Neary's was founded by James Joseph "Jimmy" Neary (September 14, 1930 – October 1, 2021), an Irish emigrant to the United States. Jimmy Neary emigrated to the United States at the age of 24 from his birthplace of Tubbercurry, Ireland; he bought his boat ticket by buying lambs from gambling winnings, breeding them, and selling them.[1][3] When he first moved to New York City, he worked as a porter at the New York Athletic Club. He was then drafted into the United States Army and served in Germany. When he returned he worked as a bartender at P.J. Moriarty's until he opened his own pub. In 1966, he married his wife Eileen Twomey. On Saint Patrick's Day, March 16, 1967 (1967-03-16), Jimmy opened his eponymous pub with Brian Mulligan, who was also a bartender, at 358 East 57th Street.[1] In 1986, Jimmy purchased the building.[4]
Neary's was described as an upscale establishment. Jimmy Neary required male customers to wear jackets and barred t-shirts and shorts.[1][4][5] The bar had a traditional pub menu. Its most popular items were lamb chops with mint jelly and corned beef and cabbage.[1][5][6]
The pub was best known for its notable regulars, including political figures, prominent businesspeople, writers, and entertainers. Customers were drawn by Jimmy Neary's work ethic and personality,[1] as well as its long-time bartenders and waiters,[2][5][7][8] including Jimmy's daughter Una Neary, who worked at the pub for most of her life and continued working there even after becoming a partner at Goldman Sachs.[9] The pseudonymous food critic Brooks of Sheffield, writing for Eater, called Neary a "faithful and attentive owner".[5] Neary worked every day of the year except for Christmas Day, when he closed the restaurant.[10] Jimmy was short in stature, and many customers referred to him as their "favorite leprechaun".[1]The New York Times wrote that Jimmy's "hospitality ma[de] everyone feel like a regular".[6]
