The Ultimate Guide to NYC Pubs
New York City’s pub culture is legendary. From sawdust-covered floors that date back to the 1800s to award-winning cocktail bars disguised as traditional taverns, the city offers a pint for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the perfect Guinness, a historic atmosphere, or a lively spot to watch the game, this guide covers the absolute best watering holes in the five boroughs.
Highlights of Part 1
- Historic Legend: McSorley’s Old Ale House (Est. 1854).
- World’s Best Bar: The Dead Rabbit.
- Broadway Favorite: Haswell Green’s.
- Hidden Gem: Madame George.
Historic & Award-Winning Pubs
McSorley’s Old Ale House
★ 4.7 (8,523 reviews)
Address: 15 E 7th St (East Village)
New York’s oldest continuously operated saloon. Famous for its light and dark ale and sawdust floors.
The Dead Rabbit
★ 4.7 (8,210 reviews)
Address: 30 Water St (Financial District)
A multi-award-winning Irish pub known for its incredible cocktails and traditional taproom.
Old Town Bar
★ 4.4 (1,764 reviews)
Address: 45 E 18th St (Union Square)
A classic 19th-century tavern with original mahogany fixtures and a tin ceiling.
Haswell Green’s
★ 4.7 (2,176 reviews)
Address: 240 W 52nd St (Theater District)
A lively spot with live music, craft cocktails, and a great atmosphere for pre-theater drinks.
The Landmark Tavern
★ 4.6 (1,747 reviews)
Address: 626 11th Ave (Hell’s Kitchen)
Serving patrons since 1868, this waterfront tavern offers classic Irish fare and history.
Madame George
★ 4.7 (508 reviews)
Address: 45 W 45th St (Midtown)
A sophisticated cocktail den located underground, celebrating NYC’s cocktail history.
Whiskey Tavern
★ 4.6 (2,189 reviews)
Address: 79 Baxter St (Chinatown)
A hidden gem with a great whiskey selection and a friendly, local vibe.
Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant
★ 4.4 (5,045 reviews)
Address: 121 W 45th St (Times Square)
A spacious, wood-paneled Irish pub perfect for large groups and tourists.
The Three Monkeys
★ 4.4 (2,036 reviews)
Address: 832 8th Ave (Hell’s Kitchen)
A bi-level bar with an extensive craft beer list and a heated outdoor patio.
O’Hara’s Restaurant and Pub
★ 4.6 (5,606 reviews)
Address: 120 Cedar St (Financial District)
A resilient pub near the 9/11 Memorial, honoring first responders and local history.
Neighborhood Favorites & Craft Beer
As Is NYC
★ 4.6 (1,040 reviews)
Address: 734 10th Ave (Hell’s Kitchen)
A sleek craft beer bar featuring a rotating list of rare brews and great bar food.
The Irish American Pub
★ 4.4 (2,209 reviews)
Address: 17 John St (Financial District)
A staple for locals and tourists alike, offering hearty food and a welcoming vibe.
11th St. Bar
★ 4.5 (483 reviews)
Address: 510 E 11th St (East Village)
A cozy, no-frills neighborhood pub with live music and a loyal local following.
The Raven Pub NYC
★ 4.6 (237 reviews)
Address: 1471 1st Ave (Upper East Side)
An intimate Irish pub known for its excellent Guinness and friendly staff.
McCarthy’s Pub NYC
★ 4.5 (697 reviews)
Address: 144 W 46th St (Times Square)
A convenient and welcoming pub in the heart of the city, great for a quick pint.
Clockwork Bar
★ 4.4 (496 reviews)
Address: 21 Essex St (Lower East Side)
A gritty, punk-rock dive bar with cheap drinks and a distinct NYC attitude.
Molly’s Shebeen
★ 4.5 (1,153 reviews)
Address: 287 3rd Ave (Gramercy)
Authentic Irish pub with sawdust floors and a cozy fireplace, serving excellent burgers.
Peter McManus Cafe
★ 4.5 (1,014 reviews)
Address: 152 7th Ave (Chelsea)
A family-run pub since 1936, famous for being a filming location and its classic charm.
