For some reason I initially wanted to only give it 3 stars... but looking back on the three nights I spent at this place... all were fantastic... and all were completely different. If you can have JUST as much fun at a place when it's dead as you do when you're celebrating your birthday there... I guess that says something. I like to think of Donnybrook as the place everyone ends up when you're over the crowdy pushing lounges in the LES. You can dress however you want, bring a date or a big group and it still works! I had my bday party there this weekend and it couldnt of went better. Tons of seating and dance space for my drunk ass to run around in. Bring your "i dont dance friends" because you can chill out and hang at their long tables and bring your "girlll i just wanna dance tonight" friends, because they'll love it too. I will absolutely be back... read more

Wandering the LES trying to find a spot for brunch on Sunday that isn't packed can be kind of rough. This place was empty when we got there but their menu looked good with good prices so we were willing to give it a try. Glad we did. I had the Norwegian eggs and my friend had the Omelet both were delicious! To make things better, you got 3 complimentary drinks with your brunch order. Great deal, great food. Definitely recommend. read more

I went down to Donnybrook last night for a friend's birthday. The place is nice. What l like is there's enough room between the bar and the large benches and tables so that you're not packed in and aren't getting shoved by people walking about. The bar staff is friendly and it's not hard to order a drink here but last night was not so packed so I'm sure that will change as this place gets more popular. they had a 42 below vodka promotion with free drinks. None of us were impressed with the drinks, but that may not be the bar's doing. Looks like a nice selection of beers too. read more

Great neighborhood bar. I love that its not always overflowing with people, the bartenders are always super friendly, and they have nice, clear plasmas that are constantly playing sports. A relief that not every single bar in les has to be dark, overpriced, crammed, or too-cool-for-school. I came home one day, looking forward to watching the French Open semis, but unfortunately my roommate already had dibs on the tv. So I went downstairs to Donnybrook and they didn't disappoint. They are very receptive to accommodating channel requests (when its sports-related) and the drinks and prices are very reasonable, not to mention they take card, a huge plus. Love it. read more

Came here for my friend's bday party Sat night. It worked out great. The place is small but it wasn't too packed where you couldn't move. Great music. Never had a problem getting a drink. I'm writing this review for the bouncer. He was really nice and accommodating. When we got there, he walked us to my friend's table and told us if we needed the third table which was occupied by people not in our party to just let him know and he will ask them to move (granted, we didn't end up needing it). One girl in our group had one too many vodka sodas and passed out in the bathroom. He carried her outside and sat her down on this bench near the door where she started puking all over the entrance to the place. It was a mess. Most bouncers would have been pissed but he was actually concerned and helped clean it up. If only all bouncers could be as nice. read more

No attitudes here! Just a friendly neighborhood LES bar. Super friendly staff. Fairly priced drinks. This place is never too packed and the music is never too loud. Great place to watch the games. I love the fact thAt they let you order food from local restaurants. Way to support each other. My new favorite LES bar! read more

Do not drink here. Place had potential until some random guy that worked there yelled at my girlfriend who was going wrong way for bathroom... crazy rude and loud while he sat at bar drinking Budweiser. Any establishment that allows this behavior is not for us... Respect your paying customers. Bartender great though otherwise... read more

Great place to hang out and watch games even with covid restrictions. Their outdoor set-up was great for our group (celebrated a friend's birthday on 1/9). Was a cold day, but space heaters helped. NFL playoffs were visible on multiple outdoor TVs. Service was really quick, friendly and accommodating for our group. read more

I live about two doors down from this place, which for the entire two months of my current residency on Clinton St. has been shuttered with plywood and the subject of much speculation between my girlfriend and I as to what would be brewing inside. Then last Friday morning I saw the plywood come down and a nice looking bar revealed behind it! Woo hoo! I was worried it might be another one of the garishly lit clothing boutiques that litter the block. Or a Starbucks. We brought a few people along to check it out that night. I ordered a Jameson on the rocks, and it had to have been one of the biggest pours I've ever gotten in NYC (albeit not cheap). So much so that the guy next to me asked if I ordered a double. A couple rounds later and we had to head off...but I'm looking forward to this place. If the soft opening night crowd was any indication, this will be a solid LES drinking option. read more

