NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Last year, New York City shut down bars and restaurants on the day before St. Patrick's Day.
Now, Irish pubs are hoping for a better day as the city starts to come back to life.
Bernie Reilly, owner of Connolly's Pub, said St. Patrick's Day 2020 was a nightmare.
"I remember I was standing here with no people," he tells WCBS 880's Peter Haskell. "It's been the worst year of our lives."
The pub is now open at 35% capacity, but Reilly said they're only getting about 10%.
"There's no tourists. There's no Broadway shows. There's no Radio City," Reilly said.
Indoor dining capacity is set to increase to 50% this coming Friday.
St. Patrick's Day is typically one of the biggest days of the year for bars and pubs in the city, but with no parade up Fifth Avenue and few tourists, they won't see a big boost as they have in years past.
"We make up a lot of our business that was quiet in January and February and we make a killing on St. Patrick's week," said Paul Barbey, owner of Hurley's Saloon. "So we're going to count on the local regulars and hopefully we get some people from out of town."
While it's a traditionally an economic driver for pubs, Barbey said St. Patrick's Day is about more than just the money.
"Spiritually it just gives everybody a lift," Barbey said.
As challenges remain, Reilly said, "We're not going to give up that easily, we're always up for a good fight."
While restaurants and bars in the city are open at limited capacity, the CDC is urging Americans to avoid large gatherings for the holiday to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"Attending gatherings to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. The safest way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year is to gather virtually, with people who live with you, or outside and at least 6 feet apart from others," the health agency said.
It recommends finding other ways to celebrate including decorating your home and cooking Irish-inspired recipes.
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