The Celtic Rail. New York, NY.

137 W 33rd Street #12

Price for a Guinness: $9.00 | Overall Rating: 6.15

The Celtic Rail is a rather splendid Pub and it has an impressive patio for being on 33rd street. Overall, the biggest thing that any Irish Pub must provide is the Craic. Yes, that may be an arguable statement for some, but for me the Craic is everything. The Celtic Rail just doesn't really have it unfortunately. I say unfortunately because I did have a lovely time here. You can have a lovely time somewhere while not being exposed to the Craic; take Arby's for example, who doesn't have a good time at Arby's?

The bartender had a few good jokes up his sleeve in between rounds, and he poured a swirly pint of Guinness with a shamrock atop of the head. No Bishop's Collar here. He wasn't the most engaging tender I've had but he certainly did the trick. The whiskey selection will tickle most people's fancies unless you are trying to show off.

The demographics here are middle to lower working class for the most part and the music is typically a soft rock. They do offer a jukebox as well as a handful of TVs. Although, the last time I was there they had ESPN on every single TV. Every. Single. One. I always find it annoying and lazy when a Pub has multiple TVs but choose to have the same channel on every one of them. I just don't understand the logic behind it (simple, there is no logic).

The Rail offers food for the hungries, but I have never eaten here. The bathrooms are kept up rather neatly and there's ample space for sipping while standing and semi larger groups. There are booths alongside the backwall that provides a rather intimate atmosphere for a date.

If you're nearby I'd recommend stopping in for a quick pint, however, I do not recommend going out of your way to get here. It's a good Pub but its got its flaws, most specifically the fact that it's lacking the Craic and warmth that you'd normally crave out of Irish Hospitality (and a Steel Tip Dartboard). Stop by for a pint but go somewhere better after the one or two.

Slainte!