Some inconclusive information came my way this week about my favorite chicken pot pie in the city. Turned out to be false. But once you start questioning your favorite pot pie, there’s only one responsible move. Taste every chicken pot pie in New York until the record is set straight. This is stop one.
A Bar Older Than Your Grandparents’ Apartment
Molly’s has been pouring drinks on this stretch of Third Avenue since the 1800s, sawdust floor and all, current owners running the show since the early 90s. That’s older than most buildings around it, older than my parents’ lease, and almost certainly older than whatever craft cocktail bar just opened two blocks away with a menu you need a flashlight to read. It’s survived Prohibition, several waves of Manhattan real estate insanity, and me showing up unannounced expecting a table.
Walking in feels like stepping back in time. Traditional without being stuffy. Condiments on the side, a bartender who treats you like a regular on your first visit, an extensive menu you don’t expect from a place this cozy. Great food at a reasonable price, great drinks at a reasonable price. In this economy, that combination should qualify as a landmark on its own.
Spice Bag Supremacy
We started traditional, which at an Irish pub means the spice bag. If you don’t know, I am a very big spice bag guy, borderline unwell about it. French fries, fried chicken, peppers, onions, gravy, sometimes on top, sometimes on the side. At Molly’s it comes on the side, and everything about it was on point. Fair warning, this food comes out fresh and hot. Hot hot. The kind of hot where you take one bite, regret it immediately, then take a second bite anyway because self-control isn’t really my thing.
The buffalo wings were fine. They’re buffalo wings. Nobody has ever been let down by a buffalo wing at a proper pub, and Molly’s didn’t break new ground either way.
The Reuben, the Pork Chop, and a Small Complaint
I went with the Reuben, served with fries. Good portion, plenty of dressing, a little dry, but it still hit the spot, kind of like a solid but unspectacular Yankees series win. My friend ordered the pork chop, thick cut, tasty, finished with a little gravy. Close to perfect.
The Actual Point of This Visit
Now the whole reason we were there. The pot pie isn’t 100% traditional, the crust gives that away. But fair warning on the side dish: when the menu says it comes with potatoes, they mean a full plate of potatoes. A truly unreasonable portion, the kind that makes you wonder if the kitchen forgot they already gave you a crust. Be ready to share, or plan accordingly if you’re already ordering fries and a spice bag, because the potatoes alone could function as their own entree.
The pot pie itself was really good. Rich, creamy, all white meat, you can actually taste the herbs in it. Solid flavor top to bottom. Worth ordering on its own merits, false intel or not.
Final Verdict
I’ve got a bunch of other spots to hit before this pot pie question gets settled for good, but Molly’s earns a strong recommendation regardless of how the investigation ends. My first time here was years ago around Christmas, decorations up, beer flowing, the whole thing, and it held up just as well this time. If you’re in the area, check it out. Next stop is probably Pete’s Tavern.
As always, what do I know? I am just a fat guy from Brooklyn trying to survive the week, one martini at a time. Looking for more NYC restaurant reviews? Check out my Best Steakhouses in NYC, Best Burgers in NYC, and Best Restaurants in NYC lists.
Looks great deff gotta try this spot out