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The 23 Best Pubs In NYC

By: Chandler Presson By: Chandler Presson | November 29, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,

iStock-867023528_HIGHRES(PE).jpgIt could just be our Irish ancestors talking, but there’s just something about a good ol’ pub. A shiny wooden bartop and a pint of Guinness are just a match made in heaven, and we spend more Sunday afternoons than we’d like to admit at the local neighborhood watering hole. Our pub affinity really comes as no surprise, as even the American Revolution can be traced back to evenings spent in taverns sharing heated debates about freedom and revolution. We’ve rounded up the best pubs in NYC so you can become a regular as our forefathers intended.

See also: The 11 Best Spots for Afternoon Tea in NYC

11th St. Bar

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510 E. 11th St. / 212.982.3929 / Website

Since 1997, 11th St. Bar has been bringing the East Village great beer and all of the charm of a classic Irish pub. Liverpool fans, this one is for you, as plenty of fans come to watch the games, though this mainstay is also a great choice for non-sports fans in search of the perfect pint.

Banter Bar

132 Havemeyer St., Brooklyn / 347.457.6621 / Website

Good beer, an extensive selection of bourbon, whisky and scotch, and plenty of TV screens provide everything you need for an excellent afternoon at Banter Bar. The lowkey vibes and numerous soccer fans make this bar a great casual drinking joint.

McSorley’s Old Ale House

15 E 7th St. / Website

Famed for being New York’s oldest Irish pub, McSorley’s is a no-brainer when it comes to excellent pubs in the city. With a history as rich as Bill Gates, this New York City landmark is a great place to catch up on neighborhood gossip.

Carragher's

Basement Bar, 17 John St. / 646.414.6223 / Website

Another great option for Liverpool fans, Carragher’s is even painted in the team’s iconic red and yellow. This one is worth the trip to FiDi for its lively atmosphere and good pub grub, though we recommend you don’t show up in a Manchester United jersey.

Jones Wood Foundry

401 E 76th St. / 212.249.2700 / Website

Classic English eats, such as an excellent Sunday roast, and good beer are the name of the game at this UES pub. The patio seating is of particular note, providing the perfect space to grab some fresh air on a nice afternoon.

McHale's Bar & Grill

251 W. 51st St. / 212.957.5138 / Website

This festive tavern serves up great pub food inside cozy wooden interiors. While the beers are excellent, the real star of the show at McHale’s is the Bloody Mary. You’ll find plenty of sports lovers here, so if you want to watch the game, be sure to arrive early.

Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar

519 2nd Ave. / 212.686.1210 / Website

With live music seven nights a week, Paddy Reilly’s is the perfect place to unwind. With Guinness and other rotating beers on tap, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect draft to start your weekend right.

Greenwich Street Tavern

399 Greenwich St. / 212.334.7827 / Website

For those that favor the west side, Greenwich Street Tavern is a great spot to sit and relax. Start your day right with GST’s famous bottomless brunch, treat yourself to a large pitcher of beer or, if you’re feeling classy, sip on some mango sangria.

Scallywag’s

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508 9th Ave. / 646.490.4803 / Website

With a happy hour lasting from 4-7PM, $10 lunch specials and live music, Scallywag’s is many Hells Kitchen residents’ go-to bar. With plenty of Guinness and french fries to go around, all the necessary provisions are available.

The Three Monkeys

236 W. 54th St. / 212.586.2080 / Website

There is no better place to monkey around than at this city-renowned bar. Known for serving the best craft beer and sliders in town, The Three Monkeys is a great place to catch up with friends and get a little too drunk off of the huge variety of types of beer.

Peter McManus Cafe

152 7th Ave. / 917.261.5504 / Website

Since 1936 this family-run bar has been serving up pub food and plenty of beer. We love the cozy interiors full of Irish charm and dark wood accents. As much as we love the spirits here, the real star of the show is the burger, so be sure to give it a try.

