill and get drink with an amazing view when it isn’t 3,000 degrees outside. Its just relaxing and fun on a comfortable night — but that is about the only time I would go because thats about all this place has going for it. Drinks and a view.
The interior is trying so hard to pretend its upscale but cheap furniture is cheap furniture. Its all showing a little bit of wear and tear.
The staff was cordial but I wouldn’t say friendly. Its like they are serving livestock — toss you some food, pat you on the head and then run off to do human stuff.
Now, the food. Just don’t. Its awful. I think someone may need to go in the kitchen and google bruschetta because whatever they are serving is not it. Toasted bread without olive oil or garlic is not bruschetta. At the bare minimum it needs oil — not this watery concoction of tomato and onion on the side. if you are going to do it that way, then your topping needs to be fresher and not taste likes its been in the fridge for hours. the pizza flakers had potential but the crust is lacking and is usually over cooked.
My suggestion — go have dinner at one of the amazing restaurants in GTown that knows how to do it right. The city is getting to the point that mediocre doesn’t cut it anymore. After you eat, weather permitting, take your friends here and enjoy the view with a cold beer or drink from the bar.

We just moved to the area, and this is already our «Cheers» bar. Mixed drinks are innovative, pizzas are yummy, staff is very congenial, great music, good draft beers, great skyline views; the kind of place you want to bring your friends when they come to town. They’re going to have a special Fourth of July party with the best views of of fireworks in town, and even without the fireworks the view from the fourth story is amazing. And this is the kind of place that is a destination, because you would never find it if you didn’t know it was here. It’s on the fourth floor of an old office building, and you basically have to know it’s here to find it, which only adds to the charm; I think we’re going to be regulars!

So we didn’t know where to eat when we spent a day in Georgetown square, so looked up some places and looked up to sky and saw this place. On the third floor of what I think is an old hotel, with a patio running around it. View of Georgetown and I– 80, ok maybe not that exciting but still a nice view. Pizza was great, good beer selection and friendly staff.

Aloha pizza was great! Pickle chips are amazing! Wings were big! Had the best service!

OVERALL: had a great time, really enjoyed the band. Food was good. Price was around $ 25 for two apps and one beer. A place you want to go for a glass of wine on a rooftop on a nice day. Place you can relax after work. Place to lounge around with friends. No kids menu, but kid friendly, it is pizza place after all.
CONS: 4^th floor of building. Parking is odd. Have to find unmarked spot. Lobby is humid and unattractive. But once you get to the top it feels better. The ikea furniture is well worn. I could not tell if the staff had a uniform, but black workout pants seemed to be a theme. The attempt at elegant pizza place falls way short. But definitely not a place to take yourself to seriously.
PROS: no age limit so took my 6yo boy. the food was good. Beer selection was good. Prices not too high. Live music on Friday. Band was older group of men, music was jazzy. My son really enjoyed them and they interacted with him which always wins over a mom. We got to dancing and others joined off and on.
FOOD: 1) Cheese Platter, menu said «Market Cheese» I didn’t think to ask so when a big chunk of my enemy blue cheese came out and I made a face the waitress automatically asked what’s wrong and she was able to take the blue out and replace with sharp cheddar, I thought that was very nice. The quantity was plentiful, I should have asked for more bread. 2) Pepperoni Rolls, order of 3 is plenty for one, great size to cut up and share, came with both marinara and ranch, was tasty. Think hot pockets done right.

I luv this place! From the food to the drinks and to the staff! Gotta try the Hawaiian pizza:) the view here is perfect for whoever needs a quick boost to their mood and their life! The owner is an attorney and if you are really lucky thats some bartending advice you can take!

Awesome staff, great simple drinks, good food, and an awesome 4^th floor porch view. My favorite places for drinks in georgetown. Come here at night, sit outside, and you won’t be disappointed!

