McSorley's Old Ale House
Pub · East Village
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About McSorley's Old Ale House
Bienvenidos a McSorley's Old Ale House, un rincón con encanto en Cooper Square donde la tradición irlandesa se respira en cada rincón. Desde nuestros amables camareros irlandeses hasta nuestra selección única de ale, clara u oscura, te invitamos a disfrutar de un ambiente auténtico y acogedor. Sumér...
Bienvenidos a McSorley's Old Ale House, un rincón con encanto en Cooper Square donde la tradición irlandesa se respira en cada rincón. Desde nuestros amables camareros irlandeses hasta nuestra selección única de ale, clara u oscura, te invitamos a disfrutar de un ambiente auténtico y acogedor. Sumérgete en nuestra atmósfera única, con su característico suelo cubierto de serrín, y déjate llevar por una experiencia inolvidable.
What Customers Say About McSorley's Old Ale House
McSorley's is a historic NYC pub known for its old-school atmosphere, sawdust floors, and walls covered in memorabilia. Customers rave about the light and dark ales, the friendly service, and the feeling of stepping back in time. It's a cash-only establishment.
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Tip: Come prepared with cash, and be ready to choose between their light or dark ale served in pairs. It's a must-visit for a taste of old New York!
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What to see nearby
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Explore the area around McSorley's Old Ale House
McSorley's Old Ale House is located in East Village, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Historical Heritage
- Stuyvesant Polyclinic Hospital (A 167m) — former hospital in Manhattan, New York City Monumentos Históricos de Nueva York
Museums
- Museum of Broken Windows (A 106m) — American pop-up exhibition
Religious Buildings
- St. George's Church (A 46m) — Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church located in Manhattan, New York City, USA
- Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church (A 165m) — church building in Manhattan, United States of America
Parks & Gardens
- Cooper Triangle (A 146m) — park in the United States of America
Other Points of Interest
- New St. Marks Baths (A 46m) — gay bathhouse in New York, United States
- 41 Cooper Square (A 62m) — school in NY , United States
- Astor Place Tower (A 159m) — residential skyscraper in Manhattan, New York
- Paresis Hall (A 161m) — building in United States of America
- 51 Astor Place (A 171m) — office building in Manhattan, New York City
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about McSorley's Old Ale House
McSorley's Old Ale House East Village Reviews
McSorley's Old Ale House is one of those places that completely lives up to the hype and somehow still exceeds expectations once you actually step inside. I had heard about it and received multiple recommendations, but nothing really prepares you for the experience. The moment you walk in, it honestly feels like you’re stepping back in time. The character of the place is unreal, with historic photos, memorabilia, and decades of history covering every inch of the walls. The place was packed, which only added to the atmosphere. It was full of energy, people talking, laughing, and enjoying the experience. You can tell this isn’t just a tourist stop—it’s a place people genuinely love coming to. There’s also a ton of history tied to the bar, including visits from past presidents and famous figures, which makes it even more special to be sitting there having a drink. One of the most unique things is the simplicity of the beer menu—you can only order light or dark ale, and when you order, they bring you two mugs at a time. It’s part of the tradition and adds to the authenticity. Also important to know: it’s cash only, so make sure you come prepared. I didn’t try the food, but they do serve it. Seating is limited, so if you see an open table or spot at the bar, grab it quickly. Overall, it was absolutely worth the stop. Between the history, atmosphere, and unique experience, I would highly recommend visiting and would definitely come back again.
Went in with a friend for a quick bite before a concert and this place is so amazing. The overall atmosphere is stuck in time, and it’s really neat to just stare and look at every piece of decor or frame on the wall. The prices for everything, especially in today’s climate, were cheap for amazing quality food with good portion sizes. Our meal, which consisted of chili, a small cheese platter, and a chicken sandwich, cost us $24. It was all delicious, seriously. The cheese platter was so interesting- it came with a white onion, spicy mustard, and saltine crackers. I was nervous for the combination but IT SLAPS!! The chili was perfectly crafted and I could taste a little bit of love in there from the chef. The drinks are also cheap- $10 for two beers and a soda. It is, however, a limited menu with only about 10 items to choose from if I can count correctly, lol. The staff on duty were quick, efficient, and personable. Overall, one of the best bar experiences I’ve had in NYC. Oh!! And it’s cash only- talk about an old fashion bar!
