Lower Manhattan Pub Crawl

New York City indeed has it all: arts, culture, shopping and the like. Locals though, and maybe a few of the more bibulous visitors, prefer to spend their down time in a pub. New York’s pubs are unique in that, like its restaurants, they have to be really good in order to stay in business. New Yorkers famously have little patience for mediocrity. This walking tour of the pubs of lower Manhattan, roughly from the Bowery to Gramercy, covers less than two miles; it can be walked in 36 minutes, if you’re in a hurry. The object, of course, is to not hurry. This crawl leaves out many worthy spots, such as the Ear Inn and Sophies, because they’re too far off the path, but improvisation can take the curious Flâneur many places. Have fun, be safe, and make good choices.

1. Broome Street Bar. 363 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013

Old school, good pints, kitchen right there with the good food. Lay your foundation, gird your loins.

2. Half Pint. 76 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012

Fantastic Greenwich Village location, great beer selection, specializes in infused vodka and pithy conversation. Great people watching.

3. Reservoir Bar. 70 University Pl A, New York, NY 10003

Local NYU hangout. Lots of sports screens, affordable beer and bar food menu.

4. Old Town Bar. 45 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003

Legendary location north of Union Square. Sometimes a celebrity sighting, but always with great conversation opportunities.

5. Pete’s Tavern. 129 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003

Just south of Gramercy Square, a local favorite.

6. Gramercy Alehouse. 272 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

If you make it this far, you’re doing great. New-school sports bar, NYPD hangout.

7. Molly’s Shebeen. 287 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010

The mothership. Let the tourists fill up McSorley’s, this is where the locals go. Late night, real-deal Irish pub.