NYC, East Village. Established in 1854 and originally known as The Old House at Home. The bar survived prohibition by selling Near Beer (low alcohol). There is sawdust on the floor and the walls are covered by old photographs, paintings, and posters (including an original John Wilkes Booth "wanted" poster).There are a pair of Harry Houdini's (a regular) handcuffs locked onto a railing below the bar. During WWI the bar would gift a free turkey dinner and beer to men going overseas. After finishing dinner the men would hang the wishbone over a lamp rail over the bar for good luck. Upon returning from the war they would take down their wishbone. There are still many wishbones left up for many men who never returned.

For about the first 100 years of it's existence McSorley's mantra was "Good Beer, Raw Onions, and No Ladies". In 1970 members of the National Order of Women used and women were allowed, although there was not a women's restroom until 1986.

The list of notable patrons is extensive, among them are Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Jackie Gleason, John Lennon, Woody Guthrie, Hunnter S. Thompson, Leroi Jones, and E.E. Cummings.

Two McSorley's Ales (light and dark) are always served in pairs.