St. Patrick’s Day is undoubtedly a lively celebration in New York City and brings back the time-honored tradition of the pub crawl.  For the inside scoop, we turned to our friends at Contemporary Cocktails for their top pub picks.  Known in the industry for developing cocktail menus for the most notable watering holes in town, co-directors Willy Shine and Aisha Sharpe share their annual drinking route.

1. The Molly Wee (402 8th Avenue)

2. Old Town Bar (45 East 18th Street)

3. Pete’s Tavern (129 East 18th Street)

4. Arctica Bar (384 3rd Avenue, downstairs)

5. Swift (34 East 4th Street)

6. Brass Monkey (55 Little West 12th Street)

If the thought of drinking green tinted beer at a rowdy pub doesn’t appeal to your sophisticated taste, then bring the party to your place.  Master mixologist and Contemporary Cocktails events ambassador, Justin Noel, shares his new cocktail recipe, Irish Eyes are Smiling, which will surely become a St. Paddy’s Day favorite.

Irish Eyes Are Smiling

2oz of Jameson Irish Whiskey
1oz of Fresh Pressed Apple Juice
.25oz of Fresh Lemon Juice
.5oz St Germain Elderflower liquor

Combine ingredients and shake.
Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.
Top with ginger beer.
Garnish with lemon wheel and a 4 leaf clover.

Contemporary Cocktails, Inc. is a global full-service beverage consulting company.  The dynamic co-founders Willy Shine and Aisha Sharpe have over thirty years of bar experience combined and bring a distinctive appreciation to the modern-day art of cocktail design, beverage programs, brand ambassadorship, spirits education, cocktail catering and event execution. 

 21 Club (21 West 52nd Street, 212 582 1400)
One of New York’s most legendary speakeasys, the 21 Club has housed an elaborately disguised vault since the 1930′s.  The secret wine cellar has become a coveted destination for personal events for up to 22 guests including 21st birthday parties, bachelor parties and rehearsal dinners.  Guests are treated to excellent American cuisine and an award winning wine list while soaking in the rich history of the notorious Prohibition-era room.

Adour (2 East 55th Street, 212 710 2277)
True gourmands and wine enthusiasts are well versed in the cuisine of Alain Ducasse.  His restaurant Adour reflects a collaboration between Executive Chef Joel Dennis and Wine Director Thomas Combescot to offer a modern French menu with wine pairings that complement and balance one another.  David Rockwell designed the magnificent interiors including a private dining room with 50 individual wine vaults to house the personal collections of both celebrities and oenophiles.

Gusto Ristorante e Bar Americano (60 Greenwich Avenue, 212 924 8000)
Serving regional Italian cuisine with savory pastas that are expertly fatti in casa (homemade), Gusto is more than a neighborhood favorite.  Their wine cellar is a cozy nook on the lower floor of their West Village restaurant which can accommodate up to 12 for private dining.

PHOTO CREDIT:  21 Club, Gusto Ristorante and Adour

Related Post:  Charming Il Buco

For an exclusive directory of the best event spaces in New York from private rooms to roofdecks, visit our new site, The Venue Pages.

Stay away from the trendy spots, which will no doubt have a very long wait, and turn to some of New York’s iconic restaurants for delicious food and scenic outdoor seating.

From pretty neighborhood streets to hidden garden terraces, here are a few of our favorite spots around town to gather friends for a lazy summer get-together.

The Harrison (355 Greenwich St at Harrison, 212 274 9310)
This charming restaurant, from the owners of The Red Cat, has sidewalk seating for up to 40 people facing a quiet block in Tribeca.  They serve a rustic, seasonal menu by chef Amanda Freitag and have a tradition of Sunday Suppers, a weekly prix fixe meal of 3-courses consisting of homestyle dishes.

Bottino  (246 Tenth Avenue at 24th Street, 212 206 6766)
Opened in 1998, this Tuscan eatery was one of the first restaurants in West Chelsea.  Now it remains a popular neighborhood spot for the art scene and boasts a modern, outdoor area at the back of the restaurant ideal for group dining and small events.  The menu is simple and seasonal with well executed favorites like Fennel, Baby Arugula and Shaved Parmigiano Salad and Ravioli Verdi, homemade spinach pasta with fresh ricotta and swiss chard.

Paradou (8 Little West 12th Street at Gansevoort, 212 463 8345)
This quaint French restaurant was an early resident of the now bustling Meatpacking District.  It’s a 19th century carriage house amid a sea of trendy, modern shops and clubs. Walk to the back to a hidden garden for a romantic setting that works well for an intimate dinner for two or a birthday dinner for 20.  With its Provencal cuisine and extensive wine list, it’s a little touch of the South of France in the heart of NYC.

 PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of The Harrison, Bottino and Paradou

For an exclusive directory of the best event spaces in New York from private rooms to roofdecks, visit our new site, The Venue Pages.