13 Postcards
Step into McSorley’s, NYC's oldest bar, for a taste of history with its sawdust-covered floors and a simple choice of light or dark ales served in pairs.
"Grab an ale at this beloved New York institution and have a seat near the fire. The fireplace, by the way, has a banner that reads “bible house” across the mantel, pointing to the building’s past as a bible manufacturing center. Founded in 1854 and still retaining many of the original fixtures, McSorley’s serves only its own ale — dark or light — and provides an accurate picture of what bars were like in the 19th century. Cash only." - Eater Staff
"Spooky score: ???????????? It’s easy to imagine mysterious spectral footprints appearing in the sawdust on the floor at McSorley’s, because history feels so palpable here. They say none of the many tchotchkes and memorabilia at this 1854 institution have been removed from the walls for more than a century, but the single most haunting artifact within the saloon is the row of turkey wishbones hanging on a lamp over the bar. Legend has it that they were hung up by soldiers heading off to WWI, who retrieved them once they were safely back home. The 20 or so bones that remain belong to the men who never returned. (The health department finally ordered McSorley’s to dust them in 2011.) Our raspy-voiced bartender said he’s met “a dozen” ghosts in the 50-odd years he’s worked at McSorley’s, but when we asked the Ouija board if we should get light or dark beer, the results were inconclusive—so we ordered a pint of each. Later, our EMF meter went off in the ladies’ room. Maybe because women were banned here until 1970, and their designated restroom was only installed in the ’80s?" - molly fitzpatrick
"Open since 1854, McSorley’s is one of the city’s oldest bars, and it’s still packed most nights of the week. The only choice here is between light or dark beer; it comes to mugs to an order for $8. A short food menu with burgers, hot dogs, and ham and cheese sandwiches is written on a chalkboard that hangs behind the bar." - Eater Staff
"A lot of Irish pubs are long-time neighborhood stalwarts, but none for as long as McSorley’s. The East Village bar has been around since 1854, and there’s literally a cobblestone with the message “Please help us keep our neighborhood in order” paved into the sidewalk out front. There’s sawdust on the floor, framed news articles and photos of regulars from the past 170 years on the walls, and they only offer light or dark beer, which they make themselves. And while this place can get overrun with the thirsty Thursday crowd, the fact of the matter is that it’s a part of NYC history, and a cool place to pop in for a beer and a cheese plate with a side of raw onions." - bryan kim, willa moore, will hartman, neha talreja, sonal shah
"Their claim to fame? McSorley’s is the oldest bar in NYC. You have 2 options when you come here, light or dark ale. Although you are seated at communal tables there is no sharing! This 150-year-old tradition is a rule here and you might get called out if you try to share. It can be somewhat touristy but a fun place to visit." - Champions
