Celebrating 30 Years of Mustang Harry’s
Mustang Harry’s is truly a family affair.
This year marks three decades since the opening of this well-loved sports bar in Midtown. Owners Ian and Niall Conroy believe their commitment to fostering a community among patrons has contributed significantly to the bar’s enduring success.
“We treat it like a family-run restaurant,” Ian, 63, shared as they prepared for the anniversary festivities. “Our regulars are more like old friends, and those who come for lunch often return multiple times a week.”
Founded in 1995, the bar was inspired by the Conroy family’s pub back in County Tipperary, Ireland, where all their children have served at different times.
“We treat everyone like family,” Ian expressed simply, “It’s really that straightforward.”
To celebrate their long-standing presence on 7th Avenue, the brothers are hosting a variety of events over the weekend. This includes a watch party for the New York Rangers, live music, giveaways, and a throwback to 1995 menu prices this Friday and Saturday.
Some cocktails like the White Russian and Greyhound will be priced at $9, while beers such as Harry’s Lager will start at just 95 cents.
“It’s our way of giving back,” Niall, 60, explained. “We want this to feel like a home away from home where people can relax. A smile goes a long way.”
“Many staff members have been with us for over 20 years,” Ian added, highlighting their approach to customer service. “They treat our customers just like we do.”
The Conroy brothers reflected on the challenges faced over the years, including significant events like the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Sandy back in 2012.
“9/11 was, without a doubt, a major hurdle for us,” Ian recalled. “It changed everything. Business slowed down, but we managed to persevere, thanks to the resilience of the community.”
During Hurricane Sandy, the bar became a refuge for locals needing to charge phones, use facilities, or just find a place to sit for a while. “We were one of the few spots that didn’t lose power,” Ian remarked. “So, we put a sign outside and welcomed anyone who wanted to come in. That’s just Irish hospitality.”
More recently, the pandemic posed new challenges. Ian noted that lunchtime crowds haven’t fully bounced back. “People are still working from home, and unfortunately, our sister restaurant, Mustang Sally’s, didn’t survive,” he added optimistically, “But we believe things are improving.”
Despite the struggles, the brothers are focused on building their lunch crowd again, as more workers return to the offices nearby. While weekday lunches attract a modest crowd, evenings thrive, especially during sports events at Madison Square Garden.
“Madison Square Garden plays a huge role in our success,” Ian stated. “I can’t even count how many businesses it supports around here, and we’re one of them.” He mentioned how the New York Knicks’ recent success has contributed positively to their business.
Among the many bars in Midtown, the Conroys assert that theirs appeals equally to fans of basketball, football, and hockey alike.
