McSorleys Old Ale House

I can't remember the last time I was in McSorley's Old Ale House -- maybe 20 or 30 years ago. I absolutely love the place but it's really crowded in the evening (when people tend to go out drinking), and there's often a line down the block on peak nights. Having a little freedom of motion these days I conspired to meet my friend Jonathan Smith there at 3pm on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving -- and even then the place was ALMOST crowded. But at least we could table and hear ourselves talk. Jonathan's an actor -- sometimes he plays Stan Laurel at events, and I've seen him do Jack Benny in a show, and he did Georgie Jessel in my own show. When he isn't acting or singing himself, he photographs other peoples' shows. Anyway, a kindred spirit. And McSorley's (the oldest bar in New York, est. 1854) was the perfect place to hang out. That's him in the window:

The deal with McSorley's is, it's all trapped in about 1920. There's sawdust on the floor and pictures of boxers and politicians on the walls, and they only have two kinds of ale, light and dark, both of their own brewing. The mugs are half pints, so if you want a pint, you order two. And if you forget to order according to the house system, the Irish barkeep will look at you with all the snobby exasperation of a French waiter. 

Sure, and if it isn't himself, Mr. McSorley, don't ye knaw

Look it's an old time machine from a previous century! 

Another satisfied customer!