Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Food

Pawwww: Minnie The Cat Comments On McSorley's Ban


By

Ben Yakas

Published Apr 8, 2011

Modified Apr 8, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Ben Yakas

Published Apr 8, 2011

Modified Apr 8, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Yesterday, we were very sad to report on a cat-astrophe at McSorley's Old Ale House: Minnie the Second, the latest in a long line of cats who have lived at the East Village institution since 1854, has been banned from the bar during drinking hours. We talked to Minnie, and she clarified a few things about the ban and her place at the bar: "I would hate for the DOH to think I'm still up in the bar during business hours. I did not mean to imply that I am in any way violating the rules of mouse or men, no matter how silly and unjust."

Yesterday, she was quoted as saying she was not allowed in the bar "officially," but she made it clear that she was in full compliance of all Health Department codes, even though everyone knows cats make everything better, and was keeping paw-sitive at this trying time:

Please remember that I am only a young cat, still, and prone to a little rebellion much like human adolescents. Curiousity, however, killed the cat -- and bad press with this administration may do the same to me. Although I should be clear, that Mr. Maher -- the owner who speaks for the city's oldest saloon where I do not -- has forgiven Hizonner for his sleights against the Irish and even declared him our best mayor, in an effort to show good will.

Minnie added that she was a huge fan of Gothamist, and offered her services if we "ever want a four-legged guest columnist to fill in." If you want to support Minnie, she has a Facebook fan page, or you could have a drink in her honor tonight at the famous bar, while she's in the basement on her mini va-cat-tion.

Tagged

bar cats

cats

department of health

doh

McSorley's

McSorley's Old Ale House

minnie


Ben Yakas

Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE food

Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.

The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.

By

Hannah Frishberg

Published Oct 19, 2026


North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.

Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.

By

Robert Sietsema

Food

North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.

Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.

By

Robert Sietsema


10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City

By

Robert Sietsema

Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.

By

Sonia Rao

5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's

By

Hannah Frishberg


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .