Hands downs single best place on the planet. I’ve been coming here since 1985 and love it more each time. I especially love the fact that nothing changes - The people the food and the decor. This is special special place with a deep history. It’s part museum and part ale house and there’s a story to be told about each and every item on the walls and behind the bar. The staff is special as well and most have been there for decades..really. Do yourself and go right now… But don’t ask for anything for a light or dark beer, and if you want to sound like a regular ask for “two and two.” God bless Mcsorleys!

So historic and cool! Loved the cozy historic vibe. Arrived right at opening and was able to be seated right away. It did fill up pretty quickly, even on a Sunday. Loved looking at the old photos and learning about the history. The light beer was pretty good too. Don't forget it's cash only!

Came here with a group and this was our last stop in a nights pub crawl. This was the birthday boys favorite pub and I can see why. This pubs history is so rich and it was so nice to see it displayed all over the pub. The beer is simple whether you want light beer or dark beer. The fries were good and I also ordered the hot dog which filled my craving. The service was great even though they were quite busy on a Friday night. We were a group of 6 and we were able to get a table. Would definitely come here again as it’s such a great way to end the night.

We were told by some random strangers in the East Village that this was the oldest continuously-run bar in NYC. The inside really backs that up. As soon as we walked in, the atmosphere of a 19th-century bar hit us in the face. The sawdust on the floors, the historical plaques and memorabilia on the walls, and the single Irish waiter for the entire place brought us back to old New York. Despite the 20 minute wait for a hot dog while we sipped on our $3 beers was worth the wait. Soak in the culture and rich history while you put back some local brews in this historical masterpiece of a bar.

As old school as it gets. After 160 years I think they finally figured some things out. Great burger at a reasonable price. The soups exceeded my expectations and the beer did the trick.

I was recommended to visit this Oldest bar in NY by a friend. I am not disappointed! I didn’t eat here but had a beer. The interior and atmosphere is definitely “old” , I love the decor, the photo frames and floor and counters… it feels wonderful to be having a drink in the oldest bar in town!

What an amazing place. Staff were very welcoming and made you feel like a regular. Food was fresh, delicious and a great price. I love the fact that there was sawdust on the floor, makes them very unique and stands out. There is so much to look at and read on the walls. I cannot wait for my next trip to NYC to come here again.

What can be said about the oldest still operating pub in the states? Not much, they must know a thing or two on how to run a excellent establishment by now.. Food was very good and gave a homemade feel. Choice between light and dark beer and both are a win! If you want to see and experience a pub from 1854 this is definitely a spot!!

Cool and rustic pub with delicious beer. You order 1 beer, get two pints for an unbeatable price. The guy at the door could be friendlier, but maybe he’s part of the concept. We will be back for sure! Cheers 🍻 only Cash

This place was recommended by a friend and I may have to hug him. It was packed when we got there, so we did not get a chance to see a lot of the history held in this ale house. There are two kinds of beer served here, light and dark. Best thing is is when you order one, you get two! Staff was friendly and we were seated surprisingly quickly considering how crowded it was.

A bygone era with sawdust floors and history throughout to include what appears most of the original finishes including the bar. History abounds throughout with newspaper clippings, magazine covers and pictures. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Service was excellent. Fish and chips were delicious. Beer both light and dark were great. Bathrooms were very clean. You cannot beat the value in NYC or in most major cities. Regardless if you are in the area, highly recommended.

McSorley’s is a travel back in time and a fun one at that. Beer is only served two glasses at a time and either light or dark. The waiters have been there for as long as I’ve been coming and they have a gruffness that is both refreshing and reminiscent of a different time. The food fare is simple and cheap. I always get the cheese and crackers which are old Saltines with white cheese and fresh onion - no where else would they be so yummy. Prepare to share a table, that’s what’s done. Great experience that has not died out with the pandemic!

A place not to miss, full of rich NYC history. You feel like you step back in time even as you approach the doors of the place. Crusty old (aka adorable) bartender that dishes it to everyone. Take time to google the history so you won't miss anything when you are there. Big menu selection... Light or dark?

