The Grafton Introduce
In a city as dynamic and diverse as New York, finding a place that feels like a true community hub can be a welcome relief. For those in the East Village and beyond, The Grafton is that place. More than just a bar, this establishment embodies the spirit of a classic Irish pub, a lively sports bar, and a welcoming neighborhood gathering spot all in one. It's a venue where you can comfortably catch a game, enjoy a fantastic meal, or simply unwind with a perfectly poured pint. The Grafton has built a reputation for its warm and friendly atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd of college students, groups, and locals who appreciate its unpretentious and inclusive vibe. Its unique blend of offerings makes it a versatile destination for any occasion, from a quick bite at lunchtime to a full night out with friends. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes The Grafton a must-visit pub for anyone seeking genuine hospitality and quality offerings in New York City.
The charm of The Grafton lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences without losing its authentic character. It’s a place where the love for sports is palpable, with multiple screens dedicated to showing everything from American football to European soccer and rugby. At the same time, it’s a spot where you might stumble upon an amazing live band or find yourself engaged in a friendly game of darts. The food menu is far from standard pub fare; it features a selection of comfort food and small plates that are well-executed and satisfying. Customers rave about the quality, from the flavorful chicken wings to the hearty burgers and the surprisingly delicious potato soup. This commitment to quality, both in its food and drink selections, is a key reason for its loyal following.
What truly sets The Grafton apart, however, is its people-first approach. The staff is consistently praised for being attentive, friendly, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the door. The bar is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity. This sense of belonging is a powerful draw, making it a place where you can feel at ease and be yourself. Whether you're coming in for a solo dinner or with a large group of friends, you're treated with the same warmth and respect. This combination of a cozy atmosphere, great service, and a diverse range of offerings truly makes The Grafton a standout establishment in the bustling East Village.
Location and Accessibility
The Grafton is conveniently located at 126 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, placing it in the heart of the East Village. This vibrant and easily accessible neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, making it a simple destination for anyone traveling from other parts of the city. The pub is situated on a bustling avenue, with paid street parking available for those who choose to drive. For those with mobility needs, The Grafton is highly accommodating, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating. The availability of outdoor seating provides an additional option for guests, allowing for a comfortable experience whether you prefer to be inside or enjoy the city's energy from the patio.
Services Offered
- Outdoor Seating: A perfect option for enjoying a drink or meal outside on a pleasant day or evening.
- Takeout: For those on the go, a selection of their menu items is available for takeout.
- Dine-in: The primary service, providing a comfortable and engaging atmosphere for a full dining and drinking experience.
- Table Service: Guests can enjoy full table service for a relaxed and attentive meal.
- Reservations: The Grafton accepts reservations, which is particularly useful for planning a group outing or securing a spot during a major sports event.
- Happy Hour: Offering deals on both food and drinks during happy hour, making it an excellent choice for an after-work get-together.
Features and Highlights
- Great Beer Selection: The pub is renowned for its wide array of beers, from classic Irish stouts to local brews, ensuring there's a pint for every palate.
- Excellent Cocktails: Beyond beer, The Grafton also boasts a great cocktail menu, showcasing their skill as a full-service bar.
- Bar Games: Providing a fun and interactive element, bar games are a highlight for many patrons.
- Fast Service: The staff is known for their efficiency and attentiveness, ensuring a quick and seamless experience even during busy times.
- Sports: As a dedicated sports bar, The Grafton has numerous screens for watching games, making it a go-to spot for sports fans.
- Comfort Food: The menu features a selection of satisfying comfort food, including favorites like the flavorful Chicken Wings and the hearty Fish and Chips.
- LGBTQ+ Friendly and Transgender Safespace: The bar fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, making it a suitable spot for a casual work session or for staying connected.
- Live Music: The pub periodically hosts bands, adding to its vibrant and entertaining atmosphere.
Contact Information
Address: 126 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, USA
Phone: (212) 228-8580
What is Worth Choosing
Choosing The Grafton is a decision to embrace a genuinely welcoming and high-quality pub experience in New York City. While the city has no shortage of bars, The Grafton stands out for its unique combination of authentic Irish pub charm, a lively sports bar atmosphere, and an inclusive community spirit. The quality of their offerings, from the "one of the best" potato soup to the "tasty" fries and well-crafted drinks, is a major draw. However, what truly makes it worth choosing is the feeling of belonging that it provides. It's a place where you can come as you are, whether you're a college student meeting up with friends, a local grabbing a solo meal, or someone looking for a safe and welcoming space. The staff's dedication to service and the bar's commitment to creating an all-inclusive environment are qualities that are increasingly hard to find. The option to enjoy bar games, listen to live music, and catch a game on the big screens adds layers of entertainment that ensure there is never a dull moment. For anyone in New York looking for a pub that feels like a true home away from home, with delicious food, great drinks, and a crowd that feels like family, The Grafton is the definitive choice. Its status as a beloved neighborhood institution is well-earned and continues to be solidified by its consistent quality and heartwarming hospitality.
