Looking for that slice of home in the Big Apple? Here are the top ten best Irish pubs in New York City.
With the growing number of Irish diaspora across the globe, it is no wonder why there are so many fantastic Irish bars on offer. Ranging from intimate Irish waterholes to vibrant party bars, they exist in abundance.
A common thread with Irish emigrants, or those who share in Irish ancestry, is that no matter how fantastic another place may be, there’s something very special and unique about Ireland. It is this quality that is missed so dearly when away from home (Ireland!).
Here are the ten best Irish pubs in New York City. You may as well be back on the Emerald Isle when you’re in any one of them.
10. O’Hara’s – a cosy local spot
O’Hara’s is a small, snug Irish bar located near the World Trade Centre in Manhattan, the dominating island of New York City. O’Hara’s is the kind of place where everyone knows each other’s names, but newbies are always welcome.
The spot is reminiscent of a bar you’d find back home: Irish whiskeys and Guinness dominate the drinks offering while an eclectic mix of novelty stickers, badges, and patches fill the back bar.
Address: 120 Cedar St, New York, NY 10006, United States
9. The Mean Fiddler – great for sports events
This spot is more of an American-Irish pub as opposed to the other way around.
Nevertheless, The Mean Fiddler packs quite a punch and is the perfect playground during a major sports event or the likes of St. Patrick’s Day in New York making it one of the best Irish pubs in New York City.
Address: 266 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
8. O’Lunney’s Pub – for delicious Irish grub
Located in the heart of it all (Times Square) is O’Lunney’s Pub. Yes, this one’s certainly marketed at tourists but, hell, we can’t knock it!
There’s live music and entertainment nightly. An Irish-inspired menu of fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and traditional Irish breakfasts seem to keep the crowds keen.
Address: 145 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
7. Molly’s – an “authentic” Irish pub
Molly’s is a true gem of an Irish bar, located in New York. It promotes itself as the “most authentic” Irish bar in the city with log-burning fires and sawdust on the floor.
The bar, which has stood at 287 Third Avenue, has run continually (except during Prohibition) since 1895 and is owned by Irish locals.
Address: 287 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States
6. The Playwright – where you’ll pop in “for one”
Standing strong in Midtown is The Playwright, an Irish sports bar with a touch of stately charm, is reminiscent of certain watering holes in Ireland, and a strong contender for one of the top Irish pubs in New York.
With wooden panelling, leather booths, libraryesque armchairs, and open fires, this is the type of place where you’ll pop in “for one” but stay for the night.
Address: 27 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, United States
5. The Irish American Pub – for that transatlantic feel
As the name conveys, this is your quintessential Irish-American pub. Décor and drinks allude to its Irish ancestry, while their food menu items and their live-streamed sports matches scream USA.
With lines of dining booths, accents on wood finishes, and low-light which sets alight mahogany tones, this is your typical Irish spot not far from the World Trade Centre.
Address: 17 John St, New York, NY 10038, United States
4. McSorley’s Old Ale House – for that slice of history
Impressively, this Irish pub has been in operation since 1854 meaning it holds the record as New York City’s longest continually running Irish watering hole!
There’s history in every fibre of this public house, take a step inside and experience it for yourself.
This pub is Irish through and through so you can be sure to feel that bit closer to home when hanging out here.
Address: 15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
3. Neary’s – to feel like part of the family
This laid-back Irish pub and restaurant is, most certainly, one of the best Irish pubs in New York City.
Irishman Jimmy Neary launched Neary’s all the way back in 1967. Although times have changed, this place has not.
Expect old-school vibes and the finest Irish welcome; long-term staff ensures a great family atmosphere to the place. And, to top it all off, the food is next level.
Address: 358 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022, United States
2. Hartley’s – a trendy pub with an Irish twist
Hartley’s is a trendy, contemporary Irish bar located in Brooklyn. Not only has it won over the hearts of the locals, but Hartley’s has been consistently named one of the best spots in Brooklyn, as well as one of the best Irish pubs in New York City.
It perfectly adapts to the cool clientele of its Brooklyn crowd while remaining true to its Irish roots.
Address: 14 Putnam Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
1. The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog – an award-winning charmer
This Irish saloon fuses Old World charm with a contemporary bar climate. Modern, curated cocktails appeal to trendy New Yorkers, but the bar itself is inherently Irish.
Consciously avoiding twee décor, The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog is cool and charming. It’s so cool, in fact, that this New York Irish pub has been named the “World’s Best Bar” more than once, as well as earning a tonne of other accolades.
Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004, United States
