Slainte Michael !

In case you didn't know, I have become a regular at New York City's greatest and oldest Irish tavern, McSorley's Old Ale House. I'm usually there for about two hours on Friday nights with Andrew and various others. Over the past year we've gotten to know many of the other regulars and the bar tenders very well. I gladly accept preferential treatment and free rounds from my buddies behind the bar. One of my favorite bartenders at McSorley's is Michael. He has been there for about 8 years since moving from Ireland. Last weekend he asked Andrew and I to come in last night to celebrate his birthday.

I thought we would make our usual entrance, talk a little bit and then do our own thing. Instead, Michael sat down with us at our table and brought all of his friends over and we had a birthday party McSorley's style. There was cake, burgers, and of course plenty of ale. We sang, laughed, and celebrated with our best buddy from McSorley's. It was a great time to hang out with a different crowd and meet some interesting people from all over. One guy has been a regular for about five years, one lady has had lunch there weekly for about a decade and then Andrew and I represented the new McSorley's generation.

It truly is a special place; more than just a pub. I can relate to the Cheer's theme song when I walk in where "everybody knows your name." The staff and customers are friendly and the ale is exceptional. Some of my best memories from New York have taken place there. I will never forget my times at McSorley's.