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
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










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
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
How to get there
- Astor Place • 3 min walk
- 8th St – NYU • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,635 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Shirley n6 contributionsIf Disney did Irish Pubs this would be itWhilst 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 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 December 2022
- Flunzi76Frastanz, Austria85 contributionsLove 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 March 2023
- NoelPrendivilleCastleconnell, Ireland171 contributionsSo simpleYou 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 itVisited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 19 April 2023
- Saoirse M15 contributionsA piece of NYC historyThis 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 May 2023
- BillyBobSledLondon, United Kingdom732 contributionsTop historic barSmashing, 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 2023Travelled soloWritten 11 June 2023
- Birgitta-KennethSolna, Sweden1,479 contributionsMust visit if you are in to magic old bars and historyJust 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 2023Travelled soloWritten 3 October 2023
- Rob t20 contributionsPerfect 1st visitAlways 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 welcomeVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 October 2023
- Roberto Alfredo FBuenos Aires, Argentina153 contributionsa must in new yorkA 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 uniqueVisited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 October 2023
- Matthew JNew York City, New York15 contributionsThis place is just greatThis 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 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 November 2023
- MarkLA73Aberdeen, United Kingdom47 contributionsMust 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,407 reviews
Excellent
920
Very good
351
Average
71
Poor
26
Terrible
39
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
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!
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.
hildamay1
Stourton, UK170 contributions
It’s our favourite in NYC and we’re coming back with our family. Our grandsons are 11 and 13. Are they allowed in the bar?
Leigh K
Denham, UK29 contributions
Hi. Apologies but not sure, there was certainly nobody under 21 when I visited this bar, not that I will be going there again. Perhaps try checking their website.
Larnadaisy
Caernarfon, UK118 contributions
Does this place just serve beer???
Any wine ???? Or other drink alternative??
Dodi C
3 contributions
Beer only
ScottyBny
New York City, NY1 contribution
It reopened?
TheForrestGump
Nottingham, UK153 contributions
Didn't know it ever closed, but it's very much open now!
Can kids go in?
Eric M
Brooklyn, NY167 contributions
If you have ever seen the movie SWEET HOME ALABAMA the quote goes like this:
"You have a baby....in a bar."
I know what the writers were thinking. The humor is simply what it should be. Babies and children in bars are the same as tuxedos at TGIFridays. You can do it, but everyone will stare at you. The bar is meant for the amazing taste and design. There will be no drunkeness....maybe. Loud discussions at other tables ranging from size of dildo to whether Caitlin Jenner takes it anally might not be how you want a 7 year old to remember NYC.
Emma C
Enfield, Co Meath1 contribution
What time is the best to arrive on Paddys Day? Its my chaps "big bday" on Paddys Day and we can't think of anywhere better to spend it... :)
Thanks in advance.
BillySalts
New York City, NY555 contributions
You can get there when they open but that day will be a mad house. Cheers!
Georgina W
Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
Hi, how much is it to upgrade to the preferred club? We're staying in January and weren't going to bother in doing so but from reading the reviews it seems well worth it!
Thanks in advance!
BillySalts
New York City, NY555 contributions
Hi, this is a bar. There are no upgrades needed, come one come all!
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingMCSORLEY'S OLD ALE HOUSE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about McSorley's Old Ale House
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience McSorley's Old Ale House:
- East Village Haunted Manhattan tour (From S$40.22)
- East Village Prohibition Pub Crawl (From S$99.22)
- Beers, Burgers and Buns Experience (From S$73.74)
- Haunted New York Greenwich Village Outdoor Escape Game (From S$9.51)
- East Village Gangster Ghost Pub Crawl (From S$85.81)
- Hotels near McSorley's Old Ale House:
- (0.03 km) Deluxe East Village 2BR w/ W/D, nr Tompkins Sq Park, by Blueground
- (0.10 km) The Standard, East Village
- (0.07 km) St. Marks Hotel
- (0.32 km) Moxy NYC East Village
- (0.07 km) Saint Marks Place Studio Apartments
- Restaurants near McSorley's Old Ale House:
- (0.04 km) Ise Restaurant
- (0.04 km) MA-GE Tee
- (0.05 km) Dunkin'
- (0.10 km) Spot Dessert Bar
- (0.18 km) Mighty Quinn's Barbeque