Sophies

Bartender cannot serve basic drinks without having a mental breakdown. People hogging the one pool table the entire night. We left immediately after 5 minutes. This place does not make any sense

As other people have been saying, the bartenders are literally the rudest I have ever encountered in my whole life, like straight up stopped the music to scream at my friends and also laughed in my face and my friends when we ordered drinks they didn’t make??? Claims “we’re a dive bar sweetie we don’t make that” mockingly and then offers to make something else on the fly, then turns to some other patrons, literally crap talks us to them, and laughs in front of our face?? What kind of dive bar has a $20 card minimum and 20% -35% tip options… it’s embarrassing girl. If you are old and like a place where everyone is rude to make themselves feel better bc they work in the dingiest bar ever this is the place for you❤️

One of the cities best neighborhood dives, TV’s in the corner, weathered wooden bar, classic pool table in the back and cheap drinks with no nonsense bartenders. You could write a move about how aesthetic this place is.

Sophies is always a good place to go and have a drink or three. Not fancy but thats the point, doesnt need to be. Always a friendly bartender.

Rejected my 23 year old friend for having a fake ID - he is literally 23

Rudest bartenders i’ve ever met, to the point where i thought it was their motto or trend to be rude to their customers. i asked the little dude bartender to get a rum and coke and i asked for another one and made a whole scene then had to make another one bc there was a card limit, literally with the gayest attitude then the girl bartender came in yelling at a customer talking about boundaries

Came here with friends last night, and was utterly disappointed by the customer service. A friend and I went to use the bathroom and didn’t see the sign that it was one person at a time, seconds later, we saw the sign in the bathroom, and my friend came out, by the time she stepped outside, the bartender was yelling at the top of her lungs about only one person being allowed in the bathroom per time and asking if we’re stupid and started to curse my friend out to the point where the DJ had to stop the music to see if there was an emergency. then, when I leave the bathroom, I’m told by security that we both have to leave, and as we’re outside discussing where we’re gonna go next, the same disrespectful bartender decides to come out and apologize to us for the misunderstanding, when there was no misunderstanding to begin with that needed that much derogatory vocabulary express towards me and my friend. She is disrespectful and from the looks of the reviews on the site, I’m not the only one that has had an issue with her. She needs to be fired. Check the yelp reviews as well, most of them are people getting into an issue with that same female bartender. She should probably try to stay sober while clocked in too. That might help 🤣

Definitely should have read the reviews before going to this bar. Me and my friends were in the area and decided to go to Sophies but the one bartender was extremely rude for no reason? After waiting for a few minutes they took our order. After like 10-15 mins of waiting for the drinks (which really wasnt an issue, they were packed), they came back with our drinks and told us the price. As I was pulling some cash out of my wallet they basically yelled at us you should be ready to pay. I had no idea how much the drinks were going to cost + they took a minute to come out so I didnt have the money completely ready to go. I also gave more than the drinks costed and didnt get any change back. I guess they assumed that it was a tip but it wasnt and I dont know if I would have tipped after the experience we had. :(((

This place is horrible. You’re telling me in the entirety of NYC you can’t find better bartenders? They add more to your tip if they don’t like the amount, probably illegal. Judging by the other reviews can’t imagine that will change anytime soon. Considering majority of the good reviews are “local guides” I wouldn’t believe it for a second. Avoid it, save yourself the time.

Wont be back. Bartender was super rude and screamed at us for being too loud. Told us we hadnt bought enough drinks to be that loud. Lady, you work at a BAR. Get real. A male patron had also been aggressively harassing me, and usually this is something you can tell another womanbartender. She did not create a safe environment for that at all.

Good place to sit back and put your feet up if you know what i mean

Rude bartender, bad vibes. This particular bartender had a mustache but it looks like all of them have a condescending attitude based on other reviews. Not a hi, hello, or how are you - just “IDs!” the second our group of 10 23-30 year olds walked in. I felt like I had done something “wrong” just by walking in, so we decided to take our business elsewhere.

