McSorley’s Old Ale House

This was worth the quick beer we had here! I wanted to stop in just to say we’ve been to the oldest ale house in the city! The floors seemed original, even! They had sawdust sprinkled about, probably to sop up spilled beer. The bartenders were bustling about, delivering pints to tables of patrons.
When you order one beer, you get two small pints and there are only three beers to choose from, a light, dark and red.
It was great fun coming here!

You can smell the history when you walk into McSorley’s! Literally, they haven’t changed much inside since they opened in the early 1900s.
Service is always really friendly. Not many tables inside. Restrooms have a string flusher. Good lively crowd the few times I have come.
Do not come on St Pattys Day. The line to get in was just crazy.
They only have 2 beers, Ale or Porter. You get two small steins for $ 5.50. Decent beer, is not the greatest and they do not fill them up all the way.
Just an awesome historical dive bar. Great stop for a hot afternoon or late night drinks.

As soon as I walked into this place, the bartender told me, «the restroom is in the front.» I didn’t even ask for the restroom. Oddly, the restroom was in the back. My conclusion: I wasn’t welcome because I am a female Asian.

This is what a NYC bar should be. Kick butt HOTTT mustard on your liverwurst. Come on you remember liverwurst and bologna sandwiches from grammar school. Two choices of beer, light, dark. Cheese, onions Saltine crackers, saw dust, faded photo’s, Nat Fein, «The Babe Bows Out», big porcelain urinals, wood floors… Hey when did they let women in and when did they allow them to review this place… go home and do something useful… like make me a liverwurst sandwich and get me a beer. No on second thought I’ll go to McSorlys!

Fun divey bar with so much history. They keep the drink choices simple: light or dark. The historic décor and saw dust on the floor gives the place a unique look. Very famous bar worth checking out during your trip to NYC.

Historic bar. This is what this place is. Women were not allowed inside until 1970. The 1^st thing I noticed was the saw dust on the floor, always a good sign. Ordered 2 lites and got four small glass of the lite. They come in pairs here but are small enough that they maybe add up to a pint. $ 5.50 for 2, great deal. The Ale is good, the history in this place is amazing, I sat at the front table by the window and just took in the bar. I am not sure I would come during amateur hr (i.e. happy hr or Fri or Sat nights) but it was a nice visit.
The bar feels like its stuck in 1870 but this is not a bad thing.

Had friends/​family visiting us and just wanted to have a fun night out in the city. It was a late Saturday winter night when I don’t know who has the brilliant idea of this place and the guys are super excited to hear that it’s an old Irish bar. We head over and this place is PACKED and LOUD– with no music. It’s definitely a very Irish feel with the old 1900s «décor». Junk all over the wall covered in dust. The minute we walked in the smell of warm beer and mildew instantly hit me.
The guys order what they want while my sis in law and I try to «find seats». We kind of sorta do and unfortunately sat next to this rowdy crowd of Irish and very much drunk sport team. They instantly start talking/​hitting on us. We hadn’t ordered any beer because well… we just weren’t feeling it. One look at each other and we get up and wait outside (yes in the freezing cold) for the rest of our party.
As another Unilocaler said, there’s like straw crap all over the floor like you’re in a barn… maybe to make cleaning up vomit easier, or just to make an already drunk person slip. It’s packed with bartenders who constantly yell at you and will quickly dismiss you if you don’t know how this place works. People RAVE about how cheap the beer is… but what are you REALLY getting for that money? Poor service and bad hygiene. I’ll pay a little more for a decent environment thank you. If you’re like me and are used to something else-​you know a menu with more than two items, some sort of order and oh yeah, SPACE– just pass. There’s nothing for you here.

Light or dark, you get 2 choices. Simplicity. There is a charming quality to this old place. No frills, just beer and the price is good too. They have food, but really that isn’t why you came.

mcsorley’s is difficult to rate. it’s a legend. they are who they are and should not apologize… the business model is working! giving them a 3 or lower would be insulting unless you really just wandered off the street looking for a drink and preferred something other than beer. however rating them a 5 feels too high since i couldn’t see myself coming back here over & over. a 4 feels right.
normally i’d go on to describe the bar, bar top, back bar, etc., but for this place, i think the (currently) 1392 reviews probably paint the picture.
bless mcsorley’s for being the place it is.

