O'Neill's Irish Pub on 1614 Forest Avenue was called out among the ranks of top Irish pubs in the city. (Staten Island Advance/Lauren Steussy) Staff-Shot

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — O’Neill’s stands as the only borough eatery to make the “top” list of Thrillist’s most recent “best” roundup. According to the “The 15 Best Irish Bars in NYC to Hit Up This St. Patrick’s Day,” the Port Richmond pub passed muster, joining the ranks of famed establishments around the Big Apple.

The article enthuses, “Hand-crafted wooden booths and bar, scattered candlelight, and string lighting create a quaint tavern feeling to accompany the comfort food-inspired menu of Chicken Pot Pie; Corned Beef & Cabbage; and Crispy Guinness Fish & Chips.”

It advises, “If you’re looking for a spot to land on St. Patrick’s Day, O’Neill’s will be open starting at 11 am, with TVs streaming the parade and pints of Guinness at the ready.”

Owner Michael Regan said when the list posted earlier this week it started to earn curious patrons from the region. New faces have included those from Brooklyn, Jersey and Spanish Harlem.

“O’Neill’s is proud to be recognized,” said Regan.

He added, “Our loyal staff works super hard and the restaurant community on Staten Island is tremendous — Duffy’s, Jody’s, Joyce’s, Manor House and Denino’s. We think the people from around New York City should recognize the Island as a destination point.”

Regan points out that the pub presents Irish specialties year round including the Thrillist’s aforementioned dishes plus bangers and mash and Shepherd’s pie.

The restaurant was established in 2014 by Michael Regan. The name O’Neill’s nods to Michael’s grandmother, her maiden name, and also to the O’Neill House in East Durham, a hamlet in a part of Upstate New York dubbed the “Irish Catskills. The digs at 1614 Port Richmond Avenue is the former home of The Dugout North. When Regan renovated the storefront, he purchased the bar top at an auction in Pennsylvania. It was milled and cured in New York, patched up with cobblestones and then coated 30 times with an amber-hued shellac.

Traditional high-back Irish booths, cantilever-based tables and the woodwork was designed by Staten Islander James Daluise. Over each table hangs a caged pendulum lamp with an antique Edison bulb which can be raised or lowered with a pulley. There are 10 beers on tap.

O’Neill’s is a staunch supporter of Veteran’s groups and Rolling Thunder. The restaurant and bar is located at 1614 Forest Ave., Port Richmond; 718-273-4481, OneillsStatenIsland.com/ The bar closes at midnight except on Thursday, Friday and Saturday when hours extend to 2 a.m.

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