St. Dymphna's Bar / Irish Pub

East Village, New York –

The Tompkins Square Park area might not be the first place one would expect to find an authentic Irish pub experience, but that’s just what St. Dymphna’s delivers, from the craft beer on tap to the wine list scrawled on a chalkboard trimmed with Christmas lights.

Blissfully free of beer ads and shamrocks, the narrow bar has opted instead for a no-frills décor of warm yellow walls and rustic furnishings that puts the focus on the down-to-earth patrons and the beer.

The close quarters definitely lend themselves to friendly conversation, as evidenced by the local Irish expats and the young and gritty East Villagers who gather to chat philosophy and city life over properly poured pints of Guinness and Boddingtons, while groups of laid-back students and old friends gravitate to the front to watch the steady stream of colorful St. Marks characters passing by outside.

Weekends see an influx of late afternoon diners ready to dig into a hearty Irish breakfast, while on Sunday evenings, a guy and his guitar provide ambient music for patrons who are clearly more interested in their microbrews.

Despite the free-flowing beer, however, St. Dymphna’s is more mellow neighborhood hangout than rambunctious drunken party spot, an inviting pub with an approachable clientele ready to welcome anyone looking for good brews and good company.