McSorley's Old Ale House

(212) 473-9148

15 E 7th St (nr. Second Ave.)
New York, NY 10003 40.7288 -73.9898

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: East Village, Downtown

MCSORLEYSNEWYORK.COM

Hours:

Mon-Sat 11am-1am

Sun 1pm?1am

Last updated 4.14.11

Category:

Bars & Clubs, Bars & Pubs, Neighborhood Bars, Brew Pubs, Restaurants, Taverns, Irish Pubs

Payment Methods:

Cash

Bar & Club Special Features:

After Work

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About McSorley's Old Ale House

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

One of the oldest bars in this fair city, McSorley's opened its doors in 1854--but women weren't allowed in until the 1970s. Today, this East Village institution still has sawdust on the floor, over 150 years of history on the walls and only two kinds of beer: McSorley's Light and McSorley's Dark. The crowd tends toward undergrads and post-collegiates looking to schmooze over brews in a laidback neighborhood bar that, over the years, has played host to icons ranging from Abe Lincoln (yes, seriously) to John Lennon and Woody Guthrie.

Editor's Tips

When to Go:
The line stretches halfway down the block on weekends; go on a Wednesday or Thursday to down a few mugs in peace and soak up history in the bar Joseph Kennedy called home.
ambiance
72.7299976348877% positive
  1. “Fraternity like atmosphere.”
  2. “Rude service, bad atmosphere”
  3. “It is kind of funny to watch the tourists get all confused on how to order, or ask them what kinds of beer they have :o) The beer is great, the atmosphere is fun, and--music or not---it's always a raucous good time.”
  4. “The waiters are dry and direct, fun when engaged though.”
  5. “Maybe they are plotting their own beerhall putsch; the "patriotic" ambience is uncomfortably overwhelming.”
  6. “Good cheap beer, great atmosphere, $3 sandwiches.”
  7. “It's got unique history, atmosphere and decor (and great mustard!)”
  8. “The place is not a classy type of place, but it has a great atmosphere.”
  9. “Great food light and dark beer only but a great atmosphere.”
  10. “The atmosphere is fun, but it is way too crowded.”
  11. “The atmosphere is so unique, the beer is good (and I'm not a beer drinker), the other customers are fun to talk to - overall it's a NYC experience not to be missed!”
drinks
89.73999977111816% positive
  1. “Quickpik just can't appreciate what makes McSorely's the best bar in NYC.”
  2. “If you want to go to some trendy night spot and hang out with snobs and sip overly expensive fruity cocktails, then theres a million places in the city you can go.”
  3. “The atmosphere is so unique, the beer is good (and I'm not a beer drinker), the other customers are fun to talk to - overall it's a NYC experience not to be missed!”
  4. “Drink great beer on the cheap.”
  5. “but repeat patronage can make the frat-boy scene, mostly-foam drinks, lousy bathrooms and surly "show me the money" service tiresome.”
  6. “In my opinion - this is Manhattan's most memorable bar!”
  7. “The McSorley's Dark was a good beer, especially during happy hour when they doubled up.”
  8. “That was fine with us, we still had our beers to drink and half an hour would be perfect timing to finish them.”
  9. “Great food light and dark beer only but a great atmosphere.”
  10. “There's this guy who is always there, adn he serves you handfulls of drinks whether or not you want them, and with a bad attitude.”
  11. “This place is a must for excellent beer and history!”
  12. “When you order your beer remember LIGHT and DARK.”
  13. “Just remember to order your beers in even numbers and get at least 4 beers per person they go down fast and smooth.”
  14. “There is a guy who looks homeless who seems to be shuffling around with "clean" glasses, but I got the feeling they also might be reusing glasses left on the bar.”
  15. “It is kind of funny to watch the tourists get all confused on how to order, or ask them what kinds of beer they have :o) The beer is great, the atmosphere is fun, and--music or not---it's always a raucous good time.”
  16. “This is my favorite bar in the world.”
  17. “it's his favourite bar.”
  18. “great beer”
  19. “best bar ever”
  20. “McSorley's is absolutely the best bar in NYC, and probably the world.”
  21. “Sometimes you need a good place to grab some chili and down a few beers.”
  22. “crackhead next to us at the bar told her she had a nice set.”
  23. “Obviously they are only open because of people that would rather enjoy "history" than the company of their friends or GOOD beer.”
  24. “love the sawdust, the old stove, the gajillion framed badges, photos, and articles plastered all over the walls, as well as the beer.”
  25. “Finally, the price was nothing to write home about, and the beer was mediocre at best.”
  26. “Where else can you order a beer for $4 and they bring you 2?”
  27. “This bar is great.”
  28. “I'm not usually a beer guy, but the stuff they make here is so good that I travel across town every time I come to New York City.”
  29. “best neighborhood bar in the city, you have to order drinks 2 at a time, I recommend the 20/20 vision myself.”
  30. “Any place that brings you beer by the dozen (several dozen) is surely an incredible place.”
  31. “Good cheap beer, great atmosphere, $3 sandwiches.”
  32. “Yes, it can be a pain to get seats, but it's got good beer and solid pub fare.”
  33. “What a fantastic bar.”
  34. “20-40 somethings drinking fantastic beer in a boisterious environment.”
  35. “don't think people 100 years ago wanted a beer full of foam, I certainly don't.”
  36. “Awesome beer”
  37. “The beer is good, and good value (I didn't say great).”
  38. “McSorley's is a great old bar, but to appreciate it, get there early, before the crowds hit.”
  39. “Ladies, grab 10 of your girlfriends, order some beers, and just start asking those sailors where they're from.”
