About Banshee, the Irish-leaning bar debuting on 1st Avenue

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

After spending ten years living and working on the Lower East Side, Jen Murphy is opening her own bar.

Her Irish-leaning neighborhood spot at 143 First Ave. just south of Ninth Street is set for a soft opening on Friday. (The bar occupies part of the former Paquitos space.) 

Banshee is described as a neighborhood bar with an Irish touch, where the East Village's punk roots meet an Irish cottage vibe. (The name "Banshee" is drawn from gothic Irish folklore.) 

There's also a backyard with a small garden.

Banshee will celebrate the classic Irish pairing of Guinness and oysters, along with martinis and other cocktails. The menu will feature a small rotating selection of light plates, including a shrimp cocktail served with traditional Irish Marie Rose sauce and brown Irish soda bread. 

Murphy is originally from Ireland and has been part of the LES bar-and-restaurant community for the past decade. She's joined by a small team of familiar faces from around the neighborhood.

"My business partner Jason Corey and the late Molly Fitch [co-owner of the International] have each shown me how a bar can add to a neighborhood," Murphy said. "Banshee wouldn't have come to life without either of them. Jason is an exceptional mentor, and I hope to do them both proud." 

Corey added: "This is Jen's vision, Jen's concept and her work."

Hours: 

• Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m.-1 a.m. 

• Friday: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. 

• Saturday: noon-2 a.m. 

• Sunday: Noon-midnight 

Opening weekend hours will likely be 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

You can find Banshee updates on Instagram.