Paul Kushner
New York is known as “the city so nice, they named it twice,” so it’s no surprise that it appeals to many people – artists, business people, travelers, etc.
But who it might arguably appeal to more than anyone is people who enjoy a good drink or two, as there are hundreds of excellent bars across the city.
Given the number of Irish and English immigrants, the pub scene stands out among the rest of the nightlife.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the best pubs in NYC!
McSorley’s Old Ale House
15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 473-9148
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McSorley’s Old Ale House is an old Irish tavern in NYC and has a respectable, storied feel right upon entry, with friendly bartender faces and sawdust covering the floor.
This ale house, near Cooper Triangle, was established in 1854, making it one of the oldest bars in NYC. You can get any light or dark ale here and be in for a real treat.
Molly’s
287 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 889-3361
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Molly’s is an Irish pub near Gramercy Park with a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. I like frequenting Molly’s for both food and drinks.
I love their Irish whiskey, Irish coffee, and Irish stout just as much as their crispy fried calamari and homemade mozzarella sticks.
The Dead Rabbit
30 Water St, New York, NY 10004
Phone: (646) 422-7906
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The Dead Rabbit is an eclectic, funky multi-story Irish pub in the Financial District. If you’re looking for an authentic Irish experience, The Dead Rabbit is the place to be.
It features a great selection of whiskey and beer, but their cocktails are exceptionally impressive. I recommend ordering the Fine & Dandy or the Killer Queen.
Donovan’s Pub
57-24 Roosevelt Ave, Queens, NY 11377
Phone: (718) 429-9339
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Donavan’s, near the Doughboy Plaza in Sunnyside Gardens, is a pub with tasty types of beer and even tastier food. The best things to order here are the cheeseburger and Shepherd’s pie.
You can’t go wrong with either of these menu items, especially with a cold Guinness to wash them down.
Swift Hibernian Lounge
34 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 260-3600
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If you’re wondering where to get a drink with a more relaxed vibe, Swift Hibernian Lounge could easily become your next favorite spot.
Located in NoHo near NYU, this Irish bar is known for its varied selection of craft beers. Whenever I go, I find a new favorite ale, lager, or IPA.
Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar
519 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-1210
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If you love Celtic music, Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar near Bellevue South Park is the place to be!
I love going during happy hour to get excellent deals on Guinness, Bud Light, mixed drinks, and even wine. Plus, there’s always a buzzing crowd that’s fun and energizing to be around.
Peter McManus Cafe
152 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Phone: (917) 261-5504
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Peter McManus Cafe is a casual, straightforward Irish bar established in 1936. I appreciate the classic feel of the design, atmosphere, food, and drinks, especially in the middle of a more modern area such as Chelsea.
I recommend ordering beer or your favorite beverage but coming hungry enough to down their delicious, award-winning cheeseburger.
An Beal Bocht Café
445 W 238th St, The Bronx, NY 10463
Phone: (718) 884-7127
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An Beal Bocht Café, located in Kingsbridge near Gaelic Park, is an artsy Irish restaurant and pub. They have agreeable whiskey and cocktail lists with enough to choose from but not so much as to overwhelm me.
And in addition to their good drinks, they also offer live performances of music, theater, poetry, and comedy, which I absolutely love!
The Landmark Tavern
626 11th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 247-2562
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The Landmark Tavern is another well-established, reputable Irish pub that opened in 1868.
Located in Midtown near DeWitt Clinton Park, this bar is known for serving delicious classic pub fare in a cozy, friendly environment and playing traditional Irish tunes in the background.
O’hanlon’s
349 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 533-7333
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If you like the idea of a particularly cozy pub, O’Hanlon’s should immediately go on your list.
This local East Village pub has a laid-back, all-is-welcome feeling, and the pool tables and darts make it even more fun to visit with a group of friends.
Paddy Maguire’s Ale House
237 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 253-0031
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Paddy Maguire’s Ale House, near the New York Comedy Club, is one of the most fun places to get drinks in NYC because it is not overly popular and crowded but has just the right vibes.
I like how intricately it’s decorated with lights and other colorful decorations that bring a smile to my face. I recommend anything here because their prices are good for the budget.
Connolly’s
Multiple Locations
Phone: (212) 597-5126
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Connolly’s is an amazing Irish-American pub chain, and the Midtown Manhattan location is the right one to go to if you’re hoping for a particularly buzzing atmosphere.
You can dress accordingly or look however you want and expect the friendliest service as if it were a smaller, more intimate pub. However, you get the spaciousness of a larger establishment, which I sometimes appreciate.
Sean’s Bar And Kitchen
42 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 764-9090
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Not so far from Connolly’s in the Times Square area is Sean’s Bar & Kitchen, a homey bar with a warm, almost irresistible charm.
The Irish classics like Shepherd’s Pie and Irish stew are the best options to get here, along with Guinness or your favorite classic mixed drink.
Final Thoughts
There are many fun places to go out in the Big Apple, but pubs are my favorite because they are always friendly and have a welcoming vibe, along with many great drinks.
Did we leave a notable pub in NYC out of this list? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll make sure to check it out!
Best Pubs in NYC
- McSorley’s Old Ale House
- Molly’s
- The Dead Rabbit
- Donovan’s Pub
- Swift Hibernian Lounge
- Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar
- Peter McManus Cafe
- An Beal Bocht Café
- The Landmark Tavern
- O’hanlon’s
- Paddy Maguire’s Ale House
- Connolly’s
- Sean’s Bar And Kitchen
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