Lowdown: Rory Dolan's in Yonkers

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The sign on the front of Rory Dolan’s in Yonkers probably has it right. The place just might be the "Liveliest Irish Pub in New York."

“People love coming here," says Rory Dolan, himself. "They all want to be Irish.”

Vibe: Go on a Saturday night at around 11 and bump elbows with everyone from firefighters and nurses to everybody you went to high school with, if you're from the area. The night Metromix went to check it out, a procession of bagpipe players worked its way through the crowd — it might not even have been celebrating a special occassion.

On Mondays, nuns lunch at tables in a section that becomes the dance floor at night — where the cosmopolitan move to the DJ (who must rattle the waterford crystal that seems to be everywhere at Rory’s). When a DJ's not playing the tunes, Rory's regularly hosts soft, traditional Irish music.

Some other key offerings include Irish coffee, a handsome Irish staff, 30 beers on tap and 25 plasma TVs. Obviously, it isn't a little place. Plus, you have to love complimentary valet parking.

Attire: Dress is casual, but gets a little less casual as the sun sinks. If you’re just popping in for a pint to watch a bit of the game, nobody’s going to escort you out if you’re wearing a baseball hat, but do keep your hair in order for the evening hours. Word to the wise: leave your hat at home or you might get bonked on the head with a shilelagh.

Mood: The mood at Rory’s varies. During the day, it's very warm and the fireplace is usually going during the winter months. Most days, Rory greets you himself, practically taking your coat off for you. The vibe is very social and despite it feeling clubby at night, the layout makes it pretty easy to meet new people. There’s a dance floor (remember where the nuns were sitting?) and poppy music to rock your body to. There’s food and friends in booths and booze, and friends you haven’t met yet on every stool.

Have in hand: Rory Dolan’s has an extensive selection of beers on tap. The number hovers somewhere around 30, so it's possible you could have a different beer every day of the month. There is a huge, fully-stocked bar that sits like an island in the center of decades of New York nostalgia, warm fireplaces and good company.

Try Rory’s “Cool J," which is melon liquor, vodka and rum with a splash of lime, grapefruit and orange juice. There is a full brunch and dinner menu, as well as wide array of traditional Irish and American bar food. It's all good, and priced at a point that Rory himself considers “recession-proof.” Bar food is available until 3 a.m., all for under $8.

Entertainment: Sports fans rejoice: Rory’s has 25 plasma screen TVs, so you’ll never miss a play on the way to the loo. There is also a gigantic projection screen that Rory pulls down for the big games. In the summer, there's plenty of outdoor seating and with a DJ and Irish music played often, there is always something going on.

Want a look inside? Check out All Access: Rory Dolan's in Yonkers

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