Many Irish-themed bars in New York claim to be authentic, but very few can actually live up to the boast. One that I find worth my time and money is Molly’s, a cozy drinking oasis on a stretch of Third Avenue. Not only does this watering hole have a wood-burning fireplace that makes it a must-visit in the winter, but sawdust covers the floor, and it feels like the whole place has been there since the 1800’s. And that’s no coincidence, because a bar has occupied this very spot since 1895.

I love to go in the late afternoon before the evening rush and grab a perfect Guinness and a plate of hearty pub grub like a burger or shepherd’s pie. There’s no happy hour, but it’s worth a few extra dollars to soak in the atmosphere. Sitting down at the end of the bar near the dining room is key to get close to the roaring fire. Winters in New York can be cold, but sipping a pint at Molly’s almost made me long to keep the low temperatures around for a few more months. Almost. Luckily, Molly’s has plenty of cool air conditioning to keep you comfortable all summer long.