The Scratcher Introduce
Nestled in the heart of New York City’s vibrant East Village, The Scratcher stands as a true neighborhood classic. This isn't your average bar; it's a cozy, authentic Irish pub that has been a cherished local haunt for years. With its dim lighting, classic wooden furnishings, and a welcoming, casual atmosphere, The Scratcher provides a comfortable and unpretentious setting that invites you to sit back, relax, and stay a while. It's a place where you can find a diverse crowd, from long-time locals to groups of friends looking for a laid-back evening. The bar's reputation is built on its friendly service, excellent selection of drinks, and the vibrant energy of its live performances and bar games. Despite being a popular spot, it maintains a cozy feel, making it an ideal destination for a quiet drink or a lively night out with friends. The Scratcher is known for its ability to foster a sense of community, making everyone feel like a regular from the moment they walk in.
The Scratcher is located at 209 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003, in a prime spot within the East Village. Its location on East 5th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, places it in the middle of a bustling and culturally rich neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and bars. The bar is easily accessible via public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes serving the area. The Astor Place station (6 train) and the 2nd Avenue station (F train) are both within easy walking distance, making it a convenient destination from various parts of the city. For those who prefer to drive, free street parking is available, though it can be competitive in the area. The bar also offers outdoor seating, providing a pleasant option for enjoying a drink and soaking in the lively East Village streetscape. Its central location makes it a great starting point or final stop for a night out in one of NYC's most iconic neighborhoods.
The Scratcher is a full-service bar that prioritizes a classic and authentic experience. While it no longer serves food, it has a wide range of beverages and a set of services that make it a great place for a night out.
Services offered at The Scratcher include:
- Outdoor seating for enjoying a drink in the fresh air.
- Dine-in service with seating options. Note that while they no longer serve food, outside food is allowed.
- Table service for a relaxed and comfortable experience.
The bar's straightforward service model ensures that patrons can focus on enjoying their time with friends, whether they are seated inside or out. The ability to bring in outside food is a great bonus, allowing groups to customize their night with a meal from a local restaurant before or during their time at the bar.
The Scratcher is not just about its drinks; it’s about the experience it provides. Its unique blend of atmosphere, entertainment, and a welcoming crowd makes it a standout choice.
Features and highlights of The Scratcher include:
- A great beer selection with a variety of drafts, bottles, and cans, including popular options like Guinness, Lagunitas IPA, and Allagash White.
- Known for having bar games, which adds a fun and interactive element to the casual atmosphere.
- Features live music and live performances, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for guests.
- A popular spot for groups and locals, with a reputation for being LGBTQ+ friendly.
- Offers a wide range of beverages, including a full bar with cocktails, hard liquor, wine, and non-alcoholic options.
- Known for its fast service, which is a significant plus, especially during busy hours.
- The atmosphere is casual and cozy, making it a comfortable place to hang out.
- Free Wi-Fi is available, a convenient amenity for those who need to stay connected.
- Accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
The Scratcher’s combination of a classic pub feel and modern amenities creates a unique and appealing destination in the East Village. It's a place where you can enjoy a perfect pint, listen to great music, and feel right at home.
Contact Information:
- Address: 209 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Phone: Not publicly available at this time.
When visiting The Scratcher, several things are worth choosing to get the full experience. For beer enthusiasts, the "Guinness (20oz)" is a must-try, as it's a staple of any authentic Irish pub. The wide variety of drafts, from local craft beers like "Threes Brewing Table Beer Saison" to well-known favorites like "Stella Artois," ensures that there's a perfect pint for every palate. The cocktail menu, while small, offers a selection of well-made classics, with the "Old Fashioned" and "Martini" being reliable choices for a strong drink. The bar's live music and live performances are a major draw, and timing your visit to catch a show is highly recommended for a truly memorable night. The cozy atmosphere and bar games are also a highlight, providing a fun way to interact with your friends. While the bar no longer serves food, the fact that they allow outside food is a unique and valuable feature, allowing you to pair your drinks with a slice from a nearby pizzeria or a quick bite from a local deli. The Scratcher is a great place to choose for its authentic pub feel, excellent drink selection, and welcoming vibe. It’s a spot that truly captures the spirit of a classic New York neighborhood bar.
