A lot of New York City’s drinking culture was shaped by Irish immigrants who arrived in the 1820’s, so it’s no surprise that Irish pubs remain some of NYC’s oldest and truest bars. However, many faux Irish pubs have unfortunately popped up over the years, and with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner we thought we’d share with you some of the best true Irish bars NYC is home to. Here’s our list of the best Irish pubs in NYC where you can celebrate authentic Irish culture and heritage and, of course, enjoy a Guinness or shot of whiskey.
1. McSorley’s Old Ale House, East Village
Let’s start with the most obvious—McSorley’s is often argued as one of the most authentic Irish bars in the city. In fact, it claims to hold the title as New York’s oldest bar, founded in the mid 19th century. It has a long history in the East Village, dating back to days when women weren’t even allowed to enter the bar! Crazy, right? Thankfully, everyone can grab a pint there today.
Where: 15 E 7th St
When: Monday – Saturday 11 am – 1 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 1 pm
2. Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant, Midtown
If you’re looking for some scrumptious food to wash down your Guinness, we suggest Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant, who has two different locations in Midtown. Their menu is incredible, offering classics like fish & chips, chicken pot pie, and an unreal bangers & mash. Connolly’s is also very well-known for the live music scenes, where they have a live Irish band seemingly every night. This year’s St. Patrick’s Day will even include live Irish music all-day starting at noon!
Where:
Times Square – 121 W 45th St
Midtown East – 14 E 47th St
When: Monday – Friday 9 am – 2 am (Times Square), Monday – Friday 10 am – 1 am (Midtown East)
3. Playwright Irish Pub, Midtown
Playwright Irish Pub is about as authentic as it gets, thanks to their extensive beer list and Irish and American style dishes prepared by an award-winning chef. This spot also doubles as a great sports bar, and they pride themself “on being the destination spot for locals and tourists looking for The Fight of the Century or to catch their favorite hometown team.” They serve a daily lunch and dinner menu, happy hour menu, late night bar menu and a weekend brunch menu (11 am – 3 pm).
Where: 27 W 35th St
When: Daily 11:30 am – 4 am
4. The Dead Rabbit, FiDi
This award-winning spot that opened in 2013 has been serving what some New Yorkers call “the best Guinness in NYC” ever since. Founded by two managers Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon from Belfast, The Dead Rabbit offers plenty of eye-opening features, including the largest collection of whiskey in the US, an intimate Irish pub taproom, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for a classic pint or want to sip one of their pre-prohibition inspired cocktails, you’ve got to try this spot.
Where: 30 Water St
When: Sunday – Thursday 12 pm – 2 am, Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 3 am
5. An Beal Bocht Cafe, Bronx
An Beal Bocht Cafe has only been open since 1991, but they’ve quickly become a staple. The space hosts live performances for both Irish and local music, as well as poetry, comedy, theater, and art exhibits. An Beal Bocht is Gaelic for “the Poor Mouth,” and in honor of its name, they also created the Poor Mouth Theatre Company!
Where: 445 W 238th St
When: Monday – Friday 11 am – 2 am, Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 2 am
6. Donovan’s Irish Pub, Woodside
Donovan came to life 1966 when New York City Firefighter Joe Donovan purchased the Clover Leaf Bar, and it took no time to become a favorite with the heavily Irish community. Offering good food at fair prices, this pub soon became the go-to gathering place. One of the big pulls here is the live traditional Irish music that keeps people coming back for more.
Where: 57-24 Roosevelt Ave
When: Monday – Sunday 11 am – 11 pm
7. Molly’s Shebeen, Gramercy
Established in 1960 Molly’s has changed its name many times over the years. What’s never changed though is that this bar has always had a true Irish spirit at heart. They call themselves the “most authentic Irish bar in New York City,” and their loyal customers can’t get enough of their traditional Irish and American pub fare.
Where: 287 3rd Ave
When: Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 1 am, Sunday – Monday 11 am – 11 pm
8. Paddy Maguire’s Ale House, Gramercy
The owner of this pub, Patrick Maguire, used to be a jockey in Limerick, Ireland. If that’s not true Irish roots, nothing is. With open pool tables and sports always on the television, it’s a great spot to hang out, watch a game or two, and drink some Guinness.
Where: 237 3rd Ave
When: Monday – Sunday 11 am – 4 am
9. Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar, Kips Bay
Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar opened in 1986 by Steve Duggan of County Cavan. His commitment to making sure the pub was authentically Irish went as far as importing the bar’s flooring directly from Ireland! If you’re looking for a great no-frills bar to enjoy some live music and drinks, this is your place.
Where: 519 2nd Ave
When: Monday – Sunday 11 am – 4 am
10. The Landmark Tavern, Hell’s Kitchen
In operation since 1868, Landmark Tavern, an Irish Waterfront Saloon opened by Patrick Henry Carley, is one of the oldest operating establishments in New York City. For the most delicious and authentic corned bangers and mash or beef and cabbage this is the place to go.
Where: 626 11th Ave
When: Monday – Sunday 3 pm – 10 pm
11. P.J. Clarke’s, Multiple Locations
Today P.J. Clarke’s has three NYC locations, but its first one, which still stands in the same spot in Midtown, opened in 1884. Irishman Patrick “Paddy” J. Clarke, known for his bootleg Canadian scotch and bathtub gin, named this pub, and it’s been a NYC staple ever since.
Where:
Midtown – 915 3rd Ave
Lincoln Square – 44 W 63rd St
Tribeca – 250 Vesey St
When: More information here
12. Peter McManus Cafe, Chelsea
The oldest family-run bar in New York City, serving patrons since 1936, Peter McManus Cafe is one of NYC’s go-to Irish pubs. For a tasty and authentic Guinness on tap and a whole lot of good conversation, this is the spot to head to.
Where: 152 7th Ave
When: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 4 am
13. Ear Inn, Hudson Square
The Ear Inn, situated in the historic James Brown House, is one of the oldest operating drinking establishments in New York City. Turned into a bar by Thomas Cloke, the atmosphere hasn’t changed much since since the building’s construction in 1770. Stop by for a Shepherd’s pie and a pint.
Where: 326 Spring St
When: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 4 am
14. Jack Jones, Astoria
Jack Jones is a gastropub that serves casual food and absolutely killer cocktails. They have live music every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday and even host a weekend brunch from 11a.m. – 4p.m. where you can get a full Irish breakfast with a pint of Guinness. You can also peruse their “Siopa Beag,” a nod to early gastropub culture when Irish pubs were combined with grocery stores to generate more business, and choose from a variety of homemade jams, pickles, bread, Irish goods, and locally sourced food.
Where: 38-01 Ditmars Blvd
When: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 3 am, Friday – Saturday 11 am – 4 am