by Gabe Zaldivar
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Thu September 17, 2015
Image via YouTube
Discovering the oldest bar in New York City is so exhausting it may very well drive you to drink.
The Huffington Post'sChristian Nilsson (h/t Laughing Squid) embarked on a daunting undertaking recently, chronicling the history of three bars and examining the veracity of each location's claim as to being the oldest running watering hole in the city.
If that weren't enough, Nilsson even throws a Pete's Tavern log onto the fire in what is a 10-minute video that will delight anyone with even a passing interest in this brilliant destination.
Nilsson went through Manhattan and Queens, speaking to owners and experts about their thoughts on the oldest bar.
That we never get any real closure hardly diminishes the fascinating tale that unfolds in this video.
Sit back, pull a pint and enjoy some historic bar hopping:
For those interested in seeing these places for yourself, and you really should, the bars listed are McSorley's Old Ale House (15 E 7th St, New York), Neir's Tavern (87-48 78th St, Woodhaven) and Fraunces Tavern (54 Pearl St, New York).
As Nilsson states in the above video, each bar makes a great claim to the vaunted title as city's oldest bar.
However, there is conjecture as to things such as McSorley's actual opening date as well as speculation as to whether Neir's was serving beer during prohibition or whether Fraunces can count as a long-standing locale after a devastating fire.
All this means is that you have your work cut out for you on your next trip to New York. While many will quibble over dates and technicalities, we see this as nothing more than an opportunity to see some historic landmarks that demand you enjoy a pint while you sit back and ponder each location's moving story.
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