*** McSorley's ONLY TAKES CASH, but don't worry... they have an ATM! It was -12 degrees outside, but once you walked through the second set of worn out door... the people inside warmed you right up. Once we walked in to the small crowded bar with the entire history on the walls, one of the owners in a beer stained smock over a green McSorley's shirt asked if we wanted to be seated, he lead us over to a table with two college kids at it (who we made friends with) and asked if we wanted light or dark; they only serve two kinds of beer. We got one of each, and very quickly the owner swung back around and dropped off the beers. For being as busy as it was, he still took the time to talk about the history, his family (I look like his brother), and asked about us. After the second round we heard about some food and ordered the best cheese plate ever (saltines, Irish cheese slices, cut onions, and mustard) and a phenomenal hotdog. One last round before we headed back out into the cold. We said good bye to our college aged friends and the owner and out we went. I would highly recommend McSorley's for one of the best experiences you can get at any bar in the US. Is it kinda of the best dive bar ever.
We were down in the Astor Place area and always wanted to stop by McSorley's, which is the oldest continuously operated pub in the US I believe. Wow what an awesome experience as you really get to feel what it was like to have a drink in the 1850's. Couldn't recommend stopping by this establishment highly enough, there is a nice vintage store next door as well.
This is the oldest Irish brewery in New York, having opened in 1854. It's an incredible experience. A must-see!
Very cool for a quick pint, friendly staff, had a light & dark beer both were very nice. Sawdust on the floor and lots of history plastered all over the pub!
Traditional old ale house. You can really imagine New Yorkers in there in the 1800s and I highly doubt much has changed. Really atmospheric. Two choices dark beer or light beer. I had lots of the dark, never tried light because the dadk is so nice 😉 Couldn't recommend any more highly.
A Return to One of My All-Time Favorite Pubs I first visited Mick Sorely’s Old Ale House alone in 2012, and this time, I came back with my wife. More than ten years have passed, but the place looks just as cool and timeless as I remembered. A female bartender was working the counter—stylish, composed, and friendly. I tried to order some nuts with my beer, saying “Nuts please!” (probably sounding like weird Japanese-English), but it didn’t get through… so I gave up and ordered cheese instead. What arrived was a plate of cheese with crackers and sliced onions— and to my surprise, the combination was absolutely perfect with beer. So perfect, in fact, that I ended up drinking six pints all by myself. After all these years, this place still holds its charm. Definitely one of those bars I’d love to return to again and again.
Awesome iconic place in the city, worth and must visit. Gregory the server was amazing and super friendly. Accommodating us with chairs and always stopping by to check on us. Definitely going back.
Ambiance is amazing. The server carried 22 beers in one trip. Beer was great. The people were better.
Cool place that’s worth a visit, the oldest pub in NY. The light beer was great and the guy behind the bar was hilarious. Embrace the madness and you’ll be fine. Cash only and they only serve light or dark beer, that is it.
Great historic pub in NYC. This is history at its finest. When you walk in you are surrounded by history. I like to think of all those walls have seen and heard over the years. I'm sure there was a lot of Tammany hall business conducted there. The beer is awesome as is the food. We had a cheese cracker and onion plate because onions with cheese and crackers are different and interesting. We sat at a table and were joined by others which was cool too. Everyone was friendly and the staff was great. The items on the walls are enough to keep me there reading and checking it out for hours. If you read the lowest reviews, pay no attention to them, NY has become too soft for its own good !
We loved McSorley's so much that we went twice in one day, bringing my son and his girlfriend with us for dinner. Good food, good beer, great service, and the space itself can't be beat. Where else in the city do you find sawdust on the floor and over a century of history on the walls? Order the cheese plate as a starter - trust us - but be sparing with your first bite of the mustard. it'll knock your socks off!
McSorley’s Old Ale House is the definition of an old-school NYC spot — you really don’t get places like this anymore. It’s one of the oldest bars in New York and it absolutely feels like it: packed, lively, and full of character with an atmosphere you can’t replicate. I’ve always had a great time here. The beer options are simple (you’re basically choosing light or dark), but that’s part of the charm, and both are easy to drink. It’s cash only, so come prepared. It also gets super packed, so I’d recommend getting there early if you don’t want to wait. I haven’t tried the food yet, but it’s on my list for next time. If you’re visiting from out of town or grabbing a drink with friends, this is a must. Highly recommend.
Such an amazing experience at Mcsorley’s. The workers are so nice and the beer is so good! I had the light ale and my fiancé had the dark. Both were so good but the light ale is delicious! I love that they treat you like your regulars even if it’s your first time here. Awesome place! Highly recommend!
One of the originals and still the best. Go here for a true Irish pub atmosphere. Tourist and locals mixing it up having a grand time. I live in Florida and the last time I was here was 30 years ago! Both times I’ve had a blast! Hint: you have two choices of beer, light and dark. Both delicious. You come in and order anything else you’ll get grief. Come here and enjoy!
