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About
The Scratcher
Welcome to The Scratcher, a charming bar nestled in the heart of the East Village at 209 E 5th St, New York, NY. Known for its cozy atmosphere and attentive service, The Scratcher feels like a hometown favorite the moment you step inside. With a reputation as a local dive, it's easy to understand why patrons rave about it.
From the moment you enter, you're greeted by an ambiance enriched with the smooth sounds of saxophone music floating through the air—especially on those picturesque rainy Sunday nights. The glow of dim lighting and the inviting wooden benches create the perfect backdrop for unwinding after a long day.
What truly sets The Scratcher apart is not just its laid-back decor but also its delightful menu. You’ll find a carefully curated selection of simple yet delicious offerings like cheese toasts (Irish-style grilled cheese), cucumber sandwiches, and the best PB&J in the neighborhood, often accompanied by crunchy tortilla chips. You might even consider mixing those chips into your sandwich for an extra zing, a tip from loyal customers who know how to elevate their dining experience.
For those who appreciate live music, The Scratcher welcomes performances, especially on Sundays, making it an ideal spot for music enthusiasts. Arrive early, as the intimate venue fills up quickly, and you won't want to miss a beat. The cocktail menu is complemented by a decent selection of beers and whiskeys, ensuring there's something for everyone.
As patrons like Kristen L. Matulis and Kelly Morris describe, this bar fosters a sense of community with its friendly staff and the welcoming vibe that feels like home. Whether you're enjoying a night out with friends, indulging in a comforting drink, or simply spending a peaceful evening with a good book, The Scratcher makes it all possible.
In conclusion, if you find yourself wandering the colorful streets of the East Village, don't miss your chance to visit The Scratcher. You'll discover a delightful culinary simplicity within a cozy atmosphere that transforms an ordinary night into a joyful experience. Cheers to good drinks, great music, and even better company!
“ The Scratcher is a nice little bar located in the East Village! The atmosphere inside of this place is so cozy & the staff are attentive. They made me a great margarita - I definitely recommend this spot! ”
“ If you live in the East Village, this is/was a favorite dive of someone you know- for good reason. Ambiance has always been cozy and inviting, with sounds of saxophone drifting out of the windows on rainy Sunday nights. Now- Natalie and Francesca have breathed new happy life into it with the outdoor seating, lovingly crafted around a menu of cheese toasts (Irish for grilled cheese), cucumber (tea) sandwiches, and the best pb&j on the block, with a side of tortilla chips. Add the chips to the sandwich to zazz it up. A night spent here with a drink, a pb&j, and good company (person or newspaper) is such a happy night. You can’t find better people or a calmer, happier ambiance. ”
“ Great small venue for drinks and Live music on sundays! I have been here several times for performances. Bar staff is nice and drink selection is decent. Arrive early for performances as seats do go quickly. I reccomend arriving an hour early for first performance and stay for all acts! You won't be disappointed in your choice here. Cheers! ”
“ I kind of want to rate this bar one star so you’ll stay away, but I just can’t do it. This is the best neighborhood bar in the east village. Cozy and simple. Great beer, great whiskey, great people. Can’t ask for more. ”
“ Cool little chill spot for drinks . Cocktails and Guinness . They have live music sometimes. Wooden benches and pretty lights. They also play UK music mostly older stuff but it's cool. I don't think they have food but saw a group bring in a pizza so I guess you can bring your own. Probably good for Girls Night get-together or just weekend drinks. 5th Street between 2nd and 3rd . East Village. They have Hot Toddy in cooler weather. ”
“ Superb bar. Great atmosphere. ”
“ When I lived in New York this was where I always came for a drink and a chat. Well known at the time as a haunt for Irish musicians and artists like Glen Hansard & others. I recently went back and it is still unchanged in the best possible way. Unremarkable from the outside but once you go down the steps and slide inside it has a special energy.No blaring tellys, good music drifting from the speakers, solid friendly bartenders. A long bar and creaky floorboards, every corner filled with characters. Still one of my favorites. ”
“ The Scratcher is a perfect place to grab a low-key drink. It's dimly lit and comfortable. Sort of a romantic vibe even. There's plenty of space if you're in a larger group, or smaller tables if you're going for something one-on-one. Maybe it's just me but any place with year-round Christmas lights is a winner in my book. ”