McSorley's Old Ale House
McSorley's Old Ale House
4.5
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Monday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 1:00 AM
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
How to get there
- Astor Place • 3 min walk
- 8th St – NYU • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
2,888 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Birgitta-KennethSolna, Sweden1,564 contributionsMust visit if you are in to magic old bars and historyJust a must to visit this old ale house with an interior that dates back to the 1850s. Absolutely unreal that it has kept its grace for so long and the interior and the memorabilia and pictures on the wall could keep you there for hours on a historical excursion. Loved it!Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 3 October 2023
- Rob t24 contributionsPerfect 1st visitAlways wanted to visit this ale house and we wasnt dissapointed. We sat looking at so much history that you never get from these modern pubs today. The smells, the atmosphere & especially the hospitality was wonderfull. I my self never been into a bar steeped in so much history and was in my eliment. The owner made it special taking time out to speak to us about the history and all about the place. Definatly be back next time in new york. Thank you for making an English man & his wife so welcomeVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 October 2023
- Roberto Alfredo FBuenos Aires, Argentina153 contributionsa must in new yorkA bar that has oppened his doors in 1854 and had never closed it. I went wth my 32 years old son to have a beer at this typical New York bar, When you step inside you found yourself submerged in a typical saloon of the 1900 century. Its funny its a only cash bar and when you order one beer they serve you directly two, really quite uniqueVisited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 October 2023
- Matthew JNew York City, New York18 contributionsThis place is just greatThis pub claims to be the oldest pub in New York. I believe them. I'm originally from Nottingham and we claim that we have the oldest pub in the United Kingdom called "Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem". That pub was founded in 1189AD, compared with 1854AD. Somehow McSorley's felt older and I think it's because a lot of the pub simply hasn't changed in that time. There were all sorts of trinkets and pictures that must date back to around that time. The atmosphere and the environment really made me think that the walls of this pub had seen some things, in a really good way. There was also sawdust on the floor! The beer selection is "light" or "dark"; simple and beautiful. The staff were also really great. All in all, a top experience.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 November 2023
- MarkLA73Aberdeen, United Kingdom124 contributionsMust visit bar !One of the oldest bars in NY. Preserved to be like the original bar and n terms of decor and drink served. Sawdust on the floor and only serve 2 alcoholic beverages- light and dark beer. I had both and enjoyed them greatly. Prices reasonable. Similar with food with a limited menu but this adds to the charm. I had a chilli fig and my wife had a hot dog. Would recommend this bar to anyone visiting NY.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 November 2023
- Pano HadjipaschalisJohannesburg, South Africa18 contributionsOnly two beersIncredible Irish vibe. The bar is packed with people and the walls are full of miscellaneous objects- each with their own story. There are two beers - light or dark - and you have to order in pairs, so it’s $8 for the two beers that you have to order. The bartenders were hilarious and made the experience even better. A must visit for sure!Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 19 December 2023
- Kevin BMount Juliet, Tennessee4,182 contributionsGreat historic bar!McSorley's is great! It's the oldest Irish saloon in NYC and one of the oldest continuously operating bars in the city. It's cash only, has only two beers (light or dark) and still has sawdust floors. The walls are absolutely covered with historic photos and newspapers and it's just a great old dive bar. It's a window into a different time (it was men-only until 1970) and it's a fun place to visit with new people. I would definitely come back again!Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 January 2024
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota6,658 contributionsIrish Pub with an Incredible History and a Favorite of TouristsIrish pub with an incredible history boasting to be the oldest continuously operating bar/saloon in NYC established in 1854. Definitely worth checking out. However, this is most certainly now a tourist bar. Usually very crowded and filled with patrons packed together. Only dark or light beer on the menu. Cash only.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 April 2024
- Ralph WilhelmCarmel, Indiana801 contributionsA Step back 170 years; wonderful bar on 7th Street in ManhattanMcSorley's is a big step back in history, a pre-Civil War kind of step. Located on 7th Avenue, one of the oldest and most quaint bars in New York City. You have to try at least once..to sample their TWO beers, dark and light, to smell the history, the age, and to revel in the feeling of this place. It does get crowded but that's OK. Everyone's a friend and lots of camaraderie in a place that is approaching 175 years old. Not hard to find and certainly one of a kind. Take a few friends or new characters to NYC; you won't regret it!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 1 June 2024
- jonny BLondon, United Kingdom22 contributionsCan’t wait to go back!Don’t miss this place on a trip to Manhattan if you like ale and life! My second visit there after a gap of a decade or so and pleased to find it exactly the same. Has some food this time (probably a good idea as the beer’s so good) and it was pretty good and really inexpensive for New York. Can’t wait to go back!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,436 reviews
Excellent
937
Very good
353
Average
74
Poor
27
Terrible
45
Shirley n
31 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Whilst this place has a warm and pleasant aesthetic and feel of an old Irish pub, the beers are only sized for your average Leprechaun. We went here as the simplicity of “dark or light” beers appealed along with the price of $7 for two beers.