The Scratcher Food & drink
Drafts
- Guinness (20oz) $10.00
4.2% ABV, Ireland
- Lagunitas IPA $7.00
6.2% ABV, California
- Narragansett $7.00
5% ABV, Rhode Island
- Stella Artois $7.00
5% ABV, Belgium
- Bells Lager of the Lakes $8.00
5% ABV, Michigan
- Allagash White $9.00
5.2% ABV, Maine
- Victory Prima Pils $7.00
5.3% ABV, Pennsylvania
- Threes Brewing Table Beer Saison $9.00
4.1 ABV, Brooklyn
- Daisy Cutter pale ale $8.00
- Flagship Brewing, Kolsch $7.00
4.9% ABV, Staten Island
- Bells Two Hearted IPA $8.00
7% ABV, New York
- Talea Peachberry Punch Sour Ale $9.00
6% ABV, New York
Bottles
- Bud Lite $6.00
- Bud $6.00
Cider (cans)
- Original Sin blackberry cider $7.00
- Shacksbury dry cider $9.00
- Downeast Cider (Ask for flavors) $7.00
Beer (cans)
- Tecate $5.00
- Athletic non-alcoholic IPA $7.00
- Boddingtons Pub Ale $8.00
16oz can, 4.7 ABV
Wine
- Rosé $10.00
- Sauvignon Blanc $10.00
- Pinot Grigio $10.00
- Cabernet Sauvignon $10.00
- Pinot Noir $10.00
Cocktails $17 (well liquor $15)
- Old Fashioned $15.00
Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, Angostura Bitters, muddled orange, sugar water
- Manhattan $15.00
Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, cherry garnish
- Margarita $17.00
Espalon tequila, Orange Liqueur, lime juice, slice of lime, salted glass
- Negroni $17.00
Campari, Gin, Sweet Vermouth, slice of orange
- Martini $17.00
Tanqueray Gin or Titos Vodka, Dry Vermouth
- Espresso Martini $17.00
Stoli Vanil, Coffee Liqueur, ice cold coffee
Hot Drinks
- Hot Toddy $14.00
Whiskey, lemon with cinnamon, cloves & honey
WE NO LONGER SERVE FOOD
- Sorry for any confusion
We don’t serve food anymore - certain photos are of old menus, and there are some false menu pages online (we don’t & never have served burgers or fried chicken!)
Seltzers
- White Claw $8.00
various flavors
No Alcohol
- Athletic Brewing $7.00
Non Alcoholic IPA
- White Widow $7.00
Non Alcoholic Blackberry Cider
- Ginger Beer $5.00
- Guinness Zero $9.00
The Scratcher Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeout
Highlights
- Bar games
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Live performances
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Outside food allowed
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
The Scratcher Photos










The Scratcher Location
The Scratcher Reviews
priceshappy hourcrowdtablesatmospherewhiskeychatmanhattanbasementcandles
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1bartender is a stand up guy. the reason for the 2 stars is that they replaced the candles with fake ones. completely ruined the vibe. pls bring the candles back. if you do i'd give you 5 stars, the playlist could use a tiny bit of work but thats more of personal preference thing, wouldn't hold it against you.
June 23 · Henry Beebe-CenterWe came to this bar excited to support a local spot and brought a good sized group of friends to enjoy the night. Unfortunately, the experience was not what we expected. Instead of being welcomed for bringing in business, we were met with hostility from the bartender, who seemed annoyed at how many of us showed up for our event. It felt like we were being punished for trying to have a good time.The service was slow, dismissive, and honestly uncomfortable. At one point, it felt like we were inconveniencing the bartender just by ordering drinks. On top of that, there was little to no music, which made the atmosphere feel dead and awkward. We were only trying to celebrate a moving away party.
July 21 · Taha MAwesome bar always loved this place BUT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE REAL CANDLES? Please bring back the tiny fires. Would be a five star bar for me if the real candles came back.edit: [sorry about the permit issue. I hope yall get it sorted out.]
July 24 · Bayley SweitzerCool 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.
October 23 · shimmeringpathGreat 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!
April 19 · Rich Ruszkowski
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