A Taste of Ireland in Times Square: Connolly's Pub

Connolly's Introduce

In the whirlwind of excitement and bright lights that define Times Square, finding an authentic and homey spot can be a delightful surprise. Connolly's, a traditional Irish pub and restaurant, offers just that. This family-owned and operated establishment is a beloved fixture in the Midtown area, providing a casual, cozy, and classic pub experience that feels a world away from the city's frantic pace. From its warm, dim lighting to the friendly atmosphere, Connolly's invites you to settle in, relax, and enjoy a genuine taste of Irish hospitality. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick pint after work, share a meal with friends before a Broadway show, or simply escape the urban hustle, Connolly's offers a welcoming haven right in the heart of the action.

The pub's appeal lies in its straightforward, traditional approach. As one customer noted, it's a "standard pub with the conventional selections, exactly what you’d expect." This predictability is a comfort in a neighborhood that is constantly in flux. The menu features classic pub fare, including staples like Shepherd's Pie and Fish & Chips, which are noted for being "fine" and "not bad." While the food may not be described as a revolutionary culinary experience, it provides a satisfying and hearty meal that pairs perfectly with a cold beer. Another customer praised the service, highlighting that the staff, including Sasha and Ronan, made their evening "a spectacular one," with prompt seating and timely delivery of drinks and food even on a packed Saturday evening. The over 40 beers on tap, including their own Connolly’s Red Ale, are a major draw for beer enthusiasts.

Location and Accessibility

Connolly's is perfectly positioned at 121 West 45th Street, placing it in the very heart of the Times Square and Theater District. This central location makes it an incredibly convenient destination for both locals and tourists. It's just a stone's throw away from Broadway theaters, making it a popular choice for pre-show dinners or post-show drinks. The pub's proximity to major transportation hubs is a significant advantage. The Times Square–42nd Street subway station, a short walk away, is a major nexus for countless lines, including the N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3, 7, and A, C, E trains. This excellent public transit connectivity makes it easy for anyone in the city to get to Connolly's without a car. For those who need it, paid street parking is available in the surrounding area, though it can be a challenge to find in such a busy neighborhood.

The pub itself spans three floors, providing ample space to accommodate a large number of patrons. This multi-level layout, combined with its accessibility, ensures that even when the area is at its busiest, you have a good chance of finding a spot to sit down and enjoy your time. The atmosphere is described as "casual and homey," and despite being a "packed house," the service is generally efficient, which is exactly what you need in a bustling part of town.

Services Offered

Full Bar Service: Connolly's features a fully-stocked bar with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including a noteworthy list of over 40 beers on tap, as well as a variety of spirits and cocktails.
Dine-In and Table Service: The restaurant provides table service for both food and drinks, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience for all guests.
Event Space: The pub's spacious, multi-floor layout and a rooftop bar make it a fantastic venue for private events. They can accommodate parties ranging from 15 to 500 people, making it suitable for business functions, family gatherings, and other celebrations.
Reservations: Reservations are accepted, which is a great option to guarantee a table, especially during peak dining hours on weekends or before a Broadway show.
Sports Viewing: With over 45 large flat-screen TVs scattered throughout the venue, Connolly's is a go-to spot for sports fans looking to catch every major sporting event.

Features / Highlights

Authentic Irish Atmosphere: The pub offers a classic, homey, and relaxed Irish atmosphere. Its dim lighting and traditional decor create a cozy environment that feels authentic and welcoming, providing a great place to unwind.
Extensive Beer Selection: With over 40 beers on tap, Connolly's is a beer lover’s paradise. The selection includes a variety of Irish, domestic, and international brews, and the well-regarded Connolly’s Red Ale is a particular highlight.
Hearty Pub Food: The menu features a solid selection of classic Irish pub fare, including favorites like Shepherd's Pie and Fish & Chips. While the quality can vary, the dishes are generally satisfying and provide exactly what you'd expect from a traditional pub.
Unique Multi-Level Space: The pub's three floors and a rooftop bar offer different vibes and seating options. This versatility allows it to cater to different crowds and purposes, from a casual drink at the bar to a group dinner upstairs.
Welcoming and Efficient Service: As highlighted by customer reviews, the staff is often described as "great," "prompt," and "exceptionally helpful," working to ensure a positive experience for all patrons, even during busy periods.

Contact Information

Address: 121 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036

Phone: (212) 597-5126

What is Worth Choosing?

