The Oldest Bars in NYC -part 2

by | Dec 16, 2014 | Life, Travel Life | 0 comments

I LOVE NYC!  Since I do not live there and tend to visit once a year I typically go back and do only the things I know I love!  So it was very exciting to have a mission this trip!  Also for those that know me well know that I like to travel blind.  Meaning I like to get somewhere and use the resources there to guide me.  I actually did research for this bar mission and it was refreshingly fun!  It was awesome to walk into each bar and know little tidbits about each location!  I was also surprised that my parents were able to join me for the first two bars on the list.  It was fun to see their reaction to these very different locations.  Here are the reviews by bar…

1. Ear Inn 
The first thing I noticed at the Ear Inn was the wide wood floors.  They are still unfinished and ech board is about a foot wide.  They creaked in a way that you almost felt like you were going to fall through the floor.  Maybe that is just my weird phobia!  Quickly we also noticed that there was a trap or hidden door near the bar that the staff was going in and out of.  I can only imagine what this area looks like and would have loved to get a peak!  There were a good mix of people.  You can tell some frequent the Ear Inn as regulars.  It is still extremely close to the river, but when originally built was on the edge.  So interestingly the city has widened. The entrance door is the original door. The art is extremely diverse and is from different eras.  My parents could identify the wine bottles behind the bar were some of the original bottles ever used to bottle wine.  I ordered the Ear Inn Ale and the Spicy shrimp.  My Mom and Dad ordered modern day beer and wine and Chili and Scallops.  Everything was excellent!  While the Ear Inn is small there was plenty of room to move and sit.  It was comfortable, warm, welcoming, and tons of personality!

Pete’s was the 2nd stop on our tour.  Immediately there is a very different vibe and energy in Pete’s.  No longer relaxed, this is a place to see and be seen.  With a history of celebrity visits and celebrations the walls are covered in photos documenting the history of Pete’s Tavern.  The Christmas decorations were up and covered most of the bar but you could see that there was still an original tin ceiling that was beautiful!  It was also crowded when we got there so it was hard to get drinks at the bar and we were pressed up against an empty table.  We put our coats on a chair at the empty table so that we were not so “thick” while people were coming through and were quickly yelled at for messing up the VIP table.  I am always caught off guard by this in NYC.  Coming from the south we are just not used to the brashness and especially from someone who is suppose to be providing service.  We were also not allowed to go into the back room as it was for VIPs as well.  Not sure how they know who is VIP and who is not but I guess rules are rules!  There was a much younger clientele in Pete’s.  My parents were heading to a show and right before they needed to leave we were able to get a seat at the bar.  My Dad quickly made a friend and once they left I continued the conversation.  If this had not happened I would have been really disappointed in Pete’s.  From a review point of view the service was really challenging and I think that they need to take a note from our southern charm and treat everyone as a VIP!  
I did travel down to The Bridge Cafe and it was closed for renovations due to damage from Sandy.  I was disappointed but this did put me right in the middle of the Police Violence protests happening.  It was interesting as I have never seen a march like this before.  No matter which side you fall on it was powerful to see a protest.

4. Fraunces Tavern

The 4th stop for the night was at Fraunces Tavern.  The first thing you notice about Fraunces is the beauty of this location.  It is officially the oldest building and there has been some work done, but it is GORGEOUS!  They have done such a good job to make it modern for us but keep the old world feel.  There is plenty of room to move around and even different parts to Fraunces.  There is a Museum, a Restaurant and a Whisky Bar.  Since I was alone I chose to get a drink and some more food in the Dingle Bar.  I was able to find a seat quickly, immediately was greeted and had a drink.  I wanted to try a few of the appetizers versus a full meal so I ordered the Pretzels with beer cheese, the brussels sprouts, and the Fry Stack with Truffles and Parmesan.  I was most excited for the brussels sprouts as I have been on a kick..so I took a huge bite without really looking at them and they were full of ham!  I have not eaten meat in 4 years so this came as quite a shock!  The pretzel was just ok and I thought it would be my favorite!  The Fry Stack was a must order…YUM!!  This was by far my favorite spot and I would highly recommend a visit. 

5. McSorely’s 
By far the location that got the most buzz from my previous post I saved this for last!  I had heard that we needed to get there early, so we arrive at 4pm.  We did have a large group…5 and then 3 more coming behind us.  There was a line…we got in and he should have made us wait in line longer.  You COULD NOT MOVE it was so crowded.  We squeezed through the best we could and were able to get 5 light beers (they only serve light and dark).  The total cost was $27 and they handed me 10 glasses.  I was happy with the price but quickly realized my crowd was not going to make it long.  I had also been told to check out the Chandelier with 2000 years worth of dust which was covered in chicken bones. It was less of a chandelier and more of a light fixture…but hey they thing still works and the dust was impressive.  There was sawdust everywhere and I was hoping to still see a cat, but heard later they had to get rid of them because of the codes.  All in all I wish that I had a 2 person party, and a seat. Standing was unbearable.  Love that they have stayed true to their original feel and it did seem to take you back.  I could just envision drunk Americans from the 1800s! 

This was a great visit and I throughly enjoyed exploring and trying these new bars.  I would highly recommend try and few of these on your next trip and would love to hear your opinion!  

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