Bartender very rude for no reason. Navigating the rules of the pool table has 57 bylaws for no reason. Enjoy your drinks but just stay planted in place if you want to avoid getting berated. Thanks for the embarrassment! read more

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 wasn't 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 didn't have the money completely ready to go. I also gave more than the drinks costed and didn't get any change back. I guess they assumed that it was a tip but it wasn't and I don't know if I would have tipped after the experience we had. :( read more

If you're reading this- you do your research. Do. Not. Go. Here. Unfortunately I made this mistake and took my group of friends here recently. This was my first time at Sophies and all I can say is the negative reviews are ACCURATE. The interior of Sophie's is worn down, smells like crap, the bar staff are absolutely MISERABLE human beings (just read any review), patrons playing pool were also rude (it must be the theme here). Here's a breakdown - atmosphere 2/5, bar staff 0/5, patrons 2/5, cleanliness 1/5, drink selection 1/5 (no menus and attitude from bartenders). Some people enjoy being talked down to, threatened in dirty/smelly atmospheres. If your vibe is reminiscent of the NYC subway - you'll love it. If you're a normal human being that just wants solid cheap drinks and a great beer selection I'd invite you to try ANY of the dozens of bars around alphabet city. Honestly, there's a bar that's exponentially better in terms of atmosphere, crowds, games, drinks, friendly bar staff, literally 400 feet away. If you are looking for a bar that's divey, rustic, good music, well maintained pool tables, dart boards, ski ball, other games and friendly staff - walk RIGHT past and go to Ace Bar. read more

I've never written a Yelp review before, but I had an absolutely HORRIBLE experience at this bar last Saturday night. As soon as my two other girl friends and I entered the bar, we were immediately harassed by one of the bartenders. Unprompted, she started berating and heckling us from across the bar, while we were deciding what to order. We were extremely confused about what warranted this behavior, although we assumed it was because she was drunk. She was incessantly rude to us to the point where we did not feel comfortable staying. It felt as though there was internalized misogyny at play. As we left, the bouncer told us that this bartender does this every weekend. I will NOT be returning. I wish I could give 0 stars, because I have never been so disrespected at an establishment. There are plenty of other fun dive bars in the area, so I highly recommend looking into one of those instead! read more

Tried to go here with a group of friends. As soon as we walked in the bartenders made an announcement that everyone must buy a drink to stay in the establishment - mind you we didn't even sit down yet. She then said to make sure you keep your belongings close and only buy drinks for your friends - insinuating that we were there to steal from the other people at bar. We left right away because we felt so uncomfortable and unwelcome. As we were leaving the bartenders were making fun of us. I've never experienced such rude staff. Go to Ace Bar instead! Everyone there is so kind and it's a way better vibe. read more

STAY AT HOME, EVERYONE. FLATTEN THE CURVE!!! Cool little dive bar that I wouldn't necessarily call a destination. But it's some place you go if you're already in the area, or in between destinations. Pool table, TVs, cheap drinks. East Village as it should be! read more

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? read more

Don't have a jukebox if you can't handle some classic music, dummies. Lol the bartender was hella rude about it

My friend and I came here tonight and had a TERRIBLE experience. The bartender was inconsiderate and yelled at us in front of the entire bar for going into the same bathroom when we didn't know it was one person at a time ( what girl doesn't go into the same bathroom with their friend btw?) We then separated immediately to go into different bathrooms. Before leaving the bar, we kindly confronted him to apologize and recommended that the sign on the bathroom should be more explicit and much larger. He yelled back in a NASTY tone and said super inappropriate things (i.e mentioning drugs) which we were clearly not doing especially on a TUESDAY. We would NOT recommend going here unless you want SHITTY service and a HORRIFIC bartender experience ! Please do not go here. read more

Sometimes I ask myself things. Like: What am I doing with my life? Why am I drinking at Sophie's at 11 pm on a Sunday? Is that really helping? Why is there a 4 year old in the bar? Where are his parents? Why is that man playing a fiddle? Is this really happening? Ah, life's unanswerable questions. read more

Sophie you slut. You really are a dirty girl, aren't you? Cheap beers. Enough ice in their drinks. Pool table. Jukebox. Smoke wafting inside from neighbourhood ne'redowells. A great place to catch up and/or snuggle*. The seats at the back by the bathroom are super horrible, but in general this dive is A-OK. PEPPER PLEADS to New York's glitterati youth: Stop going to the bathroom in groups. *This would be a terrible place to snuggle. read more

