A new holiday, honoring Irishman Arthur Guinness, has been gaining momentum in recent years. The brewer, who started the Saint James Gate Brewery in 1759 and its signature product Guinness, is honored September 17 during Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day. Its popularity skyrocketed starting in 2009 when Guinness had its 250th anniversary; it’s now celebrated in taverns and pubs in more than 100 countries. In Westchester follow the green street line on Yonkers’ McLean Avenue for establishments run by Emerald Isle locals that pay respect to Arthur Guinness on September 17. From authentic Irish fare to pouring a proper Guinness, here are McLean Ave’s best to celebrate Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day.
McKeon’s Bar & Restaurant
While this authentic pub is best known for its brunch (its traditional Irish breakfast is a must), the entire menu is just as stellar, with both Irish fare and American bar food. Highlights include the fish n’ chips, Irish sausage burgers, a roast beef sandwich smothered with mozzarella, and shepherd’s pie braised in savory gravy. Check out this gem when your favorite sports teams are playing thanks to McKeon’s seven plasma TVs.
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A Quesadilla from Mckeon’s996 McLean Ave, Yonkers
(914) 530-2386; http://www.mckeonspub.com/
Heritage Bar & Restaurant
This sports bar boasts local talent performing Irish music and dance, flat-screen TVs showing rugby games, and food to satisfy a diverse group, with dishes like Dublin meatloaf, Thai curry puffs, and bacon and cabbage. Heritage is best for dinner and drinks during its Irish seisùns (a gathering of musicians playing traditional Irish music) on Sundays from 6 to 9 pm.
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960 McLean Ave, Yonkers
(914) 776-7532; http://heritagebarandrestaurant.com/
Rory Dolans Restaurant & Bar
It would be erroneous to feature McLean’s best and not include Rory’s. Known as one of the top post-New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade stops, Rory Dolans has a large selection of bottled and draft beers at the 100-ft bar and the barkeeps do a mean Irish Car Bomb as well as a properly poured Guinness. Beyond the typical pub grub, there are genuine Irish comfort foods including lamb stew, Irish smoked salmon, baked steak-and-mushroom pie, and fish and chips. Live entertainment may include stepdancers, singers, bagpipers, and more.
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It’s still the perfect weather to dine outside at Rory Dolans. 890 McLean Ave, Yonkers
(914) 776-2946; http://www.rorydolans.com/
