Merrion Square 1840 2nd Ave. (@ 95th St.)
Upper East Side
212.831.7696
Merrion Square:
Merrion’s Square is tiny, divey, and staffed with Irish bartenders—pretty much the same scene you’ll find in dozens of Irish pubs around the city. Unfortunately, besides some Tuesday night comedy, there’s not much separating Merrion from its Upper East Side competition. Drink deals aren’t bad—$3 beers from 10:30am-7:30pm—but the food is just standard. Bland is the best word to describe the atmosphere, and while a clean bar can be refreshing, Merrion’s shiny, unmarked blond wood speaks to how dead this pub can be. If you simply want to drink a beer, shoot some pool, and watch the game, you’ll be satisfied here. But don’t expect a raucous time, or any bells or whistles.
Not sure when the previous review was done but its basically wrong. "Divey"?? No way. My husband and I have been going to this pub for the last two years now and love it. A refreshing break from the frat-boy dive bars littering 2nd ave, this is an oasis for the post-collegiate crowd looking for a place to drink without dealing with the beirut debauchery going on a few blocks down. The Irish bar staff are great..really friendly and attentive. I don't drink Guiness but apparently Merrion's is pretty awesome. They've got great music, pool table. The large space is really well done: classy and homey as well as clean. The only thing that could maybe use improving is the food. Its pretty good but not amazing. Overall, a fantastic bar. When the 2nd Ave subway comes in, it will be THE local for sure.
