St. Patrick's Day 2012: Best Irish Pubs in New York City

There's a feeling of nostalgia that comes along with St. Patrick's Day and the best Irish pubs in New York City.

As it has gradually become a secular celebration of Irish culture, men and women all over New York flock to pubs that are reminiscent of the old-style watering holes found back in Ireland.

But what most people don't know is that a good number of these New York City Irish pubs are even older than the ones in the homeland.

By the late 1800s, Irish men, women and children made up a quarter of the US population with many of them settling in New York. It was during that time that many of the Irish pubs still in business today came to life with good drinks, fun music and lively Irish natives.

It's in their honor and the honor of St. Patrick's Day that we round up the top five best Irish Pubs in New York City.

White Horse Tavern (Est. 1880)

The White Horse Tavern is a little artsy, but nonetheless, it's still a tavern that's been around since 1880. What used to be a place for sailors, workers and bohemian writers (like Dylan Thomas, a regular whose portrait hangs in the bar's middle room) is now a place frequented by NYU students and tourists. But walking in the tavern located in New York's West Village, you can't help but conjure up a feeling of eccentricity. Granted, you might have had a couple of drinks, but don't be surprised if you find yourself reciting some poetry and doing a jig. 567 Hudson St., New York, NY, 10014, Tel: 212-243-9260

P.J. Hanley's (Est. 1874)

Heavy on neighborhood vibes and old-school Irish flavor, P.J. Hanley's is Brooklyn's oldest pub hangout. Since 1874, its family-style dining room and wall full of historical photos have made locals feel right at home. And with a traditional pub menu of burgers, French onion soup and deep-fried treats, you need look no further in case of the post-beverage munchies. 449 Court St., New York, NY, 11231, Tel: 718-834-8223

Pete's Tavern (Est.1864)

Claiming to be the oldest continuously operating restaurant & bar in New York City is Pete's Tavern. Since 1864, Pete's has been serving their famous House Ale to walk-in customers and every day regulars. Pete's is most famously known for being the site where O. Henry wrote his classic Gift of the Magi, in 1904, while sitting at his favorite booth near the door. This would explain their slogan, The bar that O. Henry made famous. 129 E. 18th St., New York, NY, 10003, Tel: 212-473-7676

P.J. Clarkes (Circ. 1868)

Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, P.J. Clarke's has lasted through roughly 129 years of altercations of its own building and the buildings in the surrounding area. One of the most famous Irish pubs in New York, the bar with multiple locations has been known to cater to Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Buddy Holly and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Although the present owner claims the building was born in 1864, the city records date the building back to 1868. 915 Third Ave. (at 55th St.), New York, NY, 10022, Tel: 212-317-1616

McSorley's Old Ale House (Est. 1854)

Established in 1854, McSorley's is famously known as New York City's oldest continuously operated saloon. In the Old Ale House located in the East Village, it's not suggested that you go in and ask for a Budweiser. Why? Because they don't serve commercial brews. In fact, they sell their own stuff. They have two kinds of beer -- light and dark -- and you have to order more than one at a time. With its hole riddled walls covered in old-school photos and a staff of husky Irish bartneders, let it suffice to say that this is one ale house that has no shortage of character. 15 E. 7th St., New York, NY, 10003, Tel: 212-474-9148

Happy St. Patrick's Day!