Sophie's - LES nights. - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Don't go to Sophie's. It really sucks. It's a total dive. I don't want you to play anything on the awesome jukebox. I don't want to hear you whine about your hipster, trust fund, or eurotrash life. Anthony Bourdain should never have said this was one of the coolest dives in nyc. It's not. I am not going to say anything else. Just don't f-ing come here... and if you do please don't say hi to my girl Maggie :-P read more

Sophie's - Don't F with my girl Maggie May. - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I'm really not sure why all the negative reviews but we came on a Wednesday around 7-8pm. We had our left over Indian food with us. I know the flavors are strong, we asked our bartender if we can just keep our leftovers on the bar-she said you may eat if you like. It was a mixed crowd-all ages including a table with a baby. She was very courteous to everyone. It was a great atmosphere, everyone minding their own, having small talk at times too. I think it's way more chill than some of the other bars in the area and drink prices reasonably. Don't expect to be catered too, it's a dive bar, just have a few drinks and have a good time with your friends-that's it!! read more

Places like Sophie's are a dying breed in the East Village. As gentrification creeps in and rising rents force out the amazing dive bars of years past, it's 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. read more

Great bar. Amazing prices. A must go to. Bartenders are great as well. They also have a pool table

Great dive bar!! Service was awesome, drinks were affordable, great music and atmosphere!

I bought a drink with only fives in my wallet and told the bartender I'd buy another drink and tip him with the larger bill, and he told me to finish my drink and leave. While I agree that tips are an unfortunate necessity, I do believe it is something you do earn with (at the very least) general compassion/kindness. My friend decided not to tip this bartender due to this response, and he had the bouncer remove him. The bartender and manager here are incredibly rude and entitled, I do not recommend going to this bar. read more

I wish I read the reviews before I came here. Worst bar experience. Terrible and completely power tripped bartender. Will not be back. Stay away unless you want to feel unwelcome! read more

Could not recommend a better spot for a couple of drinks with some friends. Great vibes and great value for money!

Just want to come on here and say thank you to the bartenders that worked last night. I came in trying to hide the fact that I was crying after having a really hard night. The bartenders immediately took care of me, treated me like family, offered their ear if I needed to talk, and tried their best to make me laugh. I'm just visiting but have been looking to move close by. When I do, this will certainly be my local bar. read more

3 stars is exactly what you're getting here. A simple dive bar, we met some pretty cool people, the drinks were not good, and the music was nostalgic. I wouldn't spend my whole night here, but it's nice to stop in for a few or in between other plans. read more

Avoid this place. There's so many better options within walking distance in almost every direction. As someone whose a life long New Yorker and worked in the service industry, I've never seen a bartender act so unprofessional, petty and childish (tall, skinny white guy, transplant-looking type). I was given a hard time and told that I "must not be from here" because I........bought a pitcher of beer for me and my friends? Whatever the reason, I was never told what I did that was so wrong and why it was wrong, he just immediately started going off on me. My friends and I were polite and tipped. I've never seen a bartender act so unprofessional and aggressive for no good reason. A friend tried to buy a drink for himself and was refused service. About 15 minutes later, bouncer told me and my friends that after we finish our drinks, we will have to leave. When asked why we have to leave, the bouncer literally said "I don't know" (the bouncer was the only polite and respectful worker there). After that, we went to other bars nearby where the staff did not give us any issues, while Sophie's lost money thanks solely to their bartending staff. Before going here, I've heard similar stories from other people about this place and as you can see by other Yelp review's, it's a common issue. Management if you're reading this, fire your Saturday staff and hire some better bartenders because you're losing business and your reputation is going down the drain. The people that work there are literally killing your business. There's plenty of other places in the East Village where the bartender wouldn't try to start a conflict with you. If you're going to refuse service and therefore lose revenue, at least have a legitimate reason. read more

It's a decent bar to go in between other bars in the area. I had a puzzlingly negative experience with one terribly rude bartender, however, so I wouldn't recommend it. Otherwise, it's a solid 3-star establishment. Very nice bouncer too. read more

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. read more

Came here randomly bec of the pool table. i Iike the laid-back environment. Drink is so cheap. Ordered PBR and Gimlet. They were kinda light tho. read more

Sophie's - a dimly lit bar with bottles of alcohol - Dive Bars Near Me - New York, New York

literally the first place i went when i moved to new york 30 years ago. (to use the bathroom after a long car ride!) then spent 10 years or more hanging here with my fellow east village underground rock stars and subversive artists. cheap beer, pool table too close to the wall, no real bathroom doors, all the wonderful grit and grime of east village life in the bad old days that we came here to revel in. please dont ever change! read more

