Answering NYC’s Guinness Questions. Crafting The Perfect Pint at Tara Mor
In a city with an Irish pub on every corner, finding a truly perfect pint of Guinness can feel like a quest. It’s more than just a beer; it’s a ritual. And if you’re near Penn Station or Madison Square Garden, that quest ends at Tara Mor.
We get a lot of questions about what makes our Guinness stand out. So, as the local experts, we decided to answer them. Here’s everything you need to know about finding an authentic pint in the heart of NYC.
Q: What really makes a pint of Guinness “perfect?”
A great pint of Guinness is a multi-sensory experience. It’s not just about the taste, but the entire presentation. A perfect pint has a rich, creamy, and smooth taste, with absolutely no bitterness. It’s served at the ideal temperature—cool, but not ice-cold—which allows the complex, roasted barley flavors to shine. Finally, it must have the iconic, dense creamy head that sits just proud of the rim of the glass. It’s a science and an art.
Q: I’ve heard there’s a special way to pour Guinness. Does it actually matter?
Absolutely. The legendary two-part pour is non-negotiable for a perfect pint, and it’s a tradition we honor with every glass.
It starts by holding a clean, branded tulip glass at a 45-degree angle. The first pour fills the glass about three-quarters full. Then comes the most important part: the wait. Letting the pint settle allows the surge of tiny nitrogen bubbles to create that beautiful, cascading effect and form the creamy head. Once settled, we top it off. This patient, two-step process, mastered by our bartenders, ensures the perfect texture and a lasting, perfect dome.
Why Our Guinness is Genuinely Different
This is our favorite question, because the difference is in the details—things you can’t see but can definitely taste.
The Perfect Temperature
Unlike most bars that store all their kegs in one freezing cold room, our Guinness kegs live in a separate, temperature-controlled fridge right under the bar. This precision prevents over-carbonation and ensures a smoother, more flavorful pour.
Unbeatable Freshness
In many NYC pubs, the beer has to travel 30 feet or more from a basement keg room to the tap. At Tara Mor, that distance is about three feet. Our kegs are directly under the bar, giving us what might be the shortest beer lines in the city. This guarantees that every single pint is exceptionally fresh.
Immaculate Pipes & Proper Glassware
Those ultra-short lines are also professionally cleaned with obsessive frequency, meaning your pint is always pure. And we only serve it in the classic Guinness tulip glass, which is specifically designed to enhance the aroma and showcase that iconic, creamy head.
Q: What makes the Guinness at Tara Mor genuinely different from other NYC bars?
This is our favorite question, because the difference is in the details—things you can’t see but can definitely taste.
The Perfect Temperature: Unlike most bars that store all their kegs in one freezing cold room, our Guinness kegs live in a separate, temperature-controlled fridge right under the bar. This precision prevents over-carbonation and ensures a smoother, more flavorful pour.
Unbeatable Freshness: In many NYC pubs, the beer has to travel 30 feet or more from a basement keg room to the tap. At Tara Mor, that distance is about three feet. Our kegs are directly under the bar, giving us what might be the shortest beer lines in the city. This guarantees that every single pint is exceptionally fresh.
Immaculate Pipes & Proper Glassware: Those ultra-short lines are also professionally cleaned with obsessive frequency, meaning your pint is always pure. And we only serve it in the classic Guinness tulip glass, which is specifically designed to enhance the aroma and showcase that iconic, creamy head.
Q: I’m heading to a game at MSG. Why should I grab my Guinness at Tara Mor?
For convenience and quality, you can’t beat it. We are a one-minute walk from Penn Station and a two-minute walk from Madison Square Garden. This makes us the perfect spot to grab an authentic, perfectly poured pint before a Knicks or Rangers game, a concert, or your train ride home. You get the electric pre-game atmosphere without sacrificing the quality of your drink.
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
We're passionate about our pints, but our guests' experiences say it all. Here’s what people are saying:
"Best Guinness in Manhattan. I try to stop here for a few anytime I’m around midtown. Bartenders are very professional and friendly, as are the other staff members. Super clean restaurant, and the layout of the place is very nice. Overall a great place to visit, always a positive experience."
— Robert V.
"One of the better pints of Guinness in nyc."
— Jason F., Local Guide
Your Quest Ends Here
For a truly authentic pint of Guinness near Penn Station and MSG, you won’t find a place more dedicated to the craft. Come in, taste the difference for yourself, and let us pour you a perfect one.
Cheers!
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Live Music: Wednesdays & Thursdays
Hours: Open daily from 12 until 2
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