Hundreds of bars in New York City claim some sort of Irish tie, whether in name, lineage or spirit. The spots below stand out from the pack: these aren't just for St. Patrick's Day. Maybe it's the well-poured Guinness, or the proprietor's welcome, or the neighborhood feel. Some might call it the craic, which roughly translates from Gaelic to "fun." So whether you're looking for an evening of folk music, a lively crowd or a mellow spot for conversation, check out our profiles for a place that will bring out the Irish in you. Not just a place for a quiet pint, it also functions as a community center that sponsors theater and art and holds events pretty much nightly. Location: Kingsbridge, BronxYear established: 1991Pint of Guinness: $7Typical Irish food: Traditional Irish breakfastTraditional Irish music: Always on Sundays, some FridaysCraic factor: The name roughly translates to "the poor mouth" and comes from the title for a 1941 Flann O'Brien novel. Its authenticity is beside the point; for inexpensive drinks and filling food, you can't do much better. Location: Lower Manhattan Year established: 1968Price of a Guinness: $7Typical Irish food: "Dublin-style" fish and chipsTraditional Irish music? NoCraic factor: An Irish immigrant opened the first of NYC's back in 1952. This is one of only two that remain (the ).You'll find a large, lively bar behind the red-brick facade.Location: Astoria, QueensYear established: 1902Price of a Guinness: $6Typical Irish food: Irish peasTraditional Irish music? NoCraic factor: Some bartenders can create magic. . Located in a once predominantly Irish neighborhood, this characterful bar is the best-known remnant of the old days. Location: Woodside, QueensYear established: 1966Price of a Guinness: $6Typical Irish food: "Lil" shepherd's pieTraditional Irish music? NoCraic factor: The burger ($9.95), long said to be . This corner bunker, tucked in a polyglot Brooklyn neighborhood, attracts its share of longtime regulars. Location: Sunset Park, BrooklynYear established: 1964Price of a Guinness: $5Typical Irish food: Shepherd's pie, sometimesTraditional Irish music? Occasional weekendsCraic factor: So, it did make this . Not to brag or anything.A homey, modest spot, with a green-painted porch, serves as a neighborhood institution.Location: Eltingville, Staten IslandYear established: 1966Price of a Guinness: $7Typical Irish food: Corned beef with cabbage and potatoesTraditional Irish music? Check the , though note Thursdays are dedicated to country.Craic factor: The current owners were by the late founder, Bob Joyce, to take over, ensuring the family feel. This nicely accoutered pub is one of a number of happening Irish joints near the southwestern tip of the borough. Location: Bay Ridge, BrooklynYear established: 1996Price of a Guinness: $7Traditional Irish music? Sometimes on weekends (and you never know who might show up at Thursday's open mic).Craic factor: Used as a filming location for Spike Lee's underrated 25th Hour. The setting, with marble columns, stained glass and Victoriana scattered about, provides plenty of eye candy. Location: Union Square, ManhattanYear established: 2009Price of a Guinness: $9Typical Irish food: Curry fries, Irish styleTraditional Irish music: Saturdays, 3–6pmCraic factor: Some of the decor, including the long (marble-topped) wooden bar, comes from an 1800s Northern Ireland estate. A far cry from your typical pub, Mary O's is modern and chic but the Irish feel is real.Location: East Village, ManhattanYear established: 2009Price of a Guinness: $8Typical Irish food: Chicken pot pieTraditional Irish music? Thursdays at 8pmCraic factor: The owner, Mary O'Halloran, hails from Ireland's County Mayo.If the sawdust on the floor doesn't make you smile, the long mahogany bar and brick fireplace should do the trick.Location: Gramercy, ManhattanYear established: 1960Price of a Guinness: $8Typical Irish food: Irish lamb stewTraditional Irish music? NoCraic factor: With the exception of the Prohibition years, this space has been home to a watering hole since 1895.True to its name, it's an expansive public house in a largely Irish area—but draws a good mix of residents.Location: Woodlawn, BronxYear established: 2002Price of a Guinness: $6Typical Irish food: Gaelic Burger with Irish porter cheese and baconTraditional Irish music? OccasionallyCraic factor: There's sequestered dart lanes, lots of sports on TV and a generally festive mood. This Times Square spot is quite large, but the square bar at the center provides a focal point. Location: Midtown West, ManhattanYear established: 2010Price of a Guinness: $8Typical Irish food: Irish bangers and mashTraditional Irish music: On occasion, though call ahead to checkCraic factor: The name comes from the term for the mythological land of eternal youth; perhaps the boat from Ireland's Achill Island that hangs from the ceiling is meant to be the conveyance.
