Fanelli Cafe isn't really a cafe at all. It is a restaurant and bar and it's considered to be "the city's second-oldest food-and-drink establishment in the same locale, having operated under various owners at 94 Prince Street since 1847." It has quite a history including the fact that The Beats were regulars there as was Bob Dylan and also most of the artists who lived in Soho in the 1980s frequented Fanelli's and discussed their work there.

I've had drinks and food at Fanelli's on a few occasions and it is typically filled with locals and a few tourists or shoppers. If you're looking to explore some of NYC's history while having food and drink, this is a great place to do it! During prohibition they operated as a speakeasy!

Fanelli Cafe, 94 Prince Street at the corner of Mercer Street

"Stonewall Inn is a gay bar & National Historic Landmark, site of the 1969 riots that launched the gay rights movement." The Stonewall Inn opened in 1966 by three members of the Mafia. It was illegal to be gay or own a gay establishment in 1966. The Mafia didn't care about the laws. On 28 June 1969 there were riots at the Stonewall when the police raided the bar.

The Stonewall Inn has been classified in the U.S. Register of Historic Places, as a U.S. Historic Landmark, a U.S. National Monument and a NYC Landmark. It is also know as the birthplace of the Pride movement. 

Stonewall Inn  53 Christopher Street

I'll let them speak for themselves. Needless to say if history and an ale is what you're looking for, look no further.  "McSorley’s Old Ale House has been a gathering place, a watering hole, the subject of art and literature and even a supreme court controversy. Established in 1854 – McSorley’s can boast of being New York City’s oldest continuously operated saloon. Everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon have passed thru McSorley’s swinging doors. Woody Guthrie inspired the union movement from a table in the front — guitar in hand, while civil rights attorney’s Faith Seidenberg and Karen DeCrow had to take their case to the Supreme Court to gain access. Women were finally allowed access to McSorley’s in 1970! So belly up. Enter the sawdust strewn floors and history patched walls for a trip back through time. Share the McSorley’s experience with the spirits of 163 years!"

McSorley’s Old Ale House, 15 East 7th Street

If you want to go where the locals go, then go to Ruby's Bar and Grill. They've been there since 1934! You can sit outside on the boardwalk or indoors! They have historic photos of Coney Island on the wall and they serve food as well. It is one of the few remaining businesses that have been around for more than 75 years.

Ruby's Bar and Grill, 1213 Riegelmann Boardwalk.

The White Horse Tavern has been in business since 1880! It's not the oldest surviving bar in NYC. But it is one of the most famous. People who have frequented the White Horse Tavern include Dylan Thomas, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Norman Mailer, Jane Jacobs, Hunter S. Thompson, Jack Kerouac and James Baldwin to name a few.

I don't know if you'll meet any famous people there now! They have a sidewalk terrace in the nice weather and the customers are a combination of neighborhood regulars and tourists.

White Horse Tavern, 567 Hudson Street.