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MCSORLEY'S OLD ALE HOUSE

Last Updated: ~1 month ago

Phone: (212) 254-2570

Address: 15 EAST 7 STREET 10003

TLDR

Historic East Village ale house serving legendary house ales & a simple, classic pub menu. A must-visit for NYC history buffs & beer lovers.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 53 Reddit comments)

49% Positive40% Neutral11% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 22pub food 9pub 9beer 13pub fare 8bar 7View All

Neighborhoods

East Village

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

Step back in time at McSorley's Old Ale House, a legendary institution in the East Village since 1854. This historic Irish pub is a quintessential New York experience, renowned for its authentic ale house atmosphere, complete with sawdust on the floor and a no-frills approach to dining. While the main draw for many is the excellent house ales, the food menu offers a selection of pub classics. Patrons often rave about the cheese and cracker plate, a simple yet iconic offering that sparks lively debate about its merits. Other frequently discussed items include the roast pork sandwich, chili, and fish and chips. Though some dishes, like the burger, have garnered significant criticism, the overall experience—rooted in its rich history and lively pub culture—makes it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of old New York.

Food Overview

The food menu is quite limited, with a strong emphasis on pub fare and classic bar snacks. The cheese plate with crackers and spicy mustard is frequently mentioned, eliciting varied reactions from 'horrible and delicious' to 'fantastic.' The roast pork sandwich is also a point of discussion, with some finding it hearty and good, while others describe it as dry. The burger receives particularly harsh criticism, with descriptions like 'standard,' 'terrible,' and using 'disgraceful' buns. The chili and fish and chips also have their fans. Overall, the food seems to be secondary to the beer and the historic ambiance for many patrons.

Highlights / Recommended

"The cheese plate with crackers and spicy mustard is a popular and iconic choice, despite mixed reviews. The chili, fish and chips, and the house ales are also frequently recommended."

Mentioned Dishes:

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

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a positive view of this establishment, often highlighting its historic atmosphere and its authentic Irish pub feel. It's frequently recommended as a must-visit for experiencing a classic New York City vibe. While the beer selection, particularly the house ales, receives praise, the food offerings receive mixed reviews, with some dishes being highly recommended and others considered average or even poor.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread is a great place to get a sense of customer opinions on various dishes, including strong recommendations for the cheese and mustard cracker combo, roast pork, chili, and fish and chips, alongside criticisms of the burger.
Several commenters specifically recommend the cheese plate at McSorley's, with one even declaring it the 'only right answer' for dive bar food.
This comment highlights McSorley's as a historic Irish pub and a recommended spot for beer, encapsulating its core appeal.
Multiple users suggest McSorley's as an essential stop for a classic New York bar crawl, emphasizing its historic significance and advising to go early.
This discussion heavily criticizes the burger, with one user calling the buns 'disgraceful' and suggesting other menu items like the liverwurst sandwich or fish and chips as better alternatives.

Recent Mentions

From post: My 2week Nyc List Thoughts

"This commenter suggests McSorley's might be worth it for the history alone."

Neutral
Jul 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: My 2week Nyc List Thoughts

"This comment humorously suggests saving McSorley's for the end of the trip to avoid potential stomach issues ruining other plans."

Neutral
Jul 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: My 2week Nyc List Thoughts

"McSorley's is mentioned with disdain among other places deemed 'gross' by this commenter."

Negative
Jul 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: My 2week Nyc List Thoughts

"McSorley's is advised against visiting on a weekend night."

Negative
Jul 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurants That Only Serve One Thing

"McSorley's is mentioned in the context of serving only cheese and crackers, fitting the limited menu theme."

Neutral
Jun 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: 7 Day Food And Drink Itinerary

"McSorley's Old Ale House is mentioned as a traditionally New York spot to visit."

Neutral
Jun 2, 2025View Comment →

From post: Gramercy Park

"McSorley's is recommended as a classic establishment, implying its long-standing appeal and reputation."

Positive
May 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: One Short Day In The Lower East Side Where Should

"Mcsorley's is simply listed as a suggested place."

Neutral
May 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Deciding Lunch In East Village

"The commenter simply suggests McSorley's Old Ale House."

Neutral
May 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"In response to a critique, the commenter defends the roast pork, stating it's 'fantastic and with dip'."

Positive
May 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter critiques the roast pork shown in the post, stating it appears 'miserably dry' due to overcooking."

Negative
May 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Looking For A Restaurant I Once Ate At

"The author suggests Porsena, mentioning its former location near McSorley's, as a possible match for the restaurant the original poster is looking for."

Neutral
May 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter highlights their preference for the traditional cheese, liverwurst, and onion plate at McSorley's, noting its historical significance on the menu."

