There are dozens of Irish pubs offering the best in Irish music throughout New York City. But what’s really the best of the best? Let this list of the top Irish Pubs in NYC act as your tour guide for this upcoming St. Patrick’s Day – or any day you want to enjoy some jigs and reels!
1) Paddy Reilly’s – 512 2nd Avenue, Manhattan
Located in the heart of Kips Bay, Paddy Reilly’s has grown into a staple for live Irish music. Just last St. Patrick’s Day, Hozier celebrated his birthday at the pub and performed there live. Except to hear music every day at Paddy Reilly’s, not just on St. Patrick’s Day! For the past 27 years, the pub has been the home to local Irish band The Prodigals. When The Prodigals aren’t playing, expect to hear a blend of Irish classics with rock, folk, and alternative songs. Pub goers can take their own hand at singing too every Tuesday night at Paddy Reilly’s Open Mic Night. The following night is Irish Traditional Night hosted by Niall O’Leary. Every Wednesday night starting at 9pm, Paddy Reilly’s provides a space to enjoy traditional Irish music and stepdance. If you’re in Kips Bay, go to Paddy Reilly’s, sit on a barstool, order a Guinness, and enjoy the music for some good craic.
2) The Dead Rabbit – 30 Water Street, Manhattan
Since its opening in 2013, The Dead Rabbit has won numerous awards, and rightfully so! The Dead Rabbit was awarded “World’s Best Bar” in 2016 at the 9th annual Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards. One could see why when they step into The Dead Rabbit, which seems to be three separate bars seamlessly blended into one. The bar is split into the Taproom, the Parlor, and the Occasional Room. The Parlor hosts various cocktails and comfortable seating; while, the Occasional Room is available for private events. But if it’s live music and good craic you’re looking for, head no further than the Taproom. The Taproom hosts numerous artworks from various contemporary Irish creatives. The Dead Rabbit’s commitment to the arts is also heard every Sunday night from 6-10pm. The seisiúns (sessions) host different musicians every week. You’ll hear everything from the fiddle and guitar to the Irish whistle and bodhrán. Pair it with a Sunday roast and Irish coffee for the perfect way to end your weekend.
3) An Béal Bocht Cafe – 445 W 238th Street, Bronx
Translating to “the poor mouth” in Irish Gaelic, An Béal Bocht Cafe is named after Irish novelist and playwright Flann O’Brien’s 1941 novel. Living up to its literary name, An Béal Bocht Cafe is covered in portraits of Irish literary legends, such as James Joyce. The pub has been home to the Arts in Riverdale for over 30 years. Every second Wednesday of the month is Writers / Poetry Night hosted by Melinda Wilson and Erin Lynn. Not only does the pub highlight literature but also music. An Béal Bocht Cafe is home to the Bronx’s longest running Irish traditional session. Spanning over 25 years, the session is hosted every Sunday from 4-7pm by Lindsey Ceitinn and Michelle Bergin. So head up to the Bronx, right next to Manhattan College, to join in on the live music every Sunday evening.
4) Grace’s Pub – 252 West 14th Street, Manhattan
Opening just six years ago in 2018, Grace’s has already cemented itself into the weekly lineup of can’t miss Irish music sessions. Every Wednesday night starting at 8pm, Matt Stapleton and guests host an Irish music session where any musician can join in, such as Come From Away musician Pat Mangan, who has joined in on many a session at Grace’s. The traditional Irish music coupled with the pub’s classic Manhattan bar decor offers a comfy and chic atmosphere that is the perfect oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you can’t get enough of Grace’s, head to its sister bar Hartley’s located at 14 Putnam Avenue, Brooklyn for an even homier atmosphere and for live music every Monday night starting at 8pm.
5) Mary O’s – 32 Avenue A, Manhattan
Located in the East Village, Mary O’s has been committed to keeping the tradition of Irish music alive since 2009. Even when Mary O’s was closed during the pandemic, musicians longed for the pub’s sessions so much that session regulars Catilin Warbelow and Chris Ranney started virtual Mary O’s sessions via Tune Supply on YouTube. The virtual sessions kept Mary O’s Irish music community alive, and now, the sessions can be enjoyed in-person every Thursday from 8-11pm with different guest leaders every week. Visit to join Mary O’s musical community while enjoying their staple Irish soda bread scones.
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