McSorley's Old Ale House New York
Since 1854
Since I was a student at NYU, the School of the Arts has moved over to Broadway and become The Tisch School of the Arts. But in the 1970s, McSorley’s was pretty much at the geographical centre of our operations. That would be 7th Street, between Cooper Union and Second Avenue. The Hell’s Angels head office was not far away on 9th Street, Bill Graham's Filmore East was on the corner at Second Avenue, and we could almost see McSorley’s from the front door of our studio.
So, we got to know McSorley’s pretty well. Wood burning stove, sawdust on the floors, two kinds of ale, cheese plates. Actually, nothing much has changed since 1854, except the legal access granted to women in the late sixties.
Abraham Lincoln, who delivered a speech at Cooper Union, down the street, reportedly drank at McSorley’s; George Washington slept around, but never slept there.
e e cummings took note and was moved to write: “splurging smells waltz the glush of squirting
taps plus slush of foam knocked off and a faint piddle-of-drops”.
Then there is Joseph Mitchell's 1940 New Yorker piece “The Old House at Home”.
This neighborhood is still authentically grimy and McSorley’s is an only slightly grimy safe haven---a good place to settle on a dark, cold night.
Nearby, on Second Avenue, is Veselka, a restaurant serving Eastern European food, and which opened in 1954. It feels like the kind of place that would have catered to every one of Roy Cohn's suspects.
About this spot
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Apthorp Cleaners
Barbies, Barbies, Barbies
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Taco Mix
Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dinastia
Cuban - Chinese
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Studio Museum in Harlem
Artists of color
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Stand Up NY
UWS Comedy Club
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
NYC Pride March
The Greatest Show on Earth!
This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
American Folk Art Museum
Free recitals
The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Loeb Boathouse
Central Park
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