Positive
May 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter expresses strong affection for McSorley's."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter states that the sandwich at McSorley's is 'so good'."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter suggests ordering a Feltman's hot dog, implying it's a good option available at McSorley's."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter states that the chili at McSorley's is 'pretty damn good', especially enjoyable on a night out."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter states they have enjoyed McSorley's chili for 39 years and it remains 'still great'."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter asks about the soup and chili at McSorley's and states they were impressed with the fish and chips, especially given its $14 price."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter has a mixed but ultimately positive feeling about McSorley's cheese and mustard cracker combo, finding it both horrible and delicious."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter shares a personal anecdote of drinking a large number of beers at a specific table in McSorley's, suggesting a memorable and enjoyable experience."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Fried Chicken Sandwich In Nyc

"Recommends McSorley's, implying it's a well-known choice."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter describes the roast pork as hearty and good but notes it was a bit dry, requiring a lot of mustard, though they still ate it quickly."

Neutral
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter highly recommends McSorley's corn beef hash and dark ale, stating they are excellent."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter recounts a humorous experience where their dates were disappointed by the simplistic presentation of McSorley's cheese and cracker plate, describing it as literal cheese, crackers, and raw onions, leading to their own amusement."

Neutral
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter humorously suggests that flossers should be provided with the meal, implying the food might be prone to getting stuck in teeth."

Neutral
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter suggests that having lunch at McSorley's on a bad day sounds appealing and wonders if people are drinking beers there at noon, implying a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter expresses a strong opinion that the only food worth getting at McSorley's is the cheese and crackers with onions, implying other options are not recommended."

Neutral
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"In response to a negative query about McSorley's lunch, the commenter briefly states 'Beer,' implying that the beer is the primary reason people go there, which is a positive aspect for the establishment."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter praises the roast pork with dip, noting it's 'so good' especially when enjoyed with onions and dipping sauce."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter asks if McSorley's lunch is bad ('ass') and questions why people continue to visit, implying a negative perception of the food/experience."

Negative
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Lunch At Mcsorleys No Founder Today Roast Pork

"The commenter notes that McSorley's offers some of the most reasonable prices in New York City, suggesting good value."

Positive
May 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Mcsorleys Burger

"The author finds the burger at McSorley's to be "terrible." They mention that they can only manage to eat a couple after consuming about eight of the house ales, implying the food is only palatable with copious alcohol."

Negative
May 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Mcsorleys Burger

"The author states that McSorley's food is generally unremarkable and specifically criticizes the burger buns as a "disgrace." They suggest the liverwurst sandwich or fish and chips as preferable alternatives if eating there."

Negative
May 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Mcsorleys Burger

"The author comments that McSorley's definitely offers great beer and has sawdust on the floor, highlighting key aspects of its offerings and historic atmosphere."

Positive
May 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Mcsorleys Burger

"The author suggests ordering the liverwurst sandwich at McSorley's, likely as an alternative to the burger which was the subject of the original post."

Neutral
May 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Mcsorleys Burger

"When asked about McSorley's burger in the original post, the author states that the burger is "standard," implying it is average and not noteworthy."

Neutral
May 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Mcsorleys Burger

"Commenting on a suggestion for cheese and crackers with spicy mustard at McSorley's, this author adds that it should be ordered "w onions" (with onions)."

Neutral
May 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Mcsorleys Burger

"Instead of the burger at McSorley's, the author recommends getting their cheese and crackers with spicy mustard. They describe this option as characteristic of McSorley's, though not exceptionally special."

Neutral
May 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Mcsorleys Burger

"The author recommends getting the hot dog at McSorley's, possibly as an alternative to the burger mentioned in the original post."

Neutral
May 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Historic Food Tour Of Nyc

"The author includes McSorley's to fulfill the need for a more divey, historic bar experience in contrast to fancier options."

Positive
May 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Ruined Outdoor Dining In Nyc

"The author deeply misses the outdoor dining experience at McSorelys, fondly recalling enjoying ice-cold pints and piping hot fries there on cold winter nights under a heater."

Positive
May 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: Bar Snacks Crawl Lower Manhattan

"The original poster listed McSorleys as a classic spot ('duh') on their radar for their bar crawl, noting their girlfriend had never been."

Neutral
Apr 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Dive Bar Food Nyc

"Recommends McSorleys and suggests asking for the cheese plate."

Positive
Apr 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Dive Bar Food Nyc

"Declares McSorleys' cheese plate the only right answer."

Positive
Apr 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Dive Bar Food Nyc

"Recommends the cheese plate at McSorleys."

Positive
Apr 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: East Village

"Recommends McSorley's for beer. It is a historic Irish pub."

Positive
Apr 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Someone Critique My Nyc Bar Crawl

"A commenter recommends adding McSorley's in the East Village to the proposed bar crawl list."

Neutral
Mar 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Someone Critique My Nyc Bar Crawl

"A commenter suggests visiting bars that offer a sense of NYC history, listing McSorley's as an example."

Neutral
Mar 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Someone Critique My Nyc Bar Crawl

"A commenter suggests adding McSorley's to the list if the original poster doesn't mind beer bars."

Neutral
Mar 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Can Someone Critique My Nyc Bar Crawl

"A commenter emphatically states that visiting McSorley's is essential for a New York experience, advising to go early to avoid crowds."

Positive
Mar 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Barsrestaurants With An Old Western Saloon

"one of the oldest"

Neutral
Mar 21, 2025View Comment →