«Mig-Sahw-Ieez“was on Kathleen D. must-​visit attractions, when we were visiting the Big Apple for our East Village tour.
We had to cross this oldest «Irish» tavern in NYC off Kathleen’s checklist. Kathleen, Ashley S. and I were so glad we did. Two reasons:
A) McSorley’s is considered one of the top 5 historic NYC Bars. (Opened 1854).
B) It was «Men-​Only– Pub, until 1970. We, women, were allowed in by court order.
McSorley’s is quick, convenient, and interesting! $ 5.50 including tax for two small mugs of house-​brand light Ale or dark Porter? Alright… my wallet is in.
Four Solid Unilocal

Someone I used to know told me about McSorley’s years ago. He made it sound incredible back then, so I knew if I was ever in the area, it would be a must stop.
Sure enough, after a friend invited me to an East Village tour, I noticed we were about three blocks away. Within a couple hours, we had hoofed it over to the historic pub and found a table to share with another group. Because communal sitting is a thing here.
We ordered our beers fairly quickly. Ashley S. and I chose dark lagers and Sari A. went for the light. Our beer arrived in two foamy glasses each — a decent amount of beer but not excessive. Probably equivalent to 12 oz pours.
Since I’m me, I had to look them up on Untappd. Both are produced by Pabst for the bar, so you need to put your snobbery away in here.
I really enjoyed my visit, overall. The old-​timey pictures on the wall, sawdust on the floor, and cozy vibe made for a nice afternoon stop.

On our last trip to New York we stopped here with a family member who grew up coming here. And it is one of my favorite stops out of all my New York trips. The bar is welcoming and you share tables with everyone there. It is an actual pub from original décor to the small plate of crackers with cheese. I don’t like beer, but theirs was great. Perfect for family or friend get togethers!

McSorley’s has been around for years. I believe around The. 1860’s. If you want to check out some history come here immediately. I use to come here in the 80’s when two mugs would cost you $ 1.75. I do believe their prices have gone up a bit. But when you enter its like being back in time. It’s so cool. Almost everyone stumbles out of McSorley’s. Great piece of American History. And don’t forget their cheese platter with the hot mustard.

Went out for drinks here last night. The Ukrainian festival was going on right outside so the place was mega packed. The atmosphere is very rowdy but just happy and cheerful. The kind of place you can slam your beer down on the counter. People say it’s the oldest bar in New York City. If that’s not true, they sure are making a great case for it! Lots of cool vintage decorations and antique furniture. Very cool place and they had a great deal on beers.

Nothing has been taken off the wall since 1910! Such a cool spot. The beer, both light and dark, are smooth and easy to throw back or sip on, but it’s less about the beer and more about the atmosphere.
Go in. Sit down. Know what you want before you’re asked. DRINK.
Cash only.

GRAN PUB EN NEW YORK.
McSorley’s Old Ale House es un genial pub irlandés en pleno Manhattan, de esos lugares a la antigua, con mucha madera, mesas grandes, aserrín en el piso, una gran barra y paredes decoradas por doquier.
Este es un lugar al que se va a tomar cerveza, a emborracharse como se debe y aunque el lugar es bastante agradable, acá el glamour queda de lado. McSorley’s es un sitio que ofrece muy buena birra artesanal tirada y el ambiente es bastante amigable y te invita a quedarte un largo rato. A todo esto, los precios son bastante accesibles.
Lo genial de este lugar es que pedís una cerveza (te la sirven en vasos un poco más chicos que una pinta), pero te dan dos. Sí, acá se bebe de a DOS VASOS, cuestión que hace que este pub sea una genialidad y ya te haga sentir bien de entrada porque aguante la birra.

I love McSorelys.
I’ll say it again. I love McSorley’s. 5 stars for exactly what it is — one of the oldest joints to drink a beer in NYC. There is nothing I love more than an antiquated Irish drinking establishment, and this is it.
Light or dark beer are your choices. If you order a beer, it will come to you in two small glasses. Yes, two. You can’t order just one and you would’t want to anyway. If you want to mix it up a bit, you can mix the light and dark together. They have a limited food menu which is listed on a chalkboard for the day. Sawdust on the floor. Irish sass. Long live McSorley’s.

