So there’s this Irishman driving through a crowded parking lot, searching desperately for an empty space. After looking for over an hour, it starts to pour down rain and he looks up to the sky and says, “God, please, I can’t take this anymore! Just open up a spot for me, and I swear I’ll never drink another pint of Guinness again!”
And suddenly, the clouds part and the sky clears in one spot, shining sunlight right on an empty parking space. Without missing a beat, the Irishman shouts, “Nevermind God, found one!” and parks to head into the pub.
Irish pubs are one of the most ubiquitous cultural landmarks in the world. From Bangkok to Buenos Aires, you can find one just about anywhere. In New York City, you can find nearly 2,000 of them.
If you don’t have the time to hop around and taste test every rich, frothy pint of Guinness and steamy plateful of shepherd’s pie in NYC, we’ve got your back. Here are the very best Irish pubs in the very best city —New York. Sláinte!
The Dead Rabbit (Financial District)
Forget the best Irish Pub in New York City…how about the best bar in the world?
The Dead Rabbit is both. Voted World’s Best Bar in the 9th annual Spirited Awards, this Financial District Irish pub is the perfect blend of 21st century modern and 19th century historic. The bar takes up three stories in an 1828 building —don’t miss the ground floor tap-room, with a sleek wooden bar, old-timey photos, and more whiskey choices than there are sheep in Ireland. The shining star here is the cocktail lounge upstairs, though, given that they also won World’s Best Cocktail Menu.
Twitter: @DeadRabbitNYC
Molly’s Pub & Restaurant Shebeen (Gramercy Park)
If you’re looking for traditional, this is the place to go.
Named for illegal taverns in Ireland serving Irish moonshine, Molly’s certainly has the feel of an old “shebeen.” But these guys are fully licensed and serve up your typical Irish favorites like Guinness, Smithwick’s, and Murphy’s. Molly’s hasn’t changed a bit since they opened over five decades ago, worn down wooden benches, your favorite Irish bartender and all. Their burger, shepherd’s pie, and Irish-style Guinness are rated as some of the best in New York.
Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar
When Paddy Reilly’s first opened up in 1986, they proudly proclaimed themselves as the world’s first and all draught Guinness bar – that’s the only beer they would serve.
Home to live music and hearty “craic” —otherwise known as good times— 7 days a week, they’ve since opened up a few more taps for those of you who don’t drink Guinness. Oh yeah, did I mention they even have a Guinness pizza? If you’re wondering what that is, well, you’ll just have to go there and find out.
Twitter: @PaddyReillysNYC
Swift Hibernian Lounge (NoHo)
This one isn’t so much of a pub as it is a lounge, but it’s worth mentioning because it ushered in a new era of Irish bars —literary, great for romantic conversation, and decidedly shamrock-free.
Of course, you’ll still find Irish delights at Swift, just a tad more sophisticated. Think live readings, obscure craft brews from Ireland, and corned beef and cabbage tacos. The vibe might be high-class but the prices are still accessible: a pint of Guinness and 6 oysters will only set you back $12.
St. James Gate Publick House (Upper West Side)
For those who just want to chow down on some good Irish grub, stop by the Upper West Side’s St. James Gate Publick House for your next weekend brunch.
This bar and restaurant will serve you up one of the best full Irish breakfasts in town, complete with black and white pudding and a killer bloody mary. Stopping by for happy hour? Treat yourself to one of the best Guinness pours this side of the Atlantic and a plate full of curried fries.
Twitter: @stjamesgatepub
[tweetthis]It’s Time To Grab A Pint At These Top #Irish Pubs In #NYC! You Have To Visit And Drink A Cold One![/tweetthis]
McSorley’s Old Ale House (East Village)
A list of NYC Irish pubs wouldn’t be complete without this East Village institution.
Open since 1854, they claim to be the oldest tavern in all of New York City. Complete with sawdust floors, McSorley’s looks about the same as it did 100 years ago, except that now women are allowed to enter. They serve only two drink options —light or dark house ale— and a couple cheap food options. This saloon will make you feel like you’ve stepped back into old New York, not least of all because guests as prolific as John Lennon and Abraham Lincoln himself are said to have passed through their doors.
Twitter: @McSoreleysBeer
St Patrick’s Day may be the perfect excuse to check out one (or more) of these fine establishments, but any day of the year is good enough for a Guinness! New York has many bars worth hopping whether on the 17th of March or not — cheers!