The friendly bartenders will offer you "light or dark" beer and bring 2 half pints. I recommend the cheese plate, you won't be sorry. Old, historic tavern with sawdust floors. Perfect.

If you are in New York, this is a stop you won’t regret. The menu is very limited…And that’s on purpose. If you like, beer, cheese, and crackers, and a little bar food… and 175 years of nostalgia, you will have a great time here. The atmosphere can’t be beat. And if your mug is even close to empty, you will be asked about getting another in a split second. You will sit with strangers and have great conversations… It can’t be helped.

Finally got to visit after someone recommended this place to me years ago. Safe to say, there's a reason this place is incredible. Such a buzz, especially when going around after work hours. The light one is refreshing and the waiters super attentive in replenishing when you're empty. Plus surprisingly affordable. A must when in Downtown!

What a cool place.. the vibe and the beer simple, good and refreshing. And the service was really enjoying.

Great old-fashioned Irish pub with walls lined with historic memorabilia yet still a modern energy. “One is two” here, so ordering one beer means two. The beers are delicious, both light and dark. We sat next to another group of people to get inside, but everyone was super friendly and it was a great time. A must visit in NYC!

A special place in NYC. Place has the charm of a still calm pub in Europe. The quasi religious paintings, the low light ambience, and the infamous rule of being quiet else you will be shushed by the bartender. If you love Belgian beer, this is the place to come.

McSorley’s is like a time capsule of New York City. You feel like you are traveling back in time. The food we ordered was great. I recommend getting a hot dog. The light ale was great and easy to drink without realizing. Just remember to bring cash. Will definitely comeback again on my next visit to the city.

This place is definitely worth a visit! Heard that it’s the oldest Irish Pub in New York. It’s as basic as they come - sawdust on the floor, really old framed black & white photos, no mirror in the ladies bathroom 🤷🏽‍♀️ about six or so food items on the menu - although great atmosphere and friendly staff! Servers are fun to watch (how do they manage to carry SO many beer glasses in two hands?!). Pretty entertaining! Recommended

One of the most unique pubs in all of New York City, especially great for those looking for historical places and less touristy. Sawdust on the floor, pictures hanging in same location for over 100+ years, you can feel the patrons of the past sitting with you. The beer is cold and wet, the menu simple and the prices are extraordinarily low (and wonderful) a departure from the rest of the city where a burger will run you $17 (here it is $8). Try the mustard, it’s spicy and delicious.

Always love coming here. The history in this place is incredible. The staff is friendly and the service is quick. Basic food menu that warms your soul. The beer is basic (light or dark) yet delicious. You are part of history when you walk through the doors. Don't ever lose sight of that. Cheers!

Wow what a gem in Manhattan....only 2 beers served - light or dark $5 each or 2 for $8! Loved it....didn't eat but food is cheap too. Busy on a Sunday afternoon very friendly barman and helper. Full of history and sawdust on the floor it was ace....🤩

This Irish pub's got budget-friendly eats and two kinds of tasty beer: a lighter one and a darker, bitter option. Food's fine but nothing to write home about. Worth a visit if you're looking for a cheap pint.

The service and atmosphere is WHY you go here. Very very cool and ‘proper’ old school pub. The walls are filled with stories and it’s extremely atmospheric and cool to sit in here and enjoy a beer. The beer choice is simple - light or dark! Both are crisp and enjoyable but certainly not that special, you’re coming to step back in time and just sit and enjoy life and everything around you.

Great pub to visit if you are in the area. We had a quick stop here and enjoyed it. The staff were very friendly and the food and drinks came out quickly. Very cosy establishment.

I know I'm just another one of 5,000 reviews, but I loved McSorley's! Quintessential dark, old school bar. Old pictures and newspaper clippings seem to cover every inch of the walls. They only have two beers - but they're good! And they actually do have food - and not bad for what they have. Service was amazingly quick and friendly.

Such a cool experience. I've been wanting to go here for a long time. The history, atmosphere and experience were great! The staff were so friendly. When you walk in they ask if you want "light or dark". Make your choice and they bring you two beers. When they come back they'll announce your total running tab. Be prepared with cash cause that's what they accept. There is an ATM 8 steps to the left of the entrance. Take your time to look at all the history that adorns the walls. You won't regret it.

