Welcome to Bar of the Week, a running series from TV and City that highlights New York’s best spots for drinks, vibes, and just the right amount of chaos.
Each week, we spotlight one bar. Sometimes it’s a cozy cocktail lounge. Sometimes it’s a sprawling beer hall. Sometimes it’s a barely-marked door behind a fake hardware store. We don’t try to cover every bar in the city. Just the ones we actually go to. The ones we’d take a friend, a first date, or someone visiting who asks, “So where do you usually hang out?”
These aren’t curated for algorithms or chasing clout. They’re the bars that make up New York. One week at a time.
📚 Bar of the Week: Ulysses’
📍 Location: 58 Stone Street / 95 Pearl Street, Financial District
🚇 Nearest Subway: Wall St (2/3), Broad St (J/Z), Bowling Green (4/5)
Vibe: A literary-inspired Irish pub that brings Guinness and James Joyce together under one very charming roof.
🕰️ Why We Love It
Tucked along the cobblestones of Stone Street, Ulysses manages to feel both classically Irish and unmistakably downtown Manhattan. Its name is a nod to James Joyce’s famously dense novel, Ulysses, and while the theming doesn’t hit you over the head, it’s present in the decor, the menu, and the occasional quote etched across the walls.
This is the kind of place that feels like it belongs to the city. You don’t need to be a Joyce scholar to enjoy it. In fact, when we visited, one roommate who loves the book was underwhelmed by the theming, while the rest of us, who couldn’t get through more than five pages, thought it was a clever and fun backdrop for a night out. You get the sense that the bar is paying tribute to its namesake without turning it into a gimmick. And that works.
Ulysses is surrounded by other great bars on Stone Street, but it still manages to stand out. There’s something grounding about it. It’s an ideal meet-up spot before heading somewhere else, but it’s also the kind of place where you could unexpectedly post up for the entire evening and never regret it.
🍺 What to Order
You’re at an Irish pub, so start with a Guinness. It’s poured well and goes down smooth in a space that feels built for it. But don’t stop there. Ulysses also has a full cocktail list with drinks like the Joyce Bramble, Wandering Rocks, and Sylvia Beach Fizz, each offering playful references to either the book or its surrounding mythology. Even if you’re not in a literary mood, the bartenders will steer you toward something solid.
The food menu leans hearty and reliable, with items like Guinness-battered fish and chips, Irish lamb stew, and Bangers and Mash. It’s a great place to split a couple of comfort dishes with friends, especially if you’re already on your second pint.
🎶 Extras and Atmosphere
There’s often live music in the back and DJs on weekend nights, but the vibe doesn’t flip into full-on party mode unless it’s a holiday or special event. One of the best times to visit is during their annual Bloomsday celebration on June 16, which honors the novel with readings, live performances, and a bit of joyful chaos.
Outdoor seating along Stone Street is another plus. Especially in the spring and fall, grabbing a table outside adds a European café feel to the whole experience. It’s one of the few streets in Manhattan that actually feels like it belongs in another country, and Ulysses fits right in.
🗽 Why It’s a TV and City Pick
Ulysses is a literary bar that doesn’t demand homework. It’s an Irish pub that doesn’t feel generic. And it’s one of the most reliable places on Stone Street for a drink that feels grounded, warm, and never overdone. Whether you’re grabbing a Guinness, diving into Joyce, or just looking for a chill spot downtown, this place belongs in your rotation.
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