This is the worst bar experience I’ve ever had in my life. I was here with a few friends after a friend’s engagement party and the bar was about halfway full. I’d gone up to the bar area to grab a water and the bartender yelled at me before I’d even approached the bar to say she was not giving out any more waters because she’d already given out 30 that day and wasn’t making any money from them. My friends and I had just ordered several pitchers of beer from her, so we we’re not only ordering water. It was not only the rudest way I’d ever been spoken to in a public setting but also quite literally illegal. I’d previously enjoyed this bar but will never be back and I’d urge you to do the same.

Never been but the 1 star prima Donna reviews complaining about rude bartender makes me want to go even more. I will enjoy a few cold drafts soon. Complainers go back to your void of character existences.. you probably don’t tip generously either!

Great dive bar, love the jukebox , pool table and Pac-Man/galaga game. Very laid back no frills atmosphere.

This is a great little bar to unwind after-work, and has a nice laid back, no muss, no fuss atmosphere. The beers are cold and cheap, theres plenty of space between the bar and tables, and theres a pool table in the back area. The bartenders are friendly, and theres some pretty cool art up on the walls.

Tom Waits favorite bar? Cheap drinks? Say no more. Divey, fun, very casual vibe that is well suited for the East Village.

Awesome. Bring cash

Fun bar with some good prices! Some of their beer options were only $5 but theres a $20 minimum on purchases which is a little annoying. Pool table looked fun but we didnt get a chance to play this visit.

I’ve never met a bartender who seems to have as much disdain for her customers as the one who works at Sophies. She’s kinda like if a prison warden were a bartender but somehow meaner and fatter. Idk she basically just sucks.Jukebox rocked tho

A perfect bar is a nebulous and illusive concept, but Sophies embodies it. An inviting atmosphere, a diverse jukebox, a friendly staff: these are touchstones of Sophies. They also have a pool table (but good luck getting on it) and Big Buck Hunter in the back. There always seems to be just the right amount of seating. Some call this a dive but locals like myself call it home.

Great cozy dive bar with friendly service, pool table, and sick jukebox. Local kids mixing with yuppies, everyone having a good time. Good as either a first stop or last stop for the night. Well be back.

Your typical no nonsense dive bar. No food served here. But you can bring outside food. Bartenders are nice if you are responsible nice to them.

Avoid this place. went here last night, bartender was extremely crass, rude and verbally abusive to the patrons. saw her completely dress down and hurl profanity at this girl at the bar who asked her if she could make this drink she didn’t have ingredients for. not that deep - just tell you can’t make the drink and move on

The bartender is a literal insane C U Next Tuesday if you catch my drift. She screamed at every single one of my friends and even stopped the music to do so over nothing. After this behavior, she cussed my friend out for tipping 15% instead of 20 and then cancelled her transaction and tipped herself more. She literally makes the vibes of your night horrible so I wouldn’t come here if you’re not a miserable person. A lot of nerve and audacity for a place with no AC

We came here early afternoon. There was a good crowd for a rainy day. Only complaint is that when there was nothing playing on the jukebox, there was no background music. Nice bartender

Fantastic east village bar with a great jukebox and pool table.

Ive been coming here for years, great chilled out atmosphere, cool people, you cant get more NY than Sophies! Plus great prices for the drinks too.

Rock the jukebox over decently priced drinks in an almost cafe-like atmosphere. Funky art on the walls, window seats and a pool table make this bar a homey and comfortable spot to catch up with friends.

Bartender is soooo cute 🥰 and she makes a perfect martini.

GREAT Cuban sandwhich. We are in South Florida often. Very similar to top spots in FL. Sophie’s Cuban ordered with no changes, from menu, was fantastic. Get the green sauce for extra spice

Worst bartender I’ve ever experienced. Worst bar I’ve ever been to. Avoid at all costs. I would rather eat glass than spend a single cent here.

Places like Sophies are a dying breed in the East Village. As gentrification creeps in and rising rents force out the amazing dive bars of years past, its getting harder and harder to find a spot where you can stroll in, shoot some pool, and knock back a $4 pint while listening to Bowie and Talking Heads on the jukebox

One of the few remaining dive bars in Manhattan, great chill spot to drink in peace.