First bar of NYC! It had the vibe you don’t wanna miss. The place has got history and it’s experienced as you enter this beautiful rustic beer temple. Go, drink a lot of beer and have a great evening!

Amazing place. Really enjoyed ourselves while visiting from Dallas. I would HIGHLY recommend coming here for a great atmosphere and good conversation. We will be back when we visit again! Also the history of the place is worth the visit alone. AND DO NOT SKIP ON THE CHILI! Sean is fantastic as well! Such a nice guy!

One of the best beer houses in New York. Beer is drunk with ease and with pleasure! Incredible atmosphere! Now this is my favorite place where I will always come!👏👍❤️🍺

Great Memorabilia! A very nice Irish bar. I had their hot dog and dark beer that is their brand. They do NOT take credit cards and although that would not have prevented me to go there, but I missed the sign if there was one.

This place is amazing! Go on a weekend at NIGHT! It feels like stepping back in time when Ale was a thing - watching all the men drinking, laughing - women were not allowed inside until court order 1970s! Taverns like this one served ALE which goes STALE quickly unlike the LAGGER Beer that Germans brought to America - easier to store & brew and the BEER SALOONS or BEER GARDENS allowed women & families and they had Food!

Cool little pub in New York I came here back in 2010 when I was a frequent to this city. This place is filled with interesting details, alot of famous people have been here. When you order a beer you only have two options light or dark and they give you the beer in 2 small beer mugs. There is sawdust on the floor that reminds me of a T.S. Eliot poem. There is also a cat roaming around in the bar, great place, crowded unique and timeless. I was with good drinking company and we closed it. We were among the last to leave. It was an honor.

Great service and atmosphere! What an amazing treasure. I went there 40 years ago and not much has changed. I'm not waiting 40 more years to go back!

You won’t be able to beat this place. You order either light beer or dark beer, they have some basic food options but we just got the saltines and cheese. Amazing environment, good cheap beer that’s served in pairs. If I know anyone coming to NYC, I will be sending them here. Sawdust on the floor, surrounded by old news articles, and antique items.

This place is a must do. Very historic, beer is cheap, limited menu but all very reasonably priced...small bowl of chili was $6, hot dog is $6, couple of tvs in the back room

First of all, I love the vibe of this place. Second, they have the most simple menu and it makes ordering so much easier (sometimes less is more) They have two types of beer.. light or dark, and they are both made in house. This place is a must try if you are in the area. The menu consists of chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and French fries. Also it is cash only!! There is an ATM right next to the place in case you forget cash (like I did)

The place decor is surely awesome, but the bartender is not too good, somewhat rude. If you order one of them half pints what you'll receive is a small glass half full of foam and them your expense will amount very fast the more you order, for there will never be enough beer to call it a day. I guess this place had its importance in the distant past, but nowadays, it is more like an overpriced tourist trap.

Brilliant, no-nonsense pub! Two types of beer to choose from when we went there (light or dark)... no fancy cocktails, no spirits... just light or dark beer. So refreshing! Service was lightning fast, the barman was rushed off his feet and coped very well. Very friendly staff, and the pub is just full of history and stories. 5/5 for me. Job well done, lads. Incidentally, I went to a McSorley's in Edinburgh (Scotland), which was good, but not a patch on the New York bar.

Historical pub with great interior! Nice bartenders who tell stories about the early days in the pub... ...there is a chair where Abe Lincoln was supposed to sit in... The turkey wishbones from 1917 still hanging there....and those pictures on the wall... ...feel the experience for yourself!

This place is great. The staff is awesome! We were visiting family and they said it was a must-go. While we were there a gentleman who I assume is the owner or GM chatted with us and gave us recommendations for dinner. When we were ready to leave it started raining and he came out and gave us an umbrella. Talk about great customer service!!

What a great pub! So much character, and I'm not just talking about the building and decor, the staff as well! They were brilliant, so friendly and charismatic. We had some lovely ales and sat at the end of a big table with a bunch of strangers because that's just what you do - it has a great friendly community feel. The sawdust on the floor just adds to the vibes. If I visit NYC again, I'll definitely be back!