Would give zero stars if possible. We were let into the bar at 10PM Saturday night (9/22). As soon as we were let in, one woman from our party was dragged out physically by the bouncer. He claimed she was underage though she had a legal ID and is several years over the legal limit. We asked him to scan the ID to prove validity - he refused. He refused as well to make any eye contact with us, tell us his name, or answer any of our questions. He raised his voice at us when he became agitated that we asked him to get a scanner. We were completely sober getting to the bar, and explained how offended and perturbed we were at his blatant sexism and infantilism of women. He refused to acknowledge us, refused to get a manager, refused to listen. If the manager of this bar is reading this review, please look into the behavior of this bouncer. read more

Fantastic night spot. Fantastic people. Ama is the BEST bartender I've met ever. Came her because I love ace bar and it's nearby. I came in with some friends late on a Thursday. There's pool and good vibes. Not crowded, but enough people to be fun. Definitely a great place to head when you're in the area and not trying to push through peons at the bar. read more

Sophie's completely discriminated against my friend. The bouncer denied her entry despite her having a valid form of ID and made our party feel extremely patronized. I would not recommend this bar to anyone. We will not be coming back. read more

If I've ever drunk-dialed or text you, I was probably at Sophie's. Jameson or Magic Hat at $5 will do that to me. Stick to beer or straight liquor. A whiskey sour that was more sour than whiskey soured me on mixed drinks here. I can't say service is particularly friendly. Ordering said whiskey sour earned me a "what kind of man are you?" look from the bartender. The vibe they give off is emotionally detached with no patience for BS. The bar itself isn't distinctive or unique, your standard pool table, jukebox, men's room that doesn't lock etc. So why do I like it here? It's pretty cheap, the jukebox rocks and unless it's a Saturday night I can usually get a seat. A really good place to begin (or end) a night of drunken mistakes. read more

Dear Sophie: I just wanted to send you this note to express my feelings. You play awesome music pretty much all the time, because frankly your jukebox rocks. Your drinks are delicious and oh-so reasonably priced, plus you have such a nice collection of beer on tap it fits any mood I'm in. Your mix matched chairs, your broken light fixtures, your squeaky floorboards, and your bathrooms may leave others wanting more, but personally it's these qualities that make you special. Any true friend will love you just the way you are. I like you, Sophie. I like you when I'm in a group, or even when you entertain just a plus 1 and me. You are always friendly, easy going, and happy to fill my belly with booze (and love). And for that I can only say: Thanks! Sincerely yours, Kate. P.S. I'll see you again soon read more

"What's the name of that bar you told those other folks about?" said I to the bartender at Blue & Gold as she was closing up. "That's Ace Bar, 5th Street between A and B. Two pool tables, lots of room, great place." Armed with this information, our intrepid crew struck out, braved the cold and headed east across Mitchell-Lama housing projects and in dangerous proximity to drunk hipsters staggering homeward at 3:00am. We remained undaunted in search of more booze. Thinking we were at Ace Bar, we peered in and asked if they were still open, to which the bartender replied, "Rarely are we ever not open until 4:00am." This is good information for your late weekend night or late-in-the-week weeknight hang, but this was MONDAY. People have to go to work in the morning. Well, most people do, that is. We soon realized that this was not Ace Bar after all, and I remembered I'd been to this place before. I won't add anything else here that's already been said, but aside from all the other good reasons to go here, you can read their sign in the back, the bottom of which reads: Don't forget the tip And don't fall ersleep 21 or out ID please Makes one wonder which tip they're referring to. But seriously, how can you not love this place? read more

Almost got stabbed by the bouncer. Take a Xanax, order a few drinks, and you'll have a good night! Don't forget to tip or you'll get jumped :) definitely recommend. read more

A Local dive. Nothing special at all, nothing wrong at all - minus all the wrong things about a dive that make it so right. Get your pool on, down some fairly priced alcohol, shoot the shit with your friends, engage in mundane conversations with girls at the bar, try not to breath in too much of the smoke that stems from the smoking bastards right outside the entrance, and enjoy the diverse clientele. Really felt like a less beaten up and non-burnt younger brother of Alibi http://www.yelp.com/biz/alibi-brooklyn#hrid:l1vhD9727FfC5zLxLTnbGw in Fort Greene. read more

The Diet Coke @ Sophies was a real treat, the staff are excellent and the patrons seemed to be really happy. I highly recommend Sophies to all you ladies looking for a place to bring your best gay friend. You know some of my friends don't trust their girlfriends best gay friend cause they think they are faking it and are just trying to get in their ladies panties. I never felt that way. You see my ex girlfriend has a best gay friend and he is a real swell guy. When I wasn't around they were always doing fun things together and even having little slumber parties. I never minded because I thought it was good for her to have a friend to hang with when I wasn't around. He was really nice guy. So nice, that last year we had an incident with a faulty rubber and he decided to be a good friend and take her to the doctor and pay for our little mishap to disappear................. I believe they are now roommates. read more

