New York's Most Iconic Bars

By Ashleyan Lopez

New York is full of variety, even when it comes to bars. Ranging from low-key, divey bars to an upscale cocktail bar, you will find something to fill your needs. You can even experience culture and become a part of history when you step into one of these iconic bars known for its history, fame and popularity.

Ear Inn
326 Spring St.
New York, NY 10013
(212) 226-9060
www.earinn.com

This popular spot has been around for 200 years and it is a great piece of history most New Yorkers know about. Some popular, fun facts: it was originally the James Brown House and the upstairs apartment used to be a brothel, smuggler's den, boarding house and doctor's office. But the most common fact we all know and love? How the bar's current name came to be. The new owners painted over the curves in the "B" from the neon "BAR" sign to make it an "E" and avoid the process of changing a historical landmark's sign. So simple yet so legendary.

Old Town Bar
45 E. 18th St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 529-6732
www.oldtownbar.com

Old Town Bar is a true New York bar where anyone, regardless of celebrity status, can just grab a drink and relax. The decor is authentic with mostly everything from the 1930's staying intact despite the changes times have made. The bar even celebrated the 100th anniversary of its Hinsdale Urinals. Aside from the classic feeling Old Town Bar gives you, it is known as a literary bar where writers frequent often. It's also where filmings of movies such as "The Devil's Own", "State of Grace", and "Last Days of God" took place. Even the bar scene from Madonna's "Bad Girl" music video was filmed at Old Town. Whether you're a book or film nerd, you know of this place.

Neir's Tavern
87-48 78th St.
Woodhaven, NY 11421
(718) 296-0600
www.neirstavern.com

Neir's Tavern has been around for over 180 years but its long history is not the only reason the bar is one of New York's most iconic bars. It's labeled as "the most famous bar you've never heard of" but it is actually a well-known bar you likely have seen- in the movies. Neir's Tavern was used to film scenes for the classic crime film "Goodfellas". Being around for nearly two centuries and sticking to its true nature gives Neir's its historic charm but Robert DeNiro filming "Goodfellas" is what really pushed it to iconic place.

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McSorley's Old Ale House
15 E. 7th St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 473-9148
www.mcsorleysoldalehouse.nyc

McSorley's boasts to be the oldest bar in New York City (though this list says otherwise) and has become well-known because of it. While it may not be the oldest, it still is a historic gem New Yorkers love. The long standing bar has been serving up beer since 1854 with only two options- light or dark and has served it to the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and John Lennon. McSorley created the light and dark brews during Prohibition and has served it ever since. When you step into McSorley's, you step into a part of New York history that some of the greats have been a part of, which is what gives it its admirable quality.

King Cole Bar
2 E. 55th St.
New York, NY 10022
(212) 339-6857
www.kingcolebar.com

This may be one of New York's most elite bar but it has a true history that makes it a go-to place to splurge on. It's believed the Bloody Mary was invented at the King Cole Bar, initially called the "Red Snapper". The bar is also famously known for the Maxfield Parrish mural of Old King Cole that was painted in 1906, sitting behind the bar. The location at St. Regis Hotel alone is a pretty iconic spot but it's the Maxfield Parrish mural and must-try, original Bloody Mary drink that really gives this bar its icon status.

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