The Timeless Charm of Old Bars in New York City

As time moves forward at an ever-increasing pace, people yearn for days gone by. There are many ways to find a taste of the past – older music, movies, fashion, and even the place you go for a drink. Many old bars in New York City have played their part in history, but what is the allure today? In the cultural capital of the world, with so much choice at every corner, what makes these bars perennial favorites?

Why Are Bars in the Big Apple Unique?

Taverns created a specific kind of public space in colonial America. The political scene wouldn't have been the same without them. Many liken it to salons in Paris or coffee shops in London, although those were affluent gathering spots. In contrast, different classes would mingle in New York's taverns. The walls soaked up the New York life, creating a space full of character in its own right.

Early rules governed how much bar owners could charge, so they couldn't take advantage of wealthier customers or price out the lower classes. This meant that just about anyone could go into any bar and afford a drink; you could see working men sipping drinks alongside their bosses.

As any drinker knows, the mere presence of alcohol alters how people interact with one another. People have traditionally discussed and shared news at their local bar. Thanks to the mixing of classes, politics could be discussed by a lawyer, university professor, cab driver, and dishwasher, and no one's opinion was worth more than anyone else's. This egalitarian spirit continues to make old bars in New York City special.

The Speakeasy Culture of NYC Bars

Speakeasies initially appeared in America during Prohibition, when the production and sale of alcohol were barred. To learn about and enter these illegal dens, one had to whisper or "speak easy," which is where they got their name. The unpleasant bootleg alcohol that was so often all that was served became the inspiration for many of today's most popular cocktails.

Frequently found in alleyways or inside other restaurants, a speakeasy could pop up just about anywhere that was hidden from view. To keep law enforcement from finding you, these old bars in New York typically demanded a spoken password to be let in. While the trend for speakeasy-style bars exploded in the 2010s, recreating a similar atmosphere often down to the password at the door, there's nothing quite like raising a glass where that history was really lived.

Old New York Bars: Home of the Good Stories

Every old bar has a cool or crazy story or two. We are not talking about your average bar fights – although, at one point, the city banned glassware from some establishments to prevent serious injuries.

There are more distinguished stories to be found, too. After all, some of the most admired contributors to American literature, music, and arts lived and drank in the Big Apple. The White Horse Tavern has been a favorite of everyone from poet Dylan Thomas to Beatnik pioneer Jack Kerouac. The West Village continues to be a creative hub to this day.

Bar entertainment hasn't always been synonymous with up-and-coming musical talent. In the eighteenth century, freak shows featuring animals preserved in formaldehyde were popular. Later, games like terrier killing and wrestling were featured. Not exactly the most relaxing way to down a pint, but the charged atmosphere lives on in sports bars on game day.

Experience Old Word Charm at White Horse Tavern

If you really want a taste of old New York, look no further than the second oldest bar in New York, the White Horse Tavern. Since 1880, many famous people have patronized our humble tavern – even Bob Dylan spent some good nights here. Our bar menu boasts classic cocktails perfected by the old bars in New York City and some new ones of our own invention. You can pair your go-to with some classic bar food, simple but always flavor-forward. Leave the bright lights behind, make a reservation, and step into a world of old-fashioned charm at the White Horse Tavern.