New York is
Blue
GREEN, with a side of purple of course. Orlando City hits the road for the first time this season, and though you’re going there to watch them beat NYCFC on their “pitch” there’s another big event occurring this weekend: St. Patrick's Day.
The Big Apple is overflowing with more Irish pubs per capita than any other city in the US and with 203 Irish bars and eateries throughout the city - or about .035 per person I’m going to base this traveling supporters guide strictly on the best places to find green beer and corned beef hash. So keep calm and shamrock on.
The Venue
NYCFC currently calls (I use this term loosely, since we all know they have ZERO plans of leaving and building their own stadium) Yankee Stadium home located at the northwest corner of 161st Street and River Avenue in the Bronx. And since they play on a baseball field which doesn’t necessarily scream “Soccer Pitch” the dimensions of the field are the smallest in the league at 110 yards long by 70 yards wide. The official supporter groups for NYCFC is The Third Rail and New York City SC.
Like us, NYCFC has gone digital with their ticketing so upon arrival make sure your phone is charged and that you’ll be able to pull up your tickets and of course take pictures after we take the 3 points.
On matchday you have multiple modes of transportation to choose from to get to Yankee Stadium outside of grabbing a cab:
Subway: The 4 (East Side) and the D train (Sixth Avenue) make stops at the 161st Street/Yankee Stadium subway stations, located on East 161st Street and River Avenue.
Train: Metro-North offers train service to the Stadium from anywhere in its service territory.
Bus: The Bx6 and Bx13 buses stop at East 161st Street and River Avenue; the Bx1 and Bx2 buses stop at East 161st Street and the Grand Concourse, a short walk from Yankee Stadium; and the BxM4 stops at the Grand Concourse and East 161st Street (northbound) and East 158th Street (southbound).
Things To Do
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day if you didn’t see at least one bagpipe. Take a break from all the imbibing to embrace the crowds and catch the annual parade on Saturday. It begins at 11am on 44th Street and makes its way north, passing St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 50th St. and Fifth Avenue, and ending on 5th avenue in uptown at 79th St. Spectators can view all the festivities along 5th Avenue between 44th Street and 79th Street from 11am-5pm.
Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade
If you miss the Manhattan parade, fret not: You have another chance to catch all the bagpipes and bare legs when the Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade hits Prospect Park West, beginning at 1pm. The route will kick off at 15th Street and PPW.
The Irish Mob of Hell's Kitchen: From the Gophers to the Westies
Step back in time and explore the city’s organized crime history with this Saturday-evening walking tour. Beginning at the southeast corner of 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue, the tour visits the streets and establishments where infamous Irish gang members once reigned supreme. Info and tickets: http://hiddennewyorktours.com/
Irish New York
If the traditional parade is too much for you, check out the lower-key, lower-Manhattan walking tour, themed especially for St. Patrick’s Day. Walkers will explore NYC's former “Little Ireland” district, learn about the incredible contribution Irish immigrants made to the overall history of the city, and understand why this day is more popular in New York than it is in Ireland. Info and tickets: http://bigonion.com/
Bars and Restaurants
Paddy Reilly’s
There’s a reason this place feels so authentic—just about every square inch was schlepped from the Emerald Isle. A knotted floorboard comes directly from an Irish hotel; the makeshift still was constructed in County Cavan; and Gaelic bands rock out live every night.
Peter McManus Cafe
The family-owned saloon, among the city’s oldest, has been at its present location since 1936 and appeared on classic NYC shows like Seinfeld and Law & Order. Sidle up to the oak bar for a few shots chased with the house’s own McManus Ale; if you get lonesome, slip into one of the two old-school telephone booths and drunk-dial.
Molly’s Pub and Sheeban
Need something to soak up all that booze you’ve consumed? Skip the dollar slice and lean into the holiday by heading to this classic Irish dive -- which first opened in 1895 -- for traditional corned beef and cabbage (and a pint, of course).
Lillies
One of the most popular spots for Irish ex-pats to gather, this orante Union Square restaurant has a convivial air that makes everyone feel like a local. Order traditional Gaelic dishes such as Irish sausage, shephard's pie and chicken pot pie. Make sure to take a tipple at the antique carved-wood bar—it was imported from a Victorian mansion in Belfast.
