If you're in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan and fancy a beer, I recommend McSorley's Old Ale House. McSorley's claims to have been established back in 1854 and the interior doesn't seem to have changed much since then.

Some words of warning:

1. There are only two types of beer - light and dark (a pale ale of sorts and a porter, both brewed on premise). Don't be asking for fancy stuff, and definitely don't ask for Bud!

2. It's cash-only

3. If you aren't drinking, you're leaving!

4. Make sure you leave a decent tip, otherwise be prepared for a rant from the waiter!

Look out for odd memorabilia while you're there, such as Houdini's handcuffs, fixed here to the bar: