Donnybrook was a fun place for a nightcap, but it definitely wasn't my favorite bar that I went to while in NYC. It didn't feel like it had that much personality or a unique identity, and nothing about it really stuck out. Don't get me wrong, there was nothing bad about it, there just wasn't anything particularly notable. I would recommend as a place to wrap up your night however. read more

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Three friends and I came by this bar after dinner tonight, 1/13/26. We were just having a Guinness each, not rowdy, obnoxious, or anything of that sort. About 20 minutes after we got there, a man came up to me and was asking me to move so he could get his jacket. It was a miscommunication, and I thought it was under mine on the windowsill while he reached under my stool, which caused my elbow to knock into my half full pint of beer. My friends grabbed napkins, and we immediately started cleaning it up (the man walked away without a word). After this, an employee came up with a mop. He asked us to move (no please) so he could mop under the table. Totally understandable! Then he told me to "Pick up your jacket," (again impolitely), referring to a jacket on the floor that did not belong to me. I said "Oh, that's not mine," as an automatic response. He then said "Well you can still pick it up." I picked it up. As a service worker myself, I am familiar with rude customers, so I attempted to clarify that I wasn't trying to be rude as a simple courtesy. He cut me off and said "I don't care" I continued trying to finish my sentence, I tried about 4 times with him continuously cutting me off and being extremely rude and dismissive towards me, telling me to stop "running my mouth" and saying "yet you're still talking." I stopped trying to speak and my friends and I immediately left. We ended up going home immediately after because of how much that had soured the night. As someone who works in food/hospitality, I was appalled by this. Never EVER would I speak to a customer like that, even if they were actually being rude to me. He was continuously scolding me like a teacher or parent. I can't help but feel it's because my friends and I are women in our early twenties, but I'll make no assumptions. Either way, I sadly will not be returning ever, which sucks because I loved the atmosphere and the bartender. I hope that man was just having a bad day and is not constantly like that. read more

This is a quintessential pub. Nothing more nothing less classy local neighborhood spot. Nothing like getting a nice Guinness and talking with your friends. Service is pretty good and the bar gets pretty crowded. I've never had food here, but Don don't even know if they serve it. lol. Definitely wouldn't recommend going with friends. read more

Solid Guinness and warm inviting bar. Bartenders were attentive and pour Guinness properly. Great spot to wait out our reservation at nearby restaurant. read more

Not great. Big "Mojo Dojo Casa House" vibes and that's the nicest way I can put it. If you're just a man looking for a reasonably priced beer - this place is for you!! If you're someone looking for a cute little delicious cocktail - look elsewhere. Service wasn't great, the music was even worse, and the bartender seemed to have favorites so it was a constant battle to get her attention. Wouldn't come back. read more

Decent. I had a coupon for a buy one get one drink that they didnt let me use even though it was not expired. Drinks were ok. Server was rude. I would come back if the weather was nice. read more

Donnybrook - Outside area - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This is the best bar in the lower east side. It's located on a quite corner on Clinton street away from the loud and rowdy crowd west of Essex street known as "hell's square". The dim lighting helps create a more relaxed and casual vibe in an upscale setting. The backlit bar highlights the variety of liquor bottles on display. I noticed they had a bottle of Knob Creek bourbon which I had been willing to try. I ordered one on the rocks and it enjoyed it very much. As I scanned their inventory I also saw a variety of Vodka liqueurs. My next order was a Cosmo made with Absolut Citron, lime, and cranberry. The bartender did a great job preparing the drink because because it wasn't too sweet unlike others I've drank before. It was perfectly balanced and delicious. I definitely look forward to coming back. read more

Donnybrook - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Perhaps the weakest "top shelf"spirits / cocktails south of Houston - with the added disappointment of being overpriced. Lauren however is wonderful. Avoid. Do not recommend. read more