Came in here and thought it was a lovely place with good music. Bought 2 cocktails and 4 shots (for three people); tipped $2 per drink as i have done at every single bar I've ever stepped in in 9 years of living in NYC....at this place I was told I couldn't get a second drink because I didn't tip enough on the previous purchase (I tipped $2 per drink). So let me get this straight: a bartender POURED LIQUID from a bottle into a glass, and they expected the same tip as a waiter who is tending to me for 2 hours and serving me multiple dishes/drinks in one sitting? Please take a fucking seat. read more

This is a pretty standard bar in the LES. Decent cocktail and beer selection, but I ordered a Kentucky mule and it tasted pretty watered down. Slightly overpriced too but I guess that's to be expected but I'm pretty sure they added an extra drink or two into my bill. They did play some solid music and it gets really crowded on a Saturday night. read more

Soo, I'm new to this whole "Yelp" thing (Yep yep yep, I'm a Yelp virgin) But I know a GREAT thing when I see one, and that's definitely Donnybrook! I think this bar is brilliant :) Open from Noon to 4am daily, it's a sun-drenched fishbowl for anyone who loves a good day drink (guilty=me) and a chill candlelit LES spot for when it's "5 o'clock somewhere". Basically, the interior is eye-candy all the way around...from the classic restored wood and picnic style tables throughout, to the bar with a moving ladder, to the old-school ceiling fans that run on one motor, to the actual owners and bartenders themselves ... Just straight up good people. I laughed out loud when I read one of the reviews saying that this bar "doesn't know what it wants to be" ... HA! Welcome to Zoo York lady, who the hell does??! On this crazy "little" island, I think Donnybrook's a hidden gem that has a little somethin' for everyone: - 6 dollar 20oz drafts for those (like me) who drink beer like a camel (might I add that, after possibly too much exploration, it's the cheapest pint in the LES!) - Whiskey pours the size of this recession ;) - Rugby and futbol on Setanta for the Euros - Quartinos of wine for the (insert stereotype here) - You can order delivery at the moment, but a menu's in the works - Sure it can get a little "umz umz umz" on the wknds during the prime times (10pm-2am), but let's be real...with 8 million people out looking to get some at the same time, weird shit's bound to happen in a new hip joint that touts that it welcomes a little "raucous revelry" ;) To each their own, but ABSOLUTELY give it a go You will not be left disappointed :) Cheers! read more

An Irish pub, but without all the douche bags that usually come with the Irish pub. The space is set up nicely with large tables for groups and families. The small menu serves surprisingly good food. Its not a gastro pub, but it certainly is better than 98% of pub fare out there. Its never crowded, even on a big game day. So its great if you're looking to watch games and be social, but not be packed into a sports bar. And best of all, there's always some old Irish guy there trying to get you to try the Chef sauce. read more

Came here during the day and the bartender Kayla was so incredibly nice and friendly. We were meant to only stop in for one drink but she was so fun to hang with we stayed for a few more. Highly recommend this spot during the day - they'll make you feel like a regular! read more

Donnybrook is one of those bars that warms the stomach and brings a smile to your face. Great local spot, I love stopping in for a pint. I went one Saturday night and they had this killer DJ Peter Peter, hopefully they bring him back more often! The bartenders are some of the greatest people I've met in New York, I can't wait to go back. #Pray4Jard read more

Such a nice neighborhood bar- Vinny is the absolute sweetest bartender- love him so much!

Don't bother..... That's the opinion of their staff, which is a representation of their ownership. Ordered a beer, wait 10 min. Order food wait so long that you forgot you ordered something. Waste of time in a landscape full of potential. Cheers to you and hope you find a better establishment. read more

Nice bar in fun Lower East area. Music won't be the greatest but the cocktails are really good! If you go during Summer, the East Side cocktail is a MUST! (Can't go wrong with a refreshing cucumber-mint drink). read more

Donnybrook is about three weeks old but it seems to be doing well. Despite a very homogenous crowd, we had fun stopping here. It's larger than some of its neighbors but still not a lot of space to dance. There was a Bombay promotion Saturday night so I ordered one free gin and tonic and when I got my drink I asked for another for my friend and was told, like I was an idiot, "promotions over, you'll have to pay for the second one." I guess my drink made it just in time! read more

