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McSorley's Old Ale House

5.0

About this business

McSorley's is a Cooper Union landmark that first opened sometime around the Civil War. It is one of the oldest continuously operating bars in the city. 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. Inside, you'll find sawdust on the floor and historic bric-à-brac alongside photos and news clippings. The menu is simple, with appetizers such as hearty cheese plates. Just be sure to keep the pub's centuries-old motto in mind: "Be Good or Be G... read more

Location details

15 East 7th Street, New York, NY, 10003, United States

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WeekdayScheduleStatus
Mon11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Tue11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Wed11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Thu11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Fri11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Sat11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Sun1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
5.092 reviews
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Nancy A.'s profile image
Nancy A. 
9 years ago

This place is so awesome. Great deals. I'm so amazed about how drunk you can get for this cheap of a price. This is a definitely hidden gem in The Lower East Side. The seating is picnic tables or you can sit at the bar and this place serves food. This place has an old school setting. Tons and tons of black and white photos. Simply put this place is awesome and another hole in the wall gem! 

Jackie J.'s profile image
Jackie J. 
10 years ago

Most overrated hellhole in the city. If you specialize in one thing, as McSorley's only serves ale, then you'd better do it right. The bartenders do not know how to pour beer, however, and the servers are the rudest and most unprofessional around. The glasses are slammed down on the table at room temperature, half full of foam. Once the foam settles, before you've taken even one sip, the beverage is only 75% full. If you're going to under-pour me warm, foamy beer, at least do it with a smile. I'm a young woman, and the serve... read more

Galen D.'s profile image
Galen D. 
11 years ago

McSorley's is the perfect bar to go to and get a round of one of the two beer choices, some mustard and crackers, and just enjoy the old time feel of it all. More often than not, you're going to have to sit with some people you don't know. That's not a bad thing. Last time I went, my friends and I met a bunch of guys who were in the process of sailing from Maine to Florida just for the fun of it. We all talked, laughed, and at the end of the night raced to chug our last round. Great beer, even better mustard, and ambiance st... read more

pyro63's profile image
13 years ago

This place is a "MUST STOP" – Wow, I have not been to McSorley's since college in 1985. Eveything you said about this place is mostly true... IT IS GREAT TO SEE THE PLACE HAS NOT CHANGED. McSorley's is a classic. It is unfortunate, but you missed the experience. This place is a MUST STOP. 

the goat's profile image
the goat 
13 years ago

Terrible – My friend randomly picked this place for lunch today...I'm never going back. The staff was not necessarily rude, but very short and unwelcoming. The place is filthy and looks like it hasn't been cleaned in 100 years...not to mention that there is sawdust all over the floor. Only two beers to drink--dark or light. I didn't have any, so I cannot comment on the taste, but the glasses were dirty. No TVs or music. Crowd is stuck up and pretentious, even though the place is a dump. Food was not bad and reasonably priced... read more

kaneohe's profile image
13 years ago

Be good or be gone – For those who complain about the "mediocre" food and the "rude" service...did you happen to not see that this is an "Ale House". Perhaps you came here because you couldn't find the Hard Rock Cafe or Cheesecake Factory? Don't you think it is somewhat ironic that you would refer to a place with "rude service, limited menu, and mediocre food" a "tourist trap" seeing as they obviously don't cater to you? For those of us who call this place home, we say to you...BE GONE. 

quigs56's profile image
13 years ago

Tourist Trap – Rude service, limited menu and mediocre food. There is only two beers, one ale & one porter. Image an Irish bar without a good stout on tap! I was so very disappointed on the entire experience. It was the low point in an otherwise excellent four day NYC visit. 

Luke717's profile image
14 years ago

*** Luke's Review *** McSorley's – McSorley's is one of a kind. If you like history, good beer, the smell of beer/saw dust, laughter, and can handle a few rude employees at times. This place is a must. If you answer “No”, to any questions then this place is not for you, go find a pub that will server you your “Shirley Temple”- you have no right to be here!!! I have been visiting McSorley’s for over 20 years. I have introduced this pub to many people and all love this place. Yes, this place can get crowed at times. Yes, this ... read more

flaumtastic's profile image
flaumtastic 
14 years ago

Simple Place! – I was reading over one review that stated "over run by frat boys".... I have been here several times in a years time and not once have I seen one "frat boy" in this bar. Typically it is filled with all types of travelers or your typical hipster ordering Dark or Light beers and possibly snacking on a plate of cheese and Saltines. I absolutely love this place! 

Frequently asked questions about McSorley's Old Ale House

How is McSorley's Old Ale House rated?

McSorley's Old Ale House has a 5 star rating with 92 reviews. 

When is McSorley's Old Ale House open?

McSorley's Old Ale House is open now. It will close tomorrow at 1:00 a.m.  

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