NYC, West Village. Fur trader Philip Geraerdy became the first tavern owner in the new world when he opened the Wooden Horse Tavern in 1641. Named after a torture device of the era, he renamed it the White Horse a few years later. The current building dates back to 1880 when it was primarily a longshoreman's bar. In the 20th century it became renowned as a gathering place for writers. Dylan Thomas is the most recognized (he said it reminded him of pubs back in his native Wales), but amongst the many other famous writers and artists who were patrons include James Baldwin, Norman Mailer, Hunter S. Thompson, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Mary Travers, and Jack Kerouac. Kerouac was thrown out many times, and someone scrawled "Kerouac go home!" on the bathroom wall. It was also a gathering place for labor members, organizers, and socialists, and the idea for the Village Voice was discussed here.

On November 3, 1953 Thomas went on a drinking binge, returned to his room at the Chelsea Hotel, before returning to the White Horse where he downed 18 shots of whiskey. He died 4 days later at the age of 39.

A beautiful UK style pub with red painted tin tile ceilings and lots of dark wood. Definitely a must for any lover of old pubs. I enjoyed a tasty White Horse Ale (how could I choose anything else?).