Jason C. McLean

While so much of Manhattan has changed around it, it’s good to see that McSorley’s Old Ale House hasn’t changed much. When you walk into the place, have a look at the chairs, the walls and the sawdust on the floor, you can tell off the bat that this isn’t faux vintage, it’s the real deal.

A true statement if there ever was one: the window of McSorley's Ale House (photo Chris Zacchia)

Established in 1854, McSorley’s has been visited by presidents and rock stars alike (according to their website, both Abe Lincon and John Lennon have passed through their doors). It has also survived prohibition (not easy for a bar to do), a Supreme Court challenge and a changing surrounding neighbourhood.

Things inside haven’t changed all that much, the fact that they now admit women, which started in 1970, being a notable exception. When we arrived, we sat down and quickly ordered the house ale, which they brew themselves.

Like it's always been done: the bar at McSorley's (photo Chris Zacchia)

A glass of house ale comes in two glasses. It’s about as much beer as is in a pint, but split. I wondered about this delivery method but was reminded by TJ who had brought us there that they’ve been doing it this way for 156 years, so it was probably best not to ask. I didn’t.

Turns out they also didn’t have any hard stuff, just the ale. While rare, this is appropriate for a place that bills itself as an Ale House. Again, I didn’t ask. I just sat back and enjoyed this little piece of history.