An Irish Wake for Guinan's Family Store and Pub

by J. J. HUNSECKER · January 28, 2008

    Guinan’s Public Store and Pub

    [Image Source: NY Times]

    A touch of Ireland upon the Hudson will disappear at the end of this month with the closing of Guinan's Family Store and Pub. Operated by its octogenarian and eponymous owner Jim Guinan, this Irish time capsule has been serving commuters coffee and donuts and bar-goers Guiness and Black and Tan's since it opened in 1959. Every first Thursday after a full moon, for the last forty-eight years, patrons have been regaled with live Irish music that included "the Dying Rebel," "Galway Bay," and "Danny Boy." Jim Guinan still serenades in his baritone voice, and anyone with an instrument is welcome to accompany. We are going to miss this one-of-a-kind public house.