Sophie's
If there’s any bar on this list who has given the proverbial finger to neighborhood changes, it’s East Village standby Sophie’s. Although high rises and high-end shops have now surrounded the 100 year old bar, the dive has remained standing and retained its original charm. Stepping into Sophie’s feels fully familiar, as if you’ve made it home. The bar is dimly lit and dingy, but patrons could care less. Booze and conversation are all that matters here, and both have consistently been top notch for the past 100 years. Doesn’t get more New York City than that.
[Photo via @yes_we_kenn]