No photo of this bar survives from the 2008 site.

Scratcher

209 E. 5th St. · btwn 2nd & 3rd Ave
East Village, Manhattan

In 2026

Still pouring

Checked October 16, 2026.

Show on the map Directions See the 2008 page

Overview

A small, dimly lit, and friendly neighborhood bar.

History

An East Village miracle, lease included

We called it small, dimly lit and friendly. When it turned 20, it renewed its lease for another ten years, which Hot Press called something of an East Village miracle¹. Late nights here have included Scratcher Sessions and, at least once, Glen Hansard in for a cup of tea¹. A 2025 community-board filing still has the Scratcher Cafe at 209 East 5th Street².

Sources

Researched October 2026.

What's nearby

Orange Valve under 0.1 mi Closed
Cooper 35 under 0.1 mi Closed
Antik under 0.1 mi Closed; now Yawning Cobra
Kings Cross 0.1 mi Closed; now Yawning Cobra
Phebe's Tavern & Grill 0.1 mi Still pouring
B Bar 0.1 mi Closed
Swift Hibernian Lounge 0.1 mi Still pouring
McSorley's Old Ale House 0.1 mi Still pouring
KGB 0.1 mi Still pouring
Serafina 0.1 mi Closed; now Astor Wines & Spirits