Conall's Public House, an Irish-themed sports-and-cocktails bar, is gearing up to open this spring at 51 1st Ave in Manhattan's East Village, stepping into the longtime home of lounge Karma. The corner spot between East 3rd and East 4th Streets now sports a fresh green public-house facade with gold-leaf lettering, a clear visual break from its hookah-lounge past. The team says the concept will bring together draft beers, classic cocktails, live music and a sports-bar vibe aimed squarely at neighborhood regulars.
According to What Now New York, Conall's announced on Instagram that a "New Irish Cocktail Sports Pub" is slated for spring 2026, and the outlet notes that the completed exterior branding suggests the doors should not be far from opening. The same report points to a hospitality job listing that shows the team is hiring bartenders who know their way around classic cocktails, wine and beer.
Signage and space
Local blog EV Grieve has been keeping tabs on the buildout and shared photos of the new lettered sign going up at 51 First Ave, confirming the facelift for the two-level corner space. The site notes that the address previously housed the Karma hookah lounge and reports that the interior is being prepped for viewing parties and live nights once the bar opens.
Who's behind Conall's
Neighborhood coverage and the project’s own materials point to operators with a solid track record in New York pubs, with outlets naming Gene Lennon as a longtime city bar owner. A profile in Our Town traces Lennon's path from Trinity Pub to Gael Pub and notes his more recent East Village ventures.
Menu and vibe
The Conall's Public House website lays out a lineup of classic Irish comfort food alongside modern pub favorites, with Guinness on tap, handcrafted cocktails and live music all in the mix. There is also a registration page for an opening party, a small hint that the rollout is meant to feel very neighborhood-first.
When to expect it
There is still no official opening date on the books, but What Now New York notes that the combination of hiring notices and finished exterior work points to a spring 2026 opening. We will update this story once the Conall's team announces a firm date or quietly unlocks the doors to the public.
