Six NYC Irish Bars Worth Respect

Here are six real deal New York City Irish pubs sanctioned by the pros.

Photo Credit: Peter Baker [flickr]

East Village

Mona’s

A no-frills Irish bar with such a vibrant live music scene that the Wall Street Journal wrote about it. They also have a pool table, skee ball and a juke box. On Thursdays, they serve a 20-ounce Guinness for $3.

"They have an amazing bluegrass session on Mondays (well over 10 musician can be here)."
FED Pro > Bartender Jack McGarry of The Dead Rabbit

224 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
T: 212.353.3780

Swift Hibernian

Named for writer Jonathan Swift, this is an Irish bar where you can enjoy a proper pint, a Captain Gulliver cocktail, a dram of what they call 'Irish Whifkey' along with a shepherd's pie.

"I'm strongly partial to drinking Guinness with oysters here. It’s a classic, low-key spot whose staff is incredibly hospitable."
FED Pro >  Bartender Eamon Rockey of Betony

I love Swift in the East Village. They have a great pint of Stout and with the right company, a great night can be had here.
FED Pro > Bartender Jack McGarry of The Dead Rabbit

34 East 4th Street, New York, NY 10003
T: 212.227.9438 | www.swiftnycbar.com

11th Street Bar

This East Village Irish pub features live music and their own Liverpool football fan club.

"If I'm in the mood for an Irish Session, I head here. At times they can have well over 10 people jamming in this place."
FED Pro > Bartender Jack McGarry of The Dead Rabbit

510 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10009
T: 212.982.3929 | www.11thstbar.com

Upper West Side

Photo Credit: Joseph [flickr]

Dublin House

This Upper West Side neighborhood Irish bar opened in 1933. Now owned by Ireland-born bartender Mike Cormican who had been the Dublin House's main bartender. You can drink in the landmark tavern until 4am. Visit it before gentrification takes it away from us. 

"One of the best pints of Guinness in New York, Frank McCourt once said to me. He's absolutely right. And the silver-haired Irish bartenders bring the Blarney."
FED Pro > Bartender Brian Bartels of  Joseph Leonard, Jeffrey’s Grocery, Fedora, and Bar Sardine

225 West 79th Street, New York, NY 10024
T: 212.874.9528 | www.dublinhousenyc.com

Lower East Side

Iggy’s Keltic Lounge

Pints of Guinness, beer on tap, $3 PBRs every night and nightly specials like $3 Jack Daniels Shots on Wednesdays. The crowd is mixed, but tends to be more fratty on weekends.

"One of the two Lower East Side dive bars left standing. Get here before it falls victim to the fate of Mars Bar, Motor City and Max Fish. I also like Sophie’s. Both bars have cheap beer, Jameson's, and amazing jukeboxes!"
FED Pro > Sommelier Patrick Cappiello of Pearl & Ash, Rebelle

132 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002
T: 212.529.2731

Financial District

Dead Rabbit bartender Sean Muldoon making Irish Coffees | Photograph courtesy of The Dead Rabbit

The Dead Rabbit

It doesn't get more Irish than The Dead Rabbit. Founded by two of the bartenders from Ireland, Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon. These award-wining bartenders worked together at The Merchant Hotel in Belfast. They meticulously designed The Dead Rabbit to invoke the pubs where the Irish gangs hung out in New York during the 19th Century. They serve historically accurate cocktails in The Parlor upstairs and craft beer, pints,and Irish coffee in the saw-dust covered Taproom on the first floor.

Dead Rabbit Bartender Jack McGarry | Photograph courtesy of The Dead Rabbit

"I really love The Dead Rabbit, it's fabulous. When I'm on the road, if I'm in London for instance, and I get taken to posh cocktail bars by whoever is hosting me. I'm the guy who sneaks out, finds a pub on the corner and has a pint of beer on my own in a real pub. The Dead Rabbit feels like a real pub."
FED Pro > Bartender Gaz Regan

"Bartender Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon are doing awesome things with cocktails and it’s a fantastic environment. You can have a classic cocktail upstairs, then head downstairs and have a burger and a beer. It is easy to get into and they are friendly in both spots."
FED Pro > Bartender Tristan Willey of The Long Island Bar

30 Water Street, New York, NY 10004
T: 646.422.7906 | www.deadrabbitnyc.com

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