McSorley’s Ale House Proves It’s Not Always Out With The Old, In With The New
McSourley’s is an institution. They wear their age proudly; “We were here before you were born” is written in bold letters at the entrance. In a neighborhood known for its trendy restaurants and “it” bar scene, somehow, McSorley’s keeps its status as the place to be. How do they do it? I can think of a few good reasons.
Swimming upstream
The current culture among younger generations celebrates being different. “Basic” has come to be a negative term, while eccentric style, taste, and interests are seen as cool and interesting. People want to have clothing that no one else does and find low-key spots that aren’t yet discovered. McSorley’s benefits from this zeitgeist. They stick out as a place that isn’t offering what their other nightlife neighbors are. You certainly won’t see lavender hibiscus flavored martinis at the alehouse, their drink menu offers two items: light and dark. The atmosphere may not be hip and new, but it’s not trying to be, it avoids the arms race altogether and sticks to a timeless pub feel.
Price
It’s no secret that New York is an expensive city, but with rising inflation, it’s nearly impossible to justify buying fancy cocktails. Prices vary from place to place, but most bars on the lower east side don’t charge any less than $15 dollars for a cocktail. At McSorley’s small mugs of beer come in pairs, with each pair costing $6. Order a dozen mini mugs for your table of four, and each person is paying only $9 for 3 beers.
It’s Casual
At the old ale house, anything goes. Most people are in a variation of jeans and a t-shirt. There’s no pressure to look chic or fashionable, a refreshing change of pace to normal city life. Sneakers are a good option here, as the floors are covered with sawdust, and the boards are uneven, adding to the allure of this time capsule gem.