Classic Irish Pub Fare and Big-Game Energy in Midtown
Jack Demsey’s brings a true Irish pub experience to New York City, just steps from the bustle of Midtown. Known for its warm, old-school atmosphere, this lively sports bar mixes nostalgic charm with plenty of room to settle in, whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch, meeting friends after work, or planning a group event. Guests love the mix of old boxing photos, layered seating across multiple levels, and screens throughout the space that make it easy to catch live action while you eat.
The menu keeps things hearty and satisfying, with standout favorites like Guinness shepherd’s pie, sliders, burgers, and daily specials that feel right at home in a proper pub setting. Visitors often mention the attentive service and the friendly bartenders who are happy to make a recommendation, whether that means adding the brown sauce to your meal or pairing your dish with a classic pint. It’s the kind of place that feels comfortable on a weekday lunch break but lively enough for a game day meetup or a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
For anyone looking for a dependable bar and grill near Herald Square, Jack Demsey’s stands out for its inviting vibe, affordable comfort food, and all-around neighborhood feel in the heart of Manhattan.
✨ Review Highlights
Consistent and Reliable Spot
Customers appreciate the bar as a reliable spot for a no-frills experience with drinks, food, and a comfortable atmosphere, making it a go-to for those running around the city.
Friendly and Apologetic Staff
The bartenders are noted for their friendliness and professionalism, even when enforcing house policies such as not serving tap water during events.
High Cover Charges and Service Fees
Several customers express concern over the $20 cover charge for sports events and a 20% service charge added to bar orders, which they feel are excessive and not typical for the area.
Lack of Air Conditioning
Multiple reviews mention discomfort due to inadequate air conditioning, especially during crowded events, impacting the overall experience.
Perceived Greed in Business Practices
Customers criticize the business for practices like charging cover fees for regular TV games and quickly turning over patrons to maximize profits, which they view as excessive and greedy.
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Chuck Neighbors
in the last weekStopped here several times over the years and I will keep coming back. It’s exactly what you need when running around the city and just need a no frills bar, drink, AC, and some food. It’s low light, not loud, and perfect for recharging.
Chad Covelli
a week agoravi bobbe
2 weeks agoPatrick Moloney
3 weeks agoWent to watch a World Cup match. There was a $20 cover - (that included a Michelob ultra beer). Seemed a little high for a cover charge but didn’t want to look for somewhere else. Ordered a whiskey neat and a glass of water. Was told I would have to buy a bottle of water as they don’t serve tap water during World Cup games. The barman was very nice about it and apologetic. It seems a bit much to not serve a glass of water with a $20 whiskey after already having a $20 cover charge. The check had a 20% service charge added for drinks at the bar which is not normal for NYC - it also had a space to add a tip in case you don’t notice they already added 20%. Also they didn’t seem to have AC on and it was super uncomfortable at the bar. It’s a nice bar with good atmosphere and friendly bartenders. But between the cover charge, no tap water, 20% service charge for drinks at the bar and no AC it just felt they were being mean and trying to grab as much money as they can. I would probably rather not go back and give business to this place.
David Nuttall
3 weeks agoBeware if you are wanting to watch sports! Charged a $20 cover charge for a football game and then kicked everybody out immediately after the game, even when people still had drinks so they could charge $20 again for the next game - they also kindly rolled their ATM to the doorway for you so they could make additional profit off the fees from that too if you were caught suprised by a cover charge and needed cash. This type of practice is absolutely disgusting and just pure greed from the owners! I can understand a cover charge for a pay per view event like boxing where there is additional costs for showing the event, but there should be no cover charge for games on normal TV. I should also mention the A/C was horrendous so we paid this $20 to then stand in a sweat box for the game. We ended up watching the next game a couple of blocks up at Sonny's which had the games on and no cover charge. We also went to Carraghers the previous week to watch a game and there was no cover charge there so clearly not every sports bar in NYC is greedy like this, some just appreciate your business during the game versus owners like this trying to gouge money from fans. People should refuse to pay these excessive cover charges for a game as there are bars very close by who don't do this. If those bars doing this opportunistic gouging during games had fans make a statement and walk away so they had no business in their bars or atmosphere (which is created by the fans) for sports events I am sure the cover charge would dissapear very fast when their bottom line is hit.