*****DO NOT COME HERE**** My friends and I were ROBBED on Friday night at 2 am, and DB is definitely in on it. We called the next morning because we didn't have our cards, thinking we left them here, and the bartender admitted to knowing that stolen cards is a re-occurring issue and have had complaints about this before. She called it the new "PRANK" of the neighborhood... We did not get ID' walking in, which is usually never an issue, but given how small the bar was and how little of time we were there for, it was easy for them to target us. read more

We weren't allowed in, for absolutely no reason. Even though we have been to this bar before and spent thousands of dollars supporting the business! read more

I find this bar very charming. It's quaint and low-key, perfect to sit with a book and enjoy a drink near the window or to being a small group of friends at one of their large tables for some conversation. The drinks are moderately priced and they have a decent selection, which is nice. The service is always great, everyone is super friendly and fast. It's one of the better bars in the neighborhood in my opinion. I would definitely come back. 4.8/5 read more

Great hot cocktails for the winter time! We had a spiked hot chocolate, rich and strong. Warm heaters at each table. The waiter was very friendly, this is my friends favorite neighborhood spot, I'm so glad I got to visit it with her! read more

Donnybrook - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Quiet local bar in lower east side with great selection of bourbon. I came in here with few colleagues on a monday night for a nightcap after dinner and ended up staying for few rounds. The place was half full with a local crowd. It wasn't too noisy which is great if you are coming in with a group and want to have a conversation. Drinks were not too pricey and the bartender was very friendly. read more

Donnybrook - Bourbon - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This bar is incredible if you're looking to have a chill night out with your friends. The bartenders are so incredibly nice and so inviting. Shoutout to Dillon, Lauren, Maria and Vinnie! My friends and I come here at least 2x per week - for good reason!!! JAGER BOMB BOYS read more

It's Friday, it's been a long ass week, I know you didn't ask but I'm telling you anyway, and I need a pint. Luckily this place is a bar and in a bar they have beer. Sweet sweet beer. So, I order a whiskey. I said it's been a long week. Bar staff, on point. Whiskey....meh. Guinness, not too bad. Ambience, friendly, social and not crowded. So you chaps get 4 from me. read more

Donnybrook - The exit of you ever need it - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

On the wall outside this bar, the following is written: "Home to lively debate, and raucous revelry." I take issue with this. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't; but you can't claim things like that. It seems desperate. However, I suppose this is hypocritical coming from a guy with a sign above his bed that reads: "Home to erotic delights and orgasmic pleasure." But inscriptions aside, I like this bar well enough. The staff is always polite, and It's a good spot to drink during the day. And I find the space just as appealing late night, if not more so. I just don't really enjoy it during the height of business...but I'm old now, and I don't like being crowded. I must admit that it's not my favorite spot in the LES. But that's mostly because I prefer either dirt cheap drinks or great cocktails, and it falls somewhere in between. read more

We did our best to be friendly, but our server was horrid. Loved this place before COVID, will never come back.

Low key neighborhood bar on Clinton Street with huge barnwood tables and a marble-topped bar. Friendly bartenders, reasonable prices and happy hour till 8pm We just had a couple of drinks and an appetizer (hummus) this time but I am definitely coming back. Planning to have my next group happy hour here as it seems perfect for large groups read more

There are a lot of bars full of complete douchebags that are very hard to get into and enjoy yourself. Donnybrook isn't one of those bars. It's a bit of an "Anywhere, USA" kind of bar. But sometimes, there's nothing wrong with a familiar feeling place when you want a simple Guinness and a conversation with a friend that doesn't necessitate frisking from a bouncer. Easy, friendly staff, a full bar - it simple combo for a good time. read more

Donnybrook is the ideal LES neighborhood bar! The staff is friendly, and the drinks are reasonably priced. Definitely recommend if you're in the area. read more

Donny is the best! They've gone above and beyond to make everyone feel safe and follow the rules while smiling and creating a fun and inviting atmosphere. Maria is the best bartender in NYC, her smile is so gorgeous and inviting and she makes a kick ass cocktail. Can't wait to come back!!! read more

