McSorley’s opened in 1854, making it the oldest continuously operated saloon in New York City. However, records show it was a vacant lot that year. What is certain is the fact that it was for men only until 1970. Several famous patrons included Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Houdini, Babe Ruth, and John Lennon. Liquor has never been served there, and they have only two kinds of beer–light or dark ale. Adding to the charm is the fact that the tables are communal, i.e., not private. The first photo shows John and Bill McSorley in 1903 and the second is an exterior shot from the 1940s. The fourth shows the bar in 1937.
