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New York is not exactly known for being a friendly city. It’s not that people don’t enjoy the time that they spend there. But everyone in New York is busy, headed off to somewhere else and in a rush to get there. They’re working and then catching the subway or battling for a cab, rubbing elbows with the millions of other people around them who are trying to do the same. For the most part, that’s invigorating and exciting. The fashion and nightlife scene in the city, the New York business world and the many activities that are available make it fun to join the crowds in rushing from here to there.

However, it can get kind of lonely sometimes. There are millions of people around you and yet you rarely interact with most of them. You’re living in your own little worlds. And whether you call Manhattan home or are just enjoying the city for a few days, that loneliness can get to you every now and then. One of the best places to go to battle it is an Irish pub. The best Irish pubs in New York city are like those located anywhere else in the world; you can go in, order a pint and feel like you’re part of a small community.

Irish pubs anywhere bring together people from diverse backgrounds who share a common interest in the heritage associated with drinking at an Irish bar. Whether that heritage comes from ancestors that were born in Ireland or just a strong appreciation of the Irish way of drinking, the experience is one that creates a kind of camaraderie amongst those people who enjoy the lifestyle. That camaraderie can be found in many pubs throughout New York City and it can help to counter the loneliness that can sometimes get you down.

If you’re searching for an Irish pub in New York, these are the ones that you want to consider:

The Baggot Inn - Some people want to go to an Irish pub that’s really bouncing with live music. That’s especially true in New York City where you feel like you need some activity to stay in on the action. Since The Baggot Inn hosts live music seven days a week, it’s often a favorite for the people who are trying to find just that scene without compromising their love of the Irish pub style of bar.

The Central Bar - People who are looking for a traditional Irish sports bar will find that The Central Bar provides that scene. It’s got the dark wood and beers on tap that you’re hoping to find at an Irish bar. It’s also got the big screen televisions that you’ve come to expect from a modern sports bar. You can make friends while watching the game and combat that New York City loneliness that you thought might get you down.

Fiddlesticks - When you think of an Irish pub, do you think about a place that you can go with a group of strangers and emerge as a group of friends? That usually entails a lot of drinking and a good bit of Irish singing amongst the group. Fiddlesticks is probably the pub that you’re itching to find if it’s that kind of experience that you’ve got on the brain.

Ulysses -The name itself evokes a whole Irish sentiment, doesn’t it? You won’t be surprised then to find that the bar does the same. However, it’s got something of an American twist, particularly in the fact that it’s got a restaurant serving a full menu of American-style foods. You won’t find traditional bangers and mash here but you will find Irish beer to swill it down with. People who aren’t quite sure that the full on Irish pub experience is quite what they’re trying to find will likely discover that the experience here provides the gist without overwhelming them.

The Hairy Monk - Maybe what you’re looking for is the kind of bar that is really just a neighborhood corner bar, where the patrons have been enjoying the place for year upon year. You might not quite fit in to the scene but you can experience what it’s like at The Hairy Monk. If you’ve always wondered what an Irish pub for New York City locals is like, this is the one that will give you the best idea.

Shades of Green Pub and Restaurant - This happy hour hot spot is a favorite among people who are actually from Ireland because the owner can say that he is as well. In fact, this New York City pub isn’t his first but the previous one was an Irish one in his hometown. The food and drink reflect that fact and make it a great place for anyone looking for an authentic experience. This also makes it one of the best Irish pubs in New York City for those people who want to get the kind of bar snacks that they would be able to get in Ireland.

Fitzgerald’s - This is another happy hour favorite for people who live in New York City as well as for people who are just visiting. One of the things that sets it apart from the others is that you can find a good old fashioned dart game going on here. That’s a great way to make friends and experience some of the camaraderie that you could be looking for in an Irish pub.

Molly’s Pub and Restaurant - People who are looking for that traditional Irish food in a more moderate setting may find that this spot is right for them. It’s got all of the basics that you’d expect to find on an Irish menu as well as some American fare to spice things up. The beer on tap is what you’re looking for if you’re a fan of Irish drinking and you should find that the ambience brings a little bit of welcoming feeling to your time in Manhattan.

McSorley’s Old Ale House - Do you want to experience a little bit of New York City history while you do your drinking? This Irish pubs dates back to the nineteenth century and stands as a testament to the importance of the Irish pub to the city’s history. You’ll find that there’s still sawdust on the floor here and there’s a lot to be learned from a stop in the place. Unfortunately, you won’t find a wide selection of drinks as there are only two beers served here, McSorley Light and McSorley Dark. It’s worth a try, especially if you’re someone who has an interest in experiencing Irish pub life around the globe.

New York City has a big Irish population and it has the traditional bars where those people might want to spend their time. Some of them are rich with history, others bring a more modern slant to the scene. However, each of them is a great place to try to escape the loneliness that can sometimes overcome you in the midst of the busy activity of New York City. Grab a pint, make a friend and be glad that you’ve gotten a chance to see what New York is all about.

photo credits: intangibelle, jokelly

Tags: new york | North America | nyc | United States