March 14, 2005
Drinking your way through New York's oldest bars
Beer has long been important to New York. In "Water for Gotham: A History," Gerard Koeppel explains that the drinking water in New Amsterdam was so scarce and of such reprehensible quality that most residents drank beer. In a town surrounded by salt water and swamp, turning limited fresh water into beer was an essential industry. A tile-roofed brewery built in 1633, was among New Amsterdam's first substantial buildings. Brewers were among the town's most notable citizens. There are many places to find remains of the town's storied drinking past. Near Stone Street, you can peer at the foundations of Lovelace Tavern -- one of the city's first pubs, and at one point, also its City Hall. But for the real deal, check out the newest feature at Forgotten New York, which tours New York City's Oldest Bars where you can still get a drink. The page features pictures, history and legends from some of the city's finest watering holes, including the Ear Inn, McSorley's, the Waterfront Crabhouse and Chumley's.
 Scroll down the page a bit for a picture of your NewYorkology editor and husband draining a few at Old Town Bar with Kevin of Forgotten NY.
Related: The South Street Seaport Museum has a historic pub crawl planned for April 7 at 5:30 p.m. They'll hit Old Town, Pete's and McSorley's. The charge is $45 for non-members and reservations are suggested: (212) 748-8786.
Earlier: Drinking with Sadie the Goat on Water Street
McSorley's not showing its age?
Mixing history and beer at Fraunces Tavern
March 14, 2005 12:12 PM in Downtown, Drinkology, History, Out of Manhattan
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