Friday Food: McSorley's Old Ale House

A few weeks ago Jim and I finally went to McSorley's Old Ale House, the oldest "Irish" tavern in New York. McSorley's has been on East 7th Street in the East Village since 1854 (although apparently this date is debatable) and women weren't even allowed inside until August of 1970.

The place is exactly how you want an historic tavern to be: packed with memorabilia like engravings of Teddy Roosevelt, photos of John F. Kennedy and at least one stuffed jackalope, all of which looks as if it was hung when it actually reflected current events. Abraham Lincoln drank there, as did Ulysses S. Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, Woody Guthrie and Hunter S. Thompson.

There is sawdust on the floor and everything has a thick layer of dust that is equal parts gross and completely appropriate. The place was crowded and all the tables were full so we just stood at the counter, which ended up being great. We stood right under a chandelier draped with dusty wishbones — allegedly left by men going off to war (WWI, II, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.). The men that returned claimed their wishbones, so the ones that remain are sacred, sad and did I mention very, very dusty (although apparently the health department suggested that they be cleaned recently).

At McSorley's they serve two kinds of beer: light and dark, and that's it. You order "one" and you actually get two — there is one size and I'm still unclear clear on how to order if you just want one glass. I have never been a huge fan of beer so I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't be able to finish mine but I needn't have worried. I not only didn't hate it, but I actually really enjoyed it — so much so that I ended up ordering us another round. I thought I'd just order "one" round so we could each drink one more glass but I somehow ended up with a total of four beers.

They serve food, which I'd like to try eventually, but we had dinner plans so we left after about an hour, slightly tipsier than when we entered. I love the atmosphere and the history of McSorley's and it was definitely one (or four) of the most enjoyable drinks I've ever had. The lack of options was so refreshing and there was absolutely zero pretense which I really appreciate. McSorley's doesn't have to try to be cool because it already is cool, and has been for 160 years.