I don't really have much advice to give on the City, unless you want to know where you can safely smoke crack in street. I know an Irish guy who has spent years there, so I'll ask him if he knows any places around The Village that serve warm beer.
Not sure what your timeframe is, but if you're coming at the very beginning of October, and would prefer to skip all the glitz and glamour of the city for some urban decay and possible drive-by shootings in Elmira, NY instead, I'll be doing some comedy at an Irish bar there on Oct. 2. First two rounds on me.