The Grafton Food & drink
SHARES & SNACKS
- Guacamole & Pico $12.00
homemade guacamole, pico de Gallo & chips
- Chicken Wings $13.00
choice of our signature buffalo sauce or bbq with carrots, celery & chunky blue cheese
- Bavarian Pretzel $6.00
soft pretzel served with spicy Bavarian mustard
- Pommes Frites $8.00
large pot of house cut fries with roasted garlic aioli
- Waffle Fries $8.00
Old Bay seasoned with spicy mayo dipping sauce
- Quesadilla $12.00
cheddar and monterey jack, guacamole & pico de gallo. Add chicken or pulled pork +$3
- Nachos $13.00
cheddar & monterey jack, black beans, pickled jalapeños, guacamole, salsa & sour cream. Add chicken or pulled pork +$3
- Tacos $12.00
Two pulled pork or chicken tinga tacos, onion radish, shredded lettuce, crema & salsa verde
- Fish Tacos $12.00
Atlantic cod with pineapple salsa
PLATES
- Cobb Salad $17.00
romaine, tomatoes, avocado, chicken, bacon, gorgonzola & vinaigrette dressing
- Caesar Salad $13.00
baby gem, herb croutons & shaved parmesan. Add chicken or bacon +$3
- Chicken Caesar Wrap $16.00
baby gem, herb croutons, shaved parmesan with French fries. Regular or buffalo spicy
- Fish and Chips $18.00
battered Atlantic cod with mushy peas, tartar sauce & house cut fries
- The Grafton Burger $14.00
classic Pat Lafrieda blend - dry aged check, brisket & short rib
- Veggie Burger $14.00
Beyond Meat plant based vegan burger
- Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich $14.00
lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickled jalapeños, chipotle mayo on a brioche bun
The Grafton Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Bar games
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
The Grafton Photos










The Grafton Location
The Grafton Reviews
gametvspriceshappy hourcrowdpatioguinnesstacossolidservice dog
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The potatoes soup was absolutely one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. Staff was 10/10, band was awesome! Would definitely go back!
April 07 · Victoria BaroneI stopped by for St. Patrick's Day. The fries was tasty and the dipping sauce was also delicious. The drinks were great. The atmosphere was nice.
March 21 · Albert ChangIf I lived anywhere in Manhattan this would be my local pub! Or if I'm meeting someone in future in the city I will meet them here! We'd a really unforgettably good time in this wonderful place. We were visiting our cousin in the neighbourhood who insisted we visit this charming pub. It's his local and he said we would really enjoy ourselves. We actually only had a couple of hours to spend in NYC and this is where we spent them - such a cosy spot in town on a cold day! The welcome was warm, the company was first rate, the fun was fantastic. The Guinness was excellent, the conversation wide ranging, the staff were friendly, witty & knowledgeable. I especially like that it was easy to talk without loud music or TV commentary blasting which can happen in many places though the playlist was terrific feelgood tunes at a great level! We heard the snacks are great too but as we were going to dinner we didn't avail of them this time. Hmm we had such a good time we had to scramble for our dinner engagement as we'd lost track of time! We look forward to our next visit, keep doing what you're doing at the Grafton!
April 20 · Orla FarrellCame on a Monday in September. For Guinness lovers this is an absolute must. Saw a bad review on Reddit and possibly they had an off night but in my humble opinion along with dead rabbit on their game and Conleys this is the place. Great for ages 25 and up,
September 08 · Zonda MontgomeryWhat a nice welcome to NYC. I walked east village for an hour looking for an approachable bar for a solo female not trying to be bothered, and this one sold me on the atmosphere. So, I found the one seat left at the bar and drank some beer while everyone cheered on the Bills. Turns out, the bartenders are incredibly nice and ended up giving me a beer on the house. Also has a very clean bathroom lol. I'll be returning for sure.
October 27 · Tyler Bennett
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