The Perfect Pair: Why Guinness and Our Irish Spice Bag Are a Match Made in NYC Heaven

In a city with an Irish bar 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. But here's an insider secret: that perfect pint has a soulmate, and it's our viral Irish spice bag.

At Tara Mor, we've seen a massive surge in searches for these two items. In fact, our keywords for "best guinness in nyc" and "irish spice bag nyc" are among our highest performers, with clicks for the spice bag alone seeing an incredible +75% increase in August. You came looking for one, but you'll stay for both.

The Sacred Pour: An Expert's Guide to the Perfect Pint

We get a lot of questions about what makes our Guinness stand out. The answer is a meticulous dedication to a flawless process, honed through firsthand experience. As the team behind Tara Mor, we can tell you this: a perfect pint is no accident. Here’s why a pint at our bar is genuinely different:

• Experience-Driven 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. Our direct experience with this method guarantees a consistently perfect temperature, every single time.

• Unbeatable Freshness & Expertise: With Guinness kegs stored just three feet from our taps—a distance that's nearly unheard of in NYC—we have what might be the shortest beer lines in the city. Our expertise in draft line management ensures unparalleled freshness in every single pint.

• Immaculate Pipes & Proper Glassware: Those ultra-short lines are professionally cleaned with obsessive frequency. We also only serve Guinness in its classic tulip glass, which is specifically designed to enhance the aroma and showcase that iconic, creamy head.

• The Authentic Two-Part Pour: Our bartenders are masters of the legendary two-part pour. This patient, two-step process ensures the perfect texture, a lasting cascade, and the beautiful, dense dome that every perfect pint deserves. No shortcuts, just perfection.

The Viral Sensation: Our Authentic Spice Bag

There’s a buzz on the streets of New York, and it’s coming from our viral spice bags at Tara Mor. For the unaware, a spice bag is a beloved staple from Irish takeaways—a comforting, spicy, salty mashup of crispy fries, sautéed peppers and onions, and a signature seasoning that hits all the right notes.

At Tara Mor, we didn’t rush this. Our team spent months researching, tasting, tweaking, and testing to perfect a version that honored the original while elevating it for New York’s dynamic palate. We even took things a step further: our 24-hour buttermilk-soaked chicken tenders are the ultimate add-on—golden-crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Whether you're Irish to the core or simply chasing the next flavor trend, this dish delivers.

A Match Made in Heaven: The Flavor of the Pair

So why do these two seemingly different items make the perfect pair? It’s all about balance.

The bold, salty, and spicy notes of the spice bag are perfectly complemented by the smooth, bittersweet, and slightly roasted flavor of the stout. The creaminess of the Guinness cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and chips, cleansing your palate and making each bite as delicious as the last. It's a harmonious union that elevates a simple meal to an unforgettable experience.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

We're passionate about our pints and our food, but our guests' experiences say it all.

"Went with a few friends to watch the Knicks game, great place for it with lots of TVs and so close to MSG, Jane the server was brilliant, and the pint of Guinness was perfect, will definitely be back!"

— Robert Mac, May 25, 2025

"Solid choice, especially after games in MSG. Friendly staff, great atmosphere, must try Guinness, beautiful decor. Can't go wrong"

— Killian Farrelly, March 6, 2025

"Great place. Very Irish , very cosy and very vibey. Had a spice bag and it was delicious, just like home. The music and staff were both excellent, always happy to have a night Tara Mór . Big love to Fiona our host ❤️"

— Amy Cooke, March 4, 2025

Your Quest Ends Here: The Best Irish Bar for Your Weekend and Late Night

Whether you're heading to a Knicks game or a Rangers match, catching a concert at Madison Square Garden (just a two-minute walk away!), or simply passing through Penn Station, Tara Mor is your destination. We offer convenience, quality, and a truly authentic Irish bar experience. Come for a perfect Guinness, a satisfying spice bag, and the warmest hospitality. We're the ideal spot for a fun weekend night out or a delicious bite to eat on a late night.

Visit Us! Location: Steps from Penn Station & MSG

Hours: Open daily from 12 PM Happy Hour: Weekdays 4–6:30 pm, All Day Friday Live Music: Wednesdays & Thursdays

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P.S. You can also experience the iconic Spice Bag at our sister bar, Tara Rose, in Murray Hill.