Came on a Saturday around 4 pm and it was super busy and packed. Not sure if they're usually this busy, but it was St patty's weekend and there were a lot of younger looking college kids at the bar. We were able to get a table for 4 up front, but it was really cramped and loud, but the very hardworking and nice waitress was able to move us to a back table with a little bit more room. Food menu is pretty simple. I got the burger and it was delicious. Perfectly cooked and nice char flavor to the burger. My pet peeve is when burgers fall apart while eating them, but this one held together nicely. My buddies got the shepherd's pie and chicken pot pies and they said it was really good. There looked to be only two servers, but they did a really good job of trying to help every table. So overall, the place is really old, loud, and really cramped. However, servers were good, food was delicious, and it was a cool experience to eat at a place that has been opened since the 1800's. If you're in the area, I would definitely check it out. read more

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The Ear Inn is a true gem! It's been around since 1817 and used to be right on the waterfront, a favorite hangout for dock workers, sailors, and other interesting folks. Now, it's mostly frequented by techies and finance professionals, but it still has that charming, rustic charm. For the last decade, it's been the go-to spot for Northwestern University alumni to get together before Christmas. It's always a blast to gather 12-15 people and share stories from the past and present. Sara K. was our server and was fantastic. The drinks are always top-notch, and the menu is packed with hearty dishes. We had a turkey burger with cheddar and shepherd's pie. The walls are adorned with old photos and images of a much younger New York, giving it a wonderful, nostalgic feel. I can't recommend it enough for anyone looking for historic spots that are still thriving in this ever-changing city. read more

Loveeee this spot for a post work happy hour or a cozy night for drinks! Great chicken pot pie, great service and LOVE that you can color on the tables. Will absolutely be back! read more

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Came here with a coworker during a lunch break at work. The decor inside was kind of cool, it's a very old spot in NYC. Service was average--we waited about 15ish minutes between ordering and getting food to the table. Food was reasonably priced, but not particularly good (though I admit I didn't get any drinks on this visit, which is probably the draw for coming here). read more

Early 2000's we would occasionally go to the Ear Inn for dinner before or sometimes after shows at The Jazz Gallery, back when it was located on Hudson Street. We always loved the food but sadly, we rarely find ourselves in that neck of the woods anymore. Sunday we were in the city and stopped in for dinner. The bar was packed, but we were able to snag a table in the back. Although I hadn't been there in years- it was exactly the way I remembered it. There was even a jazz quartet performing. I love the history of the building, one of the oldest bars in NYC, built for a black man in the 1700's. How cool is that? Back to the service. Our server was friendly and attentive. We started with a few drinks, and clam chowder which was awesome.We had a burger with blue cheese- served with crispy potatoes and a side salad- all were excellent. We also had the pasta special with sausage, which was quite tasty. I'm glad that we arrived when we did. By the time we left- it was packed. We're happy this business is still striving, we won't wait so long to return. read more

The Ear Inn - 8 Oz Pat La Frieda Burger - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I never leave reviews, I had to. The waitress with dark eyes, beautiful and quick-witted told me about crazy stories of art. She was working alone, I wanted to impress her. The food was honest and unpretentious. This place is a hidden gem. read more

