14.) McSorley's Old Ale House

Wondering where the oldest ale house in NYC is? Well, look no further: McSorley's Old Ale House was founded in 1854 (though, there is some debate on that being accurate). Located in the East Village, McSorley's was a male-only tavern until it was forced to allow women in 1970, but they don't seem to mind them now.

Let me give you a breakdown of what you have in store for you if you visit:
1.) It's going to be crowded. More than likely, you're going to have to share a table with other people. They have a bunch of big, old tables, and a party of two doesn't get the whole thing to themselves. Learn to make friends.
2.) You have 2 beer options: light or dark. Whatever you order, they will bring it to you in 2 small mugs, instead of a regular glass.. Watching them carry or wash these glasses is quite a treat; they fit like 15 of these things on each hand. When they clean them, they basically take about 30 of them, dunk 'em in sanitary water and slam 'em back on the bar. 
3.) The bartender/waiters are not very nice. They're all old Irish dudes that are constantly slammed. Don't try to make small talk. Don't try to make friends. Tell them what you want and let it be.
4.) The decor is amazing. There's saw dust on the floor, and a shit-ton of old pictures on the walls (none of which have been taken down since 1910).

If you want get your grind on with some uptown hussies, go somewhere else. This is a classic American ale house. You'll never find another place like it.

By Joe Lankheet