Recently got back from a short visit to New York. We saw a few nice bars(pubs)no menus on display. We didn't go into them, but I know my Dad would have liked a beer in one just to say he had done it. Reason why.. we were unsure if a 12 year old would be allowed in if we were not eating. Is there an age limit? I know I should have asked when I was there.

Glad you had a fun trip to New York, walesgirl. Come back soon.

American bars tend to serve drinks only, they do not have a menu or food service like a pub. You need to be 21 with proper identification (often checked at the door) to enter.

Since there was no menu outside, I am guessing this establishment did not serve food at all and your 12 year old would be most unwelcome.

Most likely, the child cannot contact or sit at "the bar" but would be fine at a table. If there is a clear division of bar vs. dining room, then the child would have to remain in the dining room. That's how it was in CT when my uncle owned a bar, I'm not sure about the law in NYC but NYC can be wacky strict about anything bar related these days (cabaret laws).

Loki is correct. A child can not sit at the bar, BUT if the bar serves food, the child could sit at a table.

I just saw the part about the posted menu. As QC already said, if it's a bar only (no food served, no menu posted), the child would not be allowed in.

The other posters are correct, if it is just a bar without a dining area then a minor would not be welcome.