Awesome bar, everyone here is really cool and friendly. The pool table is always fun and exciting!!

Sophies is a great brand in NYC. The flavors of the cuban cuisine that they provide are delicious. The portions have come down in size over the years, but otherwise cant complain about the food or quality of it.

Decent bar, friendly service, cheap drinks. hilarious paintings. they let me bring in food from down the street. what more could you ask for?(you can always ask for a pinball machine in the back....would go with the decor)

Kyle is great ! He has awesome photography! Love the vibe and the fellows I met there. The drinks are cheap !

Divey bar. The bar staff is pleasant. There is a pool table. Has a very good neighborhood grungy vibe. The beer is pretty cheap.

Such a cool bar!! Was bar hopping and found this gem!! Bartender was absolutely awesome!! Definitely recommend!!

Great bar, plus theres a delightful yeti painting if youre into that sort of thing

Nice place to lose yourself and enjoy the atmosphere as its better to be here, than not all there...

Not a lot of space and the pool table is small. Bartender wasnt too nice. Sucks when people are rude just doesnt make me want to stay.

Horrible service with rude bartender.

Its a nice bar thats a tad above no-frills grade. The picklebacks are so damn satisfying, I could drink them all night.

Nice little bar with very fair drink prices, good atmosphere, great people, and a pool table.

Great prices and a good atmosphere, would highly recommend if in the area!

The bartender was great, very nice pours. The prices are reasonable. I went on a Friday night and it had a groups of Coworkers hang out vibe (I met up with 5 of my coworkers there to start our bar hop lol). Yet and still good place to chill and get your drink on. I didnt inquire about any food.

Bartenders were very rude, we left without even getting a drink because they made us feel so unwelcome.

First time trying! Love the food and it has many options for you to explore.

Only other item needed to make it a great go-to bar is a dart board. Great bar staff too.

Cute little local bar with affordable drinks and nice atmosphere. They also have a vintage Jukebox and Paxman in the back behind the billiards table!

My friend broke a glass here and no one clapped or even cared. My kind of dive bar. Ill be back.

Has a pool table which is great… buttt in kinda rough shape

By far the most unprofessional bouncers I’ve come across. Neither was standing anywhere near the door, and the first words out of their mouth when I walked up were insulting what I was wearing. Second sentence was “why you shaking bro, you shaking”. Just a truly bizarre experience. In the entire city of New York, these guys are what Sophie’s decided were the most qualified for the job?

Rude owners and staff; expensive drinks. So many better options in the area.

Cozy neighborhood bar that gets way to many kids on the weekend bit its got a pooltable and everyone is friendly.

My friends and I are all 24+ and the manager took one look at one of our IDs, didnt bother to scan it and decided it was fake. Learn how to run a bar.

I can’t understand some of the negative reviews. We went on a Wednesday around 7-8pm. We had leftover Indian food-we asked if it was ok to put our container on the bar because I know Indian food can be a little strong smelling-the bartender told us we can eat if we like. She was extremely courteous to everyone. It definitely was a mixed crowd-even a table with a baby. It was a chill vibe, everyone having a good time-minding their own yet a few small chats amongst the patrons. This bar is way better than some others in the area. Reasonably priced. If we are down in that area again definitely will go back. It’s a dive bar don’t expect to be catered too!!!

Got a nice chilled vibe. Com be yourself and hangout

Good low key bar to keep your thoughts to yourself, or you can befriend the local and or the bartender.

What an awesome little dive bar!! Great atmosphere, great bartenders and very good selection of drinks!!

