A perfectly poured pint of Guinness is an art form, and New York City has mastered it. Whether you’re an Irish expat or a beer lover seeking the real deal, these NYC establishments are known for serving the best Guinness in town.
Quick answer: for the best Guinness in NYC, head to The Long Hall in Midtown, Grace’s on West 14th Street, Swift Hibernian Lounge in NoHo or Hartley’s in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. The Long Hall and Grace’s were rated joint best pints in Manhattan by the New York State of Pint reviewers, and Hartley’s topped their rankings overall with 8.5 out of 10.
- Best pint in Manhattan: The Long Hall (58 E 34th St) or Grace’s (252 W 14th St)
- Best pint in Brooklyn: Hartley’s (14 Putnam Ave, Clinton Hill)
- Best for history: The Landmark Tavern, pouring since 1868
- Best downtown: The Dead Rabbit (30 Water St)
- Don’t go for Guinness: McSorley’s only pours its own light and dark ales
We checked every pub on this list in October 2026. Foley’s NY closed back in 2020, so we’ve added Grace’s and Hartley’s, and you’ll find a full address table below.
1. The Long Hall, Midtown
The Long Hall is renowned for its perfectly poured pints of Guinness. Their dedication to proper pouring techniques and the ideal creamy head makes this Irish pub a top choice for Guinness enthusiasts. The authentic Irish décor adds to the experience.
It isn’t just us saying it: the New York State of Pint reviewers rated The Long Hall’s Guinness joint best in Manhattan, level with Grace’s.
Address: 58 E 34th St (between Madison and Park), New York, NY 10016.
2. Molly’s Pub & Shebeen, Gramercy
Molly’s is a legendary spot for both its Irish comfort food and its Guinness. With its cozy atmosphere, sawdust-covered floors, and roaring fireplace, a pint here feels like being in a traditional Irish pub.
The building at 287 Third Avenue has been a bar since 1895, and both Guinness and Guinness Zero are on the menu.
Address: 287 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010.
3. Swift Hibernian Lounge, NoHo
Swift Hibernian Lounge takes its Guinness seriously. Known for its excellent beer selection and welcoming vibe, it’s one of the city’s go-to places for a creamy, smooth Guinness served at the perfect temperature.
Swift has been on East 4th Street since 1995, and 6sqft’s Guinness taste-testers put it in their top five in 2024.
Address: 34 E 4th St (between Bowery and Lafayette), New York, NY 10003.
A Note on McSorley’s Old Ale House, East Village
While McSorley’s is famous for its light and dark house ales, they’re the only two beers it pours, so don’t go expecting a Guinness. With its rich history and old-world charm, enjoying a pint here feels like a step back in time.
It’s been pouring at 15 East 7th Street since 1854, which makes it the city’s oldest continuously operated saloon. Go for the history, then walk a few blocks to Swift for your Guinness.
4. The Dead Rabbit, Financial District
This award-winning Irish bar doesn’t just serve excellent cocktails; their Guinness is also a standout. Served with precision in their historic, lively setting, The Dead Rabbit is a top choice for fans of the black stuff.
Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004.
5. The Landmark Tavern, Hell’s Kitchen
With its authentic Irish atmosphere and historic setting, The Landmark Tavern pours one of the smoothest Guinness pints in NYC. Their attention to detail ensures each glass is served with the perfect creamy head.
The history is real, too: Patrick Henry Carley opened the Landmark in 1868.
Address: 626 11th Ave (at 46th St), New York, NY 10036.
6. The Porterhouse Brew Co. at Fraunces Tavern, Financial District
This Irish brewery’s NYC outpost delivers a Guinness experience that rivals Dublin’s. With a staff trained to pour the perfect pint, Porterhouse Brew Co. attracts Guinness aficionados from all over the city.
Dublin’s Porterhouse group opened here in 2011, inside historic Fraunces Tavern, so you get a pint and a slice of colonial New York in one stop. Comparing notes with the real thing? Our three-day Dublin itinerary will help you plan the return leg.
Address: 54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004.
7. Connolly’s Pub & Restaurant, Midtown
Known for its warm atmosphere and dedication to Irish traditions, Connolly’s consistently serves one of the best pints of Guinness in Midtown. Enjoy it alongside hearty Irish fare for the full experience.
Address: 14 E 47th St (between Madison and Fifth), New York, NY 10017.
Foley’s NY, Midtown (Closed in 2020)
Though Foley’s was a beloved sports bar, their Guinness was anything but casual. Poured to perfection, it was a favorite among patrons who knew the value of a proper pint.
Sadly, owner Shaun Clancy confirmed in May 2020 that the West 33rd Street bar would not reopen after the pandemic shutdown, so we’ve added two new pubs to the top 10 below.
