Sawdust-strewn floors and Irish bartenders transport you straight to Ireland at Mcsorley’s Old Ale House

With just under a week to St. Patrick’s Day, New York City’s top Irish pubs and cocktail bars are preparing for the busiest (and oft most rowdy) weekend of the year. Come Saturday streets will be flooded with four leaf clovers and green garb, as the masses flock to engage in the celebration.

To help you pick just the right spot to ring in St. Patrick’s Day, we’re naming our top three picks for the best Irish bars, from classy cocktail lounges to traditional pubs, to celebrate with the Irish this year!

The Dead Rabbit – A Cocktail Enthusiast’s Irish-American Delight

30 Water Street

Relish the Irish-American tradition and imbibe like a member of one of the original gangs of New York at The Dead Rabbit, named “World’s Best New Cocktail Bar” at Tales of the Cocktail 2013.  Take in a few of the bar’s phenomenal Irish Whisky concoctions in the Taproom or head upstairs to the Parlor Room and sip on an aptly named, Fighting Irish, at 5 pm for a more romantic vibe. This may just be your classiest St. Patrick’s Day yet!

McSorley’s Old Ale House – Irish History Incarnated

15 East 7^th Street

Step into New York’s oldest bar and enjoy a few beers like a true Irishmen at McSorley’s. Established in 1854, this place is the real deal and a true piece of New York history. After all, everyone from Abraham Lincoln to John Lennon have enjoyed a few pints here. Order a house-brewed light or dark ale from one of the gruff, Irish bartenders and join in for a boozy afternoon of good old Irish fun!

Molly’s Shebeen – An Authentic Irish Pub Experience

287 3^rd Avenue

Are you looking for the ultimate authentic Irish pub experience? Venture over to Molly’s and toss back a perfectly poured Guinness while enjoying traditional fare like the Shepard’s Pie. Bald bartenders with thick Irish accents, a wood-burning fireplace and sawdust-strewn floors will transport you straight to the Ireland you’ve always imagined.

What are your favorite NYC spots for good old Irish fun? Sound off in the comments.