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Historical Haunts—New York's Best Bars to Mark Veterans Day

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11th, with many in New York raising a glass to those who served in the U.S. armed forces. (The day marks the 11th day of the 11th month, when World War I ended exactly 100 years ago; once called Armistice Day, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954). Manhattan has lots of bars and restaurants that were frequented by military, presidents, and politicians. Some of these interesting destinations are renowned for stories that relate to war, while others are associated with the military, date back to the Prohibition, or can even be traced back to the days of George Washington.

21 Club

quintessential old school haunts

Image: thenails/Flickr

This iconic Manhattan hideaway is renowned for its ornamental jockey figurines, which line the front of the building and the “secret” wine cellar. Officially opened in January, 1930, “21” is one of America’s most famous speakeasies from the Prohibition Era. Designed with its own disappearing bar and a covert wine cellar to stash illegal liquor, it’s a place where presidents, politicians, and other A-listers and have wined and dined on American fare and libations for more than 80 years. It boasts one of the largest private collections of paintings and bronzes by American West artist Frederic Remington. Several works were acquired during the Great Depression when customers had difficulty paying their house account balances off, so they paid off their bar tabs with artwork. Among the influential people who have visited are the Kennedys, Richard Nixon, General Wesley Clark—the retired four-star general and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Henry Kissinger, and George W. and Barbara Bush. 21 W. 52nd St., 212-582-7200, 21club.com

Fraunces Tavern 

fraunces tavern george washington

This cozy, dimly lit tavern is housed in one of Manhattan’s oldest buildings. It's the destination where George Washington bid farewell to his troops after the end of the American Revolution. The charming old-world tavern serves pub fare, as well as an extensive menu of beer, whiskey, and cocktails. History buffs will enjoy the museum, which is located on the premises. Guests can view the room where General George Washington gave his famous farewell, view artist John Ward Dunsmore’s collection of Revolutionary War paintings, and much more. 54 Pearl St., 212-425-1778, frauncestavernmuseum.org

Jeremy’s Ale House

New York City’s Jeremy's Ale House traces its history back more than 40 years. Renowned for its fresh seafood and ice cold, 32-ounce beers, this friendly, casual bar serves ales, pilsners, lagers, stouts, and porters. It even serves its very own Jeremy’s Ale. Food offerings include grilled and fried seafood, as well as burgers, wings, sliders, soups, salads, and more. 228 Front St., 212-964-3537, jeremysalehouse.com

McSorley’s Old Ale House

mcsorley's old ale hous

Image: Jeff Rosen/Flickr

Established in 1854, McSorley’s boasts that it’s “New York City’s oldest continuously operated saloon.” Everyone from Abraham Lincoln to John Lennon have passed through its doors. The establishment has humble origins as an Irish working man’s saloon. In the 1920s, when the Prohibition began, beer, ale, wine, liquor, and hard cider were illegal, so McSorley’s sold what they refer to as “Near Beer.” Fidelio Brewery is credited with originating the golden hued beverage. After several changes throughout the decades, Stroh Brewery purchased the McSorley’s brand in the early 1990’s and brewed it until the brand was bought by Pabst Brewing Company. McSorley’s has its own storied history with ties to those who fought in World War I. The wishbones that hang above the bar were supposedly hung by young men who were going off to war. They were to be removed when the military returned after the war. Until 1970, McSorley’s was restricted to women. 15 E. 7th St., 212-473-9148, mcsorleysoldalehouse.nyc/mcsorleys-ale

White Horse Tavern

Established in 1880, The White Horse Tavern claims to be the second oldest continuously run tavern in New York City. The landmarked bar retains much of its charm, including original woodwork and the tin ceiling. Once a longshoreman’s bar, “The Horse” became popular with writers and artists of the early 1950’s. Frequent patrons included Dylan Thomas, Kerouac, and the Beat poets along with other literary greats, and those who hailed from the jazz, folk, and rock music scenes. 567 Hudson St., 212-989-3956,
whitehorsetavern1880.com

About the Author

Regina Molaro is a freelancer writer whose work spans from luxury to fashion, art, lifestyle, and beauty. Her work has appeared in Modern Luxury Hawai‘i, as well as Bespoke Magazine and In Season—the in-house magazines at the St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental New York.

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