Some sleuthing in the late 90s by journalist Richard McDermott gave the Bridge Cafe a stunning come from behind late round victory as the "oldest drinking establishment in New York City." Located in the shadow of its namesake, the cafe is housed in a building that dates back to 1794 - when there was no Brooklyn Bridge to be named after. McDermott managed to show that the same address has housed a drinking establishment of one form or another since 1847. This eclipses McSorley's Old Ale House which for decades had claimed the title as New York City's oldest bar.
But the Bridge Cafe is not only an interesting bit of bar trivia. The unique location and warm atmosphere, combined with imaginatively prepared food, make the Bridge Cafe well worth a visit. And the restaurants location near City Hall and the downtown courts may mean you get to overhear some interesting gossip.
If you're not really in the mood for grub, the Bridge Cafe hasn't lost touch with its roots either. They offer an impressive selection of American wines and over 60 single-malt and small-batch bourbons to choose from.