New York City is full of spots that try too hard. You walk in, and it's all velvet ropes or minimalist concrete that feels like a doctor's office. But then there’s the East Village. Specifically, 2nd Avenue. That’s where Jackdaw sits. It’s an Irish-inspired bar, but honestly, calling it a "bar" feels like a bit of a disservice to the kitchen. When you look at the Jackdaw New York menu, you aren’t just seeing frozen mozzarella sticks and greasy burgers. You’re seeing a weirdly perfect blend of Irish comfort, high-end snacks, and some of the best shareable plates in Lower Manhattan.
It’s cozy. It’s loud on a Friday. It’s exactly what you want when you’re three drinks in and realize you desperately need salt and carbs.
Why the Jackdaw New York Menu Actually Works
Most people end up here for the drinks first. The cocktail list is clever—lots of nods to Irish literature and sharp flavors. But the food is the real sleeper hit. It’s designed for the way people actually eat in the East Village: grazing. You aren’t necessarily sitting down for a stiff three-course meal. You’re grabbing a high-top, ordering a round of Guinness, and picking at things.
The Shareable Heavy Hitters
Let’s talk about the Shishito Peppers. I know, every place in the city has them. They’re the "it" vegetable that won't go away. But Jackdaw does them with a lime crema and sea salt that actually cuts through the char. It’s simple. It works. Then you’ve got the tacos. You might think an Irish bar doing tacos is a red flag. It’s usually not great. However, their braised short rib tacos are legitimate. The meat is tender, the pickled onions add that hit of acid you need, and they don't fall apart the second you pick them up.
Then there is the flatbread situation.
If you’re with a group, you're getting the flatbreads. The Mushroom & Truffle one is the crowd-pleaser. It’s earthy, rich, and smells like a forest floor in the best way possible. Is it "authentic" Irish cuisine? No. Does it matter when you’re pairing it with a cold lager? Not even a little bit.
🔗 Read more: Blue Tabby Maine Coon: What Most People Get Wrong About This Striking Coat
The Mains: Comfort Without the Pretension
Sometimes you want a real meal. The Jackdaw New York menu delivers on that front without making things complicated.
The Jackdaw Burger is the anchor here. It’s a double patty, which is the superior burger format—don't fight me on this. Two thin patties provide more surface area for that Maillard reaction crust than one thick, soul-less puck of meat. They use American cheese because it melts better than anything else on earth, and the "secret sauce" actually has some tang to it. It’s a messy, glorious thing that requires at least four napkins.
- The Fish and Chips: They use a Smithwick’s ale batter. It’s light. It’s crispy. The tartar sauce is made in-house, which makes a massive difference compared to the shelf-stable stuff most places squeeze out of a plastic jug.
- The Shepherd’s Pie: This is the soul of the place. It’s lamb-based (as it should be, otherwise it's just cottage pie), topped with a crust of mashed potatoes that gets those little browned peaks from the broiler. It’s heavy. It’s salty. It’s a hug in a ceramic bowl.
Brunch is a Different Beast
If you wander in on a Saturday morning—or more likely, 2:00 PM on a Sunday—the vibe shifts. The Jackdaw New York menu swaps the moody evening fare for things that are designed to cure a hangover.
The Breakfast Burrito is a behemoth. We’re talking chorizo, scrambled eggs, black beans, and enough cheese to make you want to take a nap immediately after. But the real star of brunch might be the Chicken and Waffles. They use a hot honey drizzle that provides just enough kick to wake up your palate without ruining your day.
Honestly, the brunch crowd here is a mix of locals who have lived in the neighborhood since the 90s and NYU students who just discovered that Irish coffee is a valid breakfast beverage. It’s a scene. It’s fun.
💡 You might also like: Blue Bathroom Wall Tiles: What Most People Get Wrong About Color and Mood
The Specifics: What to Order When You Can't Decide
We've all been there. You're staring at the menu, the server is hovering, and your brain is a blank slate.
If it’s a first date: Go for the Charcuterie Board. It’s safe, it’s sophisticated enough, and it gives you something to do with your hands if the conversation hits a lull. Plus, the selection of Irish cheeses they rotate through is genuinely impressive.
If you’re solo at the bar: Get the wings. They do a Guinness BBQ glaze that is sticky, sweet, and slightly bitter. It’s a mess, but since you're alone, nobody is judging you for how much sauce ends up on your chin.
If you’re celebrating: Get a round of the "Boiler Makers" and the giant pretzel. The pretzel is roughly the size of a hubcap and comes with a beer cheese dip that I’m convinced is addictive.
A Note on the Ingredients
One thing people get wrong about "pub food" is thinking the quality doesn't matter. Jackdaw doesn't fall into that trap. They source locally where it makes sense, but they stay true to those Irish roots for the staples. You can taste the difference in the butter. You can tell the bread isn't just the cheapest loaf from a commercial bakery. It’s these small details—the quality of the fry oil, the freshness of the herbs—that keep the Jackdaw New York menu from feeling like every other mid-tier bar in Manhattan.
📖 Related: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Superstition Springs Menu: What to Order Right Now
Navigating the Drinks
You can’t talk about the food without the liquid side of the menu. They have a massive selection of Irish Whiskies. I’m talking about the stuff you can’t find at your local liquor store.
- The Dead Rabbit Connection: There’s a level of craft here that reminds you of the high-end cocktail dens in Financial District, but without the stuffiness.
- The Guinness Pour: They take it seriously. It’s a two-part pour. It takes time. Don't complain about the wait; it's worth it for that creamy head and the perfect temperature.
- Signature Cocktails: Look for anything with elderflower or ginger. They tend to lean into refreshing, sharp profiles that cut through the richness of the fried food.
The Atmosphere Factor
The menu tastes better because of the room. It’s got that dark wood, the dim lighting, and the kind of acoustics where you can hear your friends but you don't feel like the whole room is eavesdropping. It’s located at 213 2nd Ave, and it feels like a sanctuary from the chaos of 14th Street just a few blocks away.
Is it expensive? It’s New York. It’s not "cheap," but for the quality of the kitchen, it’s fair. You aren't getting gouged for subpar ingredients. You're paying for a kitchen that actually gives a damn about how their chips are seasoned.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, don't just wing it. The East Village gets crowded fast.
- Timing: If you want a table for dinner on a Thursday or Friday, try to get there before 6:30 PM. Otherwise, be prepared to hang out at the bar for a bit.
- Dietary Restrictions: Surprisingly, they are pretty good with gluten-free options. Just ask. The kitchen is flexible, which isn't always the case in small NYC footprints.
- The "Secret" Move: Ask about the daily specials. Sometimes the chef gets a hold of something seasonal—like fresh scallops or a specific cut of steak—that isn't on the permanent Jackdaw New York menu.
- Happy Hour: They usually run solid deals on oysters and specific drafts. It's the best way to experience the menu if you're on a budget. Check their social media or just ask the bartender when you walk in; the deals change, but they’re almost always worth it.
Don't overthink it. Order the burger, try a whiskey you've never heard of, and enjoy the fact that you've found a spot that actually lives up to the hype. Whether you’re there for a full meal or just some snacks to soak up the spirits, you’re in good hands.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
To get the most out of your experience, visit between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM on a weekday to take advantage of the Happy Hour pricing on select appetizers and drinks. If you're heading there with a group of four or more, call ahead or check their online booking platform, as the cozy layout of the East Village space means large tables fill up almost instantly. Finally, make sure to ask your server for the "Whiskey of the Month" pairing—it's often a hand-picked selection that complements the saltier items on the menu perfectly.