Threw a makeshift birthday get together and they hooked me up with plates and a knife as well as a lighter for my candles. Thanks! In addition, the drinks are not that expensive the scene is pretty cool and laid back and there is a lot of space for people to come and go. They pour a good Guinness and they have a good assortment of beers that I enjoyed from Belgians to dark beers to IPAs. Definitely, a recommended chill bar! read more

Pretty much the perfect model of a pub. Huge hall with warm wooden surroundings, Guiness flowing generously, and windows all around. It's not clubby or annoying, just a good place to have a pint and some conversation. read more

Very average experience. Walked in with a buddy for a beer because it's a Pokestop and walked out when we were done. Nothing to complain about but nothing to rave about either. read more

Another one of my "places to hang" with friends; I like this place and gave it a higher score because I do. "Is it an average place?" I can honestly say "yes." There are a lot of these bars in this neighborhood, all falling into the "cookie cutter" category for me. Not that there is anything wrong with that formula, each place has to still create that "vibe." And for a low key, not looking to get in your face type of guy who wants some good beer and food as needed, Donnybrook hits the mark. read more

Went on Friday night and use the yelp 2 for 1 deal. Great atmosphere and even better service. Definitely recommend the "Pimms Cup" cocktail!

Most underrated bar in the area and definitely my favorite. This place has a great DJ on Friday and Saturday nights! The bartenders are always pleasant and respectful (which is not common in NYC). The space is great with all the windows and the well priced drinks. It's an awesome place to host parties! The owner is very accommodating and even contributed a portion of our tab to a charity effort on our group's behalf. read more

This is a nice neighborhood bar. I sometimes come here for a happy hour with my kickball team before our games and it's the perfect spot for it. The happy hour has great prices $3 buds, and it's never too crowded here so service is always prompt and the bartenders are nice and friendly! If I lived closer to here, I'd be here all the time for happy hour! read more

The *best* Bloody Mary I've ever had. Great whisky selection too; friendly neighborhood vibe. Highly recommended!

Went here last saturday for a few pints with the girlies... and meh... The drinks were quite pricey, and the bartenders weren't too sociable AKA nice at all, except I got one to take a shot with me to hopefully make them more sociable... A bag of taytos ran me 2 bucks, but they are just so delicious I couldn't help myself... Might go back, might not... it's a chill place for a beer nothing too snazzy to say about it... Also keep in mind I was there early at like 6:30-8:00pm... read more

Came here for st pattys, as a first stop. Lovely irish ladies with sass served us, and they had a really good shepard's pie. The first round of mimosas they gave us with our brunch were actually a larger double glass, so that was pretty awesome. But, small for big groups. We had to really smush in at a table. A little pricey, too, food wise. But got the job done on the day of the Irish, anyway! It's a block away from the boyfriend's place, so likely we'd stop in again for a beer or two, but probably not for a group outing again. read more

I know that some of the residents of the LES look down on us "outsiders" who venture into "their" neighborhood to visit their local joints, but they'll just have to get over it... With a place like Donny Brook's, they will keep seeing "outsiders" like my friends and I. I am not much a bar hopper or sports head, so this place was just perfect. A mellow mix of different types, friendly but not overwhelming staff, and surprisingly decent food. Don't go there if you are looking for a culinary experience, but their sliders and fish and chips hit the spot on any munching night. If you are in the neighborhood and just want to relax with a few buddies, definitely worth the stop. read more

Kick-ass atmosphere! After a long travel from SF to NYC and a bus from the Adirondacks to Manhattan, I was in need of libations! But then my card failed after two drinks! DOH! Not a problem. I was not treated like a criminal...my bartendar was so sweet. I left my card with him and vowed to pay upon return to SF. Today is payday and I'm hooking my bartender up!! Thank you so much! Kindness still exists! I didn't check out the downstairs but this is my go-to bar when I return to NYC! See you soon Empire State! Order a double of anything! Delicious. Wide open spaces by the windows are your best seats for people-watching! read more

Brought a party there on Sat 07/09. Good time, good music. But bouncer was taking his job way too seriously, it was almost as he was looking for a fight. But I'm writing this review mainly because of male bar tender. We witnessed him spit in my friends drink and then serve it to him. No joke. Be warned of that scumbag. read more

Pretty much the perfect model of a pub. Huge hall with warm wooden surroundings, and windows all around. They have the games on flat-screens, but it doesn't dominate. It's not clubby or annoying, just a good place to have a pint and some conversation. read more

Donnybrook - Wish they had another flavor - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Very consistent and pleasant neighborhood bar where you can hear the person you are speaking with! Lovely lighting and open spaces.

