Connolly’s Pub.

In the heart of the Times Square area, with around 50 beers on offer.

A family-run Irish pub that has been a reliable after-work and pre-show stop for years. It is exactly what you want when you are near Times Square and need somewhere that is not a tourist trap, a real pub with real pours and a happy hour crowd of locals who work nearby.

My honest take, this is a meet-your-coworkers-for-a-pint place, not a date-night place. But for what it is, it is genuinely good, and being walkable from the theaters makes it a smart pre-show choice.

You can visit Connolly’s Pub for just about any occasion, it’s one of the most versatile Irish pubs in New York City. Date night? Connolly’s. Shots with friends? Connolly’s. Live music ? Connolly’s. The pub has two locations (only a 10 minute walk from each other) and each have their merits.

The 45th St. location has a rooftop patio that’s perfect on a sunny day, and the 47th St. location has large open space perfect for groups. Regardless of which location you visit you’ll be able to enjoy warm service and a fulfilling meal. The can’t miss dish is the bangers & mash.

Made with Irish sausage, mashed potatoes, mushy peas and onion gravy the dish has quickly become one of my favorite comfort meals. I’m not even Irish, but I feel at home every time I visit Connolly’s.