638013 Mon Jul 20 11:58:09 -0700 2009 15 18 Manhattan 0 4874521 Hi All, This coming weekend, my parents (aged late 50s) and sister (29) will be coming to visit me in the city. During their last visit, I received an almost uncomfortable amount of praise after bringing them to the White Horse Tavern. They loved it. Be it the storied history, the picturesque West Village setting, or the Anchor on tap, I can't exactly say. Regardless, I'd like to try and repeat that experience. We may very well end up at White Horse again, but I'd like to poll the collective expertise of this board and ask what other bars/taverns fill that same niche? We'd like it to be laid back venue, with a good cross-section of people and (relatively) inexpensive beers on tap. Bonus point if the place is an institution and/or culturally significant. Thanks! Mon Jul 20 11:58:09 -0700 2009 216256 bmb2c 1 4874554 What time of day will you and your family be in town? This is important because there are bars I'd suggest going to during the day and early evenings that I would not suggest going to later on. Mon Jul 20 12:05:19 -0700 2009 4874521 10195 KTinNYC 2 4874574 KT, I'd say that we'll probably be out and about most of the day, but will probably start looking for some drinks late in the afternoon or early in the evening. Thanks. Mon Jul 20 12:10:04 -0700 2009 4874554 216256 bmb2c 1 4874682 Two that would fit the bill are Walker's and the Old Town Bar. Each has that old well worn ambiance you're looking for although both of them are a lot cleaner than the White Horse. The burgers at both are very good and Walker's has a wider menu of good pub food. Pete's is another historic bar that would be worth a visit. The food, however, is sub par. Mon Jul 20 12:36:18 -0700 2009 4874521 10162 Bob Martinez 2 4874952 also, the ear inn. mcsorley's ale house. the frying pan (pier / boat with drinks) the half king (only minorly culturally signif). Mon Jul 20 13:56:03 -0700 2009 4874682 13695 thievery 3 4875018 a) Bob's suggestions are great - I prefer Old Town b) Frying Pan is another excellent choice for a different type of place Mon Jul 20 14:10:19 -0700 2009 4874952 19118 Jorel 2 4877599 its a shame that old town bar has such a douchey crowd...same with pete's tavern where my dad had his bachelor party back in the day. walkers rules of course...that is the perfect option for the OP...i also love tavern on jane. Tue Jul 21 10:53:05 -0700 2009 4874682 14393 sam1 1 4874991 mcsorley's is certainly an institution! Mon Jul 20 14:04:20 -0700 2009 4874521 271400 notsochubbychubette 1 4875159 I haven't been in a while, but Milady's would probably work also. http://nymag.com/listings/bar/miladys/ And I second Walker's, Pete's & Old Town. Not a fan of McSorley's (too fratty). Mon Jul 20 14:52:56 -0700 2009 4874521 13722 small h 2 4875325 McSorley's is way different on weekdays and early in the afternoon. Later on it's a frat party. I like Bob M's suggestions. Not much history involved but Blind Tiger is a great spot. Mon Jul 20 15:43:06 -0700 2009 4875159 10195 KTinNYC 3 4875748 Good point about McSoreley's - I'd avoid it in the evenings. Best to visit around 2:00PM on a weekday as the lunch crowd is leaving. Get some ham sandwiches with mild Bermuda onions. Mon Jul 20 18:13:37 -0700 2009 4875325 10162 Bob Martinez 1 4875600 Was it the "vibe" or "Dylan Thomas" aspect that wow-ed your parents;- Was it the "vibe" or "Dylan Thomas" apect that wow-ed your parents;-) ? Mon Jul 20 17:18:55 -0700 2009 4874521 67783 TheDescendedLefticleOfAramis 1 4877438 For the history of it, Fraunces Tavern, although they refurbished the bar some time back and it is horribly blah now. Tue Jul 21 10:13:49 -0700 2009 4874521 66022 bronwen 1 4877555 Keen's. Bar at Raoul's. Tue Jul 21 10:44:40 -0700 2009 4874521 24925 chow_gal 2 4877613 Yes to Keen's. Raoul's? I really don't think to. It's a pleasant French bistro but there's nothing "Old New York" about the place. There's plenty of pictures on their website that give an accurate feel for the place. http://raouls.com/ Tue Jul 21 10:57:42 -0700 2009 4877555 10162 Bob Martinez 3 4879556 I agree with Bob M keens and Raouls dont fit the bill here , when we are looking for similar to White Horse.. the WHite horse once had good burgers now they basically are bad. Walkers has the feel of old and T the burgers are amongst the best. Puffy;s is a Tribeca landmark, Reade St Bar has a White horse feel. Pete's tavern is certainly landmarky olde,,,, The bar at Harry's of Hanover has a feel to it, or not sure if Fraunces Tavern still exists,,,,,, Tue Jul 21 22:12:52 -0700 2009 4877613 118604 foodwhisperer