Even if you do not have Irish roots, the odds are that you will find yourself celebrating Ireland. While New York is full of great spots to grab a pint of Guinness, picking a pub with a fantastic bar and delicious kitchen offerings can be challenging.
To help you with your 2024 St. Patrick’s Day planning, here are our best selections to celebrate everything that is Irish!
NEARY’S
Not much has changed at Neary’s since it opened on St. Patrick’s Day, 1967. There’s a 1954 NC cash register still in use, the famous cherry-red leather booths came with the place, the menu has never changed, and the bill delivered to each customer is still handwritten. “We’ve stood still in time,” says Mary O’Connor, who has worked at Neary’s for over three decades. “Don’t change anything that works,” she adds. “People don’t like change.”
Overseeing it all was Jimmy Neary, who warmly welcomed everyone to his establishment until his passing several years ago. Neary bought the space in 1967 after he and a friend, Brian Mulligan, saw a classified ad in the Times.
The two worked as bartenders at P.J. Moriarity’s at the time, and the space had previously housed three failed restaurants. Neary decided to take over—a decision that would define the next half-century of his life.
Today, people continue to enjoy the food, the company, and the staff. Now, with Jimmy’s daughter, Una, at the helm, it continues to serve corned beef, prime rib, and one-half roasted chicken. The real star of the show is lamb chops. The elegant dining experience makes Neary’s an ideal Irish pub in NYC any day of the week. Info: nearys.com
LILLIE’S VICTORIAN ESTABLISHMENT
Noted to “celebrate friendship the old-fashioned way,” Lillie’s Victorian Establishment has locations in Times Square and Union Square; it also has sister restaurants in Oscar Wilde and Papillon Bistro & Bar. Named for British actress Lillie Langtry, Lillie’s was called “the best-decorated restaurant in NYC.” As explained by co-owner Tommy Burke, “We’re proud to honor her legacy and wanted to create an establishment that combines ostentatious décor with a down-to-earth ambiance. We want all our bars to celebrate these legendary pioneers and create destinations that welcome all.”
St. Patrick’s Day holds much significance to Burke and co-owner Frank McCole both native sons from from County Mayo and County Monaghan in Ireland. “But celebrating the day in New York City has become a tradition for us.” He continued: We will have special St. Patrick’s Day menus with classic comfort dishes. Info: lilliesnyc.com
MCSORLEY’S OLD ALE HOUSE
McSorley’s has long been known to be the oldest bar in town, established in 1854. However, it is not so much a bar as an institution in the city. Its present owners are stubbornly proud of this legendary bar and its authenticity—and the fact the bar remains almost impervious to change in this fast-changing world. The interior, with its portraits, posters, paraphernalia, and sawdust floor, is pretty much as it was when it first opened. It’s nice to know that it only serves light and dark ale.
Info: mcsorleysoldalehouse.nyc
THE DEAD RABBIT
Having been ranked in the #1 spot on the “World’s 50 Best Bars” list, The Dead Rabbit has been the go-to drinking spot in the Financial District for both locals and tourists alike. “At The Dead Rabbit, we always team up with the best whiskey producers in Ireland and the best Irish musicians and focus on celebrating our qualities as opposed to other operators focusing on their quantities,” says Managing Partner Jack McGarry. “It’s very culturally important for us.”
As for what to expect from The Dead Rabbit this March 17th, think tradition. “For us, St. Patrick’s Day is about celebrating everything great about Ireland, our hospitality, our inclusivity, and our products. In Ireland, it’s much more of a family and friends affair with less emphasis on getting drunk,” answered McGarry, who’s noted that his favorite item on the menu is the Irish Coffee. Meanwhile, the Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey launched a few years back, and another Dead Rabbit-helmed book of cocktails (Paddy Drinks: The World of Modern Irish Whiskey Cocktails) is must-read.
Info: deadrabbitnyuc.com
MOLLY’S PUB SHEBEEN
Known to refer to itself as “the most authentic Irish bar in New York City,” Molly’s Shebeen Pub & Restaurant was founded in 1960. With a log-burning fireplace and sawdust on the floor, Molly’s is renowned for its Shepherd’s Pie, hamburgers, and steaks, all for reasonable prices. Its original bar, constructed from wood and Honduran mahogany, remains intact.
Co-owner Peter O’Connell considers Molly’s to be a “destination pub.” He explained: “We are a conversation pub and do not do any special events or promotions.” O’Connell expects a “full house” on the 17th and recommends all to try their “award-winning 10-oz. hamburger.” Info: mollysshebeennyc.com
SWIFT HIBERNIAN LOUNGE
Established in 1995 by Danny McDonald and Mike Jewell—and later joined by Anthony Malone—Swift Hibernian Lounge is a low-key bar known for offering one of the finest selections of beer and Irish whiskey in New York. Named to the “Best Bars in America” list from Esquire Magazine, Swift also has oysters and sliders beyond its whiskey and pints. Further notable about the establishment is that it does not have a television, keeping the focus on hospitality and the overall atmosphere.
Aside from great St. Patrick’s Day offerings, Swift is known for its Craic Sessions, featuring notable comics and musicians. Performers of note in 2024 have included Katie Boyle, Ciaran Moran, and Oisin Mac.
Info: swiftnycbar.com
THE LANDMARK TAVERN
Patrick Henry Carley opened the Landmark Tavern, an Irish waterfront saloon, in 1868; there was no 12th Avenue back then. A family establishment and then some, the Carleys raised their children on the second and third floors of the Landmark Tavern’s building. One of the oldest operating establishments in New York, The Landmark Tavern is primarily known for its classic old-world charm.
Partner Donnchadh F. O’Sullivan enthusiastically pointed out to New York Lifestyles “We are celebrating with Irish music playing all day, good atmosphere, and great food.” What sort of food, you ask? “Corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish bangers and mash, fish and chips, and of course, my favorite, New Zealand lamb shanks served with roasted red potatoes, peas, and carrots in cabernet mint au jus.” Info: thelandmarktavern.com
CONNOLLY’S PUB & RESTAURANT
With two Midtown locations, Connolly’s is one of the most popular pubs in New York City. Perfect for a date night, it also features weekly live music. This is one of the best places to enjoy a Guinness and hearty traditional fare. The menu features crowd favorites, including Sheperd’s Pie, Fish & Chips, and Irish Stew. Don’t miss the Bangers & Mash, which consists of Irish sausage, mashed potatoes, and onion gravy. The 45th Street location has a rooftop terrace—perfect for sunny weather while 47th Street boasts an ample open dining space ideal for more significant celebrations. Slainte! Info: connollyspubandrestaurant.com