With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about which Irish pub you’ll be visiting so you can celebrate in style (you know, with lots of Guinness drinking and maybe some corned beef and cabbage). If you’re located near or in the great city of New York, you’re in luck. Thanks to waves of Irish immigrants flooding the shores of NYC in the 1800s, there’s no shortage of Irish bars in the area – in fact, there are over 120 of them!

While this is great news, it can also be a little intimidating. Which one should you pick out of all of them? Don’t worry, we’ve selected our five favorites to make things easy for you. Choose any of them and you’re bound to have a fantastic time celebrating St. Patty’s Day!

  1. Monaghan’s Irish Restaurant, Rockville Centre, New York

Sometimes eating out in or around NYC can get a bit pricey. Well, if you’re looking to enjoy some delicious Irish fare on a budget, Monaghan’s Irish Restaurant in Rockville Centre is the place for you. Patrons repeatedly remark that the prices are reasonable and fair (even for the beers), which is a nice find in New York. On top of that, the food is great (“fresh and authentic”). Customer favorites include the chicken pot pie (“very tasty”), steak tidbits, Shepherd’s pie (“for the win”), chicken cobb salad, lobster risotto, French onion soup, seafood chowder, and Irish stew.

The atmosphere at Monaghan’s is warm, casual, and busy (people frequently throw parties and after-parties here because the food and service are so “phenomenal”). Despite the big bar and nice selection of draught beers, the pub is also known to be kid-friendly, even offering a children’s room with lots of toys and a sitter. And since the Irish eatery is located near the train you won’t have to worry about driving if you decide to enjoy a pint of Guinness with your bangers and mash. So whether you’re just looking for a fun night out or a place to have a party, Monaghan’s Irish Restaurant is bound to fit the bill.

Check out Monaghan’s Irish Restaurant’s menu in Rockville Centre, New York here.

  1. McGee’s Pub, New York, New York

Did you ever watch How I Met Your Mother? Well, McGee’s Pub in NYC is the bar that inspired the TV show. Pretty neat, right? Barney, Ted, Robin, Lily, Marshall, and… you? Why not join the gang (or whoever happens to be at the pub the night you visit) for some drinks and delicious Irish dishes? Inviting and warm, the restaurant is said to perfectly capture the “quintessential” Irish pub look and feel, in addition to serving tasty cocktails, beer, and food. Customers offer high praise for their bangers and mash, chicken pot pies, Shepherd’s pies, and more. Go check it out for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, especially if you are a fan of the show!

Find McGee’s Pub’s menu in New York, New York here.

  1. The Irish Bank, Hartsdale, New York

Live music. Weekly trivia nights. The Irish Bank in Hartsdale doesn’t just offer amazing Irish fare – it also provides lots of fun entertainment! And all of this with “an old-school Irish pub feel.” Sounds exciting, but don’t get us wrong either. The Irish Bank isn’t rowdy; you can count on it for a comfortable dining experience with both booth and outdoor seating available in the two-story building where you can easily carry on a conversation because it isn’t too noisy. Diners simply rave about the service; the staff is friendly and attentive while the bartenders are quick-witted and knowledgeable.

And let’s not forget about the large selection of drinks (including Guinness on tap) and the food, especially the truffle fries, beef stew, burgers, nachos, corned beef and cabbage, and wings. You won’t want to miss out on The Irish Bank – it really has everything you need for an enjoyable and lively Irish meal out!

View The Irish Bank’s menu in Hartsdale, New York here.

The Irish Bank

  1. Bantry Bay Publick House, Long Island City, New York

Bantry Bay Publick House in Long Island City is most known for its first-rate atmosphere. One reviewer calls it “an absolute gem,” while another exclaims that “it’s TRULY amazing.” Unassuming from the outside, Bantry Bay wows on the inside, offering “absolutely flavorful and delicious” fare with strong drinks. Its servers are always in good spirits, leaving you feeling truly welcomed and appreciated. Come on Tuesdays for the open-mic night (that’s always interesting and fun) or just drop on in for a meal at the bar; trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Explore Bantry Bay Publick House’s menu in Long Island City, New York here.

  1. The Irish Pub, Baldwin, New York

In search of a laidback Irish bar where you can relax after a tough day? This is exactly what The Irish Pub in Baldwin serves up, much to its loyal customers’ delight. Repeatedly referred to as a favorite “neighborhood bar” and a “great place to hang out” by locals, you’ll find amazing burgers and ribs here, as well as a large beer selection on tap. If you visit on a Friday night, you’ll enjoy karaoke, while on Saturdays, there’s live music. And it’s likely you’ll run into the owner, Sean, who adds a personal touch by greeting everyone with a big smile. The staff is accomodating and helpful, the food is served hot, and the prices are affordable. Visit The Irish Pub and it may very well become your new bar of choice!

Find The Irish Pub’s menu in Baldwin, New York here.