Old Town Bar Introduce
Introduction / Overview
In the vibrant heart of New York City, where history and modernity often intertwine on the same street corner, there are a few places that stand out for their enduring character. The Old Town Bar, located at 45 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, is one such establishment. This legendary pub is more than just a place to grab a drink; it's a living piece of New York's history, a spot where generations have gathered to enjoy good food, great company, and an atmosphere that feels both cozy and timeless. With its storied past dating back to the late 19th century, the Old Town Bar has become a beloved landmark for locals and a must-visit destination for tourists seeking an authentic NYC experience. It embodies the classic pub spirit, offering a friendly, casual, and historic environment perfect for a quick bite, a leisurely dinner, or a night out with friends. The establishment is well-known for its fast service and an impressive selection of both local and international brews, alongside a menu of comforting American classics that have earned rave reviews from first-time visitors and regulars alike.
Location and Accessibility
The Old Town Bar is conveniently situated in the Union Square area, an easily accessible and bustling neighborhood in Manhattan. Its address at 45 E 18th St places it within easy reach of numerous subway lines, including the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, and L trains at the 14th Street-Union Square station, making it highly accessible for anyone traveling from different parts of the city. The central location also makes it an ideal spot to meet up with friends coming from various boroughs. For those who prefer to drive, the area offers both free and paid street parking options, although as with any busy New York neighborhood, availability can vary. The pub has made a conscious effort to be welcoming to all patrons, with wheelchair accessible entrances and seating, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its historic charm. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the city, finding your way to this iconic spot is straightforward, and the journey is well worth it for the experience that awaits.
Services Offered
- Delivery: Enjoy the classic Old Town Bar experience from the comfort of your own home with convenient delivery options.
- Takeout: Place an order for takeout and pick up your favorite dishes and drinks to go.
- Dine-in: Savor the historic atmosphere with full table service for lunch, dinner, or dessert.
- Table Service: The establishment offers comfortable table service, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their meals without having to order at the bar.
- Alcohol and Beverage Selection: A wide range of options are available, including an extensive beer selection, great cocktails, hard liquor, and a curated wine list. They also serve coffee.
- Food Offerings: The menu features a delicious array of comfort food, small plates, and quick bites, with something for every palate. Options include appetizers, cold and hot sandwiches, and salads, including their top-notch cheeseburgers and famous coleslaw.
- Happy Hour: Guests can take advantage of special happy hour deals on both drinks and food.
Features / Highlights
- Historic Ambiance: The Old Town Bar is celebrated for its historic, cozy, and casual atmosphere. It's one of the city's oldest and most authentic watering holes, with a charm that dates back to its founding in 1892.
- Exceptional Food and Drinks: Patrons consistently praise the quality of the food and the extensive beverage menu. The fast service ensures that you're never left waiting long for your order, whether it's a perfectly prepared cheeseburger or a cold beer on tap.
- Diverse Menu: The menu offers a fantastic selection of classic pub fare. From hot and cold sandwiches like the B.L.T. and Sliced Steak Sandwich to salads and appetizers such as the Old Town Chili and Buffalo Chicken Wings, there's something to satisfy any craving.
- Community-Focused: The pub is a popular spot for a diverse crowd, attracting a mix of locals, tourists, and groups. It has also been noted as being a welcoming space for everyone, including being queer and vegan-friendly, reflecting a modern inclusivity within a historic setting.
- Late-Night Eats: For those looking for a bite after a show or a night out, the Old Town Bar offers late-night food, making it a perfect final stop.
- Payment Options: The bar accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Contact Information
To learn more or to plan your visit, you can reach the Old Town Bar at their phone number: (212) 529-6732. Their physical address is 45 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. The pub's central location and well-established presence make it easy to find and a great meeting point for any occasion.
What is worth choosing
Choosing the Old Town Bar is about more than just grabbing a meal or a drink; it's about stepping into a piece of New York history. The pub offers a uniquely authentic experience that is increasingly rare in a city of constant change. The combination of its historic atmosphere, fast and friendly service, and a menu of delicious comfort food and a wide selection of drinks makes it an undeniable standout. The food, in particular, has received high praise, with a simple yet expertly executed menu. A customer review highlighted the cheeseburger as "top-notch" and the coleslaw as "definitely in the top five I've ever had," which speaks volumes about the quality and care put into their dishes. The friendly and attentive staff further enhances the experience, making every visit a pleasant one. Whether you are a solo diner looking for a quick, satisfying meal or a group seeking a cozy and welcoming spot for a night out, the Old Town Bar provides a perfect setting. Its ability to serve a diverse crowd—from lunch-goers to those seeking late-night food and happy hour drinks—makes it a versatile destination. It's a place where you can enjoy a classic Manhattan cocktail or a locally brewed beer and feel a connection to the city's past while enjoying its present-day energy. The blend of a historic setting with modern accessibility and a commitment to quality food and drink truly makes Old Town Bar a must-visit destination in New York City.