The Four-Faced Liar

165 W. 4th St. / 212.206.8959 / Website

Located in Greenwich Village, this pub is a haven for Irish ex-pats and NYC locals alike. Unpretentious and always welcoming, this watering hole sits inside a landmark historic building, as all good pubs should. Grab a pint of Guinness or one of the delicious craft cocktails and enjoy!

The Wicked Monk

9510 3rd Ave., Brooklyn / 347.497.5152 / Website

Live music, gorgeous stained glass windows and stonework and plenty of Guinness to go around await at the Wicked Monk. The wood and stained glass were imported from the chapel in Greenmount Monastery in Cork, Ireland, instantly transporting guests to a Gothic Irish monastery.

Sláinte

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304 Bowery / 212.253.7030 / Website

Since 2004, Sláinte has been a Nolita neighborhood staple. Your classic Irish pub, there are plenty of craft beers, wines, ales and cocktails to go around. Not to mention the delicious wings, nachos, mozzarella sticks, burgers and more. Or just opt for the appetizer sampler and try a little bit of everything.

The Dead Rabbit

30 Water St. / Website

The vibes are anything but dead at this multi-award-winning Irish bar in NYC. Famous for its vintage cocktails, delicious beer and unbeatable Irish coffee, you definitely won’t leave this downtown establishment thirsty. If you have the post-drinking munchies, the food here is very good, too.

Playwright Irish Pub

27 W. 35th St. / 212.268.8868 / Website

With over 25 rotating draught beers and tons more options by the bottle, beer lovers should look no further than Playwright. We also love their menu full of pub grub including both Irish and American favorites such as bangers and mash and shepherd's pie.

Landmark Tavern

626 11th Ave. / 212.247.2562 / Website

Established in 1868, this traditional Irish tavern is the definition of a landmark. If it’s in the name, you know it must be true. With an extensive pub-grub menu, ranging from juicy sirloin burgers to classic corned beef and cabbages, Landmark Tavern is the place to be after a full day of chasing beer with well, more beer.

Molly’s

287 3rd Ave. / 212.889.3361 / Website

Dating all the way back to 1895, this neighborhood favorite complete with sawdust floors and a working fireplace is as authentic as they come. Both a full-fledged restaurant and a lively Irish pub, Molly’s is a fun spot to dance, drink and eat the day away.

Swift Hibernian Lounge

34 E 4th St. / 212.260.3600 / Website

This tavern may be relatively low-key, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good time. In fact, we can almost guarantee that your group chat will be popping off with hilarious stories from the day before. Be sure to try the corned beef taco!

The Churchill Tavern

45 E. 28th St. / 646.922.7744 / Website

This beloved English pub serves up excellent pub grub inside warm and cozy interiors covered in English memorabilia. You’ll often find the space full of Flatiron and NoMad locals enjoying a pint. Stop by for a traditional Sunday roast to get the full English experience.

An Beal Bocht Cafe

445 W. 238th St., The Bronx / 718.884.7127 / Website

This Bronx mainstay was named after Flann O’Brien’s novel An Beal Bocht, a Gaelic phrase that translates to “the poor mouth.” Many artists and musicians consider this tavern home and enjoy the weekly live music and open mic nights.

Donovan's Pub

57-24 Roosevelt Ave., Queens / 718.429.9339 / Website

Since 1966 Donovan’s has been delivering fabulous burgers and pints of Guinness to Woodside. This gathering place is often frequented by locals catching up over dinner, and we expect another successful 50 years in Donovan’s future.

Galway Hooker Bar

133 7th Ave. S / 212.675.6220 / Website

Named after a ship, this pub boasts four stories full of a fireplace, billiards table and plenty of beer. West Village locals frequent Galway Hooker not just for the drinks, but also for the excellent sandwiches and burgers. The seasonal cocktails are also delicious, so be sure to give them a try.

So continue the grand American tradition of drinking the afternoon away in a tavern with one of these NYC staples. We’ll cheers to that!

Photography by: Getty Images / iStockphoto

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