Friday, July 30th, 2010—Bar 201

Day 201—Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Kennedy's Restaurant
The decision for tonight’s destination and donation bell have both struck at the same time. Just as i was trying to figure out a place to go to I checked my email and baboom, there was a generous donation of ten dollars from Jürgen Nennstiel who lives in Dortmund, Germany. The stated purpose on the PayPal receipt said: “Visit Kennedys Pub 327 W 57th St. and greet Conner from Germany :-)” Thank you so much for not only donating Jürgen, but for choosing the bar! Es ist zu Kennedys uns ausgeht!

I'm stuck behind some dreaded slow walkers on the street. I hate it when people fan out across the sidewalk and then move like fucking snails.

Okay, after a long walk up 8th Avenue I see something in the distance.

It's Kennedy's, time to stop in, get a pint of Guinness and find Conner.

Plenty of seats at the bar and it's a festive looking place.

Business may be a bit slow tonight, but bartender Hugh is quick on the draw with a Guinness. And if you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that can only lead to...

The traditional wearin' of the Guinness. Too rah loo rah loo!

There's a nice table upfront with a good view of 57th street. I wonder where Conner is?

The Kennedy coat of arms hangs proudly behind the bar.

Red banquettes and tables line the wall opposite the bar.

There's another full bar in the back dining area.

And Maurice is the man in charge of the back bar. He's New York's number one bartender. Just ask him and he'll tell you.

Here's some of the drafts available at the bar.

And as I gaze at the bar specials, I'm wondering, "Where the hell is this Conner guy?"

Here's a photo montage of some famous people who stop by Kennedy's when they're in town: 1. Rod the Mod Stewart; 2. Ian McLagan is a regular, here's a shot of him with his wife Kim; 3. Julian Lennon; 4. Julian Lennon and that guy from MTV's Real World. I don't remember the season, but he was the token English guy; 5. Ian McLagan, again; 6. Ian McLagan and Julian Lennon; 7. Ian McLagan, some guy with a huge moustache and Rod The Mod Stewart; 8. Actor Gene Hackman; 9. Another shot of Ian McLagan, this guy loves it in here! He even wrote about it in his book, "All The Rage." It's a great rock 'n' roll memoir about his days with the Small Faces, the Faces, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt and more. Ian's played with everyone in the rock 'n' roll world. You should check his book out.

Vintage photos line an entire wall of Kennedy's. I'm still looking for Conner!

And here he is, the elusive Conner! Conner says to stop back again soon, Jürgen, the Jägermeister sales have dropped sharply since you've gone back to Germany.

A parting shot of the three bartenders from Kennedy's. From left: Hugh, the elusive Conner and Maurice. Cheers guys and goodnight everybody!

Review
Kennedy’s is a warm and inviting midtown Irish pub and restaurant. The bartenders are some of the friendliest in town and treat you like a longtime regular from your first stop in. The front bar has Christmas lights, the Kennedy coat of arms and vintage pictures covering the walls. Tables and red leather banquettes line the wall opposite the bar and the patrons are a mix of tourists, business people enjoying a pint of Guinness and people enjoying a drink or three after an event at nearby Lincoln Center or Carnegie Hall.

The bar has everything you would expect a genuine midtown Irish bar to have, lots of wood (hello, Kari!), Guinness on tap and friendly Irish barkeeps. The back dining room features another bar along with a nice dining area. Some of the entrees include: Old Fashioned Shepherds Pie,  Dublin Style Fish & Chips, Kennedy's Black Angus Sirloin Steak and a Home Style Chicken Pot Pie.

Kennedy’s is open 365 days of the year and they’re open till 4am, so stop by anytime to let your inner leprechaun loose.

Kennedy's Restaurant
327 W 57th St. (Between Eighth and Ninth Avenues)
212-759-4242