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MCSORLEY'S OLD ALE HOUSE

Updated

Phone: (212) 254-2570

Address: 15 EAST 7 STREET 10003

TLDR

NYC's oldest ale house w/ sawdust floors & memorabilia. Serves only house light/dark beer & a simple cheese plate. A true step back in time.

Reddit Sentiment for MCSORLEY'S OLD ALE HOUSE(based on 87 Reddit opinions)

46% Positive41% Neutral10% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 38pub food 9pub 9beer 20bar 9pub fare 9View All

Neighborhoods

East Village

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Recent Articles

Details

Step back in time at one of NYC's oldest bars, a legendary East Village institution since 1854. With sawdust floors and walls adorned with memorabilia, it offers a truly unique, albeit often crowded, experience. Enjoy their simple offerings of house-made light or dark beer, accompanied by a classic cheese plate.

Food Overview

The food menu is intentionally simple, focusing on classic pub fare. The cheese plate, often served with raw onions, is frequently recommended and considered a must-try by many. Some reviewers note that the burgers and other items are standard and not the main draw, with the beer being the primary focus.

Highlights / Recommended

"The cheese plate, often served with raw onions, is a highly recommended and classic choice. The house-made light and dark ales are also a staple and a primary reason for visiting."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • cheese plate(9)
  • burger(3)
  • roast pork(3)
  • liverwurst sandwich(2)
  • chili(2)
  • cheese and crackers with onions(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers rave about the historic atmosphere and the unique experience of this old-school ale house. While some find the food basic, the beer and overall ambiance are highly praised.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About MCSORLEY'S OLD ALE HOUSE

This thread discusses various food options at McSorley's, with strong recommendations for the cheese and crackers with onions, chili, and the roast pork sandwich. Some users also praise the beer selection and historical ambiance.
Commenters strongly recommend the cheese plate at McSorley's, with one user declaring it the 'only right answer' for dive bar food.
This discussion highlights McSorley's cheese plate, with multiple users expressing affection for it. One user notes it costs $6 and is large, while another appreciates its simple yet clean presentation.
McSorley's is mentioned as a classic spot on a radar for a bar crawl, highlighting its historical significance as a destination for a New York experience.
A commenter emphasizes that visiting McSorley's is essential for an authentic New York experience, advising to go early to avoid crowds.
While some users debate the exact price of drinks, McSorley's is generally regarded as an affordable spot for ale and a must-visit experience, though a warning is given not to visit on a specific day due to potential crowds.
This discussion clarifies that McSorley's is a quintessential New York Irish-American bar with its own unique character, rather than a typical Irish pub.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Good Apps And Quick Bites In The East Village

"The original poster acknowledged McSorley's as a classic recommendation."

Neutral
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Good Apps And Quick Bites In The East Village

"A classic spot, McSorley's, was recommended."

Neutral
May 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"Mentions McSorley's Old Ale House as one of the city's oldest bars that also serves a great hot dog, warning about its potent mustard."

Positive
Apr 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"Mentions McSorley's Old Ale House as one of the city's oldest bars that also serves a great hot dog, warning about its potent mustard."

Positive
Apr 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Drinking Itinerary West Villageles

"This user recommended McSorley's, noting it is cash only, and suggested visiting the East Village for more variety."

Neutral
Apr 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Day Drinking Itinerary West Villageles

"McSorley's was listed as a day drinking option."

Neutral
Apr 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: East Village Recommendations

"This user simply listed McSorley's as a recommendation."

Neutral
Mar 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: East Villagebowery Posthype Spots

"This user commented on the decor at McSorley's Old Ale House, stating it is timeless."

Positive
Mar 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: Your Favorite Go To Restaurant That Doesnt Break

"Mentions McSorley's."

Neutral
Mar 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: East Villagebowery Posthype Spots

"This user commented that the cheese plate at McSorley's Old Ale House is timeless."

Positive
Mar 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: East Villagebowery Posthype Spots

"This user mentioned McSorley's Old Ale House."

Neutral
Mar 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iso The Cheapest Pint And Glass Of Wine In The

"A warning is given not to go to McSorley's on the current day, possibly due to crowds or an event."

Negative
Mar 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iso The Cheapest Pint And Glass Of Wine In The

"The user estimates drinks at McSorley's are around $8 and is unsure about wine options, but still considers it a must-visit at least once."

Positive
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iso The Cheapest Pint And Glass Of Wine In The

"McSorley's is suggested as an experience in itself for affordable drinks. The user notes they haven't visited since around 2014."

Positive
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nyc Looking For Hyper Specific Recs

"This user commented that the cheese and onion sandwich at McSorley's is good."

Positive
Mar 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nyc Looking For Hyper Specific Recs

"This user mentioned McSorley's."

Neutral
Mar 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Group Dining In Manhattan Under 70 Pp Study Trip

"McSorley's Old Ale House was briefly mentioned as a potential place for the group."

Neutral
Mar 5, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyc Food Bucket List Add To My List

"McSorley's is listed for its light and dark beer."

Positive
Feb 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Chili In Nyc

"Mcsorley's was listed as a potential place for chili."

Positive
Feb 10, 2026View Comment →

From post: Affordable Dinner Options In Lower Midtown

"The author has eaten at McSorley's three times and enjoyed it each time, describing it as 'old school New York type shit'."

Positive
Feb 3, 2026View Comment →