Three Outstanding Irish Pubs Near Gramercy Park

New York's leafy Gramercy Park neighborhood may be best known for its namesake -- and notoriously exclusive -- park, but it also has some of the city's most authentic Irish pubs. Here are three of the best bets, all of which are just a short walk from hotels in the area.


Pete’s Tavern: Opened in 1864, this popular pub claims to be the oldest continuously running bar in New York -- and even served up cold ones during prohibition by disguising itself as a flower shop. Legend has it that O. Henry wrote "The Gift of the Magi" here, though he was likely sipping something stronger than the house brew, 1864 Ale, while working on his tragic short story. 129 E. 18th St. Stay nearby at the W New York -- Union Square.


Molly’s: While not as old as Pete's, Molly’s will give you flashbacks of bar hopping in Tipperary even if you've never been to Ireland. Classic Irish tunes blast from the jukebox, a cozy fireplace roars during the colder months, sawdust covers the wooden floors, and bartenders blessed with brogues swap stories with guests over Guinness and Molly’s famous cheeseburgers. 287 Third Ave. Stay nearby at the Gramercy Park Hotel.


Paddy Maguire’s Ale House: While there's nothing fancy at Paddy's, 15 beers on tap, a great jukebox, and two pool tables in back make for good times at this stalwart. The 12 flat-screen televisions showing both American and European sports keep the crowd lively, too. 237 Third Ave. Stay nearby at the Gramercy Park Hotel.


- Andrew Hickey, of The Brooklyn Nomad.