Really the only thing this place has going for it is that it’s relatively the only bar in Georgetown… and unfortunately this is reflected in the mood of the staff here.
I’ve been in and out of this place quite a few times the last few years and really each time has left a sour taste in my mouth. There have been inappropriate comments from bartenders, wait staff, and management towards me, my husband, and some of our friends on more than one occasion. The entire staff is generally unfriendly, unsmiling, unwelcoming… and flat out grumpy. Once or twice I could understand, but there are staff I have seen in here who have the same scowl on their face each and every time. The staff get impatient with you and the management does not want to help you with anything… you pretty much get the ‘f* you’ tone of voice with every one here.
One wait staff had asked me and my friends to leave because I did not want food and wanted to wait awhile before getting drinks (‘loitering’ in a bar is an offense now). The other two in the party were getting drinks and the wait staff knew this, but we were still asked to leave (at 9pm on a Saturday, so I don’t think they were closing). And that was my last straw.
The drinks and food are no where near being good enough for this attitude of theirs to be acceptable.
This place makes me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome every time I come in… and I have ceased ever going here again. Save time, save money, and save some public embarrassment… just buy your own alcohol and drink at home.

We had the tapas $ 5 happy hour special with three cheese spinach flatbread, bruschetta, and the uptown nachos. It was so good, I couldn’t tell you which one I liked better! Plus, it’s located on the 4^th floor of the building, so you have a great view of Georgetown! Highly recommended to anyone!

First and foremost I love the view definitely when Frank and Jessica are there. Wings are awesome and they know how to pour a bourbon. Great live music from locals (Love you Paul Walker) PS Tell Heather I said hi

The food is great, the drinks good. But the ownership and management is a festering and freaking joke. It reflects on the nonchalant, careless mood of the service. I’ve seen the servers getting their ass handed to them and the owner and managers stand by drinking shots. We asked for a high chair the last time we were there and the waiter said they didn’t have any and would have to ask a manager. I waited 5 minutes than walked 10 feet away and got one myself. The only reason why I’m giving it 3 stars is because the pizza is really good.
Fire your managers and get the daddy that bought the owner of this place to give it to a different child.

Georgetown isn’t exactly known for it’s hopping bar scene. But this place does stand out. I like sitting at the bar and looking at the view. If the weather is nice I’ll sit on the patio. They have a good beer selection at good prices. And the pizza is delicious!

Uptown Social is a great rooftop bar and grill. They have delicious pizza, and great views of Georgetown from the roof. The drinks are very tasty as well. I have been to Uptown Social several times now, and never disappointed. The wings are very good, with a nice selection of sauces.
If you are in Georgetown, definitley try this place, and they have live music on the weekends.

Read to the end.
I support most all local downtown joints. Uptown Social opened and was fine. Pizza was a little soggy and the wait staff seems to struggle. After awhile it got better but never was the standout pizza place we had hoped. We would go there only after we decided the wait at other places was too long.
Last week my kids were back from college and we went out. Uptown Social was not the first or second choice but that’s where we ended up.
Pizza was outstanding. Crust was crispy with a good bite. Toppings were always top notch but the crust never worked before.
I grabbed the manager and told him. He said the oven has been broken for awhile but is now fixed.
Those of you who gave up on this place, give it another try. Really turned it around.
Service is still under par but not terrible.

BLOODY MARY REVIEW: I figured my list could use some fresh blood (HAHAHAHA see what I did there?) and their table tent describing the «Pickled Pepper Bloody Mary» was too inviting to resist, so here we go…
First of all, BACON SALT AROUND THE RIM. I repeat – BACON SALT AROUND THE RIM. That alone almost warrants a fiver. They use a peppered vodka, which is always a plus, especially after my tenure in southern New Mexico. The mix had a fantastic flavor, and I could swear there was a hint of pickle to the finish. It was so savory and yummy, I finished in in about three sips. (Or swigs. You know what I mean.) This moves up to the top three of my list. It’s also conveniently located in the NEW Shooey’s Golden Radius. If you’re in G-​Town, it’s definitely worth a trip to the top of the tamiro Building. I say, this bloody mary may even be worth a drive to G-​Town.
Now that I finished this review, and my boss asked me to come in on a Sunday afternoon, I think I’ll go get one or three…