Here's a 4 star review that keeps it real, warm, and a little bit playful without overselling it: MacDougal Street Ale House ended up being our accidental home base while we were attempting to crack the standby list at the Comedy Cellar next door. We didn't make it into the show, but honestly, this place softened the blow in the best way. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small, lower level dive bar, and I say dive with affection. Dim lighting, close quarters, pool table, dartboards, TVs tuned to the game. The kind of place where conversations overlap and nobody seems to mind. It feels lived in, in a good way.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We popped in and out between line check ins, and each time it felt easier to settle in. We met some locals almost immediately and were joking around within minutes. It had that rare neighborhood energy where you don't feel like an outsider for long.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered a cider that was a little sweeter than I expected, but the older bartender, wearing a Jenna Ortega fangirl shirt no less, gave us a pro tip. Pour sweeter ciders over ice. Game changer. It mellowed it out and made it way more refreshing. Sometimes the smallest bar hacks are the most appreciated. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, it's a great spot to hang with friends, kill time, and lean into that classic Village sports bar atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We didn't get the Comedy Cellar show, but we got a good story and a solid night anyway. 4 stars and we'd happily stop back in next time we're in the neighborhood. read more

MacDougal Street Ale House - Bar, TV, and Tap list - Sports Bars Near Me - New York, New York

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Cool place. Glad they're open on a late Monday night. They got jukebox to play music and a pool table.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The bartender must been having a bad night though cause he freaked out over me having fun and singing to the music using the pool stick like a mic. I guess he thought I was close to hitting on the pool table but I wasn't. He threatened to kick me out if I did it again and gave me a look. He looked like he was hating his life, looking kind of miserable. I got the vibe he wanted us to leave. [[HIGHLIGHT]]My friends and I stayed and played some darts afterwards. Place was cool til that interaction happened.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I did play some songs on the juke box but it did take a while for them to play. It's pretty reasonable the amount of songs for the amount you put in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I got Paloma as a drink, it was okay. read more

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I was a longtime patron until the pandemic when I lost my job in Manhattan. It was my go-to place for beers after work, great bartenders, friendly crowd, great jukebox and good cold beer. I recently was in Manhattan and decided to stop in. The place was empty at 5:30 PM the bartender was very surly acting as if she was doing me a favor pouring my beer. The beer was warm and sour. To top it off She charged me the regular price event though it was still Happy Hour. Thanks, but no thanks. read more

Terrible experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe sucks[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and the service was the worst I've had in nyc. Weak drinks and [[HIGHLIGHT]]washed up frat boy vibes[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Scummy business. $15 minimum. No problem. Wife orders 2 drinks. Come back, order 3rd. Bartender brings it and opens can locking me into the order THEN says $15 min,. I explain that already spent $15, says it doesn't matter because there's no tab, but they immediately gave back card and never offered to open us a tab originally or gave us anything to sign or receipt. Ask for receipt and see automatic gratuity charged without customer consent. Asked for it removed and she refused. 20% tip for handing me a can. Ridiculous given the service. read more

This is such a cool underground bar for some drinks. We come here before every comedy show we go to when we visit NYC. The staff is always amazing and nice and they have touch tunes! They make stiff drinks and try to include everyone to have a good time. read more

MacDougal Street Ale House - Inside - Sports Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]A low key fun bar to get a beer and play pool.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The bartenders are friendly and plenty of space to hang.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It wasn't that busy on a Saturday night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

MacDougal Street Ale House - Sports Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Frat basement bar vibes. They have premade green tea shots which on one hand I get on another hand, I feel like is really lazy and also sketch. Pool looked fun but was cramped and barely anywhere to stand. read more

Security guard is so drunk he actually let me in without ID and then yelled at me because I didn't show him ID. Sluring his words, swaying, and being rude. He called me a cop and asked what my birthdate and address was. I told him I wasn't a cop but if he wanted me to leave I would, he laughed and handed me back my ID and let me in the bar. Gross. read more

