The 14 best Irish pubs in NYC

What is it? Itty bitty pub Hartleys is as simple as it gets, which is exactly what it aims to be. You won’t find glittery shamrocks or hackneyed Guinness posters here (though, they do pull a perfect pint of the stuff). Instead, this place is a neighborhood staple and destination for anyone who appreciates a tranquil room in which to drink and/or chat with a companion.

Why we like it: This spot bakes soda bread daily, which can be had on its own or as an accompaniment to its rich Guinness beef stew. If that’s not your fancy, their cheddar toastie is also excellent. If you’re not a beer drinker, worry not; they’ve got a few cocktails that go down easy and a selection of wines. If you ask me, this is the perfect cozy, weekend afternoon spot to read a book over a pint. 

The vibe: Homey and on the quieter side.

The food: Tasty homemade vibes, from traditional dishes to handy snacks.

The drink: A wide array, not just Guinness.

Time Out Tip: Stop by on Mondays at 8pm for live traditional Irish.

Address: 14 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn
Opening hours: Monday - Thursday: 4pm-1am; Friday: 4pm-2am; Saturday: noon-2am; Sunday: noon-1am
Expect to pay: At least $20 for a good, hearty meal (for one), $10 and under for a snack and $7-$10 for a beer. Cocktails are at $15.

What is it? Established in 1854, McSorley’s became an institution by remaining steadfastly authentic and providing only two choices to its customers: McSorley’s Dark Ale and McSorley’s Light Ale.

Why we love it: Unlike other New York institutions shambling on as tourist destinations, McSorley’s retains undeniable integrity. It’s a great room, a portal through time. Much has been written about the saloon but Joseph Mitchell’s wonderful old 1940 New Yorker essay, “The Old House at Home” remains the definitive profile.

Time Out Tip: If you’re hungry, there are burgers, sandwiches, and a plate of cheddar cheese—the latter of which I recommend as it pairs hand in glove with a mug of the light.

Address: 15 East 7th Street
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11am–1am; Sun noon–1am
Expect to pay: Single-digits for pints and snacks.

​​What is it? This family-owned saloon, which first opened at its present location in 1936, is among the city’s oldest.

Why we like it: It’s appeared on classic NYC shows like Seinfeld and Law & Order and it's got that old school New York pub vibe.

The vibe: Old New York through and through.

The food: Classic bar food, but try Pop Pop's Top-Shelf Cheeseburger. It won the Battle of the Burger that we held in 2018.

The drink: There's a huge list of American and Irish whiskeys, plus a solid menu of beer (canned and bottled) and a handful of cocktails.

Time Out Tip: If you want some privacy, simply slip into one of the old-school telephone booths, otherwise, sidle up to the oak bar for a few shots and chase ‘em with the house’s own McManus Ale.

Address: 152 Seventh Avenue
Opening hours: Noon-4am daily
Expect to pay: Reasonable prices.

What is it? Down in the Financial District, you can find a few spaces animated by the threadbare spirit of old New York.

Why we like it: It may not be even close to the oldest establishment in the city, the neighborhood, or even this list, but it cultivates that all-too elusive atmosphere to great effect. That’s not to say this place is old-man-y; though you can certainly enjoy an expertly-pulled Guinness or nice glass of wine in the warm, inviting environs, Dead Rabbit’s inventive cocktail program earns it a place on critics’ lists year after year.

The vibe: Old New York but innovative.

The food: The food menu consists mostly of well-realized Irish-core but it there’s plenty of vegetarian takes on the favorites, so how can I not recommend the all-day Irish Breakfast?

The drink: Order a citrusy Sunlit Sin cocktail starring vodka, Yuzu, and tangerine.

Address: 30 Water Street
Opening hours: The Parlor: Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm-1am; Sunday, 4pm-midnight; The Taproom: Sunday-Thursday, 11am-2am; Friday-Saturday, 11am- 3am
Expect to pay: Average cocktail is $16-$20

What is it? Longtime regulars populate the bar at this weathered Irish stalwart, which also has a wood-paneled dining room inlaid with stained glass.

Why we like it: The lack of pretense grants permission to relax and enjoy your burger–a half-pound of char-broiled goodness. Grab a booth and enjoy your friends and food.

The vibe: Pleasant and a tad old-man-y but that’s to be expected of a place that is older than your old man.

The food: Pair your proper Guinness with shepherd’s pie, or plenty of eclectic entrees and bar food bites, including the requisite Irish favorites.

