McSorley's Old Ale House

Holy cow, how did I never get around to writing up a review of McSorley’s?? I went there almost two years ago with my wife but I remember thw whole experience like it was yesterday. We were in the area, having just visited the Tenement Museum, and I was looking for a beverage and a place to get lunch, and this came up. It didn’t dawn on me until we walked in that this was *the* McSorley’s. Sawdust on the floor, chatty bartender, Irish waiter, and more atmosphere than one place should rightly have.

They had just opened so it was just us and two other couples. I was in NY to see a cricket match and so was one of the other couples there, so the “British Isles” vibe was in full effect. We had ordered our food but it hadn’t arrived yet, and were reading the awesome old newpapers on the walls of this ancient and venerable establishment, when all of a sudden the bartedner cries out “hide your beer!!” — and then, honest to God, a priest walked into the bar. He gave us an indulgence to keep drinking, though, so it all worked out.

Our food came and though we just had a couple of sandwiches, it was tasty enough and actually seemed very reasonably priced from NYC (though we’re from Seattle so pretty much everywhere is reasonably priced in comparison). Famously you can get only two beers here — “light” or “dark”. I got light for my first round, and dark for my second round, and though they were nothing special, they were perfect for the vibe of the place.

Highly recommend checking out McSorley’s if you ever find yourself in the neighborhood, if only for the history of the place.

Place is awesome: hits my live of history and a cold beer. Both light and dark beers were very tasty and I had a bunch. Pepe the bare]tender was hilarious and after my second beer I was having a blast with the mid dayers. Loved the time capsule: I’m a tourist…. High recommend

Go here for the history, the vibe, and the conversation. Good for large groups. Two beers, dark or light are about the same, but passable. I preffered the dark

 

A cliche but a really fun, unusual and enjoyable cliche. It's what you think it is but it lives up to what you think it is, as long as what you thought it was was not the Disney Epcot Center version of an Irish bar in lower Manhattan. Because it's not that.

 

 

Was on a daytime, New York walkabout and had to stop in at McSorley's, a New York institution. I had been an occasional visitor years ago, but, of late, found it so overwhelmed with the NYU crowd, it was too hard to get in. Since school is out for the summer, problem solved! Two friends and I ordered 10 "darks" and a cheese platter. We finished the beer before the platter, so ordered 10 more. Note to the wise: be careful with the mustard. Reminds me of how New York neighborhood bars were in the 60's and 70's, especially the saw dust. Really hard to rate since the ambience is really the main thing; selection and food really just are not. Just the quintessential dive bar in which to have a few laughs with friends.

I was in the neighborhood and just had to go back in to relive my twenties. I remember the days when women were not allowed in the bar, OK I was not old enough to drink then but I do remember them. If you are looking for craft beer DO NOT go here. Light and dark are the only options. If you are looking for an old fashioned throw back, McSorleys is a must. Interesting mix of older and younger people created a very nice atmosphere with lots of conversation across the generations. So glad I stopped in.

 

Always was a fun stop when in my 20s. Nice to return to same.
Read Joseph Mitchell's New Yorker piece. Pub is sawdust, simple and old... " a time machine back to the 1800s." Liverwurst & Onion sandwich is a must, beer selection is poor.

Obv slection is 2 so I scored a 2. Time machine indeed. 1st timer and I love it

If you've ever read Joseph Mitchell's classic New Yorker piece about this place, or even if you haven't, it's worth the visit. This is the kind of place I love, simple and old. You walk out of the street in one of the most ridiculous, wealthy cities in the world and enter a time machine back to the 1800s. The ales are simple and standard, the service is outstanding, and the selection of light and dark ale is good enough for me.

 

 

 

This is a place to go to check off your bucket list. For the beer snob, you might thumb your nose at "light or dark" being the only option but if so you shouldn't be here. It's an experience. Mugs served 2 at a time in a dirty old hole in the wall Irish pub. It's an awesome experience, but not a place I'd go frequently.

 

 

 

 

Best bar in the city. Got to go for the experience.

You don't go here for the beer - you go for the historic nature and atmosphere

 

 

 

 

 

This place is simply an institution. Light or Dark are your only beer options and they are both fantastic. You don't come here for the food, just the beer and the atmosphere, both of which are top notch. This place is traditional down to the saw dust on the floor a must go to for anyone who enjoys a bar with an old style.

Pick light or dark! One of the oldest bars in NYC, McSorley's is famous for its men only policy up to 1970. Saw dust floor and relics everywhere, it's a time capsule of a by gone era. The beer comes by the fist fulls, and goes down quick. Get used to making new friends, as no chairs go unused. Unless you are a fan of cheese and onions, grab a slice before hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I work a few blocks north of McSorely's. I am a traditionalist and McSorely's is the real deal. It has been around for 150+ years. The stuff on the walls isn't kitschy, it is really old. Pepe, the bartender, has been there for decades and is great at initiating first timers.

McSorely's serves two beers, their light and their dark. I only get the dark. Someday, I'll try the other one. For $5.50 two pints. In NYC, that's a steal. Being kind, the food is pedestrian at best. Do not expect a great menu. However, it is passable and it is cheap.

As for the beer, it is very drinkable. Have two and you will want two more.