Whether things have been tough and you need some luck of the Irish, or if a day of hearty drinking is all the luck you need, here are some of New York's best pubs to get you in the St. Patrick's Day mood. 

McSorley's Old Ale House (15 E 7th St.; 212-473-9148) 
Boisterous? You've got it. Rowdy? Sometimes. But this sometimes maligned drinking hole (too many tourists! they say) still maintains a charm befitting New York's oldest Irish tavern—just don't expect choice beyond "light" and "dark." 

Blind Tiger (281 Bleecker St., 212-462-4682) 
If choice is what you're digging, Blind Tiger has a cozy fireplace and a draft craft beer list so extensive, you'll be sure to find your perfect booze sweater. Less Guinness and more Cigar City Rum Barrel Aged Marshall Zhukov stout. 

Donovan's (57-24 Roosevelt Ave., Queens, 718-429-9339) 
Opened by the son of Irish immigrants, this spot opened up in 1966 and has been a Queens staple ever since. Get the burger, and a beer, of course. 

Molly’s Shebeen (287 3rd Ave., 212-889-3361)
It touts itself as the most authentic Irish pub and while that's not definitive, the sawdust on the floor, chimney and sometimes even Irish bartenders certainly are nice touches.  

Swift Bar (34 East 4th St., 212-260-3600) 
Named after the writer Jonathan Swift, the church pews paired with a great draft selection is almost sacrilegious. There's even traditional Irish music on the calendar if reading A Modest Proposal doesn't seem fun enough. 

Kitty Kiernan’s (9715 3rd Ave., Brooklyn, 718-921-0217) 
Guinness is of course on draft, or maybe a Magners is more your speed. And you can choose a 20 ounce pint, if you so please. This Bay Ridge lounge is cozy and with hours like 10 AM until 4 AM on most nights, it's a spot for reading a book or meeting friends. 

Photo: Flickr user endymion120