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. “also, always order the meat platter of the day, it never disappoints.”
  2. “The food is common but not like other bars, They have the best corned beef hash and red cabage you can find in NY, even the cheese platter is great.”
  3. “Most of the food is good, and I would recommend the corned beef or the cheese plate.”
  4. “Great food light and dark beer only but a great atmosphere.”
  5. “The sandwiches are good enough to satisfy.”
  6. “Good cheap beer, great atmosphere, $3 sandwiches.”
  7. “Maybe they think it makes the place more authentic.”
  8. “This place is great, authentic, and raucous if you're there with a bunch of firefighters, as we were the day we arrived.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “McSorley's is a great place to take out of towner's and to get tother with friends.”
  2. “great place to hang with a bunch of friends and be loud, play cards, chat.”
  3. “McSorley's is an all 'round great place.”
  4. “This place has a great history behind it and the look of the place tells it all.”
  5. “You should bring visitors here- as it is a great place with lots of history and character.”
  6. “Sometimes you need a good place to grab some chili and down a few beers.”
  7. “McSorley's is a lower east side landmark, and a good place to visit twice.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “My wife and I spent a wonderful Friday afternoon recently and would return anytime.”
service
33.92999887466431% positive
  1. “don't think people 100 years ago wanted a beer full of foam, I certainly don't.”
  2. “We had no idea what the problem was, since we were not obnoxiously intoxicated and had done absolutely nothing to warrant such rudeness-- my boyfriend, knowing I hate it when he says anything back to rude people when it's just not worth it (I mean, the wa”
  3. “And I can see from some of the other reviews that he's not the only one who has experienced poor service.”
  4. “also, the wait staff was very pushy about ordering rounds, so if you're not drinking, you're not really welcome to sit and hang out with your friends).”
  5. “but repeat patronage can make the frat-boy scene, mostly-foam drinks, lousy bathrooms and surly "show me the money" service tiresome.”
  6. “Last time we were there, we met 4 or 5 people from New Jersey and have some great pictures to prove the absolutely outrageous time we had.”
  7. “The waiters are dry and direct, fun when engaged though.”
  8. “Insulting, rude waitstaff.”
  9. “The big, burly, accented bartenders and servers have no trouble getting the "ungood" out the door in a hurry-trust me.”
  10. “The cats, the stove in the winter and all the great people you meet.”
  11. “Once on a slow afternoon to take in the pictures on the walls and the old-style environment (and in my case have a chat with fellow Irish immigrants in the form of the waiters).”
  12. “Great ale, staff and customers colorful to say the least.”
  13. “They are definitely not exaggerating when they recall the rude encounters with this man.”
  14. “Many past presidents and famous people have left their mark at McSorleys.”
  15. “The staff is great about helping seat people as quickly as possible, but I've never been able to tolerate more than an hour or so there before it feels too crowded for me.”
  16. “The servers can be rude or brusque, but that adds to the old world feel.”
  17. “The people at Mcsorelys are the best.”
  18. “Rude service, bad atmosphere”
  19. “Obviously they are only open because of people that would rather enjoy "history" than the company of their friends or GOOD beer.”
  20. “Staff is extremely rude.”
  21. “Those people who are complaining about the rudeness, the sawdust, not being able to stand etc....quit your whining and leave McSorley's to the rest of us and go hang out at Lotus or Butter or Bed or whatever other obnoxious flash in the pan hot spot, Manh”
  22. “Did people 100 years ago not like music.”
  23. “don't often complain about service-- I've seen that most of the time, bad service is a result of a rude customer.”
  24. “But if you want to go hang out with real people who pass the time by knocking back a few and actualy talking instead of listening to lame hip hope music, then you want Mcsorely's.”
  25. “The service was rude, unfriendly, and pushy.”
  26. “Its clean, the ale is incredable, the bartenders aren't rude but they aren't going to smile and start a conversation either.”
  27. “First off, the staff inside is extremely rude.”
  28. “just hope that anyone who reads this knows to be wary of terrible service when heading to McSorley's.”
value
55.56000232696533% positive
  1. “Good cheap beer, great atmosphere, $3 sandwiches.”
  2. “If you want to go to some trendy night spot and hang out with snobs and sip overly expensive fruity cocktails, then theres a million places in the city you can go.”
  3. “The beer is good, and good value (I didn't say great).”
  4. “Beer is great, prices are even better.”
  5. “Finally, the price was nothing to write home about, and the beer was mediocre at best.”
  6. “but repeat patronage can make the frat-boy scene, mostly-foam drinks, lousy bathrooms and surly "show me the money" service tiresome.”
  7. “Drink great beer on the cheap.”
  8. “The prices are decent for the city and well worth every penny!”
  9. “We had no idea what the problem was, since we were not obnoxiously intoxicated and had done absolutely nothing to warrant such rudeness-- my boyfriend, knowing I hate it when he says anything back to rude people when it's just not worth it (I mean, the wa”
wait time
0.0% positive
  1. “Once on a slow afternoon to take in the pictures on the walls and the old-style environment (and in my case have a chat with fellow Irish immigrants in the form of the waiters).”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/24/11

