NYC gay bars like Mary’s are quickly becoming the new local gems.
Nestled between East Williamsburg and Greenpoint , Mary ’s Baris a recent improver to Brookyn ’s get string ofqueer space .
Opened by Dublin aboriginal Brendan Donohoe in April , the spot has quick become a sanctuary for those front to pull up a stool and at leisure sip on a pint of Guinness amongst a laid - back crowd .
As a former barman at the now close down O’Brien ’s Irish Pub in Times Square , throughout his decades - long career in hospitality — and evolution as a festal military personnel — Donohoe found himself drift closer to Brooklyn , especially feel comfort and solace in the borough ’s burgeoning queen community .
Mary’s Bar|Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
His entrance into its queer bar scene kicked off after play Sheila Frayne , the possessor of the beloved Park Slopelesbian saloon , Ginger ’s . Donohoe eventually started helping with the administrative and operational aspect of the famed institution that first open up in 2000 .
“ Ginger ’s is such a unique gravitational force , ” says Donohoe . “ It ’s a slice of story that should be keep and take care of . ”
Inspired by the legendary bar ’s ethos and Ireland ’s recent undulation of new social and ethnic shift , Donohoe explored his own ways of contributing to this narration stateside and wondered : “ If Irish bars have such a potency around the world , then why would n’t expose Irish pubs as well ? ”
Of course, Guinness is served at Mary’s Bar|Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
While Donohoe go forward to serve out at Ginger ’s , Mary ’s Bar , which serves as a baby slur , is wholly his own .
name after his female parent , Donohoe opened the prevention with the vision of create a place that mirrors the pubs he hold dear at home plate in Dublin , while at the same time cultivating a haven for the LGBTQ+ community . The bar even has an officialCode of Conductin order to protect its patrons from obtrusive and unsafe behavior , which assert that everyone uphold their mission statement of maintaining a respectful environs by using sex - inclusive language and people ’s preferred pronouns .
With cheap drinks , a wrapper - around porch , and substantial outdoor seating , Mary ’s Bar is an ideal post for golden time of day hangs with ally — and an absence of TVs particularly encourages favorable conversation between frequenter .
Inside Mary’s Bar|Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
Emulating the manner of the Irish , Mary ’s Bar maintains a casual and honest-to-goodness - shoal atmosphere where everyone is welcome . “ Irish masses do n’t needfully take themselves too seriously ; when you ’re being hospitable in Ireland , it just feel like home , ” Donohoe says .
For June , Mary ’s Bar is kicking off Pride Month with traditional Irish music sets as well as DJ sessions , and plan to host upcoming events such as karaoke and trivia night .
Mary ’s Bar is heart-to-heart now at 134 Kingsland Ave in Greenpoint , Brooklyn .
