McSorley's Old Ale House, Manhattan East Village
18 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/AskNYC, r/FoodNYC22 comments cited below
What people say, in short
McSorley's draws recommendations for its history, character and beer, with two commenters specifically recommending the cheese plate. Its atmosphere divides opinion: some defend it as a distinctive institution, while others find it touristy or museum-like. One detractor dislikes the beer temperature and small servings. Another patron finds it crowded and uncomfortable to linger without continuing to order, while a different visitor prefers quieter times.
Address
McSorley’s Old Ale House, 15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
At a glance
- Best for
- Food
- Opinions divided
- Yes
- Known for
- Light and dark ale, Beer
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to McSorley's Old Ale House, Manhattan East Village, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/laissez_heir in r/AskNYC · Dec 2025
Suggests this bar as a place to work through many half pints over a few hours.
- Recommendsu/Tomatillo-5276 in r/FoodNYC · Apr 2026
Named as a key day-drinking stop; caveat that not every listed bar suits night drinking.
- Recommendsu/andthrewaway1 in r/AskNYC · Dec 2025portion
Agrees the half-pint plan is workable, arguing the rule doesn't specify size.
- Recommendsu/watdogin in r/AskNYC · Dec 2023
Defends McSorley's against being called a bro bar.
- Caveatu/DizzyLink in r/AskNYC · Dec 2025ambience
Finds it crowded and uncomfortable to linger without continuing to order.
- Recommendsu/KillroysGhost in r/AskNYC · Feb 2025ambience
Says the bar holds plenty of historic treasures and is among the city's oldest bars.
- Recommendsu/misterferguson in r/AskNYC · Dec 2023ambience
Admits some bros show up, but enough regulars keep the crowd interesting.
- Recommendsu/Emergency_Fee8895 in r/FoodNYC · Apr 2025taste
Recommends the cheese plate there.
Show all 22 cited comments
- Recommendsu/chipperclocker in r/AskNYC · Feb 2025service
Calls the bar a treasured New York institution.
- Recommendsu/soflahokie in r/AskNYC · Dec 2025
Says the half-pint approach works best if the league permits it.
- Recommendsu/InterPunct in r/AskNYC · Feb 2025ambience
Thinks a newcomer would fit right in, calling the bar quirky in a New York way and an institution.
- Recommendsu/thatguy12591 in r/AskNYC · Feb 2025
Calls it the city's longest continuously running bar, with light and dark ale on offer.
- Recommendsu/DrAnth0nyFauci in r/FoodNYC · Apr 2025
Strongly agrees it is the only correct answer.
- Recommendsu/BetRepulsive6595 in r/FoodNYC · Apr 2026
Enthusiastically endorses McSorley's and steers the crawl toward the East Village.
- Caveatu/sleepyhead in r/AskNYC · Nov 2025ambience
Calls it museum-like and says the commenter prefers the other bar.
- Mixedu/RecycleReMuse in r/AskNYC · Nov 2025ambience
Agrees it feels museum-like but likes going during quiet times as a starting point.
- Recommendsu/Tony_T_123 in r/FoodNYC · Apr 2025taste
Recommended as the pick for beer among their favourites.
- Recommendsu/snatchi in r/AskNYC · Nov 2025price
Finds it reasonably priced and counts it among favorite city spots, one of the country's oldest bars.
- Recommendsu/vidyoh in r/FoodNYC · Apr 2025taste
Recommends asking for the cheese plate there.
- Recommendsu/Life-Professor-3125 in r/FoodNYC · Aug 2024ambience
Suggests it as a divey downtown choice for an enjoyable night out.
- Recommendsu/LongIsland1995 in r/AskNYC · Dec 2023
Says the place does not qualify as a bro bar.
- Caveatu/bklyn1977 in r/AskNYC · Dec 2023service
Compares it to a theme park: staged feel, warm beer, small portions, and little to call fun.
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Freshness
Details last checked 11 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.