The Ear Inn is a historic bar that opened in Manhattan, New York in 1817. It is one of the oldest drinking establishments in New York City. The bar is located on the ground floor of the historic James Brown House. It was constructed in 1770 for James Brown: an African aide to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. At the time, the Hudson River shoreline was just five feet from Brown's front door. The river was later filled to the West Street and new piers were built to facilitate the constant shipping traffic. In the mid-1800s, Thomas Cooke sold home-brewed beer and crocks of corn whiskey to a constant wave of sailors. At the turn of the century, the brewery morphed into a restaurant and a dining room was constructed where the backyard and outhouse once stood. There was no name, for it didn't need one. The bar was finally given a name when current owners Martin Sheridan and Richard "Rip" Hayman took over in the late 1970s. They called it The Ear Inn to avoid the Landmark Commission's lengthy review of new signage, simply covering the round parts of the long-standing neon "BAR" sign, leaving it to read "EAR." And so, a modern legend was born. There are a few friendly ghosts that have been known to make appearances, like "Mickey" who's been patiently waiting for his clipper ship to come into the harbor for the past hundred years. I recently stopped at the Ear Inn for dinner while I was in NYC for Ghostbusters Day. This was my kind of place: great food and drink, historic building, and home to ghosts. I think it was very fitting that I was still wearing my Ghostbusters flight suit. I loved the vibe here! There's all sorts of historic photos, painting and decor hanging on the walls. I started off with a plate of "Fried Pork & Chive Dumplings" and a pour of "Ear Inn Ale", which is brewed exclusively for the bar by Brooklyn Brewery. Afterwards I enjoyed the "9oz Lamb Burger" (w/ bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, homefries and salad) with a pour of Founders Brewing's "All Day IPA". That burger really hit the spot! Before leaving, I had a pour of Lagunitas Brewing's "IPA". Overall, I really enjoyed my stay here. Great vibes, great food, great drinks, and very friendly staff. This was my first visit, but I hope it isn't my last! read more

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Listen.... This place might not be the hippest in town, but that why we checked it out. Kinda dark, definitely dingy, but the bartender was friendly and the service was great. We decided to order the fried pork and chive dumplings, because we just needed a light snack before we headed off to the airport. They came out pretty quick and the bartender set a jar of Coleman's Mustard down with the dish. Odd....never had dumplings w mustard but we figured there was a reason, so we took the bait. And holy crap are we glad we did!! I've never had this mustard before...has a bite to it, thanks to the horseradish. And paired so incredibly well w the dumplings!!! We've already made it our mission to recreate this dish at home, it was that good! Don't let the rough exterior deter you....this place is a must stop! read more

Small place but amazing food and unique atmosphere! Love coming to this place when we're in town

This is the worst f'ing bar I have ever been to in the Five Boroughs of NYC. Bartenders threw garbage at me while ordering. I will never come back to this place ever again. Literally go anywhere but here read more

When you're staying near a 200 year old pub, 'ya gotta go in. It was crowded and lively in the middle of a Saturday. We only had drinks, but our server was sweet and it's an unpretentious place to rest your weary legs if running around the area. read more

The Ear Inn - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

We were very excited to stop in, for the hostory as the oldest bar in NYC and the Jazz advertised on Thursday nights! We heard the music cpuld be lovely and the acoustics of the space are great. Unfortunately, upon sitting for dinner we were told there would not be jazz that night. And the green and colored lights in the separate room distracted from the historic quality of the restaurant. And the menu listed online was a little different than what we were presented with upon sitting down. We ordered a burger (as recommended by other patrons) and the hot garlic shrimp (as recommended by our waitress). The hot garlic shrimp were very good, and almost soup-ish in the broth it came in. Perfect for the rainy week we've been having! The burger was good, a nother patron considers it in the top 3 burgers in Manhattan. I was a big fan of the sesame seed bun, but I dont love a tall burger. The flavor was good, but not particularly impressive. The fries were a disappointment, as it was just soggy roasted (almost vinegar tasting) potatoes. Lastly, I'm sure people come here for the beer or cocktails, but my wine came to me warm. Communication was crazy for a seemingly empty restaurant. As a party of 2, we were sat at a table that should seat 4 or 5, and were moved after our appetizer to a smaller table near some people we knew (that also came for the jazz, and were disappointed) but did not expect to sit with. This swap resulted in another order of the same appetizers coming out (that we did not order and could not eat) and a combining of the bill that could not be split back apart. I know this is a unique circumstance, but try your best not to complicate the order or the bill when coming. If I'm in the area I would consider coming back, especially for a kitchen open late, but I would bot go out of my way to catch a subway for this experience. read more

The Ear Inn - Drink menu - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Sunday evening with the Earregulars playing jazz was a real treat. We were pleasantly surprised that the food was also good and the bar had a great selection of drinks without being upscale and pretentious. The burgers, salads and even the NY steak were excellent. The bartender was calm, kind and professional despite how busy it was while we were there. There's an outdoor seating area, bar area with some tables and a back room. We highly recommend it. read more

