If you’re longing for a tall pint of Guinness, a lilting brogue and an unforgettable rendition of “Livin’ on a Prayer” (in that order), look no further than Carragher’s at the Irish American (17 John St.).
The pub’s general manager, Maire Curran, is originally from County Kerry. “We got lucky with our staff,” Curran said. “The majority has been here a long time.” While not every employee is Irish, Curran, along with owner Brian McLaughlin and several other staff members, all hail from the Emerald Isle.
Curran has had a front row seat to the neighborhood’s evolution since she first joined the team 13 years ago. “It’s changed for the better since then,” Curran said, “it’s much more relaxed down here.” She’s noticed Lower Manhattan seems more like a residential neighborhood since the Covid-19 pandemic, making Saturday nights even busier for the pub with so many younger residents moving in. “We have lots of stag nights and hen parties,” she said. (That’s “bachelor” and “bachelorette” parties to us Americans.)
To Curran, the best part of the pub’s location is its easy access, with nine different subway lines just steps away at Fulton Center. “There’s a lot going on down here as well,” she said. “We’ve been here a while and built up a good reputation.”
Though the name has changed, this location has loyally served Lower Manhattan for decades. About 15 years ago, the old John Street Bar and Grill became the Irish American — it gained the “Carragher’s” moniker six years ago when Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher became a part owner. He’s known to stop by occasionally, according to Curran.
As downtown’s main Liverpool supporting bar, the pub reliably airs Premier League games, and also Irish football, hockey and every NFL game across its many, many TVs. Its all-day weekday happy hour certainly draws a crowd, but Curran says the Irish American has maintained popularity, in part, simply because, well, the Irish food is very good. The bar and restaurant has a full menu available from lunchtime ‘til late night with hearty Irish dishes, including bangers and mash, as well as classic American bar food. Weekday lunch specials are currently $20 for favorites like a bacon cheese burger, shepherd’s pie or a B.L.T., and a libation.
Curran is happy about the news of 2 WTC’s development because it will bring 10,000 more employees to the neighborhood, but in the meantime, it will also bring thousands of construction workers who can come for lunch as soon as this spring.
Back in the pre-Covid days, Curran says weekday lunches used to be busier, but routines have changed since working from home became more prevalent. “Before, we always knew [we were busy] from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., but now we see people come out later in the afternoon and stay late.”
“Late” could mean anything from post-work, around 6 or 7 p.m. until the bar closes at 4 a.m. If you haven’t ended a night with karaoke at Carragher’s at the Irish American have you even gone out in Lower Manhattan? For all the regulars who come to watch sports, there are nearly just as many who come for karaoke on the shared stage (every Wednesday through Saturday). “Thank god we can close that door,” Curran quipped.
The sprawling subterranean space has three separate rooms, each accommodating at least 100 people. There’s the main Irish American area which is usually where people congregate to watch sports, the Shebeen side where karaoke takes place and the Colony Cocktail Room, which is perfect for more intimate private parties.
While March will be busy for St. Patrick’s Day festivities and March Madness viewings, the big draw this summer will be the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Stay tuned for more information on drink specials and watch parties here and throughout Lower Manhattan.
You can reserve space for groups of more than 20 on the pub’s website. Walk-ins are always welcome, but if you’re rolling deep without a reservation, you’d better have the luck of the Irish on your side.
