So once again your hopes for gracing the “Green Isle” on St. Pat’s has completely fallen through (don’t worry, they don’t celebrate the holiday anyway). Get in touch with your inner-clover at some of New York’s finest Irish establishments and forget about the fact that you once called Jennifer Aniston’s performance in Leprechaun “groundbreaking.”
George Keeley
485 Amsterdam Ave. (83rd & 84th Sts.)
Upper West Side 212.873.0251
After the parade has ended and you’ve realized just how many shamrocks are painted on your forehead, head up to George Keeley’s for a few pints of the dark stuff. Pipers and drummers are a regular occurrence on the Big Day, so make sure you’re prepared to sing and dance. According to your obscure facepaint, it appears as if you already are.
Stout NYC
133 W. 33rd St. (6th & 7th Aves.)
Chelsea 212.629.6191
If you can handle the influx of fanny packs and rubber-neckers, Stout may just be your spot an afternoon of perfectly poured Guinness. With a 40-foot bar, some twenty-five different types of stout, and enough space for three Gaelic football teams, you should have no problem leaving this bar much more drunk…er, Irish than when you arrived.
McSorley’s
15 E. 7th St. (2nd & 3rd Aves.)
East Village 212.473.9148
Sure, it has no Guinness. And yes, it will most certainly be packed beyond belief. But honestly, how can you resist a bar that only serves its house-brand ale (in pairs), has an infamous reputation with the female gender (women weren’t allowed inside until 1970), and an unparalleled New York history?
Emerald Pub
308 Spring St. (Hudson & Greenwich Sts.)
SoHo 212.226.8512
Sneak away from the village madness and slide into this cozy, no-frills Spring Street tavern chock full of quality beer, a solid jukebox, and some of Soho’s most normal Irish cheer. Thanks to proprietor Damian Dolan (yes, he’s Irish), this simple venue may be the perfect place to pull up a stool for the day and work on how to properly say “Slainte Var.”
11th St. Bar
510 11th St. (Aves. A & B)
East Village 212.982.3929
There’s really nothing like the feeling of stumbling into an East Village bar and finding breathing room. This watering hole provides plenty of fresh Irish air along with some of New York’s finest Guinness. If you get the chance, make sure to chat up Kenny behind the bar—not only is he a true Paddy, but his family owns a bed & breakfast in Ireland, and he just might put in a good word for your next visit to the Emerald Isle.
~Adam Sherrett
Photo: Stout NYC
