Brendan Spriggs

Anyone who’s visited Japan would know of the calm quiet that can encapsulate nearly every inch of it at times. Everywhere feels comfortable and welcoming, and it’s a feeling that’s been hard to find anywhere else. While New York is a far cry from Tokyo’s bar scene, Hard To Explain is the closest little taste of Japan I’ve found since. Tucked between residences with only a modest sign hinting its existence to the outside world, Hard To Explain is more than easy to pass by - and for anyone unfamiliar with the area? As the name would suggest, finding this little speakeasy is quite literally ‘hard to explain’, and maybe that’s for the best. Dimly lit with just a couple of small tables and narrow bar to perch at, Hard To Explain is immediately welcoming and cozy - though certainly runs the risk of quickly becoming cramped on a busy night. Light background music drifts through the shadows, emanating from a small record player tucked behind the bar. Hushed conversations shared between friends, couples, and maybe even a first date or two. This isn’t your local dive-bar, and everyone behaves accordingly. It’s easy to feel at home here, with the barkeep drifting in and out of idle chitchat while deftly mixing sake based cocktails. A smattering of Japanese from her on occasion, helping the Japanese travellers passing through feel more at ease. Another round offered during a quiet lull - always present for service, but never intrusive. The drinks themselves are creative without being obnoxious. With clear Japanese inspiration throughout the menu, it’s a refreshing change from the Manhattans and Martinis crowding every other list in NYC; despite this, there’s still something for everyone, even those looking for the classics - just found here with a little international inspiration instead. Were I not only passing through NYC, it would be a struggle to keep away. But with a setup this welcoming, I’m not sure coming back here too often would be such a bad thing. Frequent other bars and be labeled a barfly - frequent Hard to Explain and instead, it’s more likely you’ve found your place to unwind, and a quiet serenity which is all too rare in somewhere as bustling as NYC.

Fred L0

What a great hidden treasure. Unknown from the street that this speakeasy bar even existed. Had to sniff out the vibes to find it, but happy I did. Delicious cocktails, kind staff. Had two of their cocktails and both were superb. Had I had more time I would have happily worked my way through their menu. Very intimate setting, so please get there early as I’m sure it fills up fast.

Ceci

Unlike its name, it’s really easy for me to explain why I will be coming back to this bar! They have a happy hour special that runs from 5-7PM, and lets you have 10% off any drink! Hard to explain is an intimate speakeasy type bar that seats about 10 people, and allows for people to stand as well. It offers a wide array of unique asian cocktails, a lot of them sake base, and served in a variety of cute glasses! I got the fall special, falling for u-bae, and it came in the cutest teacup. It tasted dangerously good, like an actual milk tea, and was a favorite among me and my friends. The cafe purr-isa was also really tasty, which was their take on an espresso martini with sake. We also got some kurobata sausages to share, and they were super tasty! The bartender recommended we order it with the mustard because it was a special kind, and it definitely did not disappoint! All in all, definitely check this place out if you’re in the area! The happy hour deal is worth it, and their cocktails are unique and tasty!

+3

Carolina Richardson

A cozy and quaint bar that offers a nice selection of cocktails, sake/beer/wine, and snacks. They play jazz music and the bartenders are exceptionally kind and attentive. The space is small and lovely and transports you to another country without having to leave the city. Highly recommended!

+2

andrewks95

New favorite place! Gets filled up pretty quick, but the narrow space is incredibly cozy and invites good conversation. All of the cocktails and sake we tried were also amazing. To boot, the very kind waitress also gave us great complimentary sake! This place is great for a date spot, vibing alone (saw someone doing that!), or just a chill spot to catch up with your friend over some solid drinks. All I wish was that it was open later and NYC were cheaper.

Mad Professional

You could probably explain Hard to Explain as - "A cute bar that serves sake, wine, liqueur and aperitif cocktails in a space lit by oil lamps, that exude the intimate date spot slash hole in the wall vibe for those seeking such places with antique items and dried flowers for decor, to meet long lost friends and lovers you haven't seen in a while with chill vinyls being played by the staff as they craft unique cocktails for you to imbibe." Well, that's what comes to my mind in the least. As of this review, know that Hard to Explain does not have a hard liquor license but it doesn't stop them from crafting some unique tasting drinks which they sell along with snacks and imported beers. Worth it! This one goes in my "Best Bars / Speakeasy's of the World" list.

Valek

This Japanese-themed cocktail bar is pretty small, fitting around 12 people. The bar can be easy to overlook since there are no signs; just a small chalkboard out front. There are no tables, just stools at the bar. It gets crowded fast, even by 4 pm. The bartender was really friendly and kept an eye on us, refilling our water as we checked out the menu. They've got some interesting cocktails priced between $19 and $21. I'd suggest trying the Cameron Obscura and Cafe Purr-risa. They take credit cards.

+3

Cindy Hao

cute and intimate bar with bar seating only. walked in around 7:30 on a tuesday and it was not too busy. really good vibe and music isn’t too loud, making it very easy to talk/hear i was told the Cameron Obscura was the most popular; i thought it was fine and too sweet tbh. Ma-Chet Baker was super unique though. drinks aren’t strong at all. there was only one person behind the bar when we went also sometimes unclear when it’s open — my friend has tried to come here twice before but both times it was booked out by an event

Kirsten C

Intimate bar, great for a date - especially by the window. The music level was perfect, you can hear it but still have a good conversation (also loved the music they played). Drinks are unique, though I personally would prefer it if they are a little bit boozier (you can taste the alcohol, but I guess I like stronger drinks). Came here on a Friday night at 7pm, it was a full house but we were able to get a seat after a 5 mins wait.

Niamh Taylor

Great cocktails, lovely waitress with great recommendations. However, the other waiter (or owner) needs a class in customer service. To walk in to a bar and not be acknowledged at all, leading to a patron to tell you that there are stools left in the back of the bar is ridiculous. He spent the whole evening drinking, singing and joking with his friends. He can obviously do better, he just don’t want to.