It's on 4 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address152 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10011
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Serving New Yorkers proper pints of Guinness since 1936, Peter McManus is the longest-running family-owned bar in New York City. The Irish pub proclaims to serve the best burgers in New York City, something I had to test for myself.
I invited some friends and we ordered the restaurant’s top-sellers. Pop Pop Top-Shelf Cheeseburger and the Cheeseburger. The Pop Pop Cheeseburger comes with. The burger is topped with aged cheddar, red onion, pickle, and fancy sauce, served with a side of fries or tots.
The Cheeseburger comes with a half pound all beef patty topped with bacon, onion, & tomato. Oddly enough, most of the crew preferred the cheeseburger (we felt the fancy sauce on the Pop Pop burger complicated things a bit). But at the end of the day, both burgers were excellent. Better still, the vibes at Peter McManus can’t be beat.
One of the most historic bars in Chelsea is Peter McManus Cafe, the longest-running family-owned bar in New York City. A classic Irish pub establishment that’s been around since 1936 serving fantastic food and drinks. This is a perfect Irish pub to pop into and sit at the bar for a proper pint (of Guinness).
One standout menu item that must be mentioned is the burger. Speaking from personal experience, rarely does a place that self-proclaims actually have one of the best burgers in New York City. In the case of ol’ Pete McManus, the burger is actually top-notch and worth a detour.
I tried both the “Pop Pop’s Top-Shelf Cheeseburger” & the classic cheeseburger. Both were great but I preferred the classic.
Pro-tip: If you like it medium-rare then order it medium to avoid a let down.
Peter McManus Cafe, among the best and oldest Irish pubs in New York City, holds the distinction of being the longest-running family-owned bar in the city (opening in 1936). A classic Irish establishment, it exudes a laid-back, dive bar atmosphere despite its 80-year legacy. The house brew, McManus Ale, stands out for its refreshing and crisp taste.
Bartenders contribute to the friendly neighborhood pub vibe, engaging patrons with casual chats. An annual highlight is Stickball Sunday, a summer tradition where the street outside the pub transforms into a stickball arena with free beer and snacks. This event, showcasing the pub’s community spirit, is eagerly anticipated and announced on Peter McManus Cafe’s Facebook page.
One of the best it is to grab a beer at Peter McManus Cafe, the longest running family-owned bar in NYC. A classic Irish pub establishment that’s been around since 1936 serving fantastic food and drinks. The pub has been a popular neighborhood staple for years, so grab a burger and ale and enjoy a slow afternoon in the neighborhood.