VIBE

It’s easy to forget you’re not in Ireland after sitting in Molly’s for a few. The bar, which was established in 1895, weathered Prohibition by becoming a grocery store, and officially became Molly’s in 1964, is probably the most authentic you’ll get anywhere that isn’t in the land of Eire itself. The original Tudor styling remains, a sort of rough-hewn interior complete with sawdust-covered floors, traditional Irish music, dusty black-and-white photographs of Irish writers, and an original log-burning brick fireplace. It’s become a neighborhood staple for longtime regulars and Irish expats, who, day and night, come to savor its traditional pub fare (think shepherd’s pie, lamb stew, and steak fries) and classic Irish drinks like whiskey and Guinness.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

It’s a neighborhood watering hole, so it’s really casual; we’d pair a comfy sweater with some nice jeans and classy flats.

GO HERE WITH

A few friends; significant other

CROWD

Fiercely loyal regulars, couples, and Irish expats.

WHY WE LIKE IT

This is not your average “Irish” pub–Molly’s is authentic in all the ways it should be, from the endearingly gruff service to the old-time regulars to the traditional pints. It’s especially good in the winter, when the log fire keeps the room warm and cozy. No wonder it’s a neighborhood favorite–it’s much too easy to stop in for a pint and end up staying for three or four more (as we’ve found ourselves doing on more than one occasion).

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The place gets very crowded near dinnertime, and doesn’t ease up until well into the night. So unless you’re looking to stand while you sip or to make a full night of it, Molly’s may not be the best choice in the evening.

GOOD TO KNOW

If there’s no space at the bar, consider grabbing a table to start your night off and move to the bar once seats open up. Though it was first established in 1895, it wasn’t until 1964 that the Purfield family from Dublin and Galway purchased it and named it “Molly Malone’s” after the popular Irish folk song. In 1991, Peter O’Connell from Meath renamed it “Molly’s Shebeen” (shebeen being a legal drinking establishment). These days, it generally just goes by “Molly’s.”

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