Had an awesome visit to McSorley's. Like walking back in time. Both the light and dark ales were great and the hotdog with sauerkraut and spicy mustard was legit one of the best I've ever had, The bun was super fresh, the dog very fresh with a good snap and the mustard was super sharp and delish!
I was brought here by a Manhattan local. If you want to see Old New York, this is the place! 171 years! There is so much history in here I was blown away. Two choices for beer: Light Ale or Dark Ale. I went with the dark. McSorley's is a great place to stop in for a couple of beers and a quick lunch. Top notch service! And the sawdust floor was truly a delight.
McSorley's... wow. I could use many words to describe McSorley's, but the one word that comes to mind is: Authentic. I've been to many Irish Pubs and dive bars in my life, and most of them have been good. But none of them were on the level of McSorley's. First and foremost, my waiter was legitimately Irish, not a random person who decided to work at an Irish pub. I also met two (2) patrons who were Irish, and went to McSorley's to get an authentic taste of home. The whole time I was there, the experience was very "authentic", as I said earlier. There were no gimmicks or cheap tricks that they used to appear Irish, as everything was the real deal. The lighting was dim, the beer and food was served in a straight-forward and gruff manner, and there were so many pieces of legitimate historical memorabilia highlighting the close relationship between the Irish and Americans. My hot dog and fries were pretty good, but nothing spectacular. I'm not going to let this detract from my review, as the experience is what I came for, and it did not leave me disappointed in any way, shape, or form. Overall, I can't recommend McSorley's enough, just be sure to bring cash, as they don't accept credit or debit cards. McSorley's is a must-see!
What can I say about the old ale house? You’re wrapped in history the moment you walk in. Sawdust on the floor, memorabilia covering the walls—it’s like stepping back in time. Today was the first time I actually sat down for a meal. I had the fish and chips (only served on Fridays), and it was excellent. The tartar sauce was exactly what I was hoping for, and the fish had an incredibly crispy exterior—reminded me of Ryan’s Week in Troy. They use a seasoned panko breadcrumb instead of the traditional beer batter most places go with, and honestly, it’s a great choice. Highly recommended.
Owned and operated by the Maher Family, this is a must visit pub that's been a staple in Manhattan for 150 years. You get 2 options, light beer or dark beer, served in pairs of small glasses. Great prices, good company and welcoming bar environment. Sawdust on the floor and serious old school vibes. Strike up a conversation with the bartenders (they will) or bring your friends. Fun place and well worth the visit.
This was my first time back in 40 years. Boy, did the memories come flooding back. I remember my first time there. We'd order 24 dark beers at a time and I swear the waitress brought all 24 at once in her hands. They didn't have much in terms of food back then. Now they have more options. The atmosphere is old. The bar is warped from years of spillage. I can't say enough. I thought someone told me they had/have the first liquor license in NYC. They have been around a long long time. Just go. Order many dark beers and enjoy yourself.
Such a historic place with atmosphere of the last generation. Classic light and dark ale 🍺 Only cash Some interesting facts McSorley’s Old Ale House is the oldest Irish saloon in New York City, located at 15 East 7th Street in the East Village. Established in 1854, it is renowned for its historical significance and traditional atmosphere, featuring sawdust floors and Irish bartenders. The bar offers two types of ale: light and dark, and is famous for its cash-only policy. McSorley’s has a rich history, including being a “men-only” establishment until 1970, and has hosted notable figures like Abe Lincoln and John Lennon. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a unique glimpse into “Olde New York”
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About McSorley's Old Ale House
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15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
East Village, NY 10003
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What people say about McSorley's Old Ale House
McSorley's: An East Village Time Capsule with Two Beers and a Warm Welcome
Alright, if you're looking for a genuine slice of old New York, a place that feels less like a pub and more like a living, breathing landmark, then you absolutely need to step into McSorley's Old Ale House in the East Village. This isn't just a bar; it's a journey back in time, a spot that has steadfastly refused to change with the decades, and that's precisely its charm.The moment you push through those doors, you're transported. Forget fancy cocktails and extensive menus; McSorley's keeps i...
A Timeless Toast in the East Village: McSorley's
The East Village holds its share of legends, but few places transport you back in time quite like McSorley's Old Ale House. This isn't just a bar; it's a living museum, a relic of old New York where every creaking floorboard and dusty artifact on the wall whispers stories from over a century of city life. Stepping inside, you’re immediately enveloped by an atmosphere you simply can’t replicate – sawdust underfoot, walls adorned with countless curios, and a palpable sense of history that makes
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