They didn't honor my yelp offer. If you have a yelp offer that is active, you must honor. Sign of a horrible business that lacks integrity. My group will never return read more

One of the best watering holes in the city. Maria and the rest of the staff are friendly and professional. Nothing better than nice hot toddy on a cold winters day with good ol' frank (sinatra) being heard between the laughter and joy of your closest friends. read more

Donnybrooks is always amazing!!! They are SO CLEAN and they always make sure my drink is full. I love it because you can order food in from anywhere in the LES - supporting 2 businesses at once!!! Thank you Donny's!!! read more

We happened to be walking by this bar the other night. There was a dog outside in the 90 degree heat panting. There was a couple there with the dog and since we had water, we asked if they needed help. They said it wasnt their dog, but they were worried. I went to the bouncer and he said it was the OWNERS dog. I asked to speak with him. I went over to tell him his dog was not well and he scoffed at me. He FINALLY came out after I convinced him. He proceeded to tell me the dog was fine (it was not). He was rude. I'm sure he was embarrased by the fact that he almost let his dog die in front of his bar, but he treated all of us like assholes. We were just trying to be nice and help. The bouncer was the one who told me it was the owners dog. He was in charge of something there, I suppose. read more

Great energy! Amazing beers on draft and lots of outdoor seating options. Pigs in a blanket are just the comfort bar food you need!

I found Donnybrook to be a no frills place with good service and where it's easy to have a fun time. It's a good spot to watch a game, dance your heart out, or simply have a drink with friends. Their cocktails get the job done and their beer list wasn't bad. The crowd seemed to overall be pretty chill too. read more

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Bartenders are the best, there's always a place to sit, and pricing is reasonable. Love this bar!

As a Clinton street resident, I greeted the arrival of a nice-looking corner bar with cautious optimism. So often in the LES, moreso than anywhere else, expectations and reality diverge. Prior to Donnybrook's arrival, the corner of Stanton and Clinton was occupied by a ratty, mixed-use bar/sandwich spot/cybercafe known as Lotus. It was assuredly grimy, but with that treasure of grime came a dearth of pretentiousness and, invariably, the neighborhood's fondness. Enter Donnybrook. I was skeptical from the start, as the place looked too manicured for its own good. Hipster havens across the hood know that too much polish can work against you. The crowd also, at least from outside, seemed to be mostly folks from elsewhere in the city, trekking here because they read about it on a blog (or Yelp) and wanted to try some new LES joint. No matter. When Donnybrook plastered fliers all over the neighborhood advertising a Clinton Street-themed Happy Hour to meet, and enjoy drinks with neighbors (none of which I know - seriously, where are you hiding guys?), I called up my sis and said let's check it out. So we get there, the vibe is relaxed, the music is low, but not inaudible. There wasn't much of a crowd, but the folks there match the venue. I had to remark to my sister that the place felt less like an actual bar than a TV show's set for a bar. It's an odd feeling, but I go with it. I ask about the Happy Hour specials, bartender says they're still going, and I and my sis order a round. Nothing crazy, two basic cocktails. The bartender serves them, and asks for $28. Excuse me? Broheem, what about happy hour? These drinks aren't covered. Perhaps he could've said that *before* he made the drinks? I wanted to ask him, "Homey, we're in a recession, and you're going to charge me $30 for two cocktails?" but I sucked it up, paid, tipped, and sat down to enjoy my $14, South of Houston cocktail. Strike 1 against Donnybrook. So we sit at one of the three or so tables there. The tables are arranged in an uninviting way, so it's difficult to get a seat anywhere other than the bar. But we do. As I'm drinking, I notice that they have several busboy-types who are constantly walking around briskly, adjusting candles and picking up glasses. Great. But about halfway through my drink, a busboy magically appears at my side, and takes the still half-unconsumed drink off the table from in front of me! I was too disinclined to make a stink about it, so I just let him take it and scram. Sigh. Strike 2 against Donnybrook. There's a Knicks game on, and some people are freaking out (I used to be a Knicks fanatic, but short of a 30-year-old time-traveling Michael Jordan descending from the heavens in a Knicks jersey, nothing can get me insanely riled up about the team now). They're loud, and the whole bar seems kind of muted in contrast. They get louder, rowdy, and the place's vibe suddenly changes to "sports bar." Strike 3 against Donnybrook. The place doesn't know what it wants to be: sports bar, hip bar, neighborhood bar. It tries to be everything, and succeeds at being nothing but the place on the corner of Stanton & Clinton where you'll pay $15 for a gin & tonic which will be taken off your table before you're finished while overzealous sports fans flip out over inconsequential games. I won't be back. Yelper James M. said it best: "an experience in banality like no other." read more