This is it a treasure that needs no review. It is a very special place that has over 150 years of history. Standing at the bar and McSorley’s just thinking about what happened there 150 years ago is the cause of deep thought. I Conversations, the banter, the arguments, the laughter and the love that has Transcend an Irish bar for a lifetime or two. Don’t forget to order the light or the dark beer then enjoy every sip. I did not have it this time but the chili cheeseburger is really good.

A must visit if you're in the city if you love historical places and beer. Had multiple light and dark beers which were excellent. For food, I recommend getting the cheese &onion platter and the hot dog. 5/5 stars. Will come again🍻

A great OLD ale house, they have in house brews, dark and light, and a pub style menu. The atmosphere was great, group seating, saw dust on the floor, and nostalgic pictures and items from NY and this historic place all over the walls. I loved it!

This pub is amazing! The service is very friendly even though the place was packed. For each beer you order they bring you too jars, I just loved it

Probably one of the most fun bars in the city. Simple selection, but fun staff. The place had a very lively ambience and is offering a unique experience in a city with a touch of history

Amazing beer bar with food options. Archaic wooden interior - tables, floors, walls. Tried the light and the dark beer. Got a fried chicken sandwich and a corned beef hash - delicious and at a good price.

It’s been 8 years since my last visit - so thankful some things never change! McSorley’s never disappoints. Took my wife this trip and she loved it. Staff were so nice and it always feels like home. ❤️

Awesome old Irish Ale House. Every time you order one beer they give you two! Friendly service. Outdoor seating.

This place was cool because of this history but otherwise I don't think it's the best place to hang out. It can get pretty crowded and while the fact that they only have very limited offerings is kind of what makes them special, there's a reason most places have grown to provide a wider variety of drinks and foods. Definitely worth seeing once if you want to see what a cool old pub looks like, though I don't feel like I need to go back again.

Another must stop for the history buff! So much history here, everything stays the same, you get the same options from what they got back in the day. A light or a dark, both are tasty! Great atmosphere, if your visiting New York put this on your must go list!

Such an incredible place with so much history and a fun environment. We had a group of 4 and were sat with 2 gentlemen from the UK. We had a great time chatting and sharing the overall experience. Warning… The dark beers seem to go down way too easy!

This bar has been open so long & it shows! Cash only, given (only) the options of dark or light beer which they serve in small mugs, 2 at a time. There's sawdust on the floors & old pictures/posters/newspaper articles all over the walls. On the bar's floor rail, you can find Houdini's handcuffs & above the bar, you can find a chair president Lincoln once sat in. Lots of history & things to look at here. Very cool place & the staff was very nice!

Best pub in NYC so far. It’s such a hidden gem but luckily we found it (thanks to Atlas Obscura). We learned so much about the history of this place. The beer is GREAT! For those who hate decisions, you’re gonna be amazed cause it’s just two kinds of beer. I highly recommend trying them both, especially because they come in smaller glasses. +1000 points for foam in a beer. As a person who came from Europe, it was hell of a surprise (a good one!).

If you can’t give this place five stars just for the fact it survived I don’t wanna be your friend! Only two beers, dark or light, poured in the same manner they were 100 years ago, so lots of head, never a full beer. They’ve even kept many of the original menu items such as the liverwurst sandwich that is truly a classic. Served with brilliant fresh white onion and mustard that will blow your sinuses up it CANNOT be beat. Just do yourself a favor and go…you won’t be sorry

Very busy at Saturday lunch time, possibly due to World Cup. So nice to have the matre d / server type guy meet us, find us a table, seat us, take our drink order at the table (unusual for a pub, especially a busy one) and our food order too. Alcoholic drinks were limited to only light or dark ale. However there was soda too. The meals weren't amazing but they were good value and came out fast. There were about 6-8 menu items, all about $10 each.

An NYC institution! One of the oldest pubs in New York, McSorley's has maintained its ambience with the exception of one TV towards the back. To avoid most tourists, visit midweek such as a Wednesday. My colleague and I swung by after work on a "quiet" night and were able to find a spot at the bar immediately. Pro-tip: It's CASH only and the only beer they serve is light or dark ales.