Our Favorite Places in Lower Manhattan, New York City

McSorley’s Old Ale House

• McSorley’s Old Ale House, one of the oldest taverns in New York City, has been open since 1854. With original décor, sawdust floors, and old wooden tables, little has been updated. Things are simple inside the narrow tavern. Customers have the choice of dark or light ale and a small chalkboard menu. If visiting with a friend order the “2 and 2” just like a local, 2 dark and 2 light mugs of beer. Every day’s special: 2 mugs of beer for $6.
• The Cheese Plate: a sleeve of saltines and a plate of sliced onions and white cheddar cheese. 

Traveling Gingerbread Note: Less than 3 blocks from McSorley’s Old Ale House is Please Don’t Tell Speakeasy. The entrance is through the phone booth located in Crif’s Hot Dogs. Dial 1 from the phone to receive the wait time or entrance through the wall. 

Odd Fellows Ice Cream Co.

• Make your own ice cream sandwich from a selection of freshly baked cookies and 12 rotating flavors of ice cream at Odd Fellows Ice Cream Co. We recommend the salted chocolate chip cookie with Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble ice cream sandwich, but there are plenty of unique flavors to try such as Thai Iced Tea, Ginger Peach, and Coconut Coffee.

Grand Banks

At the end of Pier 25, past the skate park, mini golf course, swings, beach volleyball, and turf field is Grand Banks Oyster Bar on the last existing original salt bank fishing boat built in 1942. There are 2 large bars on the ship and plenty of seating. Most of customers do not have reservations. Enjoy a nautical themed cocktail with the view of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline.

Fraunces Tavern

• The Fraunces Tavern, built in 1719, was converted into one of the most popular taverns in 1762 by Samuel Fraunces. It is where Gorge Washington delivered his farewell address to the Continental Army officers and is one of the oldest standing structures in New York City. To learn more about the tavern and restaurant, visit the Fraunces Museum open since 1907.
• The tavern has an extensive drink menu including rare ABC vintage beers. There is live jazz music every Saturday 1:00pm – 4:00pm and Sunday 3:00pm – 7:00pm. Live Rock and Roll begins every Saturday at 6:00pm. 

Color Factory

• Hand dyed strips of rice paper are used to create a paper rainbow at the entrance of the Color Factory. 

• Upon entering, guests register an email address and name to receive a card with a GR code. These cards can be used at the picture stations throughout the Color Factory to immediately receive photos and videos to the email address on file at no charge. Complimentary delectable treats and mementos are available throughout this colorful journey of sight and sound. Be sure to collect a Color Factory Map before exiting to continue the journey at 22 hidden locations throughout lower Manhattan. 

• Il Laboratorio del Gelato created a gelato the same light blue shade as the ball pit. The color is created using dried and ground butterfly pea flowers.

The Cauldron 

• New York City is The Cauldron Magical Pub‘s only location in the United States. The fairy inspired restaurant includes a drink menu of potions with specialty marked magical items, including The Blob (pictured below). For a more magical experience book a wizard afternoon tea session or a potion making class to learn how to create your own magical cocktails. 

• Behind The Cauldron is a large biergarten that can be accessed from the street or through one of the many restaurants: The Dubliner, Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina, Stone Street Tavern, Ulysses, or Route 66 Smokehouse.

Ghostbusters Headquarters 

• Hook and Ladder 8, the Ghostbusters Headquarters, is an operating fire station so entering is prohibited, but photos can be taken outside.

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August 2019