8. The Playwright Celtic Pub, Times Square
Despite being in the bustling Times Square area, The Playwright delivers an authentic Guinness experience. Their skilled bartenders ensure every pint is served with precision and pride.
It spreads over three floors, with plenty of screens for the match and a third-floor party room with its own patio. You’ll find the latest hours on the Playwright Celtic Pub website.
Address: 732 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036.
9. Grace’s, West 14th Street
Grace’s comes from the same team as Hartley’s, and it shows. The pub brought in a dispenser used only for Guinness, set to pour at 42 degrees, according to amNY. The New York State of Pint reviewers rated it joint best in Manhattan, alongside The Long Hall.
Address: 252 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011.
10. Hartley’s, Clinton Hill (Brooklyn)
The only Brooklyn pub on our list earns its place. Hartley’s topped the New York State of Pint rankings with 8.5 out of 10, and co-owner Mike O’Sullivan told the Brooklyn Paper that they keep the keg close to the tap, use a premixed nitrogen and CO2 blend and even choose their glass-washing detergent with care. Order the Guinness stew and soda bread while you’re at it.
Address: 14 Putnam Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
Best Guinness in NYC at a Glance
Planning a pint crawl? Here’s every pub on the list by neighborhood, so you can pick one area and stay put.
| Pub | Neighborhood | Address | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Long Hall | Midtown | 58 E 34th St | Joint best pint in Manhattan |
| Molly’s Pub & Shebeen | Gramercy | 287 3rd Ave | Sawdust floors and a fireplace |
| Swift Hibernian Lounge | NoHo | 34 E 4th St | 6sqft top five pick |
| The Dead Rabbit | Financial District | 30 Water St | Cocktails and a great pint |
| The Landmark Tavern | Hell’s Kitchen | 626 11th Ave | Pouring since 1868 |
| Porterhouse at Fraunces Tavern | Financial District | 54 Pearl St | Irish brewery in a historic tavern |
| Connolly’s | Midtown | 14 E 47th St | Pint and Irish food |
| Playwright Celtic Pub | Times Square | 732 8th Ave | Pre-theater pint |
| Grace’s | West 14th Street | 252 W 14th St | Guinness-only dispenser |
| Hartley’s | Clinton Hill, Brooklyn | 14 Putnam Ave | Top of the New York State of Pint rankings |
What Makes a Perfect Guinness Pint?
A great Guinness isn’t just about the beer, it’s about the pour. NYC’s top Irish bars follow the six-step pouring ritual, ensuring the right temperature, a proper two-part pour, and the iconic creamy head.
According to Guinness owner Diageo’s Bar Academy, the pint should be served at 38°F in the US. The bartender fills a cold, clean glass at a 45 degree angle up to the gold harp, lets it settle for about 90 seconds, then tops it up until the head sits 12 to 18 mm above the rim. If your pint arrives in one quick pour, that’s your sign to try somewhere else.
Guinness is one of the things Ireland is best known for, so it’s no surprise New York’s Irish bars take the ritual seriously.
Best Guinness in NYC: FAQs
Where is the best Guinness in NYC?
The Long Hall in Midtown and Grace’s on West 14th Street were rated joint best in Manhattan by the New York State of Pint reviewers, while Hartley’s in Clinton Hill topped their rankings overall with 8.5 out of 10.
Does McSorley’s serve Guinness?
No. McSorley’s Old Ale House only serves two beers, its own light and dark ales, as Pellicle explains, so it’s one for the history rather than the stout.
How long does it take to pour a proper Guinness?
A proper Guinness is a two-part pour with about 90 seconds of settling in between, according to Diageo Bar Academy. A bar that hands you a pint straight away is skipping a step.
What temperature should Guinness be served at in the US?
Diageo Bar Academy says Guinness should be served at 38°F in the US. Temperature is also one of the six things 6sqft’s Guinness panel scores every pint on.
How old do you have to be to drink in New York?
You have to be 21 to buy or possess alcohol in New York State, according to the New York DMV driver’s manual. That’s three years older than the legal drinking age in Ireland, so bring photo ID.
Is Foley’s NY still open?
No. Foley’s NY on West 33rd Street closed for good in 2020, when owner Shaun Clancy said it would not reopen after the pandemic shutdown.
Cheers to the Best Guinness in NYC
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a flawless pint, these NYC spots offer an authentic taste of Ireland. Each serves Guinness with care, precision, and the unmistakable charm of Irish hospitality. Sláinte!
It’s no surprise the city pours so well: New York has deep Irish roots, and you can read more about how many Irish Americans there are today.