The Four Faced Liar
★ 4.4 (483 reviews)
Address: 165 W 4th St (West Village)
A quintessential West Village pub, perfect for literary types and casual drinkers.
St. Pat’s Bar & Grill
★ 4.5 (1,969 reviews)
Address: 22 W 46th St (Midtown)
A sprawling, lively three-story Irish pub and restaurant near Rockefeller Center.
The Perfect Pint (West)
★ 4.4 (1,991 reviews)
Address: 123 W 45th St (Times Square)
Features a rooftop loft and a massive selection of beers on tap.
The Mean Fiddler
★ 4.4 (3,610 reviews)
Address: 266 W 47th St (Times Square)
A high-energy bar with a club vibe downstairs and traditional pub upstairs.
The Playwright Irish Pub
★ 4.3 (2,513 reviews)
Address: 27 W 35th St (Midtown)
Classic sports bar and pub catering to the after-work crowd and sports fans.
The Long Hall Pub & Grocery
★ 4.5 (776 reviews)
Address: 58 E 34th St (Midtown)
A stylish, contemporary take on the traditional Irish pub with great food.
White Horse Tavern
★ 4.5 (1,844 reviews)
Address: 25 Bridge St (Financial District)
Not to be confused with the West Village location, this is a historic FiDi staple.
Stout NYC (Flagship)
★ 4.3 (3,460 reviews)
Address: 215 W 35th St (Penn Station)
Massive venue perfect for post-work gatherings and watching sports near MSG.
The Waylon
★ 4.6 (386 reviews)
Address: 736 10th Ave (Hell’s Kitchen)
A country-themed bar offering great drinks, music, and a relaxed vibe.
Pig n Whistle
★ 4.4 (2,593 reviews)
Address: 202 W 36th St (Midtown)
A reliable and friendly Irish pub known for its comfort food and location.
P. McDaid’s Irish Pub
★ 4.3 (591 reviews)
Address: 837 7th Ave (Midtown)
A cozy and authentic spot for a pint, tucked away from the main hustle.
Toad Hall
★ 4.4 (447 reviews)
Address: 57 Grand St (SoHo)
A laid-back bar in SoHo, perfect for escaping the shopping crowds.
Highlights of Part 2
- TV Famous: McGee’s Pub (Inspiration for “How I Met Your Mother”).
- Craft Beer: Fools Gold NYC & The Malt House.
- Live Music: Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar.
- Literary Theme: The Dead Poet.
Midtown & Theater District Staples
P.J. Carney’s Pub
★ 4.4 (1,292 reviews)
Address: 906 7th Ave (Midtown)
A classic, old-school Irish watering hole that feels miles away from the chaos of nearby Central Park.
The Churchill Tavern
★ 4.3 (1,231 reviews)
Address: 45 E 28th St (NoMad)
A British tavern dedicated to Winston Churchill, serving excellent Sunday roasts and English ales.
McGee’s Pub
★ 4.1 (5,495 reviews)
Address: 240 W 55th St (Midtown)
Famous as the inspiration for MacLaren’s Pub in “How I Met Your Mother.”
The Malt House
★ 4.4 (927 reviews)
Address: 206 Thompson St (Greenwich Village)
An American tavern featuring an extensive list of craft beers and elevated pub food.
The Yard’s Pub
★ 4.7 (81 reviews)
Address: 472 9th Ave (Hudson Yards)
A newer, highly-rated spot perfect for drinks before events at the Javits Center.
Nancy Whiskey Pub
★ 4.5 (1,040 reviews)
Address: 1 Lispenard St (Tribeca)
One of the last true dives in Tribeca. Famous for its shuffleboard and unpretentious vibe.
Caledonia Bar
★ 4.6 (340 reviews)
Address: 1609 2nd Ave (Upper East Side)
A Scottish bar on the UES with an impressive selection of single malts and whiskies.
Peculier Pub
★ 4.4 (1,077 reviews)
Address: 145 Bleecker St (Greenwich Village)
Long-standing hub for beer lovers with an extensive bottle list in the heart of the Village.
