Architectural pub crawl

I am so living the dream. Last night I attended an architectural pub crawl starting in the Village and ending in TriBeCa. First, who in their right mind would get out in 38 degrees for an outside walking tour, meet a group of strangers, drink beer and learn about the history of three of the oldest watering holes in the city. ME!

We met at The White Horse Tavern which was built in 1890 and has been a stomping ground for New York’s literary community since the 1950s.

A stroll through the historic streets took us to our next stop, The Ear Inn. This was my favorite. First it’s hard to believe that this pub was only five feet from the original shoreline of the Hudson River. Also built in the 1800s and for many many years just called BAR. Then in 1977 a new owner chose to avoid the Landmark Commission’s lengthy review for a new sign so they painted over a portion of the B to read EAR, after the musical Ear Magazine published in the upstairs. Clever! We stayed long enough for a beer, but this is a must on my list to return.

We ended our night at Walker’s which is directly across the street from JFK Jr.’s loft. I understand they have the best burger and mashed potatoes in Manhattan so what must a Gotham Girl do? Why return of course and taste for myself.

Many thanks for a delightful tour lead by Francis Morrone, an author, arts critic, newspaper columnist, literary historian, lecturer, and teacher. Oh, and adorable!