Old Town Bar Menu
APPETIZERS
- Old Town Chili
With cool cheddar, diced onions, and sour cream •
- Fried Calamari
With spicy cocktail sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Wings
With blue cheese dressing and celery
- Soups
Made here daily
- Crispy Spuds
Baked, sliced, and deep fried | Served with horseradish-cheddar dip
COLD SANDWICHES
All sandwiches come with lettuce and tomato | Please ask for mayonnaise our mustard when you order.
- B.L.T. $11.25
Bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes on white toast.
- Turkey Breast $11.50
With Finlandia cheese on rye bread.
- Liverwurst $10.50
With muenster cheese, and red onion on rye bread.
- Tuna Salad $9.50
With chunk light tuna and fresh dill on whole wheat bread.
- Smoked Turkey $12.75
With bacon and mushroom cheese on white bread.
SALADS
- Steak Salad $15.50
Marinated flank steak, grilled medium rare, and thinly sliced | Served on mixed greens with grated cheese, red onion, tomatoes, and pita bread.
- House Salad $5.75
- Club Salad $13.50
Grilled chicken breast, crisp bacon, Swiss cheese, and tomatoes in mixed greens
- Chef Salad $13.50
Smoked turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, crumbled bacon, red onion, and hard-boiled egg on mixed greens.
- Caesar Salad $10.25
Romaine lettuce with garlic-anchovy dressing, parmesan cheese, croutons, and anchovies.
- Grilled Chicken Breast $13.25
HOT SANDWICHES
- Tuna Melt $11.50
A toasted Thomas's English muffin, our tuna salad, and cheddar cheese served cool-in-the-middle.
- Chili Dog $10.50
A grilled bun, topped with a scoop of chili, frankfurter, chopped onions, and grated cheddar cheese.
- Broiled Chicken Breast $13.25
Served on a toasted kaiser roll with lettuce, red onion, and garlic mayonnaise, all on the side.
- Clam Roll $12.50
Fried clam strips in a grilled roll with tartar sauce.
- Fish Sandwich $12.25
Fried flounder served on a toasted poppy seed bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and tartar sauce.
- Sliced Steak Sandwich $14.75
Grilled marinated flank steak served on toast with sauteed mushrooms.
SIDES
- Fresh Out Shoestring French Fries
- Cole Slaw
With dijon mustard, and buttermilk dressing •
- Potato Salad
With red onion and dill •
- Baked Potato
With Sour Cream or Sweet Butter.
Old Town Bar Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Old Town Bar Photos










Old Town Bar Location
Old Town Bar Reviews
bartenderwingsschoolurinalshistorydive barcrowdwoodcheeseburger19th century
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1This was my first visit and I have to give it a perfect score because the staff and the food was amazing. The cheeseburger was top-notch, and the coleslaw was definitely in the top five I've ever had! Next time you're in New York, make sure you visit this iconic spot and top off your meal with a Manhattan!
August 08 · William Cummings JrWhen a place has been around since the 19th century is now both queer & vegan friendly, that says something! We enjoyed delicious local beer on tap and each person had the exact burger they wanted. The servers were attentive and kind - food came fast and was all made fresh. Definitely stop by here next time you’re near union square - or make it your destination activity.
July 03 · Sarah ChandlerOld Town Bar is the perfect after-work hangout! The cocktails are delicious—well-crafted and full of flavor. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, making it a great spot to unwind with friends or coworkers. Classic charm, good vibes, and great drinks—definitely a favorite in the area!
July 01 · Nea BacolodNice late night spot. Kitchen closes at 11:30pm.Buffalo wings were generous in portion but a little too spicy for our liking! It's otherwise pretty good.Key lime pie (Thursday special) was pretty nice.Overall great service though. Worth a stop by.P.S. People aren't kidding about large urinals 😂.
March 07 · Albert WangOne of the oldest pubs in NYC!A blast from the past, chicken wings are great
August 06 · Andrés Berl
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