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McSorley's Old Ale House

New York City, NY (East Village)
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Ranked #9 of 285 nightlife in New York City
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Type: Bar/ Clubs
Activities: Drinking
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95 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    54
    26
    3
    2
    10
Date Rating
Surrey
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

Visited McSorleys in May 2013 having read reviews on trip advisor. This place is in a time warp. It is brilliant. We went in then on a very crowded evening and the place was really lively. There is so much history on the walls that it could be a museum but that would have been a waste of a very... More

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See 13 more reviews by 2togo2enjoy for New York City
birmingham
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
34 helpful votes 34 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

If you put all the best bits from all the greatest pubs in London, Dublin and NYC together you would end up with something that looks a lot like McSorleys. Great decor, wise cracking but efficient staff, very traditional bar food and decent light or dark beer. Bit tough to track down, tucked round the corner but then all great... More

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See 9 more reviews by kelloggs71 for New York City
Staten Island, New York
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

I'am a real fan of this place. It has an old fashioned atmosphere and original meals. Never used an onion as an appetizer with ale before. But now I do. Delicious. Great chilli soup. And of course there are no comments about the Ale. Its majestic. 2 for 5$. Probably only when you cover the whole table with empty glasses... More

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See 13 more reviews by YuryGr for New York City
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

Trip to New York City is not complete without visiting this amazing Irish pub in East Village area of Manhattan.. the walls are full of old beautiful pictures and interesting newspaper cuttings telling stories about this place.. I read a couple of articleswhile I was thr and it literally transported me back in time and felt as if I was... More

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Albany, New York
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2013

This is the oldest bar in NYC and it is near and dear to my heart. My husband and I make a point to visit every time we're in the City. A short walk from the Ashtor place subway station or from Union Square. The bartender is friendly and a wealth of historical information and stories from the bar. Both... More

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See 2 more reviews by jeannemarie5281 for New York City
El Paso, Texas
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2013

This place has been in business since the mid 19th century and is something of a lower Manhattan landmark. It's old, funky, crowded, and a lot of fun. No real selection on the beer - it's the house light or dark ale, but they're decent so you won't miss your favorite tap brew too badly. We didn't stay for dinner,... More

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See 3 more reviews by Dave S for New York City
Saint Louis, Missouri
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 April 2013

This is a fun place with such great history. Drink in the atmosphere and great ale but leave your attitude at home. This is not your corner Applebees. You may sit with others, it will be crowded, it may not be immaculate but it sure is fun. The corned beef sandwich was awesome!

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See 12 more reviews by Tom D for New York City
New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

Enter through the old swinging front doors and the smell of saw dust, beer, old bar and time hits you (in that good ole memories sorta way). McSorley's has been my go to home away from home for the last almost 10 yrs. I was introduced as a naive "new" New Yorker and fell in love with the history, the... More

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See 3 more reviews by Heather W for New York City
Ballston Lake, New York
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 March 2013

This establishment lays claim to being the oldest bar in NYC. Before you go, read up on the history and the early characters by reading McSorley's Wonderful Saloon by Joseph Mitchell (check your library). Then go enjoy two beers (light or dark) for $5. Order a plate of the cheese, crackers and onions. Then enjoy while you chat with the... More

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See 3 more reviews by Foxl18 for New York City
Orlando, Florida
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 March 2013

I love this place, I make it a point to visit every time we go to NY. Beers come as doubles, order either light or dark. I always get a cheese tray and liverwurst sandwich and have a good time. Beware the sawdust on the floor if wearing sandals. The history of past drinkers is always fun. It's the luck... More

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