Sunday, March 15, 2009

McMena revisits her NYC Irish Bar Tour


Literature is considered one of Ireland's greatest exports. It was the pubs where writers would congregate to meet publishers and other business contacts. So in honor of St. Patrick's Day, we celebrate the Irish pub. McMena takes us on tours of the East and West Sides.

An Irish pub in New York City? That's hard to find. A internet search reveals there are more than nine-thousand in the area! Mena can't make them all, but go to the Murph Guide - for all the Irish bars and activities in NYC- and then some. 

Below are the first two stops on each of McMena's tours. 

On the East Side: 

1. Finnegan's Wake 1361 1st Ave At 73rd St I'm assuming they have good whiskey here. It was the cause of both the fall and resurrection of Finnegan. You can also order Bangers & Mash, Steak & Kidney Pie, Shepherd's Pie and Fish & Chips.

As we cross the park over the West Side, our first stop is a neighborhood favorite that unfortunately is expected to close it's doors in May in 09 because of a rent hike. However, the owner says he will open up somewhere.

1. Emerald Inn
205 Columbus Ave (between 69th and 70th)

The same Irish family has owned this locals' joint since it opened in 1943. In 2006 it won New York Magazine's listing for the best watering hole of the UWS.

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