The Killarney Rose. New York, NY.

127 Pearl Street

Guinness Tag: $8.00 | Overall Rating: 4.85

The Killarney Rose is a bit like a high budget movie with an all-star cast followed with the worst ending ever. You see the previews and you walk into the movie theatre with all the excitement in the world. The first few scenes are amazing, then you realize it might not be all that it's cracked up to be, and then you leave saying "well that was disappointing".

The curb appeal fits the mold of a NYC Irish Pub; it has the Irish colors, it's a bit proper, and it looks cozy. As soon as you enter the building you see nice looking architecture, a stained-glass window (I'm a sucker for stained-glass windows in Pubs), inviting booth style seating, and dim lighting. If you plop your potato on a slow afternoon and you have a little bit of charm attached to you, then the bartender probably won't ask you for a card to start a tab which is pretty awesome for the area. The Craic is alive and well off the rip. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere totally works.

Once you order your first Guinness that's when it might start going downhill. First of all, they pour their Guinness in the gimmicky 16oz glass vs the traditional pint from across the pond. The pour is average and it'll set you back $8.00. One of the most annoying things an Irish Pub can do is pour you a Guinness in a miniature pint glass. It's insulting, really. Do they really think we won't be able to tell the difference? It's one thing if you're a full-blown sports bar or an Applebee's and you serve the black stuff in that fashion, but if you're trying to be a legitimate Irish Pub then you can't short-change your guests like that. You just can't.

The draft beer selection is average at best, and the whiskey selection may tickle most people's fancies, however, there's nothing to write home about. If you want any whiskey your little heart could desire, then you're better off going to the Dead Rabbit down the street. There are daily specials on food which is nice, and they offer a daily $6.00 Tully Tube Shot which we never indulged in. Once the first pint comes to an end you might notice the bartender dedicating their attention to the other guests and other tasks. The music sounds like it's being played on a 90's boom box that keeps going in and out. Listening to music here was like trying to watch a buffering YouTube video; ya' just can't do it.

There were about 6 other patrons in the Pub at the same time and it was like pulling teeth to grab a second pint. We had to wait until the glass was empty to get recognized. Once we paid it was like we didn't exist anymore. No eye contact, no anything. Whenever a guest pays their tab and sits there for another hour without purchasing anything then yes, screw that guest; people like that suck. However, if someone pays out their tab with half a pint left to finish and they're nice people then you still gotta show them love. Otherwise, why be in hospitality? The Craic vanishes as every minute passes in the Killarney Rose. It felt like we got thrown away as guests as soon as our cash hit the counter. If it was a packed house with a short staff then of course some leeway gets tossed around but when the sun is shining with just a few patrons inside; that's when your time to shine should be on full blast.

The bathrooms are clean, the atmosphere is warm, the craftsmanship is on point, and the exposed brick makes for some good eye candy. They have fun signage on the walls, enough TVs for gamedays, and an overall good vibe in here. I'm sure the owner of the place will strongly disagree with me, but this is a prime example of a Pub that has the eye candy but doesn't hold any water. Irish Pubs should be rated on the Craic first and foremost with everything else following suit. I'd rather grab a pint in a rundown building where I know I'll be surrounded by warm bargoers and laughter rather than an expensive and "proper" Pub that makes me feel cold and shortchanged.

There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that's not being talked about at all. So, with that being said; you're welcome, Killarney Rose. I'm off to a better barstool.

Asian lady enjoys her television inside the Killarney Rose