I am a big fan of this new bar. I reserved a table for new years eve (only requested for 1 week in advance!!) ... they gave me a great window location - close to bar and bathrooms. We had space to seat 12 people and plenty of room around the table for extras. The owner, Meg, was super accomodating and made sure that we had a great time. If Declan is bartending, try his cosmo (and then try to remain standing after you finish it!!). Overall, fun music, great staff, very accommodating to parties, not too crowded. read more

i've been to donnybrook just shy of a handful of times and it's quickly becoming one of my favorite places. it's a really lovely bar with particular attention to detail and none of the elitist attitude that usually come with nicer bars. the staff is amazing and is always pleasant to my friends and me. my boyfriend and i stumbled in to what was their first brunch. we both ordered the irish breakfast (though we were eyeing "the man's brunch" - a dozen oysters and a pint of guinness. unfortunately, hangovers don't take to oysters very well). never having been to ireland, and especially having no idea what the irish eat for breakfast, this was a gamble that turned into a treat. scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, beans, toast and black pudding (the only way i can describe it is something of a cross between polenta and oats with seasoning...VERY tasty). from the irish breakfast to the irish breakfast tea to the irishman who served us...i imagine i couldn't have been transported to a more authentic experience. and all in the lower east side no less. brunch was delicious. and though the menu is small right now, i'm looking forward to trying all of it. ok, so this might sound completely ridiculous but this next bit is what definitely put this bar over the top of 5 stars: the bathroom. clean? yes. stocked? yes. strangely, these were not apart of this grading. it's the soap. they use method soap and have an individual one in every stall. i hate to high hell that pink industrial crap you see in every public restroom. it strips my hands and, frankly, almost makes me think twice about wanting to wash them because of the imminent pain i will have to endure to my hands and to my nostrils (i HATE that smell). i'm far too much of a germaphobe to go through with my internal threat, so i do and carry lotion in my purse because of it. donnybrook uses method. it's such a minor detail, but to me, it's a touch of class that elevates this place. ___________ 6/7/09 after i wrote this review, i decided to have my birthday party there. i have never met a more accommodating staff! i made a reservation for about 40-50 people and the owner took amazing care of us. our tables and surrounding areas were always quickly bussed (i think i even saw him bussing some of them himself) and one of the staff was always checking on us to make sure we were having a great time. i had a really fantastic birthday and hopefully will have turned some of my friends into regulars. read more

Great place to drink and cheap too! They have enough space to reserve for parties too. Friendly service and good happy hour and you can watch soccer here too. read more

Super crowded with over priced drinks sort of in the middle of nowhere, but a pretty good DJ, and they take table reservations for both bar and regular tables for parties ahead of time. I'll definitely go back to give it another go, but I'm not yet sold. read more

Went here last night with a few friends and had a great time. Great happy hour of $4 pints before 8pm - including Hoegaarden, Blue Moon, and Stella. $5 Guinness before 8pm. Nice after-work crowd - not loud or obnoxious (like many other bars in the L.E.S., unfortunately). The place never got very packed, which I personally enjoyed. The bathrooms are quite clean. The bartender was incredibly nice, and the music selection was awesome. Planned to stay til 9pm and didn't end up leaving til midnight. I'll definitely be back - especially for happy hour - when I find myself in the area looking to grab a beer. Highly recommended! (Also, they have a tv, but this place doesn't strike me as a sports bar type, more of an Irish pub, but I could be wrong! If you plan on going here to watch a game you might want to call ahead of time and ask. Also, my experience was on a Thursday night, and the scene here might be quite different (louder, crowded, dance music) on the weekends.) read more

Came here for a birthday. While it was pretty crowded, the drinks weren't too expensive, and the bartenders were friendly, this place isn't anything to write home about. It's kind of small, so easy to get lost in the crowd. Also, there are a ton of great bars/lounges this far east, and with all those choices, Donnybrook just doesn't make the cut. read more