A Family Affair: Celebrating 30 Years of Mustang Harry’s in Midtown

At the heart of Midtown Manhattan stands Mustang Harry’s, a beloved sports bar celebrating its remarkable 30-year journey in a city where dining establishments often come and go. Owners Ian and Niall Conroy, Irish brothers with hospitality in their blood, have created more than just a place to grab a drink or watch a game – they’ve cultivated a genuine community that feels like an extension of their own family. “We run it like a family-run restaurant: our patrons have been friends over the years, and the ones that come in for lunch come in every week, multiple times a week,” explains Ian, 63. This philosophy stems from their roots in County Tipperary, Ireland, where their family operated a pub that served as the inspiration for Mustang Harry’s when it opened its doors in 1995. The brothers have kept tradition alive by involving their own children in various roles throughout the years, further cementing the establishment’s family-oriented foundation. Their guiding principle has remained refreshingly simple yet powerful: “We treat everyone like they’re family.”

To commemorate this impressive milestone, Mustang Harry’s is hosting a weekend full of celebrations that began Thursday with a New York Rangers watch party, complete with live music and giveaways. In a nostalgic nod to their opening year, the Conroys are rolling back prices to 1995 levels for Friday and Saturday – cocktails like White Russians and Greyhounds will be served for just $9, while their signature “Harry’s Lager” will start at an incredible 95 cents. This gesture exemplifies the brothers’ commitment to showing appreciation for their loyal patrons. “It’s a way of giving back to people and making people feel [like it’s a] home away from home – coming in here to relax. You start by putting a smile on their face,” shares Niall, 60. The brothers are quick to acknowledge that their success isn’t theirs alone – they credit their dedicated staff, many of whom have been with them for over two decades. “We have a lot of staff members [that have worked] here for more than 20 years, and they treat the customers the same way we treat them,” Ian notes with pride.

Throughout its three decades, Mustang Harry’s has weathered significant challenges alongside the city it calls home. The September 11 attacks marked perhaps the first major crisis the establishment faced. “9/11 was probably the first huge issue that we went through,” Ian reflects. “9/11 changed things for everybody, [business] was slow, but then gradually we all got through it and we weathered that storm because the city came together.” The brothers remember how the devastating event affected not just their business but the spirit of the entire city. Yet through the darkness, they witnessed the remarkable resilience of New Yorkers and participated in the gradual healing process that followed. This pattern of facing adversity while serving as a community anchor would repeat itself through other challenging periods in the city’s history.

When Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012, Mustang Harry’s found itself in a unique position to help its neighbors. While much of the city suffered from power outages and limited resources, the tavern managed to maintain power throughout the disaster. Recognizing their fortunate circumstance, the Conroys transformed their establishment into an impromptu community center. “We were one of the few places that weren’t affected by the loss of power,” Ian explains, “so we put a sign outside the door and just invited anybody who needed to come in… that’s Irish hospitality.” They welcomed anyone needing to charge phones, use restrooms, or simply find a moment of normalcy and rest, all free of charge. This generous spirit – what Niall describes as the “Irishness” that makes their American bar special – has earned them deep loyalty from customers who remember such kindnesses long after the crises pass.

More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the hospitality industry, and Mustang Harry’s was not immune. While the establishment survived, their sister location, Mustang Sally’s, became one of the countless pandemic casualties. Even now, nearly five years after the initial shutdowns, the brothers note that their business hasn’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. “Lunch still hasn’t gotten to where it was,” Ian acknowledges, attributing this to the persistent trend of remote work that has significantly reduced the Midtown office crowd. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic, noting that “the trajectory is still moving in the right direction.” They continue working to rebuild their daytime customer base as more workers gradually return to Midtown’s office buildings, while their evening business thrives thanks to proximity to a major venue: “A big part of [our success] is Madison Square Garden — MSG has no idea how many businesses they help in the area, we’re one of them.”

As Mustang Harry’s celebrates this significant milestone, the secret to its longevity becomes clear through the stories and philosophy shared by the Conroy brothers. In a neighborhood filled with dining options, they’ve distinguished themselves not just through quality food and drinks but through genuine connection. When basketball, hockey, or football fans choose where to watch the big game, they’re not just selecting a location with good sightlines to television screens – they’re choosing the comfort and welcome that comes from a place where they’re recognized and valued. The staff knows regulars by name and remembers their usual orders. The owners are present, engaged, and committed to preserving the warmth that has made their establishment special for three decades. As Niall succinctly explains their enduring appeal: “I think you retain the Irishness. It’s an American bar, but with Irish hospitality.” This unique combination – the efficiency and energy of an American sports bar infused with the genuine warmth and communal spirit of an Irish pub – continues to draw in new customers while keeping longtime patrons coming back week after week, year after year. In a city constantly reinventing itself, Mustang Harry’s has found success by staying true to timeless values: family, community, and hospitality that comes from the heart.