The Irish Pub can be a place for a quiet drink and a chat, or it can be the neighborhood hub – a place to catch up on community news, that sponsors a local sports team, that organizes quiz nights and shows the games from Ireland. Sometimes, the Irish Pub is the center of the social scene, offering live music, and the perfect atmosphere for a night on the town.
However they define it, everyone has a favorite Irish Pub. Our readers voted, and this week, we present their picks for the Top 50 Irish Pubs in the New York-Tristate area.
Pubs were rated on criteria ranging from friendliness to amenities to general atmosphere. While we didn’t have the space to include the dozens of comments from readers, we can share a few: Rosemarie Murphy recommended Reese’s 1900, in Patchogue, L.I., for its “cozy, comfy environment” and excellent corned beef sandwich, accompanied by “amazing” pickles. Bill Lee is partial to Slattery’s Midtown Pub in NYC, where the food has “a New York feel with Irish favorites mixed in as well.” Jim Clancy gave us the inside scoop on the Piper’s Kilt on 207th St. & Broadway, NYC: “Get there early for trivia night!” while Kathleen Feeney warned us that the menu at Druid’s is so tempting that she wishes us luck “trying to make one choice.”
After much debate, we narrowed the list down to the 50 Irish pubs that received the most votes. Each offers a unique atmosphere. We offer our sincere thanks to the legions of Irish Echo readers who took the time to tell us about their favorite establishments.
Beckett’s Bar & Grill
81 Pearl St., NYC 10004, 212-269-1856
www.beckettsnyc.com
Situated in the heart of the Financial District for over 15 years, Beckett’s Bar & Grill caters to the growing residential and business community and looks forward to serving them in the future. Located in a landmark building that dates from 1603, Beckett’s historic location has created much interest among locals and tourists alike. From April to the end of November, Beckett’s offers outdoor dining. This unique and relaxed atmosphere resembles that of a European city sidewalk, yet is a mere stone’s throw from Wall Street.
Blackthorn Restaurant & Irish Pub
651 N. Michigan Ave, Kenilworth, NJ 07033 ? 908-687-3311
www.blackthornpub.com
The Blackthorn Restaurant & Pub offers the finest in food, entertainment, and atmosphere. The menu offers traditional Irish fare as well as eclectic international dishes highlighted by specials that include steaks, chops, and seafood. The dining room is adorned by a beautiful stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings and softly lit ambiance. The outdoor deck is a sunny place for lunch and dinner and as the sun sets, the fun begins at our Tiki bar. If an authentic Irish pub and cozy atmosphere is what you are looking for it doesn’t get any better in New Jersey than the Blackthorn Restaurant & Irish Pub.
Blarney Station
258 Park Ave, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 ? 201-531-0001
www.blarneystation.com
The Blarney Station Restaurant and Pub offers classic Irish and American dining in an authentic Irish pub setting. Offerings include Black Angus steaks, fresh seafood, a large selection of salads and sandwiches, top-quality burgers, classic Italian pasta dishes, and a variety of mouth-watering desserts. Stop by and choose from our large selection of domestic and imported beers (including a dozen draft beers), as well as our large selection of whiskeys and exotic vodkas.
Bliss Street Station
41-02 Greenpoint Ave,, Sunnyside, NY 11104 ? 718-729-2547
At the Bliss Street Station, your hosts Pat and Ambrose have designed a menu that includes something for everyone. From Shepherds Pie, fish ‘n’ chips, and juicy burgers, to sizzling steaks, chops and fresh seafood, the food and the atmosphere are top-notch. Bliss Street Station offers Lunch & Dinner specials daily, as well as Saturday & Sunday Brunch. There is entertainment every Saturday Night.
Brendan’s Bar & Grill
42 W. 35 St., NYC 10001 ? 212-564-5405 ?
www.brendansbar.com
Brendan’s is located on West 35th St., between the Empire State Building and Macy’s department store, two of New York’s most-visited attractions. Brendan’s serves both American and Irish dishes. The menu offers something delicious for everyone, from steaks and seafood, to pastas, burgers and pizza. The restaurant has intricately designed beams and pillars, high overhead archways, a magnificent marble fireplace and impressive wall decorations. It is a must-see whether you live in New York or are enjoying a visit to the city.
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CJ Sullivan’s
213-10 41 Ave, Bayside, NY ? (718) 224-0060
www.cjsullivans.com
If you’re anywhere in the New York area, a visit to CJ Sullivan’s, Bayside’s favorite gathering place, is worth the trip. Meet friends, and catch all the games on our new widescreen LCD TVs, while enjoying casual dining and fine spirits. We’re open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.
Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant
Four locations:
14 East 47th St., NYC ? 212-867-3767
150 E. 47th St., NYC ? 212-692-9342
121 W. 45th Street, NYC ? 212-597-5126
43 W. 54th St, NYC ? 212-489-0271
www.connollyspubandrestaurant.com
Connolly’s is a family-owned and operated traditional Irish pub and restaurant located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. With four convenient locations in Midtown, all of the Connolly’s pubs offer a welcoming staff and relaxed atmosphere. Connolly’s is the official home of Black 47, who play live on Saturday nights at Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant, 121 West 45 Street.
Connolly Station
280 Hempstead Ave, Malverne, NY 11565 ? 516-887-5160
www.connollystationli.com
Connolly Station is located in the center of beautiful Malverne, New York, next to the Malverne train station. Its name comes from the famous train station in Dublin, Ireland, where the owner was born. We opened our door in 1996 and have enjoyed serving the community since. The atmosphere in Connolly Station would remind you of a pub in Ireland, with low ceilings, wooden booths and a friendly staff. Whether you’ve joined us before or it is your first time visiting, you’re always assured of a warm welcome.
Connolly’s Corner
71-15 Grand Ave, Maspeth, NY 11378 ? 718-565-7383
www.connollyscorner.com
Connolly’s Corner, located in the heart of Maspeth, Queens, is a family operated, full service bar, lounge, restaurant, and catering facility. Completely renovated in April 2005, Connolly’s Corner has become a local favorite for residents of Maspeth, Middle Village, Woodside and beyond. The exterior of the space is surrounded by sixteen foot high Wisconsin Ledge Cultured Stone Pillars and six foot tall brushed aluminum bronze glass bi-folding windows. These windows allow for open air to pass through the bar, restaurant, and party room and give the space a sidewalk caf