McSorley’s Old Ale House

15 East 7th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
212/473-9148
about $60 for two, with several drinks, with tip

The oldest bar in New York City still has a place in lower east side’s hip surroundings. They didn’t start letting women in until the 70s but it’s been around since 1857. People who go to McSorley’s know they only have two choices of beer–McSorley’s Light and McSorley’s Dark–and they are served in pairs because their mugs are a wee bit smaller than a pint. $8 for four mugs is a good way to start your night with their burger and fries.

You should still try to avoid peeking inside the men’s bathroom unless you want to see someone using the urinal and don’t expect the waiters to chat; they’re only there to ask you “Light or dark?”