McSorley's Old Ale House

 The “tavern of individuality” was opened in 1854 by John McSorley, an Irish immigrant. Located at 15 East 7th Street, it echoed back to the Irish pubs McSorley had known back home. Known then as The Old House at Home, it served ale. Only ale. And it served that ale only to men.

In the 19th Century respectable ale houses, saloons and porter houses were not open to women. Those drinking establishments that had a dining room, like Pete’s Tavern on East 18th Street, provided a separate street door so the reputation of ladies would not be sullied by passing through the bar. Women who did take a drink at a saloon had no reputation to sully.

I am GLAD those times have changed!

A view from the 1940's. Not a whole lot has changed!

And now some shots from my latest visit. You gotta love this place!

“The walls are covered with objects of interest, all having historical significance, from the point of view of the proprietor and his friends.”

Lulu having a light MrSorley's ale

 Sawdust on the floor, still a nice touch! Very old school!

My words exactly!

"In the centre of the room stands the belly stove, which has an isinglass door and is exactly like the stoves in Elevated stations.”

I do take many things for granted, but can you believe that they only allowed women in there in the 1970's???!!!!

Jesus... just a mere forty years ago, and I have to be thankful for that!

If you want to know more about the history of this institution, click on this wonderful blog called "Daytonian in Manhattan" here.

Cannot wait to go there again!