McSorley’s Old Ale House • 1854

The sawdust-covered floors and ale-soaked walls of this East Village landmark have absorbed nearly 175 years of New York history since Irish immigrant John McSorley opened his saloon in 1854. Two choices remain—light or dark ale—served beneath Houdini's handcuffs and WWI wishbones left by soldiers who never returned. The famous men-only policy fell in 1970 after a Supreme Court battle, but the crackers, cheese, and raw onions still come on the house.