McSorley’s Old Ale House

Opened sometime between 1854 and 1862 (the exact year is debated), McSorley’s Old Ale House is one of the most historic bars in New York City. Indeed, it’s the oldest Irish Salon in New York City and has hosted notable patrons throughout the years. Famous names include Abraham Lincoln, Ulyssess S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, John Lennon, Houdini and E.E. Cummings.

The bar has two mottos. “We were here before you were born” and “Be Good or Be Gone.” However, before women were allowed in bars in the 1970’s, McSorely’s motto was, “Good Ale, Raw Onions and No Ladies.”

Located in the East Village, everything about this iconic bar in New York City oozes with old-world charm. In fact, not a single item has been removed from the walls since 1910. You can find Houdini’s handcuffs on a bar rail and wishbones hung by young men going off to World War I.

The menu at this famous Manhattan bar is limited to two options, dark and light ale. Some things never change, and (frankly) shouldn’t.

If you’re searching for one of the best historic things to do in the East Village, consider stopping by McSorley’s Old Ale House for some ale. Opened sometime between 1854 and 1862 (the exact year is debated), McSorley’s Old Ale House is one of the most historic bars in New York City.

So entrenched in history, not a single item has been removed from the walls since 1910. You can find Houdini’s handcuffs on a bar rail and wishbones hung by young men going off to World War I. 

This beloved NYC pub has hosted notable patrons throughout the years. Famous names include Abraham Lincoln, Ulyssess S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, John Lennon, Houdini and E.E. Cummings.

McSorley’s Old Ale House, established between 1854 and 1862 (the exact date debated), stands as the oldest Irish pub in New York City. It’s steeped in history and was frequented by luminaries like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and John Lennon. Nestled in the East Village, its timeless charm resonates thanks to the unchanged decor that’s been around since 1910.

The bar’s intriguing mottos, “We were here before you were born” and “Be Good or Be Gone,” reflect its enduring spirit. Formerly exclusive, McSorley’s began welcoming women in the 1970s, shifting from the original motto of “Good Ale, Raw Onions. And No Ladies.” With a minimalist menu featuring only dark and light ale, McSorley’s captures the essence of a bygone era that still captivates today.