This bar was really really really great find of an establishment in NYC. It a very historical location in lower NYC. It's a friendly environment to have some drinks and surprisingly the food was really good. I had a piece of salmon over salad, which was actually really delicious. The salmon was made perfectly medium cooked that a I requested and placed on a lovely salad of micro greens, tomatoes and cucumber with vinaigrette dressing truly fresh. I had a ice coffee that was strong bold yes my favorite description of coffee, which I absolutely love read more

The Ear Inn - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Come for the history, NOT the bar service! Colin the bartender was by far the rudest server I have ever come across. We walked in, not seeing the chalkboard with the beer listings, so we asked if they had two particular beers (which they didn't have). Colin proceeded to talk to a patron seated right in front of us and said with attitude, "What's going on with people today? Are they giving out psychedelic drugs before they walk in here?" He then told us to look at the chalkboard. Needless to say, we left soon thereafter. read more

Was starving late night and google led me to The Ear Inn. Great late night Irish Pub, service was awesome, both the host and bartender made me feel welcome. The host secured a good seat at the bar for me, despite it being really busy that night. I tried the house burger, which was excellent. It came with a surprise addition of home fries which was unexpected yet tasty. I didn't expect that pairing. The ambiance was lively, despite being pretty late and the bar definitely has the old Irish Pub look and feel. Definitely a solid choice. read more

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I was there today for Sunday lunch in the historic barroom. I had the famous chicken pot pie, delicately folded, and a perfectly poured Guinness. The waitress was a funny and capable woman I've seen in a long time. So attractive. I'll be back. read more

Hands down THE best Crayon and Paper tablecloth bar in the city. Also the best ceiling to stare at when the 5 pints of Guinness hits!

Five stars. Absolutely unwell. This place is Midchella in the most transcendent sense--like if a thrifted Red Bull had sex with a nicotine patch and gave birth to a DJ who only plays British rap and deep cuts from Alex G. I got secondhand vape lung just standing near the bar. Everyone looked like they ghostwrite for their ex's Finsta. A man in a mesh tank top told me my aura looked "Y2K but in a sad way." I cried. It healed me. read more

The Ear Inn - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Best bar in the city. Don't go. It's too crowded and don't go on Sundays. If you do I won't be able to get in. Haha. But if you do go, listen to the Ear-Regulars and tip Ian the bartender well. read more

While I wouldn't necessarily come here for the food which is ok - although the wings would strip the roof of your mouth they were so hot (in a chili way - you have been warned) , the ambience alone is worth the price of admission. We popped in for a drink after dinner on Sunday night and a small jazz combo was entertaining a most appreciative crowd. When I say 'crowd', I mean about 30/40 people as the place is 'cozy' which just adds to the olde worlde charm of the place. We returned the following night, locally based wild goose in tow, for dinner, pints and craic which, it has to be said, was mighty. A thoroughly enjoyable evening in which the food was secondary to the chat and the bantz. We'll be back next time we swing through town. read more

I don't know. This place became our running joke in our 3 days in NYC. We went here purely on two reason: close to our hotel and is supposed to be the oldest bar in Manhattan. It has a cool story of how the sign came to be. It's really a "Bar" sign but the letters are partially removed so show "Ear". The place is tiny and was lively for dinner in the front half. We were seated in the back half which felt like a storage space. Unfortunately, we were next to the register and right behind us was a view into the kitchen. It's dark in this place. The walls had some cool interesting items. The tables had the white paper over them with crayons so the kids could draw. That was a highlight. Our table was tilted at 20 degree angle because the floor is not flat. LOL. The age of this place really shows which may appeal to some people. The menu is incredibly limited. I don't have it in front of me, but maybe 10 items. My wife and I had the special which was shrimp, pasta, in a vodka sauce. It was actually flavorful and we didn't get sick. The others picked through their food and one person didn't order anything. I think if you just want to have a drink at the bar, you wouldn't notice any of this stuff. This place will be memorable for us, but not for the usual reasons. read more

