Swift
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 260-3600
- Cross Street:
- Between Lafayette Street and Bowery
- Directions:
- B, D, F, V at Broadway-Lafayette; 6 at Bleecker St
- Specialties:
- Irish Pub
- Best of Citysearch:
- Irish Pub 2007, After-Work Bar 2006
- Hours:
- Daily 12pm-4am
Editorial Review for Swift – by Kerry Burke and Jeff Tancil
The Scene
Swift stands out in the East Village as an old-time pub. The church-pew booths, wall mural and antiqued tables and bars all pay homage to Irish literary great Jonathan Swift. Live music (on a sophisticated sound system) is an occasional feature, but there's no stage, so when musicians appear, they're part of the crowd--literally. Swift is swank, extremely friendly and pours an excellent pint of Guinness.
The Draw
Wedged between the transforming Bowery and the increasingly corporate environs of Soho, Swift draws a diverse crowd. Day-to-day patrons include nine-to-fivers cooling off with post-work bourbons and burgers, singles on the prowl, musicians looking for an impromptu hoe-down and even a stray celebrity or two (Harvey Keitel stopped by once for a Guinness). Though crowds and love-vibes are in abundance on the weekends, Swift offers an otherwise relaxed night out on the town.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkCome winter, sample Irish coffee, spiked apple cider and other hot toddies.
User Reviews for Swift
03/21/2008 Posted by fiddlerchick
Having been told about the 'session' on a Tuesday night by a New York Friend, I went along with him to the Swift with my fiddle to join in. That's what I think a session is. I was wrong. I arrived - the sound engineer was really nice and welcoming. The guitarist was friendly, and the banjo player was too. The fiddler wasn't. But the general vibe was absolutely of a gig. One where outsiders were not welcome. The fiddle player would not even speak to me! She just carried on regardless. This is fine - I have no problem at all with people doing a gig if that's what it is advertised as. I like going to them. I respect other musicians enough not to tread on toes and offend by trying to join in. But it's supposed to be a session. It's not - so please stop advertising it as one. At one point a guy asked if his band who were over from Ireland for St Patrick's night could do a couple of numbers. The response was awesome in it's rudeness. He was basically told 'No' straight off. If he had been honestly and nicely told by the band that it wasn't a session it would have been OK. Instead he got non-responsive dismissal. Again - NOT what a session would have been like. All in all - I finished my pint and went round the corner to Dempsey's where I was welcomed with open arms by a group of 15 or so real musicians who wanted to hear what I played, where I come from, told me what tunes they were going to play, were happy to join in with me, and welcomed my playing along with theirs. Now that's a REAL SESSION. I left at 2, had pints bought for me, bought pints back for new friends, and with several phone numbers for people who wanted me to come back again. So thanks to Dempsey's for a GREAT night. Boo to Swift's. I left Swift's with barely a soul in the bar and people politely clapping at the end of each tune. If you want a great session, leave Swift's immediately, go 5 minutes round the corner on to 2nd and have a good night.
Pros: OK bar staff
Cons: Pathetic session
02/07/2008 Posted by Dan28
This place has completely lost its luster. Before, when Sean and Bernadette were bartending, this place really rocked and they gave lots of buybacks because they appreciated big tippers. They also gave an effort to know everyone and to make sure that everyone had a good time. Now, they have the same snobby bartender-types that work in upscale bars with the "I'm too good for you" attitude. Recently, my friend and I were tipping the bartender well (for about 2.5 hours) and we didn't even get 1 buyback!!! This has happened on more than one occasion. Also, the bartenders are closed and don't seek conversation with anyone. Forget this place and head over to Puck Fair. The atmosphere there is more of what Swift's was about 5 years ago - friendly bartenders, cool crowd, and lots of giant-screen tv's. Right now, Swift's is just a shell of its former self. Don't bother.
Pros: great beer selection
Cons: it's just a regular bar. Nothing special
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