McSorley's Old Ale House
McSorley's Old Ale House
4.5
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Monday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 1:00 AM
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience McSorley's Old Ale House and nearby attractions

See what travellers are saying
  • Shirley n
    6 contributions
    If Disney did Irish Pubs this would be it
    Whilst this place has a warm and pleasant aesthetic and feel of an old Irish pub, the beers are only sized for your average Leprechaun. We went here as the simplicity of “dark or light” beers appealed along with the price of $7 for two beers. We ordered two beers and were given 4 being told that $7 couldn’t be split. The beers arrived in very small glass beer mugs, half beer half foam. I would estimate that each glass held approximately a third of a pint at best. The cheese plate was good for $6 - plenty of cheddar squares served with raw onion, hot mustard and an entire packet of crackers. All in all a very pleasant visit but if you are a beer drinker and want a proper drink your in the wrong place.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 December 2022
  • Flunzi76
    Frastanz, Austria85 contributions
    Love it!
    Don‘t miss coming to this old Irish pub, we had a blast! Only 2 types of beer: light and dark, more foam than beer, what‘s probably the reason they give you two right away. Great… really great staff. This definitely is a must-see while in NYC. We will be back, that‘s for sure!
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 March 2023
  • NoelPrendiville
    Castleconnell, Ireland171 contributions
    So simple
    You can have any beer you want here as long as it’s either light ale or dark ale. Both very tasty. Oh - you will need dollars as well. No cards just cash. And a very unique customer service experience as well as the exquisitely old and battered decor. Don’t miss it
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 19 April 2023
  • Saoirse M
    15 contributions
    A piece of NYC history
    This piece of NYC history is unlike any Irish pub in the world. Preserved as it was 100 or more years ago, this is exactly how our Irish ancestors would’ve had their pints, which is what makes it so special. As soon as you walk in to the dark, beautiful interior with sawdust floors, you’ll be quickly sat down by a barman in a big table with other patrons (if you’re not a big group yourself). Then you’ll be asked if you want dark or light beer. Minutes later, you’ll be handed 2 half pints each with flowing, beautiful beer. All the hallmarks of Irish drinking are there - chatting to strangers, storytelling and pints that don’t stop coming. But what makes this place so special is that is a truly New York irish experience and totally different to a modern Irish bar. Absolutely must see in NYC.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 May 2023
  • BillyBobSled
    London, United Kingdom732 contributions
    Top historic bar
    Smashing, historic bar - friendly servers, interesting decor and a diverse clientele. Beer is simple - dark or light - and so is the enjoyment of having two glasses for each serving. Don’t expect the usual American range of choice for drinks. Worth a visit just for the atmosphere.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 11 June 2023
  • Birgitta-Kenneth
    Solna, Sweden1,479 contributions
    Must visit if you are in to magic old bars and history
    Just a must to visit this old ale house with an interior that dates back to the 1850s. Absolutely unreal that it has kept its grace for so long and the interior and the memorabilia and pictures on the wall could keep you there for hours on a historical excursion. Loved it!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 3 October 2023
  • Rob t
    20 contributions
    Perfect 1st visit
    Always wanted to visit this ale house and we wasnt dissapointed. We sat looking at so much history that you never get from these modern pubs today. The smells, the atmosphere & especially the hospitality was wonderfull. I my self never been into a bar steeped in so much history and was in my eliment. The owner made it special taking time out to speak to us about the history and all about the place. Definatly be back next time in new york. Thank you for making an English man & his wife so welcome
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 October 2023
  • Roberto Alfredo F
    Buenos Aires, Argentina153 contributions
    a must in new york
    A bar that has oppened his doors in 1854 and had never closed it. I went wth my 32 years old son to have a beer at this typical New York bar, When you step inside you found yourself submerged in a typical saloon of the 1900 century. Its funny its a only cash bar and when you order one beer they serve you directly two, really quite unique
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 30 October 2023
  • Matthew J
    New York City, New York15 contributions
    This place is just great
    This pub claims to be the oldest pub in New York. I believe them. I'm originally from Nottingham and we claim that we have the oldest pub in the United Kingdom called "Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem". That pub was founded in 1189AD, compared with 1854AD. Somehow McSorley's felt older and I think it's because a lot of the pub simply hasn't changed in that time. There were all sorts of trinkets and pictures that must date back to around that time. The atmosphere and the environment really made me think that the walls of this pub had seen some things, in a really good way. There was also sawdust on the floor! The beer selection is "light" or "dark"; simple and beautiful. The staff were also really great. All in all, a top experience.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 5 November 2023
  • MarkLA73
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom47 contributions
    Must visit bar !
    One of the oldest bars in NY. Preserved to be like the original bar and n terms of decor and drink served. Sawdust on the floor and only serve 2 alcoholic beverages- light and dark beer. I had both and enjoyed them greatly. Prices reasonable. Similar with food with a limited menu but this adds to the charm. I had a chilli fig and my wife had a hot dog. Would recommend this bar to anyone visiting NY.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Poor
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Terrible
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MarkLA73
Aberdeen, UK47 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
One of the oldest bars in NY. Preserved to be like the original bar and n terms of decor and drink served. Sawdust on the floor and only serve 2 alcoholic beverages- light and dark beer. I had both and enjoyed them greatly. Prices reasonable. Similar with food with a limited menu but this adds to the charm. I had a chilli fig and my wife had a hot dog. Would recommend this bar to anyone visiting NY.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rebecca M
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Staff seating and serving were extremely rude. I’ve never been treated this way in a bar anywhere in the world. The two drinks on offer are, of course, poor and overpriced. I’d really recommend you avoid this place. This is not a pub but a commercial enterprise that is pretending to be authentic to Americans/those that don’t know any better. I should have known better!
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BeechBabe09
Cambridgeshire, UK21 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Interesting and authentic! Loved that the only choice was light or dark beer. I had the light and it was good, hubby had the dark and he enjoyed that too!
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Matthew J
New York City, NY15 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
This pub claims to be the oldest pub in New York. I believe them. I'm originally from Nottingham and we claim that we have the oldest pub in the United Kingdom called "Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem". That pub was founded in 1189AD, compared with 1854AD. Somehow McSorley's felt older and I think it's because a lot of the pub simply hasn't changed in that time. There were all sorts of trinkets and pictures that must date back to around that time. The atmosphere and the environment really made me think that the walls of this pub had seen some things, in a really good way. There was also sawdust on the floor! The beer selection is "light" or "dark"; simple and beautiful. The staff were also really great. All in all, a top experience.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Roberto Alfredo F
Buenos Aires, Argentina153 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
A bar that has oppened his doors in 1854 and had never closed it. I went wth my 32 years old son to have a beer at this typical New York bar, When you step inside you found yourself submerged in a typical saloon of the 1900 century. Its funny its a only cash bar and when you order one beer they serve you directly two, really quite unique
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rob t
20 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Always wanted to visit this ale house and we wasnt dissapointed.
We sat looking at so much history that you never get from these modern pubs today.
The smells, the atmosphere & especially the hospitality was wonderfull.
I my self never been into a bar steeped in so much history and was in my eliment.
The owner made it special taking time out to speak to us about the history and all about the place.

