BRONX BARS

G-Bar

An Beal Bocht Café
Pints of Guinness and shepherd’s pie go down easy against the backdrop of this I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-really-Ireland oasis. Despite the proximity to Manhattan College, you won’t find unruly fratboys here—the superfriendly but ID-happy staff makes sure of that—just a slew of neighborhood regs who are more than willing to share a pint and listen to Thursday through Saturday’s live Irish folk music. 445 W 238th St between Greystone and Waldo Aves (718-884-7127, anbealbochtcafe.com)

Cafe Sueno
If you like your dance floors small, crowded and do-rag–free (headgear’s verboten, just like in high school), hit up the deejayed parties Thursdays through Saturdays at this diminutive, mostly Latino lounge. Those who prefer solitary barside daydreaming should try Sueno on a weekday, when the bar is both cap- and patron-free. 1178 Havemeyer Ave at Gleason Ave (718-239-4440)

G-Bar
Converting a pizza parlor near Yankee Stadium into a suave restaurant was not enough for the owners of Giovanni’s; they also added G-Bar, which is connected to their popular eatery. The snaking, illuminated bar downstairs allows the young crowd to mingle; small groups can find seating and table service upstairs. There’s live jazz on Thursdays, and DJs spin the latest R&B and hip-hop on Friday and Saturday nights. Be sure to try the gingerbread martini—containing ginger brandy, Stoli Vanil, Goldschläger and a splash of half-and-half. It will get your holiday revelry under way. 575 Grand Concourse between 149th and 150th Sts (718-402-6996, giovannisnyc.com)

The Jolly Tinker
It’s true, you may run into a few (okay, a lot of) Fordham University students here—on any given weekend night, the pool table and two rooms of seating are occupied by rowdy revelers from the nearby campus. Head up during the week, however, and you’ll encounter patrons from the area’s hard-core Irish past, drinking beside university professors looking to relax. 387 Bedford Park Blvd at Webster Ave (718-364-8789)

Keenan’s
During the day and into early evening, the old Irish bar-sitters at this comfy, no-nonsense watering hole are absorbed by keno and other lotto variations—the place is even equipped with a lottery checker by the door. Late one recent night, the only other woman to be found was the bartender, but the fellas were all perfectly polite. 5588 Broadway between 231st and 232nd Sts (718-548-9751)

The Punch Bowl
The decor at this dive of dives is on par with something out of Hell’s Kitchen in its prime—ancient wood-paneled walls lined with aging pictures and dusty shamrocks from St. Paddy’s Days past. What’s more, every Thursday night, there’s traditional Irish music from 7 to 10pm. Sidle up to the bottle-beaten bar and take in a tale or two from one of the salty regulars who frequent the joint. Warning: Should you choose to buy a barfly a pint, be prepared for an evening of empty discourse—the folks who come here are known for it (what’d you expect from an Irish hang?). 5820 Broadway at 238th St (718-884-7322)

Throgg’s Neck Clipper
Lined with life vests, anchors and, incongruously, plasma TVs, the Clipper (named for a fictional Irish-immigrant ship) is both sports bar and nautical-themed Old World pub. Add in a sea of locals and a full menu of comfort food (mixed grill, Irish breakfast) and you’ve got yourself a veritable port in NYC’s hipster-bar storm. 3599 E Tremont Ave at Sullivan Pl (718-829-0005)

The Yankee Tavern
The Yanks’ season is over, but you can watch Knicks or Rangers action on one of eight TVs as you enjoy some of the cheapest drinks in the ’hood (12 brews on tap and more than 30 bottled offerings). Start frequenting the place now and you can be a regular by the time the new stadium opens. 72 E 161st St at Gerard Ave (718-292-6130, yankeetavern.com)

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