McSorley's Old Ale House

A Timeless Gem in NYC

On Taras Shevchenko Place, just off East 7th Street in Manhattan’s East Village, you’ll stumble upon one of the most legendary and enduring establishments in New York: McSorley’s Old Ale House. Established in 1854, this place isn’t just old - it’s historically significant. Can you imagine? That’s more than 170 years ago, back when the city was lit by gas lamps and the idea of skyscrapers hadn’t even taken off yet.

A Pub Frozen in Time

From the outside, McSorley’s feels like something straight out of a historical film set - except it’s completely real. The faded signage, the old-school wooden door, the creaky windows - everything about it whispers stories of another era. It doesn’t try to modernize or conform. And that’s exactly what makes it so magical.

Once you step inside, it’s like walking into a living time capsule. The wooden walls are layered with decades of memorabilia - dusty framed photos, yellowing newspaper clippings, and antique relics collected from every major chapter of American history. Even the original wishbones from soldiers headed off to World War I still hang above the bar, untouched since their placement. The ceiling is packed with all sorts of vintage oddities, and not one piece of decor feels curated or staged - it’s simply accumulated over time.

The floor? Covered in sawdust. Yes - actual sawdust, just like the old saloons used to do. It might sound messy, but it gives the space a raw, rustic feel that’s impossible to fake. It helps absorb the sounds of footsteps and clinking mugs, and it’s a reminder that this bar wasn’t made for Instagram. It was made for conversations, stories, and shared moments over a pint.

A Full House - And the Best Seat in It

Despite being late in the day, the bar was already packed when we arrived. Locals and old-timers were crammed into every seat and corner, creating a constant hum of chatter, laughter, and the clink of glasses. You could feel the energy in the room - a kind of controlled chaos that felt warm and alive. No one was on their phones. Everyone was actually present, soaking in the moment.

Somehow, we got lucky and snagged a couple of seats right at the bar. The bartender greeted us with a line that McSorley’s is famous for:
“Light or dark?”

That’s it. No menu, no fuss, no small talk. You get two choices of ale - and that’s all they serve. We ordered one of each.

Oh, and here’s a fun surprise - each order comes as two small mugs, so if you order one beer, you’re actually getting two half-pints. That’s just how they do it here. And the price? $8. Yes - for both mugs. In Manhattan. It’s practically unheard of.

What We Ordered

• Dark Ale Beer
• Light Ale Beer

The beers were simple, straightforward, and honestly, exactly what we wanted. No fancy infusions, no frills - just solid, old-school ale served in cold mugs with a generous layer of foam.

• The dark ale was rich and malty with a slightly roasted finish, perfect if you like something a bit fuller and heavier.

• The light ale was crisp, smooth, and easy to drink, especially for a casual hang.

Nothing too complicated, and that’s what makes it great. These beers taste like history — no pretension, no overthinking. Just beer, how it used to be made.

A Few Tips for Visiting

• Cash only: McSorley’s does not accept cards, so be sure to bring some cash. Thankfully, there’s an ATM right next door if you forget.
• Be prepared to wait: It gets crowded, especially in the evening and on weekends. But the wait is part of the experience.
• No frills: Don’t expect Wi-Fi, fancy cocktails, or modern aesthetics. That’s exactly the point.
• Talk to strangers: This place thrives on conversation. You’ll probably end up chatting with someone from another part of the world — or from just around the corner.

Why This Place?

Visiting McSorley’s isn’t just about grabbing a drink - it’s about touching history. This bar has served everyone from Abraham Lincoln to John Lennon. It survived Prohibition by serving “near beer” and pretended it wasn’t alcoholic. It didn’t even allow women until 1970 - and even then, the first women’s restroom had to be installed by court order.

The bar doesn’t just hold onto its past; it wears it proudly. In a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, where so much history is torn down to make room for the next high-rise, McSorley’s stands as a stubborn, beautiful reminder that not everything needs to change.

It’s the kind of place where, for a brief moment, you forget about time - and you remember what it feels like to just be somewhere. Not documenting it. Not filtering it. Just being in it.

It really made us feel like,
“Ah, this is the real New York.”
Not the touristy, polished version - but the gritty, historic, full-of-soul version.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go?

Absolutely — go.

Whether you’re a New Yorker who’s never been or a traveler passing through, McSorley’s is a must-visit. It’s not the place for artisanal cocktails or trendy bar snacks, but that’s not the point. If you’re looking for a true New York experience - one rooted in grit, charm, and authenticity - this is it.

We completely fell in love with the bar’s old-timey feel, the communal energy, the unpretentious beer, and the fact that this little tavern has somehow survived everything. As we sat there sipping our mugs of ale, we just kept saying to each other,
“We were really loved into this authentic place, we have to come back here next time.”

And we will.