"This 1880 landmark is a useful way station for anyone passing through the West Village, waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant, or otherwise hoping to rest their legs for a round or two. We wouldn’t suggest going too far out of your way to visit, but it’s worth stopping in at least once, for a sip of New York history. The White Horse Tavern was at one point a longshoreman’s hangout, then hosted an impressive resume of literary regulars like James Baldwin and Jack Kerouac. Perhaps most notorious among those patrons is the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who is said to have died after a whiskey binge here in 1953, not going gentle into that good night. (The spooky fellow making direct eye contact with you from his portrait on the wall? Yeah, that’s him.) photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff photo credit: Alex Staniloff Today, the spacious, tin-ceilinged bar combines three very different drinking experiences in one. The extensive sidewalk seating is decorated with an abundant canopy of wedding-appropriate (or at least brunch-appropriate) fake florals. The first room is not unlike a sports bar, bright during the day from the sun streaming through the windows, and not too dark at night, either, thanks to the TVs mounted around the room. We have a soft spot for the back, which feels more like a red neon-lit dive. Wherever you sit, the good news is that a glass of White Horse Ale is only $5 during happy hour. While you’re there, play a game with your friends to see who can count more white horse figurines among the decor." - Molly Fitzpatrick
