McSorley's Old Ale House Bars

An Institution Since 1854

McSorley's is a Cooper Union landmark that first opened in 1854 and is the oldest continuously running bar in the city (though it is not the oldest bar in Manhattan, that honor belongs to Tribeca's Ear Inn). McSorley's serves two kinds of beer, McSorley's Lager and McSorley's Cream Stock Ale, and they are served two mugs at a time so don't ask for anything else. Within its historic walls, there is sawdust on the floor, and historic bric-à-brac, photos and news clippings cover the walls. One item on the menu is crackers, cheese and onions and though this may be a bit rustic, it is very appetizing as you guzzle down mugs of beer. On weekends, the venue is popular with the locals and tourists alike. McSorley's did not allow women in the venue until the 1970s, and even today the crowd is primarily made up of men.