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Where to get a drink near the parade

By Ron Bishow | Metromix

2:17 PM EDT, March 14, 2008

A pint for St. Patrick's Day ()

The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade is a sight not to be missed, yet you don't want to have a dry mouth for four hours, nor do you want to leave the parade route and risk missing a thing. Luckily, we have you covered. Plan to swing by these Irish bars a stone's throw from the Fifth Avenue parade route -- before, during and after the parade.

BEFORE AND DURING THE PARADE.

Maggie's Place
An Irish joint with 14 beers on tap, pub grub and a mahogany bar where the Guinness flows like wine. This mom-and-pop pub will also be serving Irish breakfast starting at 8 a.m. on the 17th should you care to get a nice base going. (21 E. 47th St. bet. Madison and Fifth Aves.)

P. J. Moran's
Close to St. Patrick's Cathedral, P.J.'s is a little more polished then your average Irish pub largely due ot the outstanding selection of Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage and Irish Gaelic Steak. On the 17th, you may not have the time for a sit-down lunch so plan to grab some pints and move on. (3 E. 48th St. bet. Fifth and Madison Aves.)

Eamonn's
Located only steps away from Grand Central Station (and right off the parade route), this bi-level bar and grill offers ten beers on tap (Guinness included), another ten in bottles and a decent selection of single malt scotch. It isn't exactly Irish, but it is owned by the folks who helm P.J. Moran's, so it has the Irish connection going. (9 E. 45th St. between Fifth and Madison Aves.)

Judge Roy Bean A long, linear space with dark wood adorning the bar and the walls, the eight beers on tap and 17 bottle selections attracted many after work patrons. So since it is the middle of the day, you won't have to worry about fighting for a drink! Judge Roy Bean used to like to hang people, so keep that in mind (38 W. 56th St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves.)

Marty O'Brien's
Interestingly this place is actually named after Frank Sinatra's boxer dad, Marty, who changed his name from Sinatra to O'Brien because Irish boxers were the thing. Don't expect anything too outrageous, but it's a perfect spot to grab an early drink or two and get out to make your way over to the parade. (1696 Second Ave. between 87th and 88th Sts.)

AFTER THE PARADE
The parade is over and regardless of whether you've been boozing since the a.m., it's time to migrate to classic Irish joints off the route. If you're itching to sing "Danny Boy" though, steer clear of Foley's, as the owner has officially banned the song from being sung in the bar for the month of March.

Molly's Pub and Shebeen
This bar is nothing if not authentic (it has shebeen in its name, for Blarney's sake). Expect sawdust on the floor, a log-burning fireplace and killer Shepherd's Pie. Sip perfectly-poured pints of Guinness among a loyal local crowd and friendly bartenders. (287 Third Ave. between 22nd and 23rd Sts.)

Tir na Nog
Located practically inside Madison Square Garden, this Irish bar and restaurant was designed by a team from Ireland with architectural pieces, furniture and other authentic add-ons from churches and castles (hence, its slightly medieval feel). Literally brimming with Irish cachet, patrons will appreciate pleasant small touches like Celtic words on the walls and a suited-up Irish proprieter greeting every guest as they walk in as if they were family. (5 Penn Plaza between 33rd and 34th Sts.)

Finnegan's Wake
Wake has a decidedly older crowd and could easily double as a VFW, but that's not to say it's Irish integrity is absent. The Guinness is as pleasantly frothy as a milkshake and the Shepherd's Pie and corned beef and cabbage are spot-on. (1361 First Ave. between 72nd and 73rd Sts.)

Banshee Pub A mural running the length of the bar depicts the Irish countryside and two Banshees -- doesn't get much more Irish then that. Friendly Irish bartenders, a cozy bar and intimate seating areas make it a great place for some low-key boozing. Owned by the same brood behind the Gael Pub, which is also a decent spot to hit for some Irish fun (1373 First Ave between 82nd and 83rd Sts.)

Paddy Reilly's It's Guinness on tap here and nothing else -- clearly no fooling around. The bar also offers a daily happy hour from 11a.m. to 7 p.m. and dart boards that are oddly BYOD (bring your own darts). (519 Second Ave. at 29th St.)

Don't want to go all the way into Manhattan to enjoy St. Patty's Day? Head to Woodside, home of the new Irish immigrant and home to their very own parade route, along which these three standouts are located.

Donovan's Pub
A decades-old classic that hasn't changed much over the years (and neither have the patrons, by the look of things). Regardless, there's a distinct boisterous energy permeating the place, and there's also what some claim to be the best burgers in the city, which is worth the trip in itself (5724 Roosevelt Ave).

Sean Og Tavern
Two fireplaces, cathedral ceilings and $5 Guinness pints and cocktails are only a few reasons to chekc out this Irish favorite, where most of the area's younger folks tend to hang out. (60-02 Woodside Ave.)

Saints and Sinners
You have to love the old-school square bar and local tavern vibe, with a cozy fireplace, skilled and chatty bartenders and the popular Wednesday pub quiz nights. (59-21 Roosevelt Ave.)