The best Irish restaurants in NYC

This Financial District watering hole may be better known for its numerous cocktail accolades, but it also has quite the loyal following for its food. The kitchen shines brightest at brunch, with an Irish breakfast that includes all the hits. The Dead Rabbit also hosts a classic Sunday roast each week, and happy hour runs Monday-Friday from 3pm-6pm. 

This Upper East Side charmer has been in business for more than 50 years, and you can spot its extended green awning from halfway down 57th Street. Its present-day menu includes corned beef and cabbage and wild Irish smoked salmon in a quaintly dated, comfortable dining room.   

We miss the St. Mark's location of this pub, but its second act on Avenue A is still spirited. The candlelit pub has also been known to serve fish and chips in an Irish beer batter, fettucine with Irish smoked salmon, soup with a side of Irish brown bread and Baileys Irish Cream cheesecake. 

This friendly and beloved Astoria spot, self-asserted as "Astoria's longest standing traditional Irish pub," touches on many types of cuisine, and always has an impressive list of daily specials un addition to the terrific Irish standards on its permanent menu. The shepherd's pie is a particular standout. 

This Sunnyside, Queens Irish and British grocery has a tremendous amount of imports, plus prepared food. The Irish breakfast sandwich is a favorite, and a handheld spin on the traditionally multi-part meal. 

This Washington Heights spot’s name has no literal translation from Gaelic to English, but it means something close to “together.” Sample the Irish stew, made with tender beef and vegetables ladled over mashed potatoes, while you spy the spectacular view of the George Washington Bridge on nearby.

Ironically better known as a bar with just two drink choices (McSorley’s Dark Ale and McSorley’s Light Ale), this NYC classic actually has a pretty robust bill of fare. Availability changes, but corned beef hash, fish and chips, burgers and sandwiches have all appeared, in addition to McSorley's famous cheese and crackers. 

In contrast to the James Joyce book that it’s named after, Finnegans Wake is easy to figure out. The laid-back bar is as much about eating as it is drinking, and its menus have plenty of Irish options.The fried fish is batter-dipped and served with vinegar, the shepherd’s pie is spot-on, and corned beef and cabbage is a frequent special. A portrait of Joyce looks over the space.

Donovan’s Pub promises proper Guinness up at its bar or back in the warmly wood-paneled dining room. The menu is largley comprised of burgers and bar food, but a shepherd's pie is present too. 

This cozy pub's menu skews a little general interest, but Blarney Stone nods to the republic by way of its Irish nachos, which are actually fries topped with cheese, onion and bacon. Corned beef and cabbage and fish and chips are also on the menu, alongside the full bar.

This Hell’s Kitchen spot dates back to beginnings as as an Irish saloon in 1868. Irish stick-to-your-ribs dishes are abundant, including corned beef and cabbage with white parsley sauce and bangers and mash. 

The Wheeltapper has a year-round patio, two bars, a fireplace and guaranteed Guinness. The food menu's less Irish than some, but the place has named its potato skins for the land.