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.
The Secret NYC team relies on personal experience, recommendations, editorial reviews, and customer feedback before recommending the best places to grab a bite or sip cocktails in NYC. Since we’re the city that never sleeps, this list is constantly evolving. Please check back regularly.
McSorley’s Old Ale House
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 didn’t even serve women until 1970!
With only two beer options on the menu, light or dark, you’ll get a pair of mini pint glasses brought right to your table (two small pints equals one beer) and you may even get a good Irish story from the bartender or owner. It’s an NYC institution at this point.
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to McSorley’s Old Ale House
Where: 15 E 7th St
When: Monday – Saturday 11 am – 1 am, Sunday 12 pm – 1 am
The Dead Rabbit
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 Managing Partner Jack McGarry with Sean Muldoon from Belfast, The Dead Rabbit offers plenty of eye-opening features, including the largest collection of Irish 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.
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to The Dead Rabbit
Where: 30 Water St
When: Sunday – Thursday 12 pm – 2 am, Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 3 am
Molly’s
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
Donovan’s Irish Pub
Donovan’s came to life in 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.
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to Donovan’s Irish Pub
Where: 57-24 Roosevelt Ave
When: Monday – Sunday 11 am – 11 pm
Playwright Irish Pub
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).
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to Playwright Irish Pub
Where: 27 W 35th St
When: Daily 11:30 am – 4 am
P.J. Clarke’s
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.
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to P.J. Clarke’s
Where:
Midtown – 915 3rd Ave
Lincoln Square – 44 W 63rd St
Tribeca – 250 Vesey St
When: More information here
Paddy Maguire’s Ale House
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.
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to Paddy Maguire’s
Where: 237 3rd Ave
When: Monday – Sunday 11 am – 4 am
Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar
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.
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar
Where: 519 2nd Ave
When: Monday – Sunday 11 am – 4 am
Peter McManus Cafe
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.
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to Peter McManus Cafe
Where: 152 7th Ave
When: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 4 am
Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant
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!
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to Connolly’s Pub
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)
An Beal Bocht Cafe
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!
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to An Beal Bocht Cafe
Where: 445 W 238th St
When: Monday – Friday 11 am – 2 am, Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 2 am
The Landmark Tavern
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.
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to The Landmark Tavern
Where: 626 11th Ave
When: Monday – Sunday 3 pm – 10 pm
The Ear Inn
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.
🇮🇪 Plan a visit to The Ear Inn
Where: 326 Spring St
When: Monday – Sunday 12 pm – 4 am
Jack Jones
Jack Jones is an Astoria 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 11 am – 4 pm 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