The Bars of Woodside, New York

Woodside, New York is the geographical center of New York. This working class neighborhood has a lot to offer including a great sense of community. That being said Woodside also has a lot of bars. In the span of three blocks, from 58th Street to 61st there are nine bars all within walking distance of one another. I have lived in the neighborhood for five years so here is a review of the bars. This list only takes into account the bars from 58th Street to 61st Street on Woodside and Roosevelt Avenues. If you venture past this area you'll find a bunch more.

1) Donovan's Pub - A Woodside institution that has been there for years. Donovan's offers great food at reasonable prices and a nice selection of beers. It is a great place to go for Sunday Brunch or Dinner out with the guys or girls. Great place for families as well. Donovan's was recently voted the "Best Hamburger in New York."

2) KC Moore's - This is my personal favorite. A corner sports bar with cold beer and the game always on. This is a great place for sports fans to strike up a friendly conversation with the locals. On Saturday nights it has either a DJ or Karaoke.

3) Saints and Sinners - Offers a nice menu of traditional Irish food such as Bangers and Mash and Fish and Chips. Saint's and Sinners pours a great pint of Guinness as well and often has live music, usually a one-man band.

4) Sir Vino's - This is the newest place on the block, a nice Italian restaurant and bar. Offers lunch specials and just recently started singles night. I have only been there once, but so far I like what I see.

5) Toucan Tommy's - A nice Irish Pub that offers nice pint of Guinness and other fine selections of beer. It's located right across from the Subway.

6) Cuckoo's Nest - Offers fine food and a good pint of Guinness. I have only been there a few times, but it has a very friendly atmosphere.

7) Sean Og's - Looks like a traditional Irish pub straight from Ireland on the outside. Most of the clientele are Irish immigrants. Offer a nice pint of Guinness and music on the weekends. Also offers Irish Football and Rugby matches.

8) Starting Gate Pub - Another Irish pub that offers all Irish and English Premiere League Games. It's shows all the matches live. Also has live music on the weekends.

9) Station Café - I have only been there once but I enjoyed my experience when I was there.

All these nine bars are within walking distance of one another. If you can't decide on which one to visit, I suggest going on a good old-fashioned pub-crawl. Just take the 7 train to 61st/Woodside and walk down to the street. You'll be able to see what each bar has to offer and pick out your favorite. All with the exception of Sir Vino's have a distinct Irish flavor to them.