Stately and romantic, with a beautiful wood bar, aglow with candles- Donnybrook is a destination. The bartenders are super friendly and offer a great selection of beer, wine- plus a talented cocktail expertise. The whiskey smash, omg, made me so very happy. It's a delicious rendition of a mojito- but with whiskey. woo! AND: They just started serving food! Their Shepherds Pie is the best I've ever had.. Savory, rich lamb covered with these amazing mashed potatoes that were seriously better than my Grandma's. It was broiled on top to perfection, creating a buttery shell. The fish pie, a recipe from the owner's mother, was mentioned - and I will definitely be trying this on my next visit. I'm a whore for crab cakes- and these were delicious.. full of crabby meat (and not just breading with some crab), accompanied with a light salad. Perfect touch. French fries (crisp! tender! fresh!) are served with a curry sauce, making me reminiscent of my last trip to Ireland. They already had me at the word "bar"-- but this menu adds a great touch to this already well established neighborhood pub.. or, correction, now "gastropub." read more

After a night out at a few places I realized I had lost my wallet. When I opened up Instagram the next day I was incredibly happy to see they had looked me up and messaged me that my wallet was there. I am unbelievable thankful that they went above and beyond to reach out to me. This place is a welcome reprieve from much of the rest of the LES. It has a classic interior that is dark, warm, and inviting and the bartenders are friendly and unpretentious. It's great place to go with friends and enjoy each other's company. read more

I was in the need for a much needed romp with Rose Y. and Jen N. We finally settled on Labor Day weekend, I believe on the Monday of the actual Day of Labor. While this place wasn't our first choice, the wait was over an hour at the initial place Rose chose. Jen took charge of our motley crew, promised we'd bump into a good place, and this is how we happened upon Donnybrook. And oh man, it was pretty much the best EVER. First off, our waiter reminded me of the cute younger brother of a sexy celebrity I now forget. Maybe Cillian Murphy? He might have had a slight accent, but he didn't take much. Maybe that's how I like 'em? Anyway, super attentive without being overly annoying (as if he could, with THAT smile) and delivered us surprisingly delicious food. It's worth noting that he did fuck up Jen's order though, when she asked for no mayo or something like that. It had whatever she asked for on it, probably 'cause they used the same knife :-/ I got something... french toast something or other? Probably? I don't remember, because I was eating edible heaven. Rose was happy with hers (a salad? Maybe?), and Jen was okay despite the mayo/possible mustard snafoo. It was also SUPER AFFORDABLE and drinks are included in the brunch price which hey, is now something I actively look for in places (it just makes it easier to price it ahead of time). I not only recommend this place, I'll probably be bringing a cadre of gay brunchers back here at some point. No free wireless and no AC in the summer, so plan accordingly. Still gets my top rating irregardless. read more

