Historic taverns in New York

When we talk about New York, we immediately think of avant-garde modernity and contemporary culture, but the truth is that the Big Apple is a place full of history and preserves countless corners of other times. From its iconic buildings to the cobbled streets steeped in centuries of history, they transport visitors back in time.

Below are highlights of the city’s oldest bars, some of which have been around for almost two years.

Old Ale House de McSorley

Located in the East Village, more precisely at 15 East 7th St, McSorley’s is the oldest Irish tavern in all of New York City and considered one of the Top 5 Historic Bars. It opened its doors in 1854 by the Irish immigrant John McSorley,

This bar has been frequented by personalities from the world of politics such as Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Peter Cooper or Boss Tweed. This tavern is also considered one of the breweries with the greatest permanence over time because during Prohibition, it served a kind of “near beer” that contained so little alcohol that it was not considered illegal.

Its walls are surrounded by objects of interest such as paintings, old newspaper articles, among others, which have remained there since the beginning of the 20th century. A peculiar fact is that this bar was one of the last pubs that only admitted men since it only admitted the presence of women in the 1970s after a great fight by the National Organization for Women.

Ear Inn

Located steps from the Hudson River shoreline, in the old building from 1770, Ear Inn is one of the oldest bars in New York, having opened its doors in 1870. The story goes that it was not always a tavern. Built in 1817 for James Brown, an African-American Revolutionary War veteran, the first floor functioned as a tobacco shop before being sold in the mid-19th century. It is not known for sure when this site was transformed into a proper bar, but the first records indicate that this happened around 1835.

It was in 1977 when it was given the name of Ear Inn, named after a musical revue with the same name, although there are other stories that claim that the Ear Inn is called that because in the years of Prohibition it survived thanks to the fact that the B from bar was transformed into E.

It is said that nightly poker games were secretly operating in this bar, in which they have played with none other than John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Salvador Dalí.

Nowadays when visiting the bar, it is common to find live music and the presence of poets, musicians and artists of all kinds. It is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Old Town Bar

Located between Park Ave and Broadway, at 18th Street, is this tavern that has been open as a speakeasy during Prohibition since 1892.

The vast majority of its furniture and decoration are original, including the oldest dumbwaiter in New York, which was used to transport dishes to the second floor of the establishment from the kitchen located on the ground floor. Also, and as a curious note, it is said that the bar still has the same urinals as 100 years ago.

Numerous Hollywood artists and directors used Old Town as a backdrop for their productions and scenes in movies. Old Town bar was the setting for the introduction of the television show Late Night with David Letterman for more than 10 years.

Currently it is a quiet place, and a perfect place to spend some time with friends, family or partner. On the menu you can find burgers, fries, sandwiches and salads

Pete’s Tavern

This bar is located at 129 East 18th Street in the Gramercy District area and was established in 1864. During Prohibition the bar continued to operate secretly behind the facade of a flower shop.

In the 1950s it became the most popular gay bar in New York and many TV shows have been filmed there such as: Sex and the City, Seinfield, Law & Order, among others.

At present it is an ideal place to enjoy its excellent American-Italian food, its famous homemade beer, in addition the service is highly recommended, and it is a must for both New Yorkers and tourists.

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