New York on Tap 2008
Archive · modern edition Every bar New York on Tap knew, as it stood around 2008, with a 2026 check on each one. This page in the 2008 edition
Sophie's, photographed for New York on Tap
Photo from the 2008 site

Sophie's

509 E. 5th St. · btwn Aves. A and B
East Village, Manhattan

In 2026

Still pouring

Checked October 15, 2026.

Show on the map Directions See the 2008 page

Overview

A cheap, comfortable, unassuming dive that draws a relaxed and eclectic crowd. Young and old, gay and straight, well of and dirt poor all come here for $3.50 pints of McSorley's and a friendly game of pool.

History

Disappearing Manhattan, still here

The space Sophie's occupies has been a bar for over 100 years1. Sophie Polney, its original owner, moved the bar only once, from Avenue A and Fifth Street to where it stands now1, 2.

Bob Corton and Kirk Marcoe, its current owners, took it over in 2008, and in 2009 it was featured in Anthony Bourdain's "Disappearing Manhattan" episode1. Our old review called it a cheap, comfortable, unassuming dive, where young and old, gay and straight, well off and dirt poor came for three-fifty pints of McSorley's and a friendly game of pool.

It has declined to disappear: Sophie's has been opening beers since at least the '80s, and still is, on East Fifth Street3.

Sources

  1. villagepreservation.org
  2. sideways.nyc
  3. theinfatuation.com

Researched October 2026.

What's nearby