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Weekend Column: Robert Beck Paints in Dublin House, a Splendid Irish Bar

February 11, 2023 | 6:53 AM
in COLUMNS, NEWS
14
Dublin House. Painting by Robert Beck.

Sign of the Harp
By Robert Beck

I have an autobiography written in my grandfather’s hand, in pencil, on the back of ledger sheets from the Beck Egg Farm. The story begins with his father starting a barber shop in New York City, in 1878. One paragraph describes how they would regularly send one of the boys next door to the saloon for a bucket of beer—about seven glasses worth—to keep the good times rolling until they closed around nine o’clock. Probably not the best time for a shave.

That is the earliest documented eyewitness report in my family tree, establishing a tradition. The writing part.

Barber shops and bars have come a long way since the 1800s, with bars establishing unique cultural distinctions. Consider an English Pub or a German Hofbräuhaus. There are quite a few Irish bars in New York—some famous, some a bit pretentious—but none better than the Dublin House on W. 79th. And I can tell you why.

For starters, look at the sign. The enormous neon harp with Dublin House Tap Room and Bar on it tells you these folks aren’t messing around. This is a line in the sand. Expectations will be met.

Then there is Mike, the owner. Irish down to the soles of his shoes. He gets you square in his gaze and says what he means in a brogue so thick it takes a couple of pints of Guinness to arrive at the precise interpretation, but you get the point from the look he gives you. Like most of the UWS shop owners, Mike was both hesitant and generous when I asked to paint there. I understand the caution and appreciate that he said yes.

The Dublin House is a place to go alone or with friends. There are TVs if you need them, but conversations come easy. I painted during the early afternoon when I wouldn’t be in the way. There’s not a big lunch crowd because there’s no food. But there’s no artifice either. Mike was still setting up, receiving deliveries, and mopping the floor as he served customers. He gave me my space and worked around my easel. I was treated well, and I got the painting I hoped for.

After I was done, I sat in a narrow booth in the front room, pulling on the glass of Harp Mike handed me, and I noticed the banner on the wall above my shoulder. It was in memory of nine firefighters lost on 9-11. Their names were in gold serif lettering outlined in black on a deep red background— exactly like the side of a fire engine. This is a place with a long memory, a big heart, and a touch of steel. Those are good things to have in a community.

Read other Weekend Columns here.

You can contact Robert through his website at robertbeck.net

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14 Comments
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.ary quilter
.ary quilter
1 month ago

Always a ztop when i am in
n yc w. Brian

2
Reply
Steevie
Steevie
1 month ago

That looks like Mike behind the bar. He once came into a rival bar and saw us drinking there. Rather than looking at us askance, he bought us drinks.

4
Reply
Robert Beck
Robert Beck
1 month ago
Reply to  Steevie

That’s class.

0
Reply
Linda
Linda
1 month ago
Reply to  Robert Beck

Lovely painting!

1
Reply
Sylvia
Sylvia
1 month ago

It was a favorite haunt of ours in 80s -when we were in high school. It assured that we would not lose our minds and go crazy drinking for the first time once we got to college.

3
Reply
NewYorkerUWS
NewYorkerUWS
1 month ago

In the early’80s I worked in a large company midtown. One of the young professionals had Dublin House as her hangout.

1
Reply
BobA
BobA
1 month ago

I moved to Pasadena CA just before the pandemic and I miss the Dublin House. I love this wonderful painting of my favorite UWS bar. Thanks. Brings me back to many good times. Some nice bars here but nothing like this UWS treasure. “Here’s how! May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.”

1
Reply
Robert Beck
Robert Beck
1 month ago
Reply to  BobA

Amen

0
Reply
Carole Bolger
Carole Bolger
1 month ago

I don’t drink much anymore but I know the feeling you so well describe about the wonderfulness of a neighborhood bar like Dublin House. The neon sign is the best in the neighborhood. And your painting captures the homey, dark but cozy atmosphere. How was it sipping a beer in the afternoon?
Your biggest fan…

1
Reply
Lauren
Lauren
1 month ago

There is no place like the Dublin House in NYC. It’s the real deal with a heart of gold. Many memories of Gus’ the bartender back in the 80s!

2
Reply
Sam H.
Sam H.
1 month ago

I was recently back at Dublin Houses for the first time a couple of years, owing to the fact that I have barely ventured out to public places since the start of the pandemic. Thank god, and the Dublin staff, that some things never change. I was sincerely sorry that the pandemic and my caution made me miss Dublin’s 100th anniversary back in November 2021, but I look forward to helping my all time favorite bar get the best possible start to its second century!

0
Reply
Robert Beck
Robert Beck
1 month ago
Reply to  Sam H.

I recommend the 102nd anniversary

2
Reply
Doe
Doe
1 month ago

And Mike is as wonderful for writers as well. Hope to be able to see that painting.

0
Reply
Doe
Doe
1 month ago

Jeez. I didn’t realize I was looking at the actual painting. Very well done!

0
Reply

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