We stumbled upon this bar when looking for a chill place to drink. I was initially using Yelp to guide me to a cheap dive bar but we decided to rest our butts here since any Ale house I have been to have been chill. It was not massive but not tiny either. There was a pool table near the door but it seemed right if you were trying to play. We walk in and I get carded lol. It's nice when you are approaching 40. I have not been carded in a while so it was unexpected. It could also mean maybe a lot of kids hang here? We found a seat at the end of the bar and plopped down. We were attended to immediately and ordered beers on tap. I miss living here for so many reasons but one of them is being able to have great, quality beers on tap. Hubs finished his beer first and inquired about some of the unfamiliar beers on tap. Our bartender offered samples of a Pumpkin beer and a Montauk beer. Hubs went with the Montauk. I finished my beer and asked the bartender what her favorite/best drink to make is. She said Old Fashioned, to which is one of my favorites to drink, so I asked for one. I must say, she did a great job! It was getting late and we still had to take 2 trains and a bus to get back to my parents so I asked for the tab. $85 FOR 4 BEERS AND 1 DRINK!! WTF! It was a cool place but not for that kind of money. Unless I know there are specials on good drinks, I will not be visiting here again! read more

MacDougal Street Ale House - Yonkers IPA and Radeberger - Sports Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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"Do I know you? I think I do, how have you been? Tonight everyone is going to get drunk!" This was the greeting I got from the bouncer.... I definitely do not know him, We definitely got drunk and so did everyone inside, including the bartenders (I think?) You get what you pay for, just your average 23yo sports bar, people still living in their college hey day (or maybe currently at NYU), boys hitting on girls, girls batting eyelashes with the bartender, strangers making friends with people at the bar, UMich fans watching their team, friends buying friends rounds of shots, some pool in the back, an overflowing toilet, and the type of place you walk away from and say, "how'd I get so drunk? But damn, that was so fun." read more

On a busy Saturday night, MacDougal Street is packed with millennials but the locals go down the stairs to the Ale House. Old school NYC dive bar with a pool table in the front, basic beer selection, and diverse customers that mirror the wonderful diversity in NYC. My one complaint was that the music was so loud it was hard to have a conversation and the speakers were not great so it was loud and harsh. But the vibe is classic old school NY. read more

MacDougal Street Ale House - Front awning - Sports Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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This was a nice little underground bar by Washington Square Park. The bartender and bouncer were both very kind and personable (which I always appreciate). Beers were good and not too expensive. I'm a fan of the bar being underground... it creates a cool vibe (I'm from California and we don't have as many bars underground). The crowd seemed to be a lot of NYU students and my buddy and I ended up drinking there for a few hours. read more

MacDougal Street Ale House - The sign outside - Sports Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Almost Heaven, West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River Life is old there, older than the trees Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze Country roads, take me home To the place I belong West Virginia, mountain mama Take me home, country roads. [[HIGHLIGHT]]What a palace to sit and drink and talk with friends, I almost lost a bet watching the Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics but my friends at the bar cheered me on and i won.. This place is like cheers but in new york and with tattoos.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Que palacio para sentarme a tomar y hablar con amigos, casi pierdo una apuesta viendo el Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics pero mis amigos en el bar me animaron y gané. Este lugar es como cheers pero en nueva york y con tatuajes. . read more

I would leave negative stars if possible. Saying the bartender was RUDE is an understatement. He literally called me a stupid cunt for not ordering as quickly as he thought I should as I was waiting on friends in the bathroom to return. Of course we immediately all walked out. I will leave a bad review on every website I can find and spread the word hoping others will not give this place one penny. Even the NYC rats should avoid this place! read more

I'll concede that I'm not at all the demographic for sports bars, charming ones with dart boards and pool tables notwithstanding. Drinks are so cheap here and have somehow girded themselves against inflation, or maybe their drinks are just watered down. Either way, this sticky little dark bar will do when you're with a group and can't find anywhere else to land. The bouncer is super friendly and may troll you all evening because he's bored, but it's all in good fun. read more

