Get Comfortable in NYC's Best Irish Pubs

Arguably the best places to drink, Irish pubs’ dim interiors, wooden benches and (sometimes) sawdust-covered floors allow patrons to nestle into their surroundings with the intention of staying for a while. If you feel like throwing back a pint (or two, or three) of Guinness in a comfortable spot, slip into one of these bars…and, yes, go ahead and stay awhile.

This sports bar certainly keeps up with the rowdy tradition of Irish drinking. Moving a step up from drinking songs, it offers karaoke on a nightly basis, so you can get your sing on with plenty of liquid courage in the form of relatively cheap beers. (842 2nd Ave.; 212-682-5490)

With floors covered in sawdust, Molly’s offers a much-needed respite from the bridge-and-tunnel crowded establishments of Murray Hill. Patrons differ dramatically from the rest of the area—they’re local, they’re older and they value cherishing a pint over cherishing a stranger’s behind on a crowded dance floor. Dark corners and round tables allow for intimate gatherings with seven or so friends. (287 3rd Ave.; 212-889-3361)

This perfectly divey sports bar on an unassuming corner of East 14th has a dark, cozy atmosphere with pleasant lighting (Christmas lights abound) with beers as cheap as $3 during happy hour and $5 shots of fireball whiskey always available. (349 E 14th St.; 212-533-7333)

This New York staple is known as one of the oldest pubs in the city. It offers either light or dark beer, saving you from making tough decisions when you’re too plastered to care about a pretentious craft selection. The walls are covered in nostalgic memorabilia, some of which has been around since the earlier 1900s. (15 E 7th St.; 212-473-9148)

A sprawling sports bar not far from Penn Station, Stout is lively with a wide selection of beer, multiple big-screen TVs and some sub-par bar food, which rises above par when you’re drunk. The bangers and mash aren’t bad, though, along with some of the other more Irish-leaning fare. (133 W 33rd St.; 212-629-6191)

Live Irish music happens the first Friday of every month at Donovan’s in Queens, making it worth the trek. You can enjoy the tunes with Irish pints, such as Guinness and Bass Ale. (57-24 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside; 718-429-9339)

If you’re perchance going for something more upscale (which is unlikely if you’re looking for an Irish pub, but to each his or her own), the West Village’s Dublin 6 offers beef and stout pie in addition to tuna tartar and charcuterie. If you’re opting for wine and cocktails over beer, this is your spot. (575 Hudson St.; 646-638-2900)