Management turned my friends away for wearing Christmas sweaters. It’s not like we are tryna have a Santacon over here! REJECT

Laid back easy and fun patrons and staff. Pool table too

Love this place and will be back every time I visit New York. Staff is amazing. The quintessential dive bar. 🫡

I asked the bartender for a light beer and it didnt matter which one. She said I needed to choose from one of the beers on the menu on the wall behind her. I explained that I have bad eyesight and asked if she could please tell me what the options were. Apparently this was a ridiculous request and she wouldnt tell me the options. I told my friend I wanted to leave since the bartender was so rude. She then screamed at me as loud as she could to leave (which we were already doing) and got other customers to gang up on me with no context. The bouncer wasnt even on her side, apparently this particular bartender has severe anger issues. Never stepping foot within a mile radius of this bar again.

Not a bad spot but my experience wasn’t so great. Thursday Bartender was nice and accommodating but seemed very annoyed and I honestly can’t say that I blame her. I don’t think I would come back here. The pool table is very small compared to your average bar and just unnecessary drama. I came here because I heard there was a pool table and I wanted to enjoy myself and unwind after weeks of overworking myself and then I instantly regretted it.

Place is just really odd on weekends. Very NYU crowd. Good jukebox though.

African American bartender got super aggressive and started attacking me when my card got rejected. My card was fine it worked at another bar. It must’ve been a connection issue. I would not be surprised if this bar was revisit.

Proper dive barFast service, music is not insufferable for conversation, well priced, friendly people

Been here many times and enjoyed it as a classic dive bar. Last time, however, our party experienced the rudest bartender I’ve ever met in my life. She was on some sort of power trip and made people in my party cry for asking for a water while ordering drinks. Never seen a bartender get so angry about a few waters mixed in with pitchers of beer. Will not be back and you should avoid as well. Lived in New York for many years and never seen anything like it.

Loved, the environment is amazing and the vibes around the pool are amazing

Cute little bar in east village. Seems to be a place locals go.

Love this place the staff is great the food is good to five stars

One of East Villages best and most classic dive bars. Always enjoy myself here. Its generally relaxed with some buzz in the back with the pool table.

Great Sunday dive to hang play pool with friends and regulars. A classic east village jukebox. Daytime bartender Kayla is great. If youre friendly you may just get a buyback.

I really love the jukebox and the whole atmosphere. Reminds me of the old times

Fun place, nice pool table

No ones here but old men and its the total freaking best.

Classic dive bar with cheap drinks. The pool like is usually pretty long, and have to put your name on the chalkboard to play

Long standing East Village dive bar. Cheap drinks, lots of locals and a pool table!

Lovely place. Lesley was great

Its a good gentry dive in a sea of tired cool

Sophies is my favorite bar in New York. The bartenders are friendly and although its fairly narrow, its usually possible to find a seat (unless you get there at like 2am on a Saturday). The prices are good, the pours are generous and its one of those places you can either take a group of friends or hang out alone and meet people from all walks of life. Go on a weekday, early evening, to meet some of the genuine characters who have called Sophies home for decades or close to it.

Believe the bad reviews! The rudest bartender I’ve ever experienced. Made me feel unwelcome, unsafe, and was dressing down other patrons. Left without getting a drink.

Cool but u have to pay for music. kind of wack

BEST BAR IN THE EAST VILLAGE DONT THINK TWICE MAKE SURE YOU PLAY SOME POOL

Great Hot wings and French Onion Soup, wings were fried hard and the sauce was banging. Service was great and football Sunday games were on point.

Quintessential East village dive bar, and a hold out spot as everything around gets hip and new.The drinks are cheap, and theres always a good game of pool and a solid conversation to be had here.

Great place to grab a drink.

Nice place to hang out with friends and family

Good dive with pool table and juke box.

Pool table in back, good bartenders, dive.

Great neighborhood bar! The staff there is great!

Good dive atmosphere with divy prices to match

Cheap cool low key bar. Not a place I would seek out but a great place to crash if passing by.

One of my favorite East Village bars. Perfect combination of low-key and good for large groups and good conversation

Best dive in the EV

Really great spot. Amazing prices, friendly staff and incredibly fast service when I went in. Totally happy to recommend.

Not very spacious. The people smell like pencil shavings and ramen noodles. Great prices for drinks.

Play pool here occasionally and always have a good time. Bartender Julie is awesome.