Worst ever. I put a card down for their $15 minimum charge on cards so I bought 2 Guinness. When I went to close out one of the bartenders said they didn't have my card -- which is ridiculous given I had to open a tab by giving my card. They lost my card and I'm no longer interested in the place or recommending it. Do not go. read more

I really enjoyed playing pool here, but one of the bartenders needs some training in etiquette. My friend and I ordered a few beers, and later in the night, I proceeded to ask the bartender for a cup of water. He answered that they only do bottled water and that it costs 2$. I did not say anything and walked away. I have never been refused tap water at a NYC bar. read more

There's a satisfying feeling walking down the steps into MacDougal Street Ale House. All are welcome there. You can post up at the bar watching NFL Sunday Ticket and make your way through their solid selection of craft beers, crowd around a high top by the interior brick pillars, or crush 13 White Claws while throwing darts for hours on end. The music is good and the vibes are great. Macdougal Street Ale House is definitely a dive bar, but one that reminds you just how gratifying dive bars can be. read more

I had a little time before dinner, so decided to stop in here for a drink. This is among the worst customer service experiences I've had in NYC. The bartender didn't take my order after seeing me sit down, and he was not busy helping other customers. I finally relented and got his attention. He then poured a subpar cocktail that was not how I ordered it. After giving him my credit card, he didn't ask if I wanted to keep it open, but just closed out my bill. Considering the quality of the drinks and poor service, the prices are high. I would not recommend this place. read more

Must arrogant bartenders in all of new york city, biggest a**holes ive ever dealt with and for no reason whatsoever. Served me 1 drink and tried kicking me out for only having one drink that they served me. read more

Olivia was awesome. Enjoyed the happy hour pricing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good vibe and very good experience![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

This bar needs more than one bartender. I waited over 30 minutes just to order my drinks because the bar was filled on all sides. They have a small pool table in the front but dont expect to be able to play on it if the bar is near full capacity. It's located in a weird spot. But other than the wait, you can get your drink on for a reasonably cheap price. read more

Bathroom was soaking wet no tp, [[HIGHLIGHT]]tables and chairs were all filthy[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], Drinks were weak and over priced and the bartender was an a** hole. read more

We stopped in for some drinks and a round of pool before a show. The Irish bartender is fabulous! We enjoyed our stop here. They have darts and pool. read more

What a great place to experience New York culture. Olivia has such a great spirit, always a good time!

On oldie but goodie dive bar. Played like 6 rounds of pool , had a great time. This is one of the best places on MacDougal street to grab a drink IMHO read more

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BEST BAR EVER!!!! Best bartenders (Z is hilarious, Vinnie is top notch, Leslie is awesome, and Bella is badass) ever! Shitty bar vibe, super fun. Just asked for an Aperol Spritz & Espresso Martini (totally not the place, I was messing with the bartender) and Vinnie whipped them out from his ass!!! Really great. Lots of fun times. A MUST TRY!!! ICONIC NYC MOMENT. World's best shittiest bar!! 10/10! read more

MacDougal Street Ale House - three drinks on the bar - Sports Bars Near Me - New York, New York

The pool table here has no chalk. And the bartenders seem oddly proud of it. What a waste. Why have a table take up your whole space and nobody can even enjoy a pool game. Lame. read more

Super cool little dive tucked in the basement. Great spot to hang out at before going to the comedy cellar. They play good music too.

I do not recommend this place. The bartender was very rude to me for no apparent reason. I was just hanging out with my girlfriend and he didn't even want to serve me. read more

Great dive bar in the Village with a chill vibe, pool table darts and a jukebox. I had been here before for a game of pool on my brothers visit and we decided to stop in again before dinner Saturday. Pool table is a bonus and both times there not a competitive group playing - just people having fun. Amazing music playing on the jukebox. A lot of great music from the 70s and 80s. Early eve, the crowd was festive but not too crowded and really friendly. Everyone at the bar who I had to ask to move to avoid hitting them w a stick was in positive fun spirits. In fact the guys we played doubles with for a while were so much fun and so nice one of them a regular here, hearing I wanted a mezcal drink (not available here) told us about and even walked us to a Mexican restaurant nearby where he worked, introducing us to the servers to ensure we were taken care of and where we had dinner. I was wowAmazing Southern hospitality in a village bar - very cool. We will definitely return. read more