We ordered two beers and were given 4 being told that $7 couldn’t be split. The beers arrived in very small glass beer mugs, half beer half foam. I would estimate that each glass held approximately a third of a pint at best.
The cheese plate was good for $6 - plenty of cheddar squares served with raw onion, hot mustard and an entire packet of crackers.
All in all a very pleasant visit but if you are a beer drinker and want a proper drink your in the wrong place.
We ordered two beers and were given 4 being told that $7 couldn’t be split. The beers arrived in very small glass beer mugs, half beer half foam. I would estimate that each glass held approximately a third of a pint at best.
The cheese plate was good for $6 - plenty of cheddar squares served with raw onion, hot mustard and an entire packet of crackers.
All in all a very pleasant visit but if you are a beer drinker and want a proper drink your in the wrong place.
Written 1 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
baiterskater
Worcester, UK15 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Really great place and a lovely feel to it. Cheap beer - spent $36 on 12 beers between 2 people which is good even though they had a big head on them. Would defo go again.
Written 16 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nyugreg
Virginia Beach, VA63 contributions
Mar 2020
I have been patronizing McSorley's Ale House for over 40 years and it is always a fan favorite. From my days as a student at New York University until now as an older man, McSorley's dark and light beers have attracted me time and time again. The simple food (sandwiches, platters,, etc...) are always a good pairing with the drinks.
Written 24 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
davyd83
Marquette, MI1,224 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
Such a great experience to enjoy a few pints of Ale (dark please) at such a historic setting. The door crew did a great job making sure the Covid rules were followed and keeping the ample crowd in line. When I finally got a seat at the bar, Ryan did a great job keeping those pints full! This was a terrific, unique ad historic experience!
Written 4 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Birgitta-Kenneth
Solna, Sweden1,564 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Just a must to visit this old ale house with an interior that dates back to the 1850s. Absolutely unreal that it has kept its grace for so long and the interior and the memorabilia and pictures on the wall could keep you there for hours on a historical excursion. Loved it!
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mymilesandsmiles
New York City, NY346 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
Legendary historic pub with unparalleled vintage charm. Wooden floors, vintage memorabilia, and an authentic Irish pub feel that transports you back in time. Rustic, unpretentious environment with walls covered in historic photographs and artifacts. Oldest Irish tavern in NYC (established 1854)
Classic no-frills, no-nonsense service. Bartenders are efficient and knowledgeable about the pub's rich history. Expect straightforward interaction without excessive small talk.
Drinks:
*Only two beer options: light and dark house ale
*Affordable prices
*Cash only
*Traditional Irish pub drinking experience
A must-visit for history buffs, beer enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic NYC pub experience
Classic no-frills, no-nonsense service. Bartenders are efficient and knowledgeable about the pub's rich history. Expect straightforward interaction without excessive small talk.
