OUR STORY

The Pony Bar is an iconic tavern in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

The Pony Bar opened its doors in 2009 under the vision of founder and owner Dan McLaughlin. After 15 years behind the bar at New York institutions like Puck Fair, The Blind Tiger, and Syracuse’s Empire Brewing Company, Dan had seen firsthand what makes a great bar tick: authentic hospitality, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to quality beer. He launched his first bar, Lansdowne Road, in Hell’s Kitchen in 2006, and just three years later, The Pony Bar quickly became a pioneer in showcasing American craft beer in Manhattan. His passion for food and drink led to further ventures, including Kiabacca Pizza in 2014 and Schenectady’s 20 North Broadway Tavern in 2023 — but The Pony Bar remains the heartbeat of his original vision: a neighborhood gathering place where every pint represents “Time Well Spent.”