Seemor
Paddy Reilly's Music BarCWorth Trying
519 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016
· Irish pub
· 4.5/5 Google (513 reviews)
Reservations
A lively Irish music bar known for Guinness and nightly bands; great craic but service and door security can be polarizing.
Why it gets a C for overall quality
Paddy Reilly's Music Bar delivers solid neighborhood pub experience anchored by reliable live music and well-poured Guinness, with friendly bartender service and reasonable pricing. However, minimal food offerings and cramped quarters when packed limit broader appeal, while recent reports of aggressive security incidents create hesitation. Best suited for adults seeking casual drinks and live tunes rather than full dining.
Restaurant Summary
An old-school Irish haunt where the room feels divey yet lively, with music posters, pool, and darts. The bar packs in for bands, and one guest raved, "The band was rockin and the vibe was happening." Expect friendly bartenders most nights and a steady stream of Guinness. However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking is not the focus—this is a drinks-and-music operation with a classic pub backbone. Think pints poured well, Irish whiskies, and nightly performances that swing from bluegrass to Celtic. It suits people chasing live tunes and casual craic, not plated dinners. On busy nights service can lag and the volume climbs. Families should note the bar-first environment. Reviews indicate no kitchen (a bartender joked about only having olives), loud music, and late hours. For kids who need real meals or quiet, consider eating elsewhere first and treating this as an adults-only stop.
At a Glance
- Reliable live music with no cover on some nights
- Well-poured Guinness and solid Irish whiskey selection
- Multiple reports of aggressive security/owner responses
- No kitchen; food options extremely limited
- Prices reasonable for Midtown East, especially at happy hour
What Sets It Apart
- nightly_live_music_program
- noted_guinness_pour
- old_school_irish_pub_vibe
What People Love
- The pour on the Guinness
- Lively, music-first atmosphere
- Welcoming bartenders who keep pace when packed
- Old-school Irish pub decor and vibe
Points of Concern
- Security and management behavior criticized in several independent reviews, including alleged aggression
- No real food service; some visits mention only snacks like olives
- Crowded and loud on band nights; service can be slow when slammed
- Review patterns show polarization around incidents; experiences may vary by night
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$18-30 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Based on review mentions only: prioritize Guinness during happy hour; choose Irish whiskey if you want something special; plan dinner elsewhere.
Perfect For
- Catching live Irish or bluegrass after work
- Late-night drinks with a lively crowd
- Solo bar hangs with music and a Guinness
- Neighborhood meetups where food is optional
Location Insights
Area: Midtown East/Murray Hill mix of offices and residential; after‑work crowd and late‑night bar scene.
Safety: Generally safe, busy corridors; occasional late-night rowdiness typical of bar districts.
Nearby: Near hospitals, offices, and 3rd Ave bar strip; convenient pre/post event drinks.
KoreatownKoreatown is a vibrant dining hub famous for its Korean BBQ, casual eateries, and late-night dining scene. The area is lively throughout the day with a mix of business lunch crowds and evening social diners, offering a dynamic and accessible urban dining experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–02:00
Tuesday11:00–02:00
Wednesday11:00–04:00
Thursday11:00–04:00
Friday11:00–04:00
Saturday11:00–04:00
Sunday09:30–02:00
Available: Reservations
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