Drinks:
*Only two beer options: light and dark house ale
*Affordable prices
*Cash only
*Traditional Irish pub drinking experience
A must-visit for history buffs, beer enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic NYC pub experience
Written 21 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SHFT54
Miami, FL1,217 contributions
Nov 2021
Old school, 1850's style. Sawdust on the floor. History buffs dream, and you can read it all on the walls and taste it in the beer. Light or dark are your beer choices. They taste historic, served near room temp and so heady that when you order one you get 2 mugs half full of beer/half full of head. Touristy, but amazing. Chances are you're not going to run into a local here. But you will meet some fellow travelers, sit at a big table and invite some to sit with you. Service was very attentive from both the sever and the bartenders. There's also some great people watching opportunities.
Written 22 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pano Hadjipaschalis
Johannesburg, South Africa18 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
Incredible Irish vibe. The bar is packed with people and the walls are full of miscellaneous objects- each with their own story.
There are two beers - light or dark - and you have to order in pairs, so it’s $8 for the two beers that you have to order.
The bartenders were hilarious and made the experience even better.
A must visit for sure!
There are two beers - light or dark - and you have to order in pairs, so it’s $8 for the two beers that you have to order.
The bartenders were hilarious and made the experience even better.
A must visit for sure!
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O'Brien
Whitehouse Station, NJ14 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
Great place . You walk inside and feel the history . Many photos on the walls and lots of memorabilia collected over the years. They only serve ale , light or dark that they give you two at a time. prefer the dark but both are good . food is pretty good. Neat place to visit cause it's been there so long .
Written 28 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
neilthetourist
london35 contributions
Nov 2022
Authentic historic bar, like drinking beer in a museum. Saw dust on the floor, choice of light or dark beers that come in two's. very easy to lose track of how many.
Beers were nice, although alot of froth but it was a good experience for us.
This place is real, and not mocked up for tourists and surely is unique having been set up like this in the 1850's.
look out for the wishbones hanging above the bar, and a whole load of other quirky bits that you could spend all night looking at. Waiter was good, and they do keep you topped up when running low.
Just go and try it!
Beers were nice, although alot of froth but it was a good experience for us.
This place is real, and not mocked up for tourists and surely is unique having been set up like this in the 1850's.
look out for the wishbones hanging above the bar, and a whole load of other quirky bits that you could spend all night looking at. Waiter was good, and they do keep you topped up when running low.
Just go and try it!
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It’s our favourite in NYC and we’re coming back with our family. Our grandsons are 11 and 13. Are they allowed in the bar?
Written 23 October 2018
Hi. Apologies but not sure, there was certainly nobody under 21 when I visited this bar, not that I will be going there again. Perhaps try checking their website.
Written 2 November 2018
Looking for more than cheese crackers and liverwurst go elsewhere. Otherwise have at it till they close at midnight. Drink here then go to Katz Deli just four blocks away. Don’t plan on eating here
Written 16 July 2018
Does this place just serve beer???
Any wine ???? Or other drink alternative??
Written 12 March 2017
Didn't know it ever closed, but it's very much open now!
Written 20 November 2016
If you have ever seen the movie SWEET HOME ALABAMA the quote goes like this:
"You have a baby....in a bar."
I know what the writers were thinking. The humor is simply what it should be. Babies and children in bars are the same as tuxedos at TGIFridays. You can do it, but everyone will stare at you. The bar is meant for the amazing taste and design. There will be no drunkeness....maybe. Loud discussions at other tables ranging from size of dildo to whether Caitlin Jenner takes it anally might not be how you want a 7 year old to remember NYC.
Written 9 April 2016
What time is the best to arrive on Paddys Day? Its my chaps "big bday" on Paddys Day and we can't think of anywhere better to spend it... :)
Thanks in advance.
Written 21 February 2016
You can get there when they open but that day will be a mad house. Cheers!
Written 22 February 2016
Hi, how much is it to upgrade to the preferred club? We're staying in January and weren't going to bother in doing so but from reading the reviews it seems well worth it!
Thanks in advance!
Written 28 February 2015
Hi, this is a bar. There are no upgrades needed, come one come all!
Written 22 February 2016
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