Legendary Encounters: Finding Your Own MacLaren's Pub in NYC
Let's face it, folks. We've all dreamt of finding our own version of MacLaren's Pub. A place where the beer flows freely, the laughs are endless, and your gang of misfits feels like...well, family (with slightly more dysfunction). For those not in the know (and seriously, where have you been?), MacLaren's was the epicenter of the legendary sitcom "How I Met Your Mother." The gang at MacLaren's taught us that high fives can be legendary, interventions can involve singing (and Lilypads!), and the answer to life, the universe, and everything might just be 42.
But fear not, citizens of New York (or aspiring Barney Stinsons on a pilgrimage)! There's a real-life pub that served as the inspiration for MacLaren's, and it's waiting to quench your thirst for legen - wait for it - dary encounters.
Enter McGee's Pub: The Real MacLaren's
Nestled on a bustling corner of Midtown Manhattan, McGee's Pub boasts a history as rich as Barney's playbook (minus the questionable moral compass). Founded in 1983, McGee's has seen its fair share of characters, long before Ted Mosby started spinning his epic tale of love and laser tag. While the interiors might not exactly match the iconic red booths of MacLaren's (blame Hollywood magic), the vibe is undeniably familiar. Think warm lighting, friendly bartenders who might dispense wisdom alongside your beer, and enough booths to seat your entire squad (even if that squad includes a flamboyant legen - wait for it - dary singer and a woman who can rock a yellow umbrella like nobody's business).
But is it Legendary?
That, my friends, is entirely up to you. Here's what McGee's offers to get your legendary night started:
- The "MacLaren's Experience": Okay, so it's not officially called that, but you can practically hear the slap bet references and high fives echoing in the air. Who knows, you might even snag a booth where Ted himself contemplated the mysteries of the universe (with a glass of scotch in hand, obviously).
- Drinks Worthy of a High Five: The beer selection is vast enough to satisfy even Barney's discerning palate (though hopefully minus the attempts to pick up women with drink names). And hey, if Lilypad cocktails aren't on the menu, you can always unleash your inner bartender and invent your own!
- A Place Where Your Gang Can Be Legendary: Whether you're celebrating a life-altering decision (like leaving architecture for journalism, Ted!), mourning a lost love (Robin Scherbatsky, anyone?), or simply chronicling the ordinary adventures of your extraordinary group, McGee's Pub provides the perfect backdrop.
So, the next time you're craving a legendary night out in NYC, skip the fancy rooftop bars and head to McGee's. Who knows, you might just meet your own Robin Sparkles, score a high five for life, or discover that the answer to everything really is 42 (or maybe just a good burger and some laughs with friends).
