11's: 8 Proper Pints of Guinness, Plus 3 Disgraceful Pours

That's eleven beverages total

As a non-Irishman, I recognize my voice on the subject of Guinness might get lost in the mix of stout converts. My credibility takes an even bigger hit when you factor in my Italian heritage. “Stick to Peronis!!” an angry fan shouts from the window of his Scion XB, speeding down Putnam Ave as I sip a creamer in peace.

But the truth is: I’ve put away my fair share of pints these past few years — some nights, a few too many. My résumé pales in comparison to the likes of Prime Mutton (king), and lord knows I can’t guzzle quite like Schooner. But I’ve split enough Gs to feel justified in writing this piece.

In the name of research, I’ve scoured New York City — near and far, high and low — seeking out the best pints this town has to offer. I’ve taken diligent mental notes and high-tailed it back to the purveyors of the frothiest beers to ensure consistency, aggregating my judgements into this here list. Still, this is less of an expert assessment and more of the everyman’s guide to enjoying Guinness in New York.

You might ask: What makes a great pint? A proper pint? An absolute creamer?

Without going Bill Nye-mode and diving headfirst into science, I’ll say this: you know it when you taste it. It’s a visceral drinking experience that stimulates the senses — taste (obviously), smell, texture, and temperature (less obviously). A good pint needs the correct vessel: wide-topped, tapered body, subtle curvature. It must be poured in stages and left alone for the nitrogen to settle. The first few sips should deliver comfort, warmth, refreshment, and mild euphoria. And, most importantly, a great pint should leave you feeling hopeful — like maybe there’s still good left in this crazy world.

Anyway, let’s get on with it. 8 proper pints that make me feel nice. 3 disgraceful ones that I wouldn’t serve to my worst enemy. That’s eleven beverages total.

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11's: 8 Proper Pints of Guinness, Plus 3 Disgraceful Pours

Proper Pints

08] The Canary Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Sliding onto this list at the 11th hour — a wild card entrant if you will — the Canary is a newer find for me. A simple, humble neighborhood pub that gets its pints right. It’s an unexpectedly good beer given how laid-back and casual the place is. The smooth, creamy pint is unmistakably poured with care.

07] Iona Williamsburg, Brooklyn
There’s nothing flashy about this Scottish pub on Metropolitan Ave — it’s an everyday bar doing just enough. That is, pouring a rock-solid pint of G. Iona’s simplicity, straightforwardness, and fantastic backyard are the selling points, which is why it remains one of my favorite bars in Williamsburg.

Corner pocket at Iona

06] The Dead Rabbit Financial District, New York
I go back and forth on whether I actually like The Dead Rabbit. The vibe can be odd, the crowd can be touristy, and the bartenders veer into annoying levels of fake friendliness. But their Guinness is hard to argue with — textbook, really. Poured with precision, always the right temp — it just hits the mark. If you find yourself within close range, it’s a worthy stop-in — but I don’t think it’s quite the destination people make it out to be.

05] Bar Americano Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Perhaps an unexpected contender given its cocktail-forward beverage program and slightly elevated ambiance. Americano pours a mean Guinness — rich, rounded, crushable, and always touting a perfect head. Americano is a space that feels less pub, more apéritivo bar — but the pint really holds its own.

Americano rocks

04] Swift Hibernian Lounge Noho, New York
My favorite place to drink a pint in money-making Manhattan. Swift is a special pub — a place that always leaves you feeling better than when you entered. Bright, woody, and vibrant in the front, dimly lit towards the back — it’s an easy bar to settle into for a couple of hours. The pints are remarkably consistent, clean-tasting, and dangerously drinkable.

Damage at Swifty

03] LAYLA Williamsburg, Brooklyn
My silent sleeper of the bunch is LAYLA — who’s serving without a doubt the most underrated pint in town. The euro-feeling bar is so well-designed, comfortable, and quietly confident. They’ve very clearly invested time, effort, and pride into their Guinness program. The result is silky-smooth and downright beautiful. It’s a lovely place to drop by for a round or two.

02] Grace’s Chelsea, New York
Grace’s is Hartley’s younger, slightly more reckless cousin. Perched charmingly beyond a white picket fence at the hectic corner of 14th and 8th, Grace’s knows how to entertain and delight — it’s a consistently great time. With the energy level and pace so high, every once in a while, you'll get a slightly rushed pour, which is why the edge for #1 goes to the older, wiser, more patient cousin. But that’s splitting hairs — Grace’s is fantastic. Notably, Grace’s is the best place to drink a Guinness that also has TVs — if you care to watch the game while sipping on a creamy pint (I often do).

01] Hartley’s Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
You’re probably sick of hearing me go on and on about Hartley’s, and frankly, I’m a little tired of writing about Hartley’s! But for the love of god, if you’re assembling any kind of New York City Guinness list without this glorious little bar on it — you’re a damn fool. Hartley’s makes the phrase “I’ll have another” slide out with ease. It’s the best pint I’ve encountered in my young life. I sincerely hope to reach new heights later this summer in Edinburgh and London. But for now, the perfect pours behind the cherry red door on Putnam sit atop the throne.

Best in the biz

Disgraceful Pours

-01] Brooklyn Inn Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
I think very highly of Brooklyn Inn, I really do. But their Guinness is a crime against humanity. Similar to having coffee on an airplane: the essence is there, but it’s murky, bitter, and tastes like shit. Just god awful stuff. Stick to a bottle of High Life.

-02] Pete’s Tavern Gramercy, New York
Another legendary bar butchering the Gs. Pete’s is a classic neighborhood staple. I get excited walking by in the winter months, admiring their decked-out holiday decor. If they put 20% of their festive energy toward pouring a decent pint, they’d be better for it. But they don’t — they won’t. At Pete’s, expect mediocrity when it comes to pints.

-03] Ear Inn Hudson Square, New York
Legend has it that ye old George Washington used to be an avid patron of Ear Inn. If so, I guarantee he wasn’t drinking their dog water pints of Guinness. Ear Inn is a quality bar, but it’s no place for a G.

George was here

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Best pint of Guinness you’ve had in NYC? Or anywhere in the US? The world?? I want to hear about it. Drop a comment, let me know where you’ve been.

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