MacDougal Street Ale House - Sports Bars Near Me - New York, New York

gotta hire new bouncers. the bouncer here was a total asshole. was trying to find a lost purse and they damn near kicked us out despite us being polite read more

The most amazing bar ever!! Olivia served us and she was SUCH a pleasure. We came from Nj and Md and had the most amazing time. Played some darts and some great mixed drinks! 10/10 recommended! read more

Stumbled upon this place after going to OTW across the street. Liked this place substantially more. The bartender was really nice and it's a cool basement type bar. There's a pool table in front, bar with stools on the right, tables on the left, and some dart boards all the way in the back. Came here on a Friday early night, wasn't too packed but the bar was full. I think what made this place a 4 star was the customers and their vibes. It was an older crowd (like maybe late 20s and up - compared to the college kids nearby) that was just there to chill, hang out, catch up on life and have a good time. It wasn't anything loud and rowdy like it was at OTW. I kinda appreciate that kind of atmosphere every now and then. read more

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I have been coming here since 1995, and it wascmy go-to place, whenever I was in Manhattan. Tonight, I came across a very nasty bartender with an Irish accent. After I paid, he banged the bar, and said, "Don't forget to take care of the bartender " I signaled fir him and asked, " Are you rude to all your customers, or do you just think k I am cheap ." He said, that he had talked to me very nicely I disagreed . He told me that he didn't want my tip. He said that he didn't want me to be antagonizing him. I left, as soon as I finished my beer. It was very disappointing. read more

Do not come here. Every drink is beyond overpriced and the white male bartender with the cigarette voice and tattoos has absolutely no idea how to treat customers. It amazes me how he works here often. He essentially told my friend that the margarita he was being served was the last drink he's ever getting there because he didn't leave a tip. 26$+ for 2 small drinks with barely any alcohol, took 1.5 mins max to make it, and he essentially kicked him out for optionally choosing the No Tip button on the iPad. You don't overprice everything, have a disgustingly crowded bar, and kick clients out for not paying more above your egregious pricing. The bartender was also drunk and being sloppy with the liquids, and many peoples cards were everywhere. I have no idea how people gave this 5 stars, if it was really worth the time I'd buy this place out from the upper landlord and fire that guy specifically. When my friend tried to leave a 20$ cash tip right before leaving the bar, he yelled at him as he was walking away that he "didn't want any tip from him" and basically had the bouncer haste him to get out of the bar faster. My friend was doing nothing wrong but talking to a lady friend he bought out for a good time. My friend is not sensitive so this didn't phase him, but at the end of the day this guy deserves no job at any bar, and this bar can do much better. There's hundreds of different bars in Manhattan that would never do this to a peaceful paying customer on a Saturday night. read more

After a night out of drinking we found ourselves in Greenwich Village trying to find more places to grab a drink & eat. After getting turned away from place after place because it was past 3am, we came across this place ... and they let us right in. We were able to order drinks, use the restroom, and stay in till 4am -- awesome! The place has more of a dive bar kind of feel, and has your usual bar games from darts to pool. Not the greatest spot, but definitely great to know about when the others stop letting people in at 3am ;). read more

Came here after brunch @ Janes as we just wanted more to drink. Was pretty empty for a Sat afternoon, but that was fine as we were able to get served whenever and no wait. We shot a game of pool to kill some time and shot some darts in the back. Drinks were pretty cheap and they had a decent beer selection..I had Yuengling of course. Decent dive spot to hit up...as we were leaving the crowd began to thicken so I guess it gets amped up after 5 on Saturdays read more

This looks like a good place to be if you have a drinking problem or live upstairs collecting ObamaBucks/playing local gigs. Cheap-a$$ drinks during happy hour, and though the 12 taps offer nothing redeeming, you can make do with a Lion IPA or a Sam seasonal. A pool table up front, darts in the back, regulars at the bar, and a few TVs if you want to gawk at some sports. read more