The Ugly

The Ugly is the dive bar on East 36th Street in NoDa, next door to Idlewild and steps from the light rail, open evenings until late seven days a week, with old bar mirrors, period decor and beers at two and three dollars.

It serves cocktails too, at prices well below the rest of the neighborhood, and the bartenders are quick and unbothered. There is no food, so eat first. It is the pregame stop before a NoDa night, not the destination itself, and the pairing with Idlewild next door is the reason most people end up at both.

What to know

• Beers for two or three dollars.
• Open late every night.
• No food; eat before you arrive.
• Next door to Idlewild, steps from the rail.