The drink: $4 beer of your choice.

Time Out Tip: Don't miss having a burger, which we said justifies any trek to Queens: loosely formed from freshly ground New York strip, broiled to a perfect char and simply decorated with lettuce and tomato—cheese and raw onion optional.

Address: 57-24 Roosevelt Avenue, Queens
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Expect to pay: Sandwiches and burgers hover around $15; beer is cheap.

What is it? Over on Manhattan’s east side you’ll find this longtime destination for fans of Irish music. Its Guinness-designed taps pull the perfect pint and its Emerald Isle-sourced design elements include knotted floorboards that were once underfoot at an Irish hotel. There’s a clean pool-table, darts, and TVs playing sports if you’re game.

Why we like it: I wouldn’t recommend showing up hungry as pickings are slim, but I would highly recommend slipping in for a Guinness on any given Sunday, when it’s happy hour all day.

Time Out tip: Check who's playing live before you head down.

Address: 519 Second Avenue
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, 11am-2am; Wed - Sat, 11am-4am; Sunday, noon-2am; Happy Hours, 11am-7pm daily; Happy Sunday Happy Hour Prices: all day
Expect to pay: Happy Hour prices starting at $5

What is it? Irish for "the poor mouth" (also the title of a novel by the great Flann O'Brien), An Béal Bocht is a gathering place for Irish-American art and theater communities.

Why we like it: Decor depicts literary heroes like James Joyce and comfort foods abound on the lengthy menu, which stars bangers and mash, a classic shepherd’s pie and beef stew.

Time Out Tip: Don’t let its name confuse you: any night until 2am, you can settle in with a nice pint, some wine or a tipple of stronger stuff.

The vibe: Inviting especially for the well-read.

The food: Classic Irish.

The drink: Pints, wine and cocktails.

Address: 445 West 238th St, The Bronx
Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 11am - 2am; Saturday & Sunday, 10am- 2am
Expect to pay: Beer starts at $6 while some bar food begins in the single digits.

What is it? Most places self-described as a “pub” bill themselves as bar first, restaurant second and Putnam’s isn’t an exception but “cooker” feels like it’s doing the heavy lifting here.

Why we love it: The offerings are more eclectic than what you’ll find at most places with “pub” painted on the storefront, which, I suppose is why they’ve described the menu as “American.” Fair enough, but alongside salt and pepper shrimp, duck ragu, and chicken liver mousse, there’s still pot pie, shepherd’s pie, and fish and chips. All that said, you can absolutely forego to the whole sitdown dining thing and park yourself at the bar–there’s a massive draft list, big selection of whiskeys, and cocktails to be had. 

The vibe: This is a comfy, homey, friendly neighborhood restaurant.

The food: American with traditional Irish options.

The drink: A giant draft list with a big selection of whiskys and cocktails.

Time Out Tip: Why not get some golden fried calamari to go with your well-pulled Guinness?

Address: 419 Myrtle Avenue
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am-2am
Expect to pay: Dishes are under $20; whiskeys range in price but are under $20

What is it? This place is a favorite of both locals and tourists alike.

Why we like it: It might have something to do with the bang-on Guinness, their selection of more than a dozen drafts, their surprisingly tasty food (including a sausage roll!). Maybe it’s the undeniably interesting room, charmingly askew or the bar staff who could be described likewise. Is it the nightly 4am closing time–a boon to those of us who’ve spent time behind the stick? Could it be that work authored by the bar’s namesake, Jonathan Swift is simply a stronger draw than anyone could have imagined? Or maybe it's just the live Irish music.

The vibe: Friendly, with professional bartenders.

The food: Surprisingly tasty food (including a sausage roll).

The drink: A selection of more than a dozen drafts.

Time Out Tip: I recommend a visit featuring both good conversation and Irish Coffee.

Address: 34 East 4th Street
Opening hours: Monday, 4pm to 4am; Tuesday, 2pm to 4am; Wednesday - Sunday, noon to 4
Expect to pay: Under $15 for small plates, $10 or under for and about $18 for cocktails.

What is it? Pastoral touches—a whitewashed facade, a sawdust-covered floor and Celtic crosses—make this tavern feel like it's been transplanted from the Irish countryside, or, at least, what you imagine that feels like. 

Why we like it: Stepping inside, it’s hard not to feel charmed by the place–the soft glow of string lights and friendly bartenders accomplish the task handily.

