Secrets of McSorley’s Old Ale House
What’s the oldest bar in NYC? The answer, as with most things in NYC, is complicated. McSorley’s Old Ale House boasts that it is the oldest bar in NYC, but the truth is a little more complicated. Fraunces Tavern technically holds that title, opening in 1762, but it has not been continually operating as a bar throughout that time. The Ear Inn opened in 1817, and has been continually operating as a bar since them, which would make it older than McSorley’s which opened in 1854. All of this being said, why let the truth get in the way of a good story? McSorley’s proudly boasts the title of oldest bar in NYC, and walking into it is like walking back in time. After all, the interior decorative theme hasn’t changed since 1910 when John McSorley passed away. If the wall of McSorley’s could talk, the NYC stories they could tell. The walls can’t talk, but they are covered in history. Let’s uncover some secrets of McSorley’s Old Ale House.
HARRY HOUDINI’S HANDCUFF’S
If you take a NYC ghost tour, you will inevitably stop in at McSorley’s. The legend is that Harry Houdini himself would frequent McSorley’s. Some McSorley’s patrons believe Harry Houdini still frequents this NYC establishment, but in the form of a ghost! Other claim it’s the spirit of Harry Houdini but in the form of a cat. Whatever you believe, at the bottom of the bar is a bar of handcuffs, fastened tightly. The claim is that these are Houdini’s handcuffs.
However, this may just be a legend. According to Houdini experts, the handcuffs are those used during Houdini’s time, however, there is no photo or record of Houdini himself using that specific type of handcuff. The bartender might also show you an older pair of handcuffs that more likely may have been used by Houdini. No one can disprove the legend, so let’s say it’s true, you can find Houdini’s handcuffs at the McSorley’s Old Ale House!
WISHBONES ABOVE THE BAR
One of the most haunting images at McSorley’s is a collection of turkey wishbones hanging from a lamp above the bar. As soldiers departed for World War I, McSorley’s gave them a send off of a turkey and ale dinner. For good luck, the soldiers would place a turkey wishbone on the lamp above the bar. The idea was that they’d collect it when they returned home. Sadly, many soldiers did not return home, and their wishbones remain to this day. Out of respect, these bones were never cleaned. That is, until 2011, when health regulations required it. The dust was carefully removed and currently stored in a box in Queens.
WANTED POSTER
McSorley’s opened in 1854. Just over a decade later, John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln. It’s said that McSorley most likely was a fan of Lincoln. Another NYC legend is that Lincoln came to drink at McSorley’s after speaking at nearby Cooper Union. The “Wanted” poster for Abraham Lincoln’s assassin hangs above the bar, a fascinating piece of history.
SOME PATRONS NEVER LEAVE
Over the years, McSorley’s has garnered some enthusiastic fans and devoted patrons. Some are so devoted that they never wanted to leave, and in the end, don’t. Behind the bar is a collection of urns. These urns contain the ashes of patrons who wished to remain at McSorley’s after their passing. One such patron is Jack Savage. He still sits at the bar, but now behind it. Have a pint for these devoted McSorley’s patrons when you visit.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
McSorley’s only serves two drinks, light ale and dark ale. They serve their light and dark ale in half-pint pairs. They also have an impressive kitchen, and serve Feltman’s hot dogs. Feltman’s hot dogs are the true original NYC hot dogs!
McSorley’s only takes cash. There is an ATM next door, but come prepared so you don’t have to lose your seat when you go to pay.
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