Molly’s Pub and Shebeen

2010 February 19

by Iheartnycbars

This is hands down the best Irish pub in NYC with one of the city’s best fireplaces. Molly’s was first established as a bar in 1895. During Prohibition (1920-1933) it operated as a “grocery store”, thus the name Shebeen, which means illegal drinking establishment (and Molly Malone’s, after a popular Irish folk song). In the mid 1930s, following the repeal of Prohibition, it again began to serve alcohol openly and the building’s three upper floors became a rooming house for transient workers. Believe me, this one of the best bars to escape the cold with friendly bartenders and a good mixed mellow crowd. Aside from the obligatory Guinness you can also get good ole traditional Irish fare like Shepard’s Pie and Corn Beef & Cabbage. Not only is Molly’s the best Irish pub in town, it’s one of the NYC’s best bars, plus it opens at 11 am!