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Great food great ambiance obscure location but it adds to it. Turkey burger was solid and everything else looked like you couldn't go wrong. read more

The Ear Inn - Fresh Lean Turkey Burger - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Came into Ear Inn for a work lunch with my team. Our office used to be in the area and in the 5 years I worked 4 blocks away, I've never been here. This was a no-no, so we decided to come up from Battery Park for lunch. It was around 12pm on a random Tuesday, so we were seated right away. Very cute place, you can tell it's got history. I had the Chicken Pot Pie, which was delightful. In retrospect, not the best dish to pick for a work lunch as it took me twice as long to get through it as my colleagues' lunches, but it was so good. Coworker plowed through their burger in 5 minutes flat. Guess it was just that good! Service was friendly and attentive. I kind of wished I knew about it while our office was still in the area! read more

Came in at 2 am after a pizza making class at Adoro Lei and barhopping. Another reviewer refered to this place as a time capsule, and they were spot on. It is a blast from the past. Typical Tavern / Inn vibes with a giant papermache EAR hanging from the cieling haha. Draft beers and full kitchen open until 3 am!! i was able to order french style mac n cheese at 2:30am and it came out quick and hot ! Not pretentious at all and they have plenty of tables in the back to eat and drink with friends Historically its the oldest bar in Manhattan! their doors have been open since the 1810s !! read more

Every time I'm here I feel like I've traveled to a nexus in time, where the bartender is from 1910, the regulars vary from 1959 through 1990, and I'm just here talking to someone who may be from my future. Haven't tried the food yet, and honestly I always forget they even have food. The bar is so inviting, the beer is enough to fill me for the night. read more

We were drunk and it was late. We needed hardy food and to keep our buzz going. The Ear Inn was perfect. We sat at the bar. Inside of about 90 secs we had two cold beers and a menu. We started out with the fried pork dumplings. We were very happy with them. Ask for the mustard. The picture is the plate the dumps came on. For entrees we had the Shepard pie and the spicy shrimp. Shepards pie with lamb was very good. Not too buttery. The potatoes were well toasted. Spicy shrimp was excellent. Nice garlic and butter flavor with moderate spice. It came with some bread. You might ask for extra bread. The sauce and bread was amazing. We did not see any ghosts. Mikey The Sailor must have been haunting another spot that night. read more

The Ear Inn - Eat the dumplings with the mustard. - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Funny i had a conversation about which bars people above 30 y/o go in this city. And there i was that night. I felt sooo young in the middle of the crowd. Most of them are in their 50s /60s. A chill local bar with live music (not sure if it's every night or sometimes). read more

Loved the old historical nautical feel to this "haunted" establishment. The food was good, I enjoyed the chicken pot pie. There was a jazzy trio of harp and horn players serenading the bar full of people on that fine Sunday evening. read more

The Ear Inn - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This is one of the best bars in America. It's a history lesson - the outdoor seating and the cleats from the old shoreline dates it back to the early 19th century but also all the art throughout the bar connects that time to now. There's so much interesting to discover. It's a true treasure. Also the bartenders are amazing, the food is delicious and the beers are fresh. I was staying at a hotel nearby who suggested their own bar with a $25 hummus plate and failed to mention The Ear less than .1 miles away. With a historical and current treasure like this as an option, I can't imagine missing it. My food picks - lamb burger, hot and spicy shrimp, Caesar salad. read more

I have been going to "The EAR" for over twenty years, now off and on since I don't live near the city anymore. However, been there a couple times in the last six months. I would never ever say a bad word about my favorite pub, but please get the original recipe back for those potatoes; the current version seems not so spicy and not as crisp.......and please return the Ear Inn Ale back to darker brew. Its replacement is not very good..needs to be a bitter brew with a bite! If not find another name brew to substitute....the beer menu should be that places trademark...Thank you for all you do... Captain Charlie read more

This place is like a time capsule!! Enter the Ear Inn and be transferred back in time to when NYC was gritty, the Mob had a solid footing, and the kids all looked like they should be in "A Bronx Tale" or "Saturday Night Fever"! The food is great bar food with a touch of class, but the ambience is worth the visit alone! A must try!! read more

