There used to be Blarney Stone Bars in every neighborhood in the city, the bartenders claim there were over 30 all together at its peak in the 60s and 70s. They were the original “fast food” lunch option, with steam tables feeding construction workers, cops, fire fighters, and the rest of working-class New York. The first Blarney Stone opened on Third Avenue between 44th and 45th Streets by Daniel Flanagan, who went on to open 5-10 more Blarney Stones himself, and sell the use of the name to dozens of other owners. It was so popular that bar owners who didn’t want to pay Flanagan for the name opened up spin-offs like Blarney Rock and Blarney Cove. Unfortunately, fluctuations in the construction business, unemployment, and workplace alcohol testing have crippled this once flourishing chain, and with the recent shuttering of the Blarney Stone on Fulton Street, leaves New York City with only five left. NY Drinker decided to visit those last five.
Blarney Stone #1
710 Third Ave (Between 44th and 45th Street)
2:45pm
The first spot happens to be the original Blarney Stone. The steam table was up and running, with a dozen patrons at the bar, and a few more eating at the tables. Christmas lights and shamrocks decorated the walls and ceilings. Over a hundred visitor badges from the neighboring corporate buildings were taped under the bar. Beers come in pints and “big guys” which were only $4 for domestics.
Number of TVs: 11 (3 to OTB)
Blarney Stone #2
307 West 47th Street (Between 8th and 9th Avenue)
3:45pm
Bartender Mike warmly welcomed everyone at the second spot, and knew many of the regulars’ names. Only about 5-6 people were at this Blarney Stone which was adorned with police and fire department patches. The steam table wasn’t running, but the arcades with Big Buck Hunter and Pacman were. Mike grew up in Blarney Stones, his family owning a couple of them, and is full of Blarney Stone stories, including the “best one” which was by Studio 54. Definitely a roomy and pleasant spot.
Number of TVs: 7 (2 to OTB and 1 to Lotto)
Blarney Stone #3
410 8th Avenue (Between 30th and 31st Street)
5:45pm
Serving more of the Penn Station and Madison Square Garden crowd, the third spot was decidedly less Irish, playing top-40 music and employing flirty, cleavage showing bartenders. There was no steam table here, but did have a menu full of bar food. About 20 people were here, with more coming in as they got off of work. $4 Miller Lite drafts weren’t bad though. Other than some mini flags and the green door, there’s no indication that this would be a Blarney Stone.
Number of TVs: 12 (0 to OTB and 1 to Lotto)
Blarney Stone #4
340 9th Avenue (Between 29th and 30th Street)
7pm
The fourth spot was the smallest of them all, but had loads of character. It looked like an old dive bar and the 10 people who were there made it feel that way. There was a pool table in the back as well as a dart board. Bartender Chris was happy to keep the drinks flowing and talk Blarney Stone history, no food being served here, but people were welcome to bring their own.
Number of TVs: 8 (0 to OTB and 1 to Lotto)
Blarney Stone #5
11 Trinity Place (Between Morris and Rector Street)
9pm
The last spot was the largest, and with the closing of the Fulton Street Blarney Stone, is the only one left downtown. It was recently renovated on one of the episodes of Construction Intervention on the Discovery Channel. A full menu and a pool table may be the only things that can be recalled about this bar.
Number of TVs: Too many drinks to remember
Recap
Most Irish: 3rd Ave
Least Irish: 8th Ave
Largest: Trinity Place
Smallest: 9th Ave
Oldest crowd: 47th Street
Youngest crowd: 8th Ave
Best food: 3rd Ave
Best pool table: 9th Ave
Cleanest bathroom: Trinity Place
Best bartender: Tie – Mike at 47th Street and Chris at 9th Ave
(top photo from the now-shuttered Fulton Street location via fellow Blarney Stone fan EV Grieve)
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