The Irish Exit

421 8th Ave, New York
(917) 905-3556

Recent Reviews

Sort by
Andreas Lammertz

Great feeling, best at the end of the day. Every company represented.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mattie C

Being in a train station (and a very busy train station) one would not expect a great bar experience - well atleast I wasn’t but I was wrong. A colleague and I were in NYC for a board meeting, and it wrapped up early. She said let’s stop at Irish Exit for a drink and well we did. Once you walk out the “station”, it’s like walking into a true Irish bar (albeit busier). Amazing selection of beer, wine and the hard stuff. Good service, free Wi-Fi and most things can be done via QR code. Will definitely visit next time I’m at Penn.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Robert Lazo

This an excellent bar in a great location. Beautiful decor. Wonderful way to enter and exit Penn Station. I recommend this establishment.

I recently had two experiences at Irish Exit. One that was amazingly hospitable, the other, unfortunately, was not.

First, with best: Both New York baseball teams were recently in the postseason. This doesn't happen very often. I wanted to catch the Yankee game from the beginning, so I visited the bar before the start time, but the game wasn't playing. I asked the bartender if the game would be shown and was told that it would. I ordered a beer but unfortunately the game didn't come on the screen. I reminded the bartender and he was genuinely apologetic. I could tell that he intended to follow-through, and was he sorry for the mistake -- he got the TV turned on right away. When I closed my tab, the bartender apologized again -- he didn't have to, but it made an impression. This is a person who cares about providing top notch service.

Second, with the unfortunate: similar situation. It's a possible elimination game for the Mets playing the Dodgers, and I visit the bar and inquire about whether the game would be playing. I was told "I don't know. I'll have to check". The bartender goes to the other side of the bar and returns, and asks if I know what I would like to have to drink. I say it's dependent upon whether the game will be shown. The person says, though seemingly a bit annoyed, that it will be shown. I gave them my card and keep the tab open. I'm happy! I order my drink and patiently wait in front of the TV. A game comes on, but it's the wrong one - Jets vs. Steelers. This is funny. I confirm with the bartender that I was there to watch the Mets vs. Dodgers. I patiently wait for the game to come on. A few minutes later the bartender asks me to kindly move a few chairs over to the right to see the game in front of the other TV. No problem! I'm happy to be able to watch the game. I don't interact with the bartender the rest of the night, no check-in, "how are you doing", or anything like that. That's ok, maybe we were off to a rough start at the beginning. There were at two additional bartenders there to help me order additional drinks. I keep a written tally of what I order, and I changed the brand of beer I order for each round. It was a Sunday night, kind of slow, and the end of the week for the folks on staff, so I could see they were a bit tired and bit disengaged. I can understand how they might feel. The Mets didn't score runs in the late innings with bases loaded, so I decided to go. I asked to close out, was given my bill on the small mobile POS terminal, add my tip and then ask for the receipt to be texted to my phone.

I want to note that with these terminals we're often presented with only the total amount and requested tip -- not the itemized total. I'm sure there's a way to review the details, but I usually trust the bartender that everything is correct. As I was riding up the escalator to exit Penn Station, I received a text on my phone, which was itemized bill for what I just paid for. I noticed that I was charged twice for the first drink that I ordered. I decided to go back to the bar and point out the error. There was no apology given, albeit the bartender who I spoke with wasn't the person who made the error. However, I was told that the manager wasn't around to approve a refund, and that a request would be put in, but not to worry. This would imply to me that manager would approve the credit for the extra charge. Several business days later, I check my credit card statement online.

The refund was not given. Everyone makes mistakes, but unlike the first experience, this one makes a poor impression. The ball was dropped twice. I genuinely hope this was unintentional. In the future, this type of situation can be avoided.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Mark Green

This place is a hidden gem right inside Penn Station! I stopped by on a whim before my train and ended up staying for a couple of hours. The Irish Coffee was amazing, and their menu has plenty of variety. I went for the shepherd's pie, and it tasted like pure comfort. You wouldn't expect such good food in a station, but Irish Exit proved me wrong!

Ibe Faizi

I’m a whiskey sour fan, and the one I had here was hands down the best I’ve had in ages. Paired it with their Reuben sandwich, which was the perfect combination of savory and satisfying. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff is attentive without being overbearing. Definitely a place to unwind after a long day.

michele ashley

Enjoying a great day traveling and appreciating the fall foliage. “ Leaf Peeping” at its finest! Kayla was an awesome Mixologist!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Daniel DeBrucker

Who knew you could have fun at the train station! Mario is the best bartender in all of NYC. If you see him say HI and tell him I sent you!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Racine Barbee

The Bartender staff are RACIST and it’s super unfortunate that we would have this kind of service in such a diverse atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

Max Hudson

They have become my new favorite spot for a night out with friends. We shared a few plates like the sliders and buffalo wings, and everything was fantastic. The vibe is casual, yet classy, and the drink selection is stellar. Their signature cocktails are a must-try—I loved the Irish Mule. It’s also nice to have a pub that’s so close to Midtown and Penn Station, super convenient!

Thomas Bloomer

Best Guinness pour in town - ask for Dave - he’s the man!

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Rudy Wright

Popped into Irish Exit for a quick bite before catching my train, and I was pleasantly surprised! I ordered the fish and chips, and it was crispy and delicious. The beer selection was impressive too—grabbed a Guinness that hit the spot. Friendly staff and quick service. Definitely making this my go-to spot at Penn Station.

Joanie&Pat McDonald

Unfriendly bartenders

DJ Slide

This is such a Gem hidden in NYC's pocket. Definitely come here for a bite or if you're just looking for a great atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Patrick P

Great spot while you are waiting for your train. Had tremendous service from Jacob, who knows his whiskey and how to make great cocktails. Will definitely show up early for my next train!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Alan Matotek

Great spot with excellent drinks and big screen to watch sporting events. A lot of food vendors surround the main bar and are all integrated into the menu via QR service at the tables. Quick and easy. They also know how to pour a great Guinness.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Loading...