I was a little intimidate because the bar tender shook everyones hand but mine and then Everyone looked at me and frowned. I quickly disparaged real estate, the weather, and de blasio, and the mood turned favorable. Beer is fairly price and theres restrooms. Great decor!!

New York is full of dove bars. Avoid this one- bartender is … unfortunate .. :)

Uptight bartender or waitress? Treated me like dirt for no reason. Went to get a pitcher for me and my wife while she finnished eating ready. After asking the employee for the pitcher she blankly looked at me and said NO there is only yourself. Haha Im 240 lbs Im sure I could handle a pitcher without a second person. She then said she wouldnt serve me until my wife got there and then made me stand there not saying a thing to me. This was also at 430 in the afternoon, place was dead empty and I was stone sober. Very rude and I felt quite embarrassed. Will never return!

Great bar, great name....shame about the awful bar tender. Couldnt have been made to feel more unwelcome. We planned to stay all night but got the message after two drinks and left.

Very nice neighborhood bar.

Great neighborhood dive bar! People take the pool table VERY seriously here 😜

Just a regular dive bar pretty cool atmosphere.

Best bar in the lower east side. A true nyc gem

Such a friendly atmosphere and you can pet all the dogs there

Great place to read, drink, have a conversation— before the crowds descend on the place at 8 or 9.

Quaint dive on quiet stretch of E 5th. Good Guiness pour, pool table, amd some older clientele to ward off obnoxious youngsters. A great first or third or last stop.

Classic dive bar, nothing fancy but comfortable and laid back. Nice spot for a shot and a beer and a game of pool.

So much better than that filthy joint on 6th St..!

Loved it just super great

Hole in the wall local bar. If that’s what you are looking for, then you are in the right spot.

Simply wonderful. Great staff, great beer and a friendly atmosphere.

Best avocado and chips a must have.. I want more!!!

Worst female bartender. Disrespectful, lack of empathy

Bartenders know how to make a drink and the jukebox is full of good music.

Sophies has gotten lamer over the years. 2.5 stars.

This is my most favourite bar in he East Village. Been going there since 1997.

Great little dive bar with pool table and neighborhood spot vibe.

Loving it since 1984 local favorite.

Amazing bar. Amazing service. Will be back.

It does the job. Good price for pitchers.

Great authentic nyc dive bar

This is the type of place Tom Waits writes songs about.

Cool bar, friendly folk, jukebox!

Great food and service5 star

Great dive bar, good prices, and friendly bar tenders. They will cure what ales (get it) you.

Tourist trap and filled with pick pockets. Shame

Awesome bar, great vibe, cheap drinks

Obscure and cute. Non pretentious place

Wonderful neighborhood place to hang out

Late night bar with a pool table. Crowds been pretty chill the times Ive come.

Exactly what you expect from a dive bar

Lovely bar, with great tunes

Best place to shoot pool in EV

Is good, quit buggin me google

Good place great prices 👍

Really chill if it isnt a weekend.

Lotta lotta lotta hipsters here. Its so so.

Definitely owned by Sophie

Very rude bouncers yet decently friendly bartenders. Cash only.

Cheap drinks generous pours.

Good bar.

Dive bar...you know who you are

One of my favorite in the area

Best bar

So great

Kinda divey but cool.

Juke, cheap beers, pool table.

Great bar

Rude bartender

Little place with friends is good

Why not?

Everything I had hoped a bar could be

Nice unpretentious local bar

Classic NYC dive bar

Nice late night bar.

Bang for your buck

Not as good as it used to be

Chill place to hang out

Muggy

Classic local dive

Best

Epic dive bar

Still the same!

Hip and chill.

Home away from home

Bartenders eavesdrop

Great place, it has a soul.

Delicious! The food is delicious. And a good price for what they serve you, which is quite a bit.

Great neighborhood bar. There is an insider side that can be confusing at first, but thats the advantage of being somewhere rather than nowhere. We witness Homeric billiards games there, bravo to the champions and the courageous who take the risk!

I couldnt get through because I only had a photo of my ID.

No idea.