If you're reading this & contemplating going here, she's the kind of gal I bet you want to take home. + Her jukebox is something like a stoned Catherine Keener in a Noah Baumbach movie would mix up. Neil Young. Yeah Yeah Yeah's. Roy Orbison. + Her drinks are cheap ($5). Her 12 ounce mugs of good beer are $2 or $3, her pints are $5. Take into consideration that offer of a mug for less as an example of an offer of less commitment from her, and you. + Her friends are rowdy. They sing to The Smiths. They wear track suits & shades & headphones inside. + Her friends of friends are getting together too much in groups in the bathroom. She doesn't condone the behaviour, but she doesn't give them priority at the bar. And you like that balance. + Tipping her well goes a long way in your next orders with the crowd. On my first night on a trip to the city, I feared $10 drinks, and the first place recommended to us was Sophie's. With someone who rarely drinks any more for many reasons -- including saving scratch for being able just to get to Manhattan -- Sophie's is Choice. read more

I don't like to Yelp punitively but the employee I had to deal with last night was just so epically and inspirationally shitty, that I can't not. (To be fair to Sophie's, I'm not going to one-star bomb the place. The other ladies tending bar were amiable and quick and the drinks are cheap and good and the jukebox is decent and the decor is cool. It was really loud and the crowd at 11pm was getting douchey but I know to manage my expectations of such things when in the lower half of Manhattan on a Friday night.) So, my friends and I were sitting on the bench to the right of the bar, where the staff can enter and exit. The bartender in question (she may have been a barback) came out through the swinging doors to take a bucket of trash out, and in her haste dropped a huge wad of cash onto the floor. I picked it up and placed it on the bar. When she came back in we pointed out that she had dropped it. She stopped and literally sneered at us, grabbed the cash, and went back behind the bar. I have a lot of respect and empathy for people in the service industry. You have to deal with dickbags on the regular. I get that you probably have had a day chock full of dickbags, and you just want to get the hell out of there. I also get that this is New York, and there's a higher percentage of dickbaggery here. But holy shit. I just rescued the entirety of your tips from your shift, and you can't even say thanks? On her next trip out my friend was crouching in front of the swinging doors, putting her wallet in her bag. In an already crammed bar, she barked at her to get out of the way, and when my friend took more than a nanosecond fumbling with her bag she got more aggressive. My husband said, "Hey give her a sec, she's just getting her bag." Her: (glare) Him: "Oh and you're welcome for your cash we saved for you by the way." (pregnant pause) Her: "You're a dick." Wow. No, my friend. You are. read more

Perhaps I've only wandered in on off nights, but every time I end up at this joint I wind up leaving feeling peeved. bartender refused eye contact and was so terse with her interactions that you immediately feel you've done something wrong just for trying to get a drink. The ambiance is gross and loud, dive bar obviously to be expected, but it could still be a dive with some degree of taste (see Lucy's) .. There's hardly a place to sit or stand, the pool table is in constant use and is impossible to get onto,and the crowd is typically full of douchey college kids or suits trying to beckon drunk girls into going home with them. Totally not into it. read more

A dive bar with a jukebox. If that is your scene and cheap drinks are a must, then this place is probably worth a look. I was kind of bored here. An aloof bartender and $7 Dark and Stormys could only keep me occupied for so long. There is nothing that makes this place stand out in East Village and nothing that is memorable about the place reflecting back. 2.5 stars read more

Came here last night with some friends, needed to use the bathroom and went to open it noticing the door was locked, saw a sign that said only 1 patron at a time, no problem, waited my turn. Woman came out of the bathroom and I went to go in, my friends who were with me attempted to follow, and as I was turning around to inform them they couldn't come in as per the sign, the bartender cut off the music, made sure the bar was as quiet as possible and shouted "HEY ONLY 1 FUCKING PERSON AT A TIME JUST LIKE THE FUCKING SIGN AT EYE LEVEL SAYS I ASSUME YOU WENT TO COLLEGE CAN YOU NOT READ OR SOMETHING". It was wildly humiliating and completely unnecessary as I was planning to inform my friends of the sign myself. I hadn't even entered the bathroom yet let alone my two friends. The same bartender continuously came out from behind the bar during the night to harass other patrons, cursing them out and screaming at them, becoming physical with a few. Awful atmosphere, awful employees, men playing pool were borderline sexual harassing my friends and I. Will never In a million years go back. read more