Crompton Ale House
★ 4.4 (1,077 reviews)
Address: 159 W 26th St (Chelsea)
A cozy, rustic gastropub in Chelsea known for its friendly service and solid food menu.
The Perfect Pint (East)
★ 4.3 (1,564 reviews)
Address: 203 E 45th St (Midtown East)
The east side location features a unique rooftop smoking loft and over 30 beers on tap.
Authentic Irish & Music Venues
Cassidys Pub
★ 4.4 (994 reviews)
Address: 65 W 55th St (Midtown)
Known for its famous burger and traditional Irish hospitality.
Peter Dillon’s Pub
★ 4.4 (1,053 reviews)
Address: 130 E 40th St (Murray Hill)
A no-nonsense Irish pub with affordable drinks and a great happy hour.
Judge Roy Bean Public House
★ 4.4 (885 reviews)
Address: 38 W 56th St (Midtown)
A comfortable pub popular with the after-work crowd and tourists.
Mulligan’s Pub
★ 4.4 (1,230 reviews)
Address: 267 Madison Ave (Midtown)
A classic Irish pub atmosphere with friendly bartenders and good Guinness.
Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar
★ 4.5 (514 reviews)
Address: 519 2nd Ave (Kips Bay)
Legendary spot for live music, featuring traditional Irish seisiúns and bluegrass.
The Long Room
★ 4.4 (1,174 reviews)
Address: 120 W 44th St (Times Square)
A long, library-themed bar serving a mix of domestic and international brews.
Garvey’s Irish Pub
★ 4.5 (234 reviews)
Address: 206 W 41st St (Times Square)
Hidden gem near Port Authority with great burgers and a real pub feel.
Jack Doyle’s
★ 4.2 (1,148 reviews)
Address: 240 W 35th St (Garment District)
Spacious pub known for its solid Irish breakfast and friendly service.
Trinity Pub
★ 4.5 (228 reviews)
Address: 229 E 84th St (Upper East Side)
A cozy, neighborhood UES bar that feels like a living room.
O’Donoghue’s Times Square
★ 4.4 (2,616 reviews)
Address: 156 W 44th St (Times Square)
A lively pub with a great atmosphere, perfect for grabbing a drink after a Broadway show.
Diverse & Trendy Spots
Slattery’s Midtown Pub
★ 4.4 (995 reviews)
Address: 8 E 36th St (Midtown)
A sports-centric pub known as a gathering spot for fans of various teams.
Fools Gold NYC
★ 4.5 (1,184 reviews)
Address: 145 E Houston St (Lower East Side)
Industrial-chic bar focused on American craft beers and whiskies, plus great burgers.
Stout NYC (Grand Central)
★ 4.2 (1,740 reviews)
Address: 60 E 41st St (Grand Central)
Reliable spot near the terminal for a quick pint and pub fare before catching a train.
Carragher’s
★ 4.4 (2,141 reviews)
Address: 17 John St (Financial District)
Dedicated to Liverpool FC legend Jamie Carragher, a must-visit for soccer fans.
The Celtic Rail
★ 4.4 (277 reviews)
Address: 137 W 33rd St (Penn Station)
A no-nonsense Irish pub perfect for pre-game drinks near Madison Square Garden.
The Dead Poet
★ 4.5 (1,058 reviews)
Address: 450 Amsterdam Ave (Upper West Side)
Literary-themed bar serving cocktails named after famous authors and free popcorn.
South Soho Bar
★ 4.6 (170 reviews)
Address: 191 Centre St (SoHo)
A small, unassuming spot with great drinks and a friendly neighborhood vibe.
Biddys Pub
★ 4.4 (266 reviews)
Address: 301 E 91st St (Upper East Side)
A tiny, authentic Irish pub often cited as one of the best “hidden” spots on the UES.
Scallywag’s
★ 4.4 (1,253 reviews)
Address: 508 9th Ave (Hell’s Kitchen)
Fun, boisterous Irish pub with eclectic decor and a strong happy hour crowd.
Hudson Hound
★ 4.4 (583 reviews)
Address: 575 Hudson St (West Village)
A modern Irish gastropub with a focus on fresh ingredients and a cozy fireplace.