The women’s bathroom is smaller than the men’s bathroom. Why? Because through the 70’s, women weren’t allowed here — there was simply no need for one.
The television was added less than a decade ago. Frankly, I don’t think it should be there. When it’s not on (which is usually the case), it’s better here.
No music, no menus, no drink specials, no seats at the bar, sawdust on the floor. This is a bar that has essentially not changed in 162 years, save for the gender neutrality and the television. You are veritably stepping into the past.
Yeah, we all know about the beer. The real experience comes when you order a cheese plate. I’m not the metaphysical type, but when you’re at McSorley’s, there is something wildly different about eating saltines, slices of white cheddar cheese, and raw onion. «I thought it would be terrible, but I actually like it» says almost everyone I take here for the first time. $ 2 for a small, $ 4 for a large… can’t not at least try it. And if you hate the onions, at least you got yourself some crackers and cheese.
Think it’s too loud in here? Then get out… you’re just missing out on the soundtrack of McSorley’s,

Loving the history of the East Coast, McSorley’s Old Ale House is one of Manhattan’s oldest watering holes. When getting a beer, there’s no nonsense when it comes to it. «Light or Dark?» Ummm. What? Being Coloradan and Californian, I tend to be overwhelmed by my choice of microbrews, but McSorley’s direct question is simple! Perhaps try both to taste, but overall, the light and dark beer options are both pretty good. I personally enjoyed the dark beer quite a bit.
Upon entering, you will immediately notice the ground is covered in sawdust, the walls are filled with old décor and pictures, and everything is set old fashioned. You order your beer, pay with cash (silly me tried to use credit card, the place has got to keep a level of authenticity!), and you get two small-​ish glasses of beer. As you order, look around to find seating. People rotate in and out quickly, so hopefully finding a spot to sit (or good standing space) is available.
This place is clean (for a bar, pretty damn good), fun, and full of rich history. The beer options are limited, but damn fun. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area!

Really cool atmosphere. Opened in 1854 so it has a lot of history here. Old pictures on the wall. The only downfall is that they only have light beer or dark beer. That’s it. They have a few good options, but not drinks. Gets very crowded — community seating.

My BFF recommended this place to me when I was looking for a chill and fun date spot, and after visiting this place, I only love my BFF more. Not only is this place iconic, but it truly is authentic. You ask for a beer, and the bartender just asks, «light or dark?» THAT’S IT. LIGHT. OR. DARK. I love it. Don’t overwhelm me with options, just be iconic, McSorley’s! YES! Plus, during happy hour, you get those beers in groups of two, and they are only $ 5. It’s cash only, but it’s like, the oldest Irish bar in NY, so it adds to the place’s authenticity. There’s sawdust on the floor, it’s pretty crowded, and you basically have to hit someone in the face when you open the bathroom door, but THAT IS ALL PART OF THE FUN. The staff is also really cool and relaxed.
I’m totally serious: I love this place. Go, go, go!

One of my favorite bars to go to! Only have light and dark beer but that’s okay cause they taste amazing! Place is very old, some older presidents used to even drink here which is pretty cool if you ask me.
WARNING: cash only and they do not tell you this until you have to pay

Woo, such a fun place! I came here on Saturday with my boyfriend for the first time and it was packed! Someone even got engaged while we were there.
I tried both light and dark beers, but I definitely like the light one. The atmosphere is great and it just puts you in a good mood.
I LOVE the old décor and had fun taking photos :) I will be back!

How many beers do I have to have to at least feel a little buzzed?! I am a very small petite woman that does not need that many beers to feel at least a little buzzed. The beers seemed pretty cheap, 2 for $ 5.50 but don’t let that fool you, you need to keep ordering. Other than that, it’s a pretty nice bar with a very vintage touch, there’s even sawdust on the floor. I could definitely see the Founding Fathers of our country gathering around a table talking about the Constitution.
There was plenty of seating here when we went on a Thursday night. There is a bar and tons of table with old vintage chairs around the place. As you can tell from the reviews there is only 2 straightforward options– light and dark. I preferred the dark over the light. The light was good but it had a floral, rosy taste to it. Im not a fan of floral tasting things but it was still good. I loved the dark beer, which went down very smoothly.
I would definitely want to give this place another chance.

