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McSorleys Old Ale House

4.3 (2.1k reviews)
Open 11:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)
Updated over 3 months ago

McSorleys Old Ale House Photos

Business Info

MCSORLEYS OLD ALE HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Divey
Classy
Loud
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - McSorleys Old Ale House

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Kaylee K.

A total classic - no review is truly needed, but I'll tell you the details. The beer is light or dark only, food is simple (we did not get food here), and service is fun. Cash only - and they haven't cleaned since they opened in the 1800s, but that all part of the fun.

David R.

Be prepared! We went on a Thursday night and it was raucous and filled with energy. When we made our way toward the back, we were shuffled to a table and told to sit on back side. Soon we knew why as another few people were brought to our table along with plenty of 8 oz mugs of beer. The gentleman doing all this seating and serving was an Irishman in the truest form, The ambience was pure Irish local pub. We met a few great folks and then they were gone and some new people from Spain sat down. If you are shy or don't like meeting new people McSorleys is not for you. For the rest of us, what a hoot!

Inside
Eric H.

17 years straight walking into McSorley's Old Ale House on Saint Patrick's Day... at this point I should have my own stool and a retirement plan here Every year it hits the same--walk in and boom, time machine. Walls covered in history, packed shoulder-to-shoulder, guys yelling like they've known each other since 1902. No fancy menus, no nonsense--just "light or dark?" and next thing you know you've got two mugs in each hand like a professional. Ran it back properly: cheese platter (that horseradish cleared my sinuses for the next decade), Feltman's hot dog loaded up, bar burger done right, and a fried chicken sandwich that didn't miss. Absolute damage. Cash only, no frills, all vibes. 17 years in and still the greatest tradition in NYC. If you know, you know.

Ashley M.

Cash only, light or dark beer only, but such quick service and a great deal! A fun place to bring friends who are visiting for a fast beer.

Deborah L.

Can't get cooler than this. History on 7th Street. A must see that's all I can say. Sawdust on the floor and a cool mug of beer.

Mitra T.

This place takes you back to historical NY. Only two options of beer, light or dark. Sawdust on the floors and the tables and chairs may be from the original 1854 decor. Come with cash as it's the only way to pay. We ordered some French fries and paired with the beers made an excellent afternoon pick me up. They have attentive staff which is helpful when the place starts to get busy.

Luna D.

It is one of the oldest places around and was recommended by my in-laws from New Jersey. It ended up being one of the most fun and old-fashioned experiences I have ever had, and it was my first time visiting a place like this. They serve only two kinds of beer, and they accept both cash and cards. The place is small, dimly lit, and very simple, with no outdoor lighting inside, but it has restrooms and everything you need. You order your beer and sit wherever there's space. You will share a table with strangers. Since you're sitting together, conversation naturally happens. My partner and I enjoyed this experience. We met so many interesting people and heard some great stories. The service is friendly as well, but if you're paying in cash, make sure to ask for your change from the server at your table. We realized it a bit too late and felt too awkward to ask, so we just laughed it off and left.

Alisa J.

Two types of beer only and cash only. Such a cool and unique spot. Would definitely recommend for an authentic experience.

Light beer
Don R.

A NYC landmark that I had to visit to have a couple of beers. Service was good and the atmosphere was great. Your options are light and dark beer so it's super easy to order

Menu

Came in with a large crew and had the greatest time! The owner even hung out at our table and made us feel so special celebrating a 50th birthday. Food and drinks were very tasty and super fast! Will definitely be back.

Sean H.

McSorley's Old Ale House is not just a bar, it is living history. Tucked away on a side street, you cannot miss it. Just follow the line stretching down the block. Standing in the queue, the anticipation builds as you watch people pour out smiling while the scally, derby-hatted doorman expertly manages the human traffic jam. When we finally got the green light, he smiled and said, "good luck." He meant it. Inside is pure, glorious chaos. Standing room only, shoulder to shoulder, wall to wall. The sawdust floors crunch underfoot. Irish servers muscle through the masses wearing beer-stained shirts, five mugs in each hand, hauling full beers in and empty mugs out, yelling "hot soup" as a warning. From one room you hear Christmas carols being sung at full volume, from another, sudden eruptions of cheers as a group counts down a buddy chugging his beers. The menu is legendary in its simplicity. Two choices, light or dark, and when you order, you get two. Cash only. Priced right. Food is clearly an afterthought, the charcuterie plate we spotted was saltine crackers, a block of cheese, and pickled onions. LOL. This is an Irish pub that knows exactly what it is about, the beer. Once I finally found a place to plant my feet and drink, the history revealed itself. It is everywhere, on the walls, behind the bar, hanging from the ceiling, worn into the floors. Abraham Lincoln was known to stop in for a pint. We were even told the old cupboard behind the front bar holds urns of longtime regulars who wanted to stay here forever. Honestly, I get it. My only regret, it was so packed I could not absorb all of the history. Pro tip, come mid-week and early if you want to explore and take it all in. Recommended by our bartender at Sip and Guzzle, and man was he right. This is New York in a glass, and I will absolutely be back.

S M.

Step through the door and you're instantly transported into the past. Wood-paneled walls, the warm smell of old beer, and sawdust crunching underfoot. It's like walking into a time capsule from another era. They keep it simple here: light beer, dark beer, and zero pretension. Grab a seat with your friends and settle in--this is the kind of place where the waiters serve your drink with a side of history. They're cool, they're sharp, and they've got stories for days. Now, let's talk about the hotdog. Feltman's hot dog. The moment I spotted it on the menu, I knew I was in for something different. This isn't your average ballpark frank. We're talking next-level juicy, bursting with flavor, and topped with sauerkraut and their home-made mustard on the side. But here's the move: skip the ketchup, ditch the mustard for now. Just pile on the sauerkraut and take a bite. Trust me, you'll get it. These dogs don't just hit the spot--they dropkick it. Taste the mustard before you put it on the dog. That mustard has a bite.

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3 months ago

Amazing place to drink a beer. Terrific service, great crowd and vibe. Make the effort to hang here!

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McSorleys Old Ale House Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - McSorleys Old Ale House

Is this bar haunted?

It looks like it has the potential to be. No one there mentioned they were there for that reason.… Read more

What are the beers they have there? I know they have a light and dark ale, but what are they?

McSorleys Irish Pale Ale and McSorleys Irish Black Lager. I believe they are brewed by Pabst.

Anyone know how to get ahold of the bar? The number online doesn't work

I'm visiting NYC with my teen daughter soon and would really like to show her the culture of this place; is it okay to bring kids during day hours?

Yes Shouldn't be a problem

Cuánto cuesta una pinta allí? qué se puede comer y qué rango de precios tiene?

En realidad, no sé la respuesta, pero sé que recibes dos medias pintas y solo tienes la opción de claro o oscuro. Recuerdo que no eran demasiado caros. No comimos pero tienen una cocina. Esto puede no ser muy útil.

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Review Highlights - McSorleys Old Ale House

DARK, LIGHT If this was a George Lucas Master Class I'd be concerned with the mix but not at McSorley's.

Mentioned in 596 reviews

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Whiskey Tavern - They printed our names and posted it on the bar. Awesome touch to set themselves apart from all the others who places visited.

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Vig Bar - Pickle back shots

Pickle back shots

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Pickle back shots

McSorleys Old Ale House - divebars - Updated May 2026

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