Bedford Park, Bx (Bainbridge, Norwood: neighborhoods, living, bars)

[rlrl]

and ethnicity question here

About 20 years ago I noticed an Irish pub on Valentine Avenue and East 202 street/E 203 street that was called a few things--like Finnegan's, Flanagans and the Irish Embassy Pub. Today it's a bodega

Does this mean that at one time this area had a large Irish population or are there Irish pubs in many nabes that aren't necessarily Irish?

[bluedog2]

Bedford Park and adjacent Norwood were both very Irish neighborhoods at one time.There are still more Irish than you might think in Bedford Park and even more in Norwood. Check out the bars on Bainbridge Ave and along 204th ST! Mostly older folks who have been there for 40 or 50 years but Norwood actually had an infusion of new arrivals in the 1980's and 1990's and many of them are still there.Don't forget that these neighborhoods are close to Woodlawn. So the area definitely has an Irish history.
I don't think you find too many Irish bars in neighborhoods where there is no( or never was) Irish population

[rlrl]

remember the Irish stuff on 204th street in 1990. I used to go to the Roaring 20's pub a few times. I had a client of mine who lived on E 201 street I am almost certain he was Irish. Said he had been living there since 1984.

[Deelite]

Oh I remember the Roaring Twenties Bar with great affection - it was one of the best places to drink in the late 80's and there used to be a cafe across the road serving Irish breakfasts which we'd have about 4.00 am in the morning. Oh to be there now waiting to play a quick game of pool....