Okay, this review isn’t regarding the beer. I don’t drink beer so I’m not helpful in that aspect. The place is disgusting. The pictures on the wall are filled with dust. On the floor, they have stuff all over it, be careful slipping and don’t bother wearing open toed shoes here.
It was so crowded when I came, that there was absolutely no where to stand. I guess they only have 2 different types of beer there. You either want it dark or light beer. If you want a Corona, forget about it — go down the street for that. It gets too crowded that you’re standing on top of each other in the little space that you have. It’s extremely loud in there, and that’s without music. I’m not sure if this is a rumor, but they said that the reason why there’s the «stuff» on the floor is for pukers and can get easily cleaned up due to this being all over the wooden floor.
No absolutely not I would never come here again.

I walk in at 11am during the week when McSorley’s Old Ale House first opens their doors.
I have the place to myself. The lone bartender is putting coal in the pot belly cast iron stove. It’s 11am and I have 90 minutes to kill, lemme drink a cold one and be on my way.
I break out my Kindle, I order a dark beer and start reading my new book. For those of you that have never been here before, there are only two types of beer being served at McSorley’s Old Ale House: LIGHT or DARK. That’s it. No IPAs, no 100 calorie beer, light or dark baby.
And talk about the He Mans Woman Hater Club, woman were NOT allowed in until 1970! What. the F!
Back to bizness. I have 90 minutes to kill and order my dark beer. When they serve a beer, they give you two glasses. There’s a nice beer head on the mugs so I’m guessing they’re compensating for a pint. I take my first sip. Man, that dark beer is velvet smooth. I’m reading and drinking, I sucked down both glasses. I order another beer and they give me two more glasses. I’m reading, I’m hungry and I look at my watch, it’s 11:27 and I drank four beers. I decide to cut myself off. I’m reading and the coal stove is cranking the heat. It’s like being in the womb at this point. I’m warm and buzzy.
10 minutes go by. The bartender sees my empty mugs.
«Want another beer?»
Well. If you put it like that.
At this point I’m drinking and not reading. I’m walking around and I see my suit pant cuffs are filled with saw dust. Patrons start to come in and we’re all looking at the memorabilia on the walls. It’s over *140* years of New York City history on these walls!
McSorley’s Old Ale House. It’s been here before we were all born serving suds. Our grandmothers weren’t allowed to drink here but I’m sure our grandfathers had a grand old time!

How about a light or perhaps a dark or better yet one of each. Add this one to your bucket list of must visit old school Speakeasy’s.
Just like Pringles you can’t have just one. Either of their own home brewed light or dark will undoubtedly satisfy your taste for ale. Especially because the sub size pints only get filled halfway with the head filling the rest of the glass. They go down so well and are so good. Not really sure if they truly are so amazing, but the mystique lends itself beyond the accompanying cheese sandwiches. It’s a marvelous feel minus the grime and saw dust floor. I guess it all comes together to form something awesome in a day when everyone try’s to impress and to keep up with the Jones’s.
Relax and come as you are, take a seat next to a stranger or join a group to celebrate cheer the way it was meant to be in so many small town European pubs (I visited Kilkelly in Ireland many years ago and young and old alike sat upon tables sharing «Good Craic «alike), this has the look and feel. I felt the nostalgia and really enjoyed the surroundings.
The service is friendly warm and inviting. Yes, the cleanliness leaves a bit to desire, in fact bring antibacterial.
I could go on about the turn of the century pics and ancient NYC signs that fill the walls as far as the eye can spy, but this really is one of those places that you must experience because description can’t paint the true picture. This place is all about the feel and I feel like having another, as will you.

You’ve heard a lot about the beer here (just dark and light). You’ve heard about the history (women weren’t allowed to drink there until the ‘60s). But you probably haven’t heard about their cheese plates.
If you’re thinking stone fruit chutneys and artisan bread, you need to readjust your expectations. The cheese plates here are hilarious. They consist of saltine crackers, raw onions, and various types of grocery store bought American cheese cubes. The stuff dreams are made of.

Hier geben wir 5 Sterne.
Warum?
Es hat Kult
Es ist nicht uberteuert
Burger 7.90 USS
Jede Bestellung bedeuter 2 Bier (klein)
It is a must for a look!

It’s really good. Its cozy and friendly waiters!!!
We was on sunday and there were a lot of people!

Ich fand dort echt super und was mal anders. Sehr alte Kneipe aber toooll! Habe 10 Bier in ca 16 Minuten schnell beim Wetten ausgetrunken. Sonst müsste man, der verliert, 2 paar dunkel und hell Bier für jeden, mit wem der zusammen sitzt, ausgeben. Unvergesslich und lustig!