McSorley's

I have now been to the oldest bar in New York City: McSorley's. My Dad and I walked 2.5 miles from the Brooklyn Bridge all the way to this bar to retrieve old memories from my Dad's past. We stood at the old bar without stools and with plenty of sawdust to collect in my Birk's. He confidently ordered 4 lights for us to chug down like water. I didn't love the beer as I didn't get to select it myself.

The menu was written on a chalkboard tucked behind the bar and a refrigerator hid in an old cupboard with the phrase 'Be Good or Be Gone' attached on in metal lettering. I'm told by my tour guide that the cheese platters are divine (my word, not his) and are served with raw onions. This isn't surprising as the tag line in 1933 was "Good Ale, Raw Onions, and No Ladies."Alas in 1970 women are finally allowed to enter McSorley's although there is still no restroom for them. Because of this fact I sent my Dad back first to ensure there was a ladies room and I wouldn't have to sneak into the men's room. Not that that hasn't happened before. The bar reeks of history and a good time to be had by all. Be careful though, the beer glasses may be smaller but they are still potent!