A pub keeps up Irish tradition in Riverdale

Amid the delis and apartment buildings off Riverdale Avenue sits a traditional Irish pub, filled on any given day with locals catching up with a drink, independent musicians displaying their talent and college students unwinding after a day of classes. 

An Beal Bocht Cafe, located near the corner of 238th Street and Greystone Avenue, a few blocks away from the neighborhood known as Little Dublin, is a pub that keeps up the Irish tradition in Riverdale. Historical clippings decorate the walls, the menu offers Irish food, a mix of folk and traditional Irish music is performed several nights a week, and bartenders and waiters know regular customers by name. 

Musicians Sarah Keane and Michael Davidson took the stage on a recent Sunday night this month. Mr. Davidson first performed during an open mic night – a show that An Beal Bocht holds every Tuesday night – and when the crowd loved his music, the pub asked him to come back multiple times, he said.  

“It’s a place where people come to listen and generally have an open mind,” Mr. Davidson said. “The people are always supportive and the collective talent of the neighborhood is pretty inspiring.” 

“The whole operation is a true public house that incorporates Irish tradition. It is set up to promote communication among people. There are no distractions like TV or jukeboxes, where you are subject to other people’s taste,” he said, adding that the pub’s owners and patrons “make you feel very welcome, which is really rare.” 

Aoife Maria Williamson, a waitress and bartender, praised the pub’s artistic atmosphere. 

“The fact that it has a theater and art on the walls gives it an artsy vibe, so you get a mixed crowd,” she said. 

While the crowd is mixed, conversation flows easily among the different people, amid the homey feel of An Beal Bocht Café. 

“Everyone knows each other,” Ms. Williamson said. “You get to know people’s names right away along with their life stories. It’s just a positive experience.”

Many local residents come in to enjoy the music and drinks – and then consistently return to the bar. 

“I wouldn’t go to any other bar besides here. We’ve tried other bars but always ended up back here,” said Ashley Morales, a neighborhood resident. “We come here a lot after work to take the stress away. It has a nice atmosphere, very comfortable.” 

Elda Ramus, another local patron, added: “I just love it. The outside patio is very inviting and the waitress is wonderful. She really takes care of her customers.”

For a place to grab a drink, talk to friends, enjoy live music, observe art or theatre, or immerse yourself in traditional Irish culture, An Beal Bocht Café seems to be a favorite pub among locals.