Foley's Celebrates Its 10th With Heart

Foley's Pub on 33rd in NYC--aka The Mini Baseball Hall of Fame--celebrated its tenth year in business by raising money for a little girl who was diagnosed with multiple tumors on her brain and spine. Shaun Clancy decided that all of the tips at the bar and a portion of Foley's proceeds on the night of January 23 would go to little Sophia Rivera's cause. Read more about her struggle here.

Even on "ordinary" days, Foley's seems to attract the glitterati, especially those from the sports world, but on this night, patrons who packed the place were treated to a few rare sights.

Shaun Clancy himself was tending bar for the first hour, along with his son Ryan. That's an event that happens about as frequently as Congress actually doing something constructive.

The PubScout, Demian Knott and John Mooney

But to the delight of many, famed Yankee Stadium Bleacher Creature Bald Vinny and friends took over the tap duties.
Foley's, a bitter cold two-block walk from Penn Station on this night, is known for its warm, friendly atmosphere, but it is becoming known increasingly for the quantity and quality of its beer lists, both bottled and on draft. That combination--and the cause-- made the Arctic Walk worth it.

Rob, L. and Kaz, R.

Up-and-coming film makers Kaz and Rob (and I ) enjoyed the delights from Foley's kitchen (served by some of the friendliest waitresses you can find) as well as what we sampled from the growing beer list. Twenty-eight taps and 117 bottles means that you can always find something you like, as well as something new to try.

That "Try Me" category was filled by a "beer" called Elements/Plasma, a hybrid made with sake and IPA. Clear, golden and very tasty, the IPA part was  somewhat more pronounced on this palate than the sake part, but everyone at the table enjoyed it. Most interesting to be sure, but it comes in a big bottle with a big price tag, too, so ask before you order.

The night being bitter, The PubScout was in a malty mood, so Left Hand Nitro Stout was followed by the Dirty Bastard and then Three Philosophers. Kaz had Abita Turbo Dog, the Plasma and Abita's AndyGator, a Helles Doppelbock, while Rob enjoyed a Leffe Blond, a Troeg's Perpetual IPA, the Plasma and Breckinridge Vanilla Porter.

Demian Knott, the bar manager, is on a mission to put Foley's on the Craft Beer Radar Screen, and considering the list he's compiled, that mission should be accomplished soon. Be on the lookout for a possible short video highlighting both that beer list and this iconic pub.

While you're waiting, amble over to Foley's ( a picture of which is in the dictionary next to the term "Sports Bar") and enjoy the ambience of a classic NYC pub which is well on its way to being a worthy player in the craft beer arena.

More pics here...