A Timeless Gem in NYC
On Taras Shevchenko Place, East 7th Street, you can find one of the oldest bar in New York which established on 1854. I mean 1854. Can you imagine?
McSorley’s Old Ale House was truly something special.From the outside alone, you could already feel the weight of decades — 170 years old — packed into this one spot.
Inside, the walls were covered with old photographs and yellowed newspaper clippings. The ceiling was decorated with vintage objects that looked like they’d been hanging there forever. Nothing felt overly polished or renovated, and honestly, that was the best part. It felt real.
Floor is covered with sands which makes it’s atmosphere even more authentic. Time seems to have stopped in the past at this bar.
We were lucky enough to grab a spot at the bar, even though the place was already packed with people. The loud, lively atmosphere just felt like part of the pub’s character — like it had always been that way. The bartender simply asked, “Light or dark?” So we ordered one of each, and just like tradition, each came in two small mugs. Each order is $8.00.
What we ordered
- Dark Ale Beer
- Light Ale Beer
The beers were super simple, but that rough-around-the-edges charm made them all the more appealing. The dark was rich and full-bodied, while the light was easy to sip on. Both were great in their own way.
And they only take cash, so be prepared! But there is ATM right next to bar.
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?
We completely fell in love with the place’s old-timey feel and authentic atmosphere. As we sipped our beers, we just kept saying to each other, “We have to come back here next time.” It was that charming.