The vibe: Authentically Irish down to the glass lamp lights.

The food: Regulars swear by the Irish lamb stew.

The drink: Pair the stew with a pint of Murphy's Stout, a creamy swig brewed in County Cork using a 150-year-old recipe.

Address: 287 Third Avenue
Opening hours: Kitchen—Sunday to Tuesday, 11am to 11pm and Wednesday to Saturday 11am to midnight; Bar Hours—Monday to Sunday, 11am to 4am; Brunch—Saturday & Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Expect to pay: Average cocktail is $16-$20

What is it? Sitting down in The Wicked Monk feels almost like visiting the set of a period film, and maybe even verges on theme-restaurant. But that isn’t a bad thing.

Why we like it: The lovely place is, ultimately, a good bit of fun, which is what it’s all about anyway. Besides, much of the decor does actually come direct from the island itself–wood accents, stained glass and even a confessional were all salvaged from a late 1800s-era Gothic monastery.

The vibe: Theme-y and fun.

The food: Classic pub fare you’d imagine like a delicious chicken pot pie, for instance.

The drink: You can sit down with a pitcher of beer (there are 25 taps to choose from)!

Time Out Tip: This spot has a lot of events, so check out its calendar.

Address: 9510 Third Avenue, Brooklyn
Opening hours: noon-10pm Mon-Fri (Kitchen); 11am-10pm Sat & Sun (Kitchen); 10pm-12am Thurs & Friday (Late Night Menu); Bar Until 2am Sun - Thurs; Bar Until 3am Fri & Sat
Expect to pay: Dinner plates are mostly under $20 unless you order from the traditional Irish menu. The extensive beer menu is mostly under $10 for a pint.

What is it? This unassuming place was cited by every Irish expat I interviewed as inducing the most homesickness.

Why we like it: The communal roots feel deep here–whether that’s down to the regulars, the nightly music, or the enthusiastic allegiance to footie (this is a Liverpool FC bar), the upshot is that sitting here, sipping a pristinely pulled Guinness accompanied by a cheddar and onion toastie will make you miss Éire, even if you’ve never been.

The vibe: Home-y

The food: It's only snacks here like a warm pretzel for $6 and two varieties of toasties for $7.

The drink: This is where the menu is long. On draft is $9 for a pint. Cans and bottles are less.

Address: 510 East 11th Street
Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday, 2pm-2am; Wednesday-Thursday, 2pm-3am; Friday, 2pm-4am; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4am
Expect to pay: Average cocktail is $16-$20

What is it? A self-declared “haven for Irish expats and West Village locals,” the Four-Faced Liar’s warm lights, tin ceilings and tufted banquettes create a lazy pub atmosphere.

Why we like it: Friendly barkeeps dispense 20-ounce drafts of Guinness and pour cocktails from the full bar.

Time Out Tip: A fair bit of warning that around the end of the day and on weekend evenings, this place fills to the gills with exactly the type of unself-aware, button-down bros you moved here to avoid. That’s no reflection on the place itself, which, at any other time of day, is a lovely spot to while some time away with a pint and a splash of whiskey.

The vibe: Unpretentious, lively and welcoming sans the shamrocks.

The drink: Domestic and imported, bottled and draft beers—with an emphasis on flavorful brews such as Red Hook, Sierra Nevada and Guinness.

Address: 165 West 4th Street
Opening hours: 3pm-4am Monday-Friday; 1pm-4am Saturday-Sunday
Expect to pay: Affordable prices, especially considering the neighborhood.

What is it? Astoria’s oldest Irish pub has been around (for all intents and purposes) since the turn of the 20th century. Except for the staggering number of TVs arrayed around the room, this place retains that old school New York Irish feel.

Why we love it: Grab an Irish soft drink while you peruse the food menu, which is extensive and not restricted to Irish fare. But don’t let the presence of Chicken Parm worry you–there’s seafood specials on Fridays, Sunday roast, and the friendly bartenders can pull a Guinness with the best of them.

Time Out Tip: Head to the back to sit in its backyard when it's warm outside.

The vibe: Sports bar-y with all the TVs but comfortable and reliable with friendly staff.

The food: General bar food but a lot of it.

The drink: Cheap, strong drinks, including whiskey and a wide selection of beer.

Address: 3814 Broadway, Queens
Opening hours: 9am-4am daily
Expect to pay: Most dishes are under $20. Drinks are reasonably priced, too.