Old Town Bar

Classic, Old Town Bar

Old Town Bar, which first opened its doors in 1892, is one of the oldest and most iconic bars in New York City. Nestled just off Union Square, this historic bar has been a favorite gathering spot for locals, tourists, and writers for decades. It’s a place where the charm of the past meets the energy of present-day New York. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, stepping into Old Town Bar feels like stepping into a piece of living history.

In fact, the bar has appeared in several movies and TV shows over the years, most notably in Sex and the City and Julie & Julia. It’s one of those rare spots in New York where you feel like you’re part of something much bigger than just the bar itself - a place where the city’s rich cultural history is alive and well.

Upon walking inside, you are immediately greeted with an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and timeless. The high tin ceilings, dark wood bar, vintage mirrors, and old-school tiled floors transport you to an era long past, and yet, everything about the place feels warm and welcoming. The bar exudes a rustic charm, one that speaks of years of New York’s rich history. On the night we visited, the bar was packed with a lively crowd, adding to the inviting and lively energy of the place. The chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the soft hum of music in the background made it feel like the kind of place where time slows down and the outside world fades away.

One of the most charming features of Old Town Bar is the tiny, old-fashioned dumbwaiter that delivers food orders from the kitchen to the bar floor. Nestled in the corner of the room, this quirky little feature adds a touch of authenticity and a hint of nostalgia to the entire experience. It’s these little details that make Old Town Bar stand out from the countless other bars in New York City.

As for the crowd, it was clear that this was a bar where regulars were comfortable, and tourists like us were welcomed with open arms. The diversity of patrons—a mix of old-timers and newcomers - showed how well-loved the bar is across generations. Whether you’re there to catch up with friends or simply enjoy a quiet moment by yourself, Old Town Bar offers the perfect atmosphere to do so.

Since we had already had dinner, we decided to skip the food this time and focus on the drinks.

What We Ordered

• Old Fashioned
• Moscow Mule

The drink menu at Old Town Bar is a straightforward one, but it doesn’t lack variety. The options range from classic cocktails to simple, crowd-pleasing favorites. As lovers of cocktails, we went with the two iconic choices: Old Fashioned and Moscow Mule.

The Old Fashioned was as classic as they come. It was well-balanced, with a perfect blend of whiskey, bitters, and a touch of orange zest. It wasn’t the most creative or groundbreaking version, but it was undeniably well-made. The Moscow Mule, served in its signature copper mug, was refreshing and crisp—just what you’d expect from the drink. Both drinks were good, but not particularly extraordinary. However, when paired with the bar’s vintage charm and lively atmosphere, they became part of the overall experience.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go?

If you’re in New York City and are looking to soak in some history while enjoying a drink, Old Town Bar is worth a visit. While the drinks themselves are nothing to write home about, the atmosphere is what truly sets this place apart. It’s the kind of bar that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, and the nostalgia it exudes makes it feel like a quintessential New York experience.

However, you know there’s a lot of bar!

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick drink or spending the evening chatting with friends, Old Town Bar offers an experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else in New York. It’s a place where the history, atmosphere, and charm take center stage over the quality of the drinks. So, while it may not have the most creative cocktail menu, Old Town Bar is an absolute must-visit for anyone who appreciates vintage New York bars or just wants to experience the charm of a bygone era.