Gleb Kornienko

this place offers an experience that is as distinctive as it is polarizing. The bar features a decent selection of sake, complemented by a limited food menu that feels more like an accompaniment than a focal point. The interior has an interesting, almost gritty vibe that adds character, but the space is undeniably loud and constantly busy, making it a poor choice for a date or any meaningful conversation. This is a place designed for drinking first and foremost, and it succeeds in that role. Given how packed it usually is, reservations are strongly recommended. Overall, it’s an enjoyable spot if you’re looking for a high-energy sake bar experience, but it will only appeal to those who are comfortable with noise, crowds, and a fast-paced atmosphere

Divya D.A.K

If you are looking for a loud underground vibe, this is your place. Amazing selection of sake (10/10), a lot of seating (but very cramped) but very unique atmosphere

+1

Kevin Chen

Hidden away downstairs is a grungy looking bar when you first enter, it’s like a messy hard rock looking interior. Then you’re led further into the actual bar space which is a dark but pleasant dimly lit space. There are specific Japanese touches like the woodwork around us that made the ambiance very delightful to be in. Drinks menu was fairly good and tasted very nice. Great to be with some friends to laugh, chatter, and play games. Restrooms are located near the outer space and a bit small so be mindful when using them.

Khoi Pham

It's a grungy but bustling spot. The Sake flight was good, and the Lychee Martini is an easy crowd favorite.

Kelly He

We waited in line for about 20 minutes on a saturday around midnight. The vibes were good I liked the ambiance. a lot of the reviews said it was too loud but i didnt feel that. the food and drinks are also pretty affordable - we got the gyu don and una don but the una don had too much sauce imo

Djordjiana Buric

Very popular and very busy authentic Japanese place with an ID check and a long line outside. Restaurant is small and dark, everything is served in metal tins and plastic cups, but it sure is a special experience. Their sashimi is excellent, so is the fried chicken and udon. Its super casual and hip place with a variety of drinks also served at a bar. No sushi or rolls. Service is good and quick as the time you have for dining is limited.

+3

love the interior design! felt like i was transported back to japan. however, we ordered virgin lychee martinis and they brought a pitcher to us and kept messing up our order :(. we also ordered kaarage, but it was super dry and burnt - couldn’t finish it. it’s super dark in there too, had to use my phone screen light to see which chicken i was picking up 😭😶. but def a good place for drinks if you’re a drinker!

Justin Vader

The vibes are decent inside but the sake is quite pricey and the cocktails were very weak and water down. I overheard next table cancelled their food because it took too long to come. I came here a few times before and my experience here gets worst each time.

Cyrus Ghaznavi

I enjoyed stumbling upon this cool and grungy sake bar. The vibe inside was dystopian but in an interesting way, though I have a feeling that if the lights were turned on it would be somewhat sobering - one of those ignorance is bliss kinda situations. The owner clearly bought a space no one else was interested in, plunged it in darkness, and made a bar out of it. I applaud his pluck. The menu had a broad selection of sake. I wish the staff were more informed regarding the flavor profiles of the items on their menu. I also wish that we had been served with traditional sake-ware instead of carafes and shot glasses. That all being said, I enjoyed the sake we bought, and the pricing was not too unreasonable. Also, be aware that as soon as you are done with your drinks, they will usher you out. Not a great place to sit and chat.

Hitomi

This gonna be one of my favorite Japanese Sake bar. Lots of Nihonshu choices and foods are delicious too! Reasonable price:) Very recommended! Will definitely come again!

+1

Alan Varghese

If you get a seat only outside, I would not recommend staying. My friends felt the sake and drinks were decent but the food is something you would love, especially if you love H-Mart. Prices are decent and the inside ambience is nice. The Sake collection and cocktails are quite impressive and Happy Hour deal is pretty good. Half of the food items we got tasted just as if they were from the H-Mart food/frozen aisle, making it hard to recommend any food from here, especially when there is exceptional Asian food a block or two away.

+7

Daniella Fodera

This place has been on my list of bars to try for a while and was originally recommended to me by a friend. Unfortunately the experience was less enjoyable than I was expecting and am unlikely to come back again. Staff were not very friendly, and in fact quite rude. Ordered one round of drinks during happy hour and then immediately left. They emphasize how your time here is limited and felt pressured to order more expensive drinks than we chose. There is not much space and we were given a table for two to accommodate a party of four. The one highlight was The drink that I actually ordered, the lychee martini was really tasty and had two actual lychee in the cup. This place has a grungy vibe and is undoubtedly visited by plenty of NYU students. Drinks were served in plastic cups and food was served in disposable tins. Experience was less than spectacular.

BackpackingAndy

Update: I've been coming to this bar for over 10 years. It used to have class, charm and be a great little 'underground' spot. I think it must have changed managers or owners - they've completely lost their Japanese culture. The staff were INCREDIBLY distasteful and rude. To the point where it got aggressive between us. They are very pushy, touching our glasses and cups, trying to move you on like a sheep. We had 4 different servers come to our table and try to push us to drink faster. Disgusting commercialization at its finest. This is not the service one should expect when spending $100+. This place is not hyped only because of social media - but honestly after all these years of coming to this bar, I will not return. My friend and I had a very bad experience to the point that we were still discussing it hours after. I will try out new sake bars in Manhattan and recommend you do the same. _____ A great little Japanese sake bar in East Village - when you walk in, you feel like you have just crossed a portal from the streets of Manhattan to an unsuspecting Tokyo getaway. It's dark and intimate - great atmosphere