There’s no better place to be on St. Patrick’s Day than a classic Irish pub. The Guinness flows, bangers and mash complement fish and chips, and a corned beef sandwich on rye, among other staples, are all on the table. Even if you’re not Irish, you are on St. Patrick’s Day (Monday, March 17)—and Emerald Inn, an Upper West Side institution since 1943, is where it all comes together.
Charlie Campbell is at the helm of the family-run business located at 250 West 72nd Street (between West End and Broadway), which was started by his great-grandfather Michael during World War II. Never forgetting his roots, Campbell is an avid traveler who visits his homeland of Galway, Ireland, every year. He’s also spent considerable time in Amsterdam, where he appreciates the art and architecture, as well as in Tokyo, a destination he praises for its food—particularly its Wagyu beef. The owner of Emerald Inn is not only a world traveler but also a history buff who loves a good documentary, sparking lively conversations every time we visit. He also pours a great Guinness.
That Guinness will pair well with all of Emerald Inn’s St. Patrick’s Day specials, which include recipes dating back to the 1980s, when Chef Bambi started working at the Inn, up until the 2000s. Bambi brought recipes handed down through his family, which were an immediate hit and are still used today, including shepherd’s pie, chicken pot pie, and various gravies. The Campbell family’s recipes for corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a corned beef sandwich on rye leave you with no wrong answer when it comes to filling up and feeling good in a location with an enchanting Gaelic charm that will have you saying, “Sláinte!” (An Irish toast that means ‘to your health’).
Emerald Inn’s Shepherd’s Pie
There’s more to celebrate at Emerald Inn when St. Patrick’s Day ends. Beginning Tuesday, March 18, to honor their 82 years on the Upper West Side, Emerald Inn will begin offering all Upper West Siders a 10% discount on their orders—just show your ID. We’ve always loved their cheeseburger and chicken wings, which are among the best in the neighborhood, and their chicken Caesar salad has become a new favorite of ours.
On that note, every Wednesday is now 75-cent wing night at Emerald. It’s a great place to watch sports on their big-screen TVs, which line the front to the back of the house. They’ve also recently added a pool table.
You can spot the original Emerald Inn sign, dating back to their time on 69th and Columbus, in the middle room over the booth seating and tables—an ideal spot if you’re looking to lay low with some friends. They’ve also introduced a new lunch special: the Jr. Emerald Burger, which comes with cheese, all the fixings, fries, and a domestic draft (Narragansett, Bud Light, or Michelob Ultra) for just $10.
When people ask me where’s a good spot to go before or after a show at the Beacon Theatre, I always recommend Emerald Inn. Just a short walk away from the legendary venue, located between 74th and 75th Streets on Broadway, Emerald Inn doesn’t get overrun by crowds flocking to spots closer to the theatre, where you can barely move or hear yourself think. Emerald Inn is just off the beaten path, making it a true diamond in the rough for those who know it’s there. The jukebox is top-notch, playing an eclectic mix of classic rock that isn’t the same old worn out radio hit after radio hit. And don’t forget their after-midnight special—everything is $2 off.
Now, Emerald Inn is celebrating a night to remember for all show-goers who stop by before and after an Upper West Side event. Show your ticket ahead of time for a 10% discount, and when you come back for a nightcap, it’s on them. They’ve also extended a 10% discount to IATSE Local 1, the premier stagehand union, which has a history of supporting Emerald Inn over the years.
If you’re planning a special occasion, Emerald Inn offers their back room for private parties. With a large, competitively priced space you won’t find elsewhere, it’s the perfect place to celebrate. To book your event, contact EmeraldInn250@gmail.com or call 212-874-8840.
Campbell loves the Upper West Side. Though he grew up and currently resides in Flushing, Queens, he has fond memories of visiting Emerald Inn as a young boy, during the days when his grandfather Michael was running the business. As Charlie worked his way up from dishwasher to waiter to bartender, Michael passed the business on to his father, also named Charlie, before the younger Charlie took the reins himself. “It’s great being here,” said Charlie, though he expressed serious concern over the scaffolding added to the building next door in October 2021. The scaffolding blocks the view of Emerald Inn, making it difficult for passersby to see the entrance. Charlie noted that no work has been done on the building and that the scaffolding could remain in place for “another four years or more. It’s crazy.”
Something that draws many people to live and visit the Upper West Side is its gothic architecture. It feels like you’re walking into a castle when you set foot in Emerald Inn. When you pull that big door open, it’s like you’re walking through a portal where old meets new and all points in between. Whether you’re out to celebrate or just sit back and live in the moment as time goes by, when you go to Emerald Inn, you’re a part of history.
Emerald Inn is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Kitchen open till 11 p.m.
