White Horse Tavern
New York City, NY
One of Manhattan’s most storied bars—and one of the oldest continually operating taverns in the city—the White Horse Tavern is suffused with literary and cultural lore. Best known as the place where poet Dylan Thomas drank his final whiskey before his death, the bar was also frequented by luminaries like Bob Dylan, James Baldwin, and Jack Kerouac.
The basics
Once frequented by Beat Generation poets, novelists, folk musicians, and artists, the White Horse Tavern in Greenwich Village unsurprisingly features on a number of literary walking tours. But you’re also welcome to visit simply as a paying customer. Stop by for a drink or book a table for brunch or dinner—the tavern’s steak frites, beet salad, and double-patty burger are all particular favorites. Be sure to look out for the painting of famous customer Dylan Thomas on the wall.
Things to know before you go
- While the White Horse Tavern accepts walk-ins, it’s recommended to make reservations in advance for the most seamless visiting experience.
- After some fresh air? Soak up the Greenwich Village atmosphere from the tavern’s outdoor seating.
- Although the White Horse Tavern may look like an old-timey saloon, it has an impressive cocktail menu featuring mixologist-approved drinks.
How to get there
The White Horse Tavern is located on Hudson Street, right in Manhattan’s storied Greenwich Village neighborhood. To get there via public transportation, take the 1 train on the New York City Subway to Christopher Street–Stonewall station, located a couple blocks away. The Christopher Street PATH train station is also nearby. You can also get here by hailing a cab or booking a rideshare.
When to get there
The White Horse Tavern is open daily. From Monday to Wednesday, it’s open from late afternoon until late into the night, and during the rest of the week, it welcomes visitors from lunchtime into the wee morning hours. If you plan to visit at prime brunch or dinner time, prepare for more crowds.
McSorley’s Old Ale House
Another one of New York City’s oldest alehouses—and most storied cultural landmarks—is McSorley’s Old Ale House. A staple of the East Village since 1854, the saloon has welcomed luminaries from John Lennon to Abraham Lincoln. Come for period details like the sawdust-covered floors; stay for the simple choice between light and dark beer.
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