Few places outside of Dublin can rival the St. Patrick’s Day enthusiasm in New York City. Check out the top five city spots where anyone can be Irish for a day.
Langan’s Restaurant and Bar
With its calming low lights and corner jukebox, Langan’s has a perfect midtown pub atmosphere. Sample one of Langan’s traditional Irish dishes like potato and leek soup ($7) or the bangers and mash ($16). Complete your meal with one of their imported Irish beers like the magner cider ($9), which is made from apples grown in Clonmel, Ireland.
150 W. 47th St.
Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant
At Connolly’s, start with the shepherd’s pie ($17), which is served with fluffy mashed potatoes and creamy gravy. Afterward, indulge your sweet tooth with a slice of Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake ($6), which is not only infused with the taste of Irish whiskey but is also topped with Bailey’s chocolate mousse. If you dine at the Times Square location, you can also enjoy live music.
121 W. 45th St.
The Parlour
Get a feel for genuine Irish hospitality at this uptown pub. The Parlour has traditional Irish Guinness on tap ($5.75) and also serves delights including onion soup gratinee ($7.50) and ice cream ($8). Even the coffee ($8) can be spiked with a splash of Irish whiskey. Venture downstairs, where you will find a room with dart boards and a pool table, which create a pseudo-frat house vibe. Stick around until 10 p.m. when the karaoke starts.
250 W. 86th St.
William Barnacle Tavern
This hole-in-the-wall tavern, a more intimate setting than other bars, carries an air of mystery. As you sip a pint of the Irish red ale Smithwick ($6), listen to the bartender describe how the building used to be a 1920s speakeasy filled with hidden tunnels and mafia conspiracies.
80 St. Marks Place
The Luck of the Irish
New York City Pub Crawl
Take advantage of the city’s bar scene during the annual St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl. After paying the $10 registration fee either online or at one of the participating venues, you will receive an official wristband that gives you exclusive access to the best offers in the city. Before 9 p.m. you can get 10-ounce domestic draft beers for $1, domestic bottled beer for $2, mixed drinks for $3 and Irish whiskey for $4. With over 200 bars participating, you will never run out of options, but remember to drink responsibly.
A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, March 13 print edition. Deborah Lubanga is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