Highlights of the Finale
- Historic Icon: Kettle of Fish (West Village).
- Party Vibes: Barcelona Bar (Famous for shots).
- Commuter Favorite: Molly Wee (Near Penn Station).
- Dive Bar Legend: Blue Ruin Bar.
Legends, Dives & Party Spots
Molly Wee
★ 4.3 (1,228 reviews)
Address: 402 8th Ave (Penn Station)
A convenient and classic Irish pub right near Moynihan Train Hall, perfect for travelers.
Sláinte Bar and Lounge
★ 4.5 (697 reviews)
Address: 304 Bowery (NoHo)
A neighborhood gastropub with a welcoming vibe and a great selection of beers on tap.
Kevin’s Pub
★ 4.6 (132 reviews)
Address: 7 W 45th St (Midtown)
A newer spot quickly gaining a reputation for excellent service and a proper pint.
Gramercy Ale House
★ 4.0 (325 reviews)
Address: 272 3rd Ave (Gramercy)
A staple for locals in Gramercy, offering a solid happy hour and sports viewing.
Walter’s Bar
★ 4.4 (496 reviews)
Address: 389 8th Ave (Chelsea)
A cozy, old-school bar near Penn Station known for its friendly bartenders.
Hibernia Bar
★ 4.6 (739 reviews)
Address: 401 W 50th St (Hell’s Kitchen)
A favorite for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, serving excellent Guinness and pub grub.
Megan’s Bar and Kitchen
★ 4.5 (759 reviews)
Address: 7 W 45th St (Midtown)
A polished Irish pub offering a modern menu and a comfortable atmosphere.
Barcelona Bar
★ 4.5 (824 reviews)
Address: 923 8th Ave (Hell’s Kitchen)
Famous for their 100+ variety of specialty shots and high-energy atmosphere.
Kettle of Fish
★ 4.4 (512 reviews)
Address: 59 Christopher St (West Village)
A historic literary bar once frequented by Bob Dylan and Jack Kerouac. A true NYC icon.
Blue Ruin Bar
★ 4.4 (692 reviews)
Address: 538 9th Ave (Hell’s Kitchen)
A beloved, cheap dive bar known for its rock ‘n’ roll vibe and unpretentious crowd.
Molly Wee, Sláinte Bar and Lounge, Kevin’s Pub, Gramercy Ale House, Walter’s Bar, Hibernia Bar, Megan’s Bar and Kitchen, Barcelona Bar, Kettle of Fish, Blue Ruin Bar.
P.J. Carney’s Pub, The Churchill Tavern, McGee’s Pub, Fools Gold NYC, The Dead Poet, The Yard’s Pub, The Malt House, Nancy Whiskey Pub, Caledonia Bar, Peculier Pub, Crompton Ale House, The Perfect Pint (East), Cassidys Pub, Peter Dillon’s Pub, Judge Roy Bean Public House,
Mulligan’s Pub, Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar, The Long Room, Garvey’s Irish Pub, Jack Doyle’s, Trinity Pub, O’Donoghue’s Times Square, Slattery’s Midtown Pub, Stout NYC (Grand Central), Carragher’s, The Celtic Rail NYC, South Soho Bar, Biddys Pub, Scallywag’s, Hudson Hound.
McSorley’s Old Ale House, The Dead Rabbit, Old Town Bar, Haswell Green’s, The Landmark Tavern, Madame George, Whiskey Tavern, Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant, The Three Monkeys, O’Hara’s Restaurant and Pub, As Is NYC, The Irish American Pub, 11th St. Bar, The Raven Pub NYC, McCarthy’s Pub NYC, Clockwork Bar, Molly’s Shebeen, Peter McManus Cafe,
The Four Faced Liar, St. Pat’s Bar & Grill, The Perfect Pint (West), The Mean Fiddler, The Playwright Irish Pub, The Long Hall Pub & Grocery, White Horse Tavern (FiDi), Stout NYC (Flagship), The Waylon, Pig n Whistle, P. McDaid’s Irish Pub, Toad Hall.