I've been coming here for years. This is old New York. An icon and landmark. Whenever I come the place is packed with animated millennials and crusty older baby boomers. So tonight I'm here uncharacteristically late around 8:45. There are tables in the front area and a waiter I know says take a seat wherever you like So I pick a corner table The waitress comes over and asks my drink preference. Of course cabernet! I meet Jack at the next table, and ask him if he's playing lotto with at $ 940mm prize? Nope but he wishes me luck...I tell him the Izzy lotto joke. Izzy has been praying for years to win lotto. "please God let me win lotto!!" Finally after begging to win for 20 years a cloud comes over his house and a voice says"Izzy meet me half way, buy a ticket!" My real point is that the level of service tonight is a bit disappointing. The waitress keeps walking past me before I can order! Frustrating! Look I understand when the place is packed. Tonight that's not the case at all. Finally I get recognized and order the veggie dumplings and veggie burger with cheese. They're both just wonderful, and make up for the whole ignoring thing. Almost! Ok guys look "this is no way to run an airline" as the old joke goes. Let's try harder next time please! read more

The Ear Inn - The Ear Inn is timeless. The steamed dumplings are just delicious. Got a great Turkey burger. Just comfort food, at its best. - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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My favorite cozy spot walking distance from our Soho office. Highly recommended for intimate drinks with friends and colleagues. And sitting out front in nice weather is a real treat for humans and dogs alike. read more

We stumbled upon a great finds! The Ear Inn, second oldest bar in Manhattan, was so welcoming. It was a great atmosphere with a good choice of cold beer. read more

Had the Historically fascinating EAR Inn on my to do list for a long while. Sought it out after a walk up Hudson Park, but found the "AR" bar. Or if you come in from the east you'll find the "EA" bar in partially lit red neon instead. I could tell the divey vibe I was seeking would be found here. An interesting fact is that the Hudson river shoreline was right here in 1766. Pretty far inland, giving you an idea of how much land was filled to make Manhattan what it is today. There was one seat on the corner of the bar as I walked in. Grabbed it because this place was packed! All types and ages were enjoying drinks, food and good conversation. I ordered a draft and settled in. There are stickers and kitschy items all over the walls. It's dimly lit and perfectly lived in. The interesting character on my right gave me great tips on music and Greenwood cemetery events. The interesting character on my left gave me great tips on other worthy dive bars, and let me play with his Vegas chips. That was fun! We moved to a table for a while for food and to prep for the music to start, but I realized it was getting late, and I headed out. I'd MOST definitely come back another time. This spot is a winner! read more

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Surprisingly a really good place for a group of friends with kids!! There is no doubt that their dumplings were good, alcohol offering good and of course ambiance amazing. Never ever thought that it would be kids friendly! (Of course not during nigh time!) We went after late lunch on a Sunday around 4-5pm and the place was quiet on the back. We sat down and they were super accommodating with the stroller. Ordered drinks and some dumplings and chicken wings CHICKEN WINGS WERE SUPERB. Also they have crayons in alm the tables so people can paint draw so we had the kid entertained. Service was friendly and they were super nice with my toddler walking around. Will def recommend with and without kids read more

Tremendous music/bar experience. Clientele a wide range of ages, sociable...even if you are just a tourist. Ending up in extended conversations with people I would never meet anywhere else. The two nights we were there with music, the musicians seemed to be people just having fun playing, as if in their living rooms. Other musicians (from the audience) brought their instruments and joined in, playing or singing (very well, mind you). Bartenders and servers provided great service, the circa 1770 building added to the atmosphere (became a bar relatively recently, established 1817), and a good beer selection. You can't go wrong here. read more

Holiday lunch solo at the Ear Inn to avoid the craziness of family obligations. Sometimes it's nice to be alone. read more

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Last time I was here was 40 years ago and it hasn't changed a bit friendly service incredible history over 200 years old. Limited but great menu hamburgers are awesome. Glad I brought back old memories. read more

The Ear Inn - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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