Connolly's is worth choosing for its reliable, no-frills, and authentic pub experience in a neighborhood that is often overwhelming. It offers a much-needed sense of comfort and familiarity. The atmosphere is exactly what you'd expect from a traditional Irish pub, making it a dependable spot for a casual and enjoyable night out. The extensive beer selection is a major draw for beer aficionados, and the hearty pub food provides a satisfying meal. Despite some mixed reviews on food quality, the overall experience is consistently described as a "solid" one. The convenient Times Square location and the availability of multiple floors and a rooftop bar also make it a versatile choice for any group size or occasion. Whether you are a local looking for a familiar haunt or a tourist seeking an authentic Irish pub experience, Connolly's provides a dependable and welcoming destination in the heart of New York City. It’s a place where you can count on getting a good pint and a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Connolly's Photos

Connolly's Location

Connolly's

New York New York County New York West 45th Street

121 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA

Connolly's Reviews

Sasha and Ronan really made our evening a spectacular one. The service was great, the ambiance was casual and homey. The dim lighting maybe hiding a lot more than it seems, as the whole place needs a bit of a cleaning, and there was a funky smell as you sat at the bar.The food was not bad, I enjoyed the Shepherd's Pie the best.The Bangers were over cooked, fried to an almost burnt and dried out texture, and the mashed potatoes served with it, were under seasoned, however, I enjoyed the sauce & onions.The Fish & Chips were not the best I've had, the batter itself was heavy, and it was a bit burnt as well.I figure the kitchen was trying to close, and they wanted to kick the orders out quickly, thus some of our dishes were burnt.Drinks were good here!
August 11 · Nerissa Maria Ward
Overall, solid experience but nothing to call home for. Standard pub with the conventional selections, exactly what you’d expect.Went on a Saturday after 5pm and was seated promptly for four people. Most of the tables were packed by that point so we lucked out.Food: Not a huge menu but they have what you’d expect: fish and chips, sheppard’s pie, chicken pot pie, burgers, corn beef, etc. We got nachos to start, and mains: the Reuben sandwich, fish and chips, and turkey burger. All were fine- not the best and not the worst. Prices were a bit high for the quality, but you’d expect as much in Times Square area.Drinks: The noticeable difference is that they have over 40 beers on tap. We got the Connolly’s Red Ales and they were pretty good.Service: Pretty good for a packed house. Prompt to sit, drinks came within reasonable time, food came fairly short after too.Atmosphere: Exactly what you’d expect for an Irish pub. They have funky door handles so that was an interesting difference.
April 14 · Iun Chen
If you’re looking for a true taste of Ireland in the heart of NYC, Connolly’s Pub is it.We stopped in for a traditional Irish breakfast and left feeling like we had just visited friends in Dublin. The breakfast was absolutely delicious — perfectly cooked eggs, hearty sausages, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and beans, all washed down with a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.What really made the experience unforgettable was Barry, the owner. He welcomed us like old friends, shared stories, and even gave us a little tour of his beautiful hotel next door. The tartan seat covers, Irish décor, and cozy atmosphere brought me right back to my honeymoon in Ireland — a place that still feels like home to me.I even fell in love with the coffee mugs… and brought a couple home! ☕If you want warm hospitality, delicious food, and a genuine Irish experience without leaving New York, Connolly’s Pub is a must.
August 13 · Jenni McGee
Great pub, super friendly staff, great beer and whiskey selection, what else could you ask for? Came in on a Friday late afternoon and the upstairs bar was nice and quiet. Had great conversation and ended up staying for a couple more beers than we intended because we were relaxed and enjoying the atmosphere.
August 12 · A McCollum (aMcCollum153)
We had dinner at Connolly’s near Times Square today as a family of five. I had reserved a table in advance, though the restaurant was only moderately busy when we arrived.We ordered Fish & Chips, three Gaelic Burgers, and a chicken dish for our youngest. The food was okay — I’d rate it as average at best. Unfortunately, the service left much to be desired. The staff was inattentive and borderline unfriendly. We had to ask multiple times for drinks we had already ordered.To make matters worse, a 20% gratuity was automatically added to the bill, making it impossible to reflect the poor service with the tip. We’ve been traveling in the U.S. for 12 days now, and this was by far the weakest service experience we’ve had.If you’re looking for better options near Times Square, I highly recommend Brooklyn Diner or Friedman’s — both miles ahead in terms of quality and hospitality.
July 28 · Bastian Bors