Definatly be back next time in new york.
Thank you for making an English man & his wife so welcome

Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Birgitta-Kenneth
Solna, Sweden1,479 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Just a must to visit this old ale house with an interior that dates back to the 1850s. Absolutely unreal that it has kept its grace for so long and the interior and the memorabilia and pictures on the wall could keep you there for hours on a historical excursion. Loved it!
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jyoti p
6 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Had heard abt this historical place. Lived up to its reputation. What atmosphere. The beer was good (that's what my husband said since I don't drink), the cheese & crackers great.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

camdbrock
South Houston, TX4 contributions
Jul 2023
Nothing fancy here. You walk in. You're asked one question: "Dark or light?" I chose dark. My girlfriend chose light. Four steins of ale were brought to our table. We drank one of each. Each stein is $4. WARNING: Cash only. We dropped in unbeknownst. Luckily, I had enough cash to include tip.
It's a helluva atmosphere! Everyone has a good time!
Written 8 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BillyBobSled
London, UK732 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
Smashing, historic bar - friendly servers, interesting decor and a diverse clientele. Beer is simple - dark or light - and so is the enjoyment of having two glasses for each serving. Don’t expect the usual American range of choice for drinks. Worth a visit just for the atmosphere.
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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MCSORLEY'S OLD ALE HOUSE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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