Introduction: Why Choosing the Right Pub Is a Survival Skill
If you’ve ever wandered the streets of NYC after 6 PM, you know the existential crisis: Should you pay $20 for a craft IPA at a hipster bar, or risk a $5 Miller Lite at a pub that smells like regret? Spoiler: Neither option is ideal. But fear not, fellow imbibers. This guide is your shortcut to finding NYC’s best pubs—places where the beer flows, the baristas know your name, and the Wi-Fi password isn’t “123456789.”
10 Best Pubs NYC for Beer Lovers (And Why They Exist)
1. The Dead Rabbit (130 Water St, New York, NY 10038)
TL;DR: Fancy Irish pub with a menu that screams “I’ve never tasted water.” The Dead Rabbit is the kind of place where the bartender will explain the “difference” between a whiskey and a “spirit” for 20 minutes. Pro tip: Order the oyster if you’re feeling peckish. Pro tip #2: Don’t ask for a “beer.” They’ll give you a look like you just told them their father isn’t dead.
2. McSorley’s Old Ale House (14 E Seventh St, New York, NY 10003)
Older than the Statue of Liberty and twice as grumpy. McSorley’s serves only ale, and the waiters wear vests like they’re auditioning for a 19th-century murder mystery. Bonus: The menu is written in cursive. You know it’s authentic when the barista says, “We serve ale. Only ale. No water.”
3. The Irish Pub (65 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075)
It’s exactly what it sounds like: an Irish pub in NYC. The kind of place where the jukebox plays U2, and the bartender thinks “craft” is a new type of insult. If you want to feel like you’re in a John Wayne film, this is your spot.
4. Paddy Reilly’s (251 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013)
A St. Patrick’s Day pilgrimage site. The green velvet booths are so dated, they probably predate the internet. The beer menu is a scroll written in cursive. Also, the owner has a pet leprechaun. (Not really, but it feels like it.)
5. McHale’s (107 West 27th St, New York, NY 10001)
McHale’s is the Irish pub that’s not trying too hard. It’s got the charm of a place that’s been open since the ‘80s and doesn’t care if you know it. The bar is long enough to host a family reunion. Also, the barstool seats are so sticky, they’ll make you question your life choices.
6. The Bitter End (147 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012)
This isn’t a pub, it’s a folk club with beer. The walls are covered in photos of musicians who are probably still bitter. The beer is good, but the real draw is the live music. Also, the bartenders will correct your pronunciation of “IPA.”
7. The Cellar (304 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036)
A subterranean den of questionable lighting and questionable life choices. The beer menu is written in Latin. The bar is so dim, you’ll need a flashlight to read the menu. Also, the owner has a pet grumpy cat named “Whiskey.”
8. The Red Lion (102 E Broadway, New York, NY 10003)
A Lower East Side staple that’s been around since the ‘70s. The bar is so worn, it looks like it’s been through a war. The beer is cheap, and the barstools are so sticky, they’ll make you question your life choices. Also, the jukebox only plays songs from the ‘80s. (The good ones.)
9. The Ale House (223 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023)
A speakeasy with a menu that screams “I’m trying to ruin your life.” The beer is good, the ambiance is bad, and the barista will judge you for ordering a “light beer.” Also, the owner has a pet raccoon named “Ale.”
10. Johnnie’s Bar (110 E 8th St, New York, NY 10003)
A Greenwich Village gem with a menu that screams “I’m trying to ruin your life.” The beer is good, the ambiance is bad, and the barista will judge you for ordering a “light beer.” Also, the owner has a pet raccoon named “Ale.”
How to Choose the Right Pub (Without Becoming a Hermit)
- Check the vibe: If the barista looks like they’re judging your life choices, run.
- Read reviews: But ignore the ones that say “best beer in NYC.” They’re probably bots.
- Ask locals: They’ll either tell you where to go or try to steal your wallet.
- Bring a friend: Two heads are better than one, especially when choosing a pub.
- Bring a backup plan: Just in case the first pub is full of people who think “craft beer” is an insult.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered (By Someone Who’s Drunk)
1. What’s the best pub for a first date?
Avoid places with sticky barstools. You don’t want to spend the evening wiping off someone else’s sweat.
2. What’s the best pub for a solo night out?
Any place with a jukebox. It’s less awkward when the music is doing the talking.
3. What’s the best pub for a group of friends?
Look for places with high ceilings. That way, when someone knocks over a beer, it doesn’t hit everyone.
4. What’s the best pub for a business meeting?
Avoid places with live music. You don’t want your pitch to be drowned out by a bad cover of “Sweet Caroline.”
5. What’s the best pub for a breakup?
McHale’s. The barstools are so sticky, you’ll be distracted from your emotional trauma.
Why You Should Care About These Pubs (And What to Do Next)
Choosing the right pub isn’t just about the beer—it’s about the experience. Whether you’re looking for a place to drown your sorrows or celebrate your latest life achievement, NYC has a pub for you. And if you’re thinking about taking your beer game to the next level, check out Make Your Own Beer to start crafting your own brews. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, Custom Beer can help you create a signature drink that screams “I have money to burn.”
Take Action: Find Your Pub (Before It Finds You)
- Download a map: Use Google Maps to find the closest pub. (It’s not just for directions.)
- Read reviews: But ignore the ones that say “best beer in NYC.” They’re probably bots.
- Ask locals: They’ll either tell you where to go or try to steal your wallet.
- Bring a friend: Two heads are better than one, especially when choosing a pub.
- Bring a backup plan: Just in case the first pub is full of people who think “craft beer” is an insult.
Conclusion: Cheers to Not Drinking Alone
Nightlife in NYC is a minefield of overpriced drinks and judgmental baristas. But with this guide, you’re now equipped to find the perfect pub for any occasion. Remember, the goal isn’t to drink the most—it’s to enjoy yourself without ending up on a reality TV show. And if you ever need help with beer-related projects (like selling your homemade brew), check out Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for tips on how to turn your passion into profit. Now go forth and drink wisely. (And maybe bring a tissue for the sticky barstools.)
Contact Us if you need help finding the perfect pub for your next event—or if you just need someone to confirm that McHale’s is the best pub in NYC.