This place is a "MUST STOP"

by pyro63

Wow, I have not been to McSorley's since college in 1985. Eveything you said about this place is mostly true... IT IS GREAT TO SEE THE PLACE HAS NOT CHANGED. McSorley's is a classic. It is unfortunate, but you missed the experience. This place is a MUST STOP.

1 Star Rating: Poor

02/23/11

Terrible

by the goat

My friend randomly picked this place for lunch today...I'm never going back.

The staff was not necessarily rude, but very short and unwelcoming.

The place is filthy and looks like it hasn't been cleaned in 100 years...not to mention that there is sawdust all over the floor.

Only two beers to drink--dark or light. I didn't have any, so I cannot comment on the taste, but the glasses were dirty.

No TVs or music.

Crowd is stuck up and pretentious, even though the place is a dump.

Food was not bad and reasonably priced, but very small selection.

I understand this is supposed to be a throwback to bars from the early days, but there is a reason for evolution!

Also, I'm Irish and these people give us a bad name. Not all Irish people are stuck-up, arrogant and rude!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/27/10

Be good or be gone

by kaneohe

For those who complain about the "mediocre" food and the "rude" service...did you happen to not see that this is an "Ale House". Perhaps you came here because you couldn't find the Hard Rock Cafe or Cheesecake Factory?

Don't you think it is somewhat ironic that you would refer to a place with "rude service, limited menu, and mediocre food" a "tourist trap" seeing as they obviously don't cater to you?

For those of us who call this place home, we say to you...BE GONE.

1 Star Rating: Poor

12/25/10

Tourist Trap

by quigs56

Rude service, limited menu and mediocre food. There is only two beers, one ale & one porter. Image an Irish bar without a good stout on tap!

I was so very disappointed on the entire experience. It was the low point in an otherwise excellent four day NYC visit.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/22/10

*** Luke's Review *** McSorley's

by Luke717

McSorley's is one of a kind.

If you like history, good beer, the smell of beer/saw dust, laughter, and can handle a few rude employees at times. This place is a must. If you answer “No”, to any questions then this place is not for you, go find a pub that will server you your “Shirley Temple”- you have no right to be here!!! I have been visiting McSorley’s for over 20 years. I have introduced this pub to many people and all love this place. Yes, this place can get crowed at times. Yes, this place is small, Yes, they server food, and I recommend the cheese/cracker/onion platter, and don’t’ forget the hot mustard. To me this place was recently remodeled in 1854. Sit back, tip a few enjoy the scenery, and learn their few rules.

1) Be good or be gone

2) Lite or dark

3) 2 or 4

4) 10 min for a table

5) Do not sing alone

6) Do not get sick or your friends will get mad at you

7) If you drink too slowly, you will be asked to leave.

Sparky,, it your turn to buy a round!!!

  • Pros: Great place
  • Cons: It;s in NYC, Have to travel from Buffalo, but worth the trip

The Details on McSorley's Old Ale House

Place Categories:

  • great magic place
  • good cheap beer
  • best neighborhood bar
  • great atmosphere
  • unfriendly service
  • extremely rude wait staff
  • rude servers
  • not like place
  • famous people
  • bad attitude
  • love mcsorley
  • rather enjoy history
  • great local spot
  • great sandwiches
  • worst old guy
  • great cheese platter
  • big accented bartenders
  • direct waiters
  • good value
  • great staff
  • great mustard
  • great prices
  • fun other customers
  • great experience
  • ago not like did people

As Seen In…

Best of Citysearch

New York

Advertisement

Featured In

Recent Reviews In Manhattan

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

The Carriage House

219 East 59th Street,, New York,, NY

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

La Zarza Lounge

166 First Ave, New York, NY

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Broadway Comedy Club

318 W 53rd St, New York, NY

4 Star Rating: Recommended

Katra

217 Bowery, New York, NY

Advertisement