Stopped by for lunch/brunch on a Saturday. Busy but not crowded. I had a seat at the bar. Their Shepherd's Pie is pretty good - not the best in NYC but a good choice. Beer selection on tap looked good - I was too far from the taps to make a detailed list. Just a couple of blocks north of Delancey near to the Williamsburg Bridge. Way out of the way but I will find an occasion to go back. read more

Wandered in with a big group of friends on a nice fall night. We chose Donnybrook because there were a lot of us, and we didn't feel like fighting for space at that point in our Friday night crawl. The vast empty space should have been a clue. -Horrible service -Horrible weak, intensely sweet, overpriced ($12) cocktails read more

Here is my attempt at quickly summarizing my observations and others' reviews. 1) It is a clean-cut bar with not a whole lot of character, but enough. And it has beer/drinks, so it gets the job done. 2) There was a good balance of crowd here. Not too empty nor too crowded. 3) It is true. They do serve food now. 4) The bartender was working hard, and he wasn't over-the-top friendly, but he was polite and served the beer. 5) Yes, there will be patrons from other parts of the city. So yea, it's a bar. You can eat and drink there. i wouldn't mind hosting an event here because I doubt your friends would be too crowded. I also wouldn't mind dropping in to grab a drink. It's unlikely I'd go out of my way to make a visit though. read more

Donnybrook is great. We had a nosh here not too long ago with a big group, and the food was fresh and fast. DELICIOUS. Burger with onions and fries - great. I don't really drink somuch so I can't comment on the awesomeness of the drinks, but the fountain soda was good, the food was hot, and the STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING - awesome. just great. I would recommend. read more

I went here with some friends late on a Friday night hoping to check out the new space. What a disappointment. Music was bland vocoder R&B, the acoustics were terrible and the drinks were overpriced. There were way too many 40 plus guys in sport coats and girls wearing pearls and cashmere cardigans. Come on, people. Its downtown, not your cousin Veronica's North Fork wedding. This bar belongs on the Upper East Side. Another reviewer had it right: everyone looks like they read or heard about it and decided to trek far south and 'rough it' in the LES. Fuck you, Donnybrook. P.S. Your customers are annoying and loud. read more

Nice neighborhood joint, cool place to hop in for a drink. Never ordered the food so I can't comment on the menu but servers and bouncer was friendly. Would return. Probably not on a weekend, a little too packed for my tastes and not my type of crowd. read more

I've never been here for food or before 10pm, but some of the best times I've had in New York have been at Donnybrook. Whenever I have a large group from out of town, and they want to go dancing, I bring them here. The music is always on point, playing top 40s and hip-hop, although the DJ could use a bit of work on his transitions. The great thing is that during the summer, the A/C is working at full blast, so no matter how hard you're raging, you won't be that sweaty. That said, the crowd is also always very manageable, since it's pretty far east in LES, and there's usually a scarcity of drunk douches, which is great. The crowd does skew a bit younger, but it's never been too much of a problem. Also, I've never had to wait in line, and there's no cover. Bomb. That's really all you can ask from a dance place in LES. I like that the wooden tables are still available for those who may not want to dance, so wallflowers don't feel weird. I also like the Irish pub feel, which gives off a comfortable, unpretentious vibe. Bouncers are always pretty friendly and have always been quick to strike up conversation. Surprising, but definitely appreciated. Prices for beer are decent, although not amazing. Bartenders are generally attentive, but not the friendliest in my opinion. Probably need some lessons from the bouncers. Can't say I'll be back for food, but I'll definitely be back for a late night dance party. read more

I'm honestly only a fan of this place because of Nacho C's review. I want to be friends with him IMMEDIATELY. Why won't he add me on Yelp? DAMN YOU NACHO C!!!!!!! Donnybrook was across the street from WD-50 which was probably one of the best meals of my life. It was raining and we didn't want to move far so thankfully we stumbled off the streets and into Donnybrook. For New York this place had some reasonably priced beers and it has a pretty sweet old school irish pub feel to it. I approve...but seriously where the fuck is Nacho C when you need him? read more