Josie’s Bar

Strangely Masonic bear is watching you.

There is a sign tacked to the ceiling of a certain bar in the East Village that reads “We’re all here because we’re not all there.” It’s a phrase that’s been used a number of ways, but it’ll always remind me of what makes a great dive bar. The ideal neighborhood bar is a place that’s equal parts refuge and stimulant—you can chase away the stormy mood of a bad day without emptying your wallet, or encounter some of the nuttiest people you never knew lived on your block. Back when I briefly lived on East 6th Street, the tail-ends of a couple nights led me to Joe’s, sequestered between Avenue A and B like the little bar time forgot. It seemed like the kind of a place that sign is talking about.

Joe’s, which opened in 1973, closed a little over a year ago after the death of owner Joe Vajda. When it reopened as Josie’s last year, it could have been a made over into drastically different bar. But the new owners, who also run neighborhood haunts Mona’s and Sophie’s, have gone to pains to keep Joe’s spirit intact while giving the place a facelift. They’ve refinished the bar, renovated the bathrooms, and replaced both the checkerboard floor and the swirly black and gold wallpaper while keeping their distinctive patterns. Additions include a brand-new pool table and a window seat, just like the one at Sophie’s, but the old buck’s heads still stare down from the walls. A jukebox in the back leans heavily toward 70s bands and soul, and the taps pour standards like PBR, Stella and Guinness, as well as craftier brews like Smuttynose, Sixpoint and Duvel ($6-7).

Yes, a dive bar with clean bathrooms and good beer. Best of all, we whiled away a couple hours of a Saturday night at a bar in the East Village without hearing a single collegiate “WOOO!” That’s a rare feat in these parts.

Josie’s Bar
520 E 6th St between Ave A and Ave B