The Oldest Irish Bars in NYC
In Gaelic, "whiskey" translates to "water of life," so it's no surprise that the Irish are behind some of the oldest watering holes in the city. From historic taverns that survived Prohibition to neighborhood pubs pouring perfect pints of Guinness, these are some of the oldest Irish bars in NYC where history, whiskey, and legendary nights go hand in hand.
15 East 7th St | LES - Est. 1854
PHOTO: McSorley's Old Ale House
McSorley's has been a city staple spot and the beating heart of the neighborhood for gatherings since it opened its doors in 1854-- even Abe Lincoln gave a speech there before becoming President. Other patrons have included John Lennon, Woodie Guthrie, and more. It wasn't until 1970 that women were allowed access to this historic bar, but today, all are welcome to enjoy the sawdust floors, Irish beers, and wall decor that hasn't been touched since 1910.
626 11th Ave | Hell's Kitchen - Est. 1868
Photo: The Landmark Tavern
From corned beef and cabbage to bangers and mash, you can get your Irish fix at this pub and restaurant, which has been in operation since 1868. Back in the day when there was no 12th Avenue, the tavern sat on the shores of the Hudson, until the prohibition forced them to turn into a third-floor speakeasy. Today, it remains as one of the oldest operating establishments in the city, and a great spot for sipping on a hot toddy or two.
129 East 18th St | Gramercy - Est. 1864
Photo: Pete's Tavern
While the original name back in the 1800s was O. Henry's, Pete's Tavern boasts the same historical value and quality neighborhood service that the original owners had intended for. Pete's actually stayed open and continued serving alcohol during prohibition by disguising itself as a flower shop. Today you will find it filled with warmth and bustling patrons that will keep it a classic spot for years to come.
915 Third Ave | Midtown East - Est. 1884
PHOTO: PJ CLARKE'S
PJ Clarke’s now has several locations across Manhattan, but the original 1884 saloon on 55th Street still stands. Former owner Irish immigrant Patrick J. Clarke, who was infamous for his bathtub gin and bootleg Scotch from Canada, gave this saloon its classic name. Some say that after the right amount of whiskey, his ghost can be seen roaming behind the bar. Well, technically no one has said that, but we'd like to think they did.
287 3rd Ave | Gramercy - Est. 1895
Photo: Molly’s Shebeen
Sip on an old-fashioned and cozy up by the wood fireplace at this historical pub, founded back in 1895. Originally established as a bar, it was then turned into a grocery store during prohibition, then changed back to a bar in 1933, and the space began to serve alcohol once again. Today, the jukebox cranks out Gaelic tunes, the menu offers a hearty Shepherd's pie, and there's a wide selection of brews and cocktails to enjoy. All of the 1800's Ireland charm, none of the potato famine.
326 Spring St | West Village - Est. 1817
Photo: Ear Inn
Situated in the historic James Brown House that was constructed around 1770, the building was used to house the African aide to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. In the late 1800s, Irishman Thomas Cloke turned the inn into a watering hole for sailors, and the interior hasn't changed much since then. Grab a burger and a whiskey sour and settle into the historic atmosphere that harkens back to the bar's days as a speakeasy during Prohibition.
152 7th Ave | Chelsea - Est. 1936
Photo: Peter McManus Café
Peter McManus Café is one of the oldest bars around town and has been acclaimed to be a port in the storm in an ever-changing city. Four generations of the McManus family have continued to operate the warm and welcoming tavern that makes it the staple that it is today. If only these walls could talk, incredible stories of triumph and tragedy over the course of its existence would be told over a round of drinks.
57-24 Roosevelt Ave | Woodside - Est. 1960's
PHOTO: DONOVAN'S PUB
While Woodside continues to change over time, Donovan's Pub remains the same no-frills pub serving up highly praised burgers along with tasty traditional fare, and, of course, cold beverages. Don't sleep on the shepherd's pie and make sure to try the Irish coffee as it is some of the best in the borough.
225 West 79th St | UWS - Est. 1920's
PHOTO: THE DUBLIN HOUSE
The Dublin House is one of the last remaining Irish pubs in the area and a charming Upper West Side relic. Stop by for the freshest Guinness on tap and get a load of their tasty new food offerings while you're at it.
*The best neighborhoods across America are the ones that celebrate the people, places, and things that make them unique. With NYC being so rich in its history, it's important that we pay homage to the bars that stay true to their origins.*
Looking for other ways to celebrate what makes our city so great? Check out the free museums open every day of the week.
Updated March 2026
