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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Midtown East

Cozy sake spots

A warm cup of sake enjoyed in a cozy space is the best way to wind down.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Small space with minimal, clean decor creates a calm, authentic atmosphere that feels cozy and intimate. Light, savory broths and perfectly chewy udon noodles define the dining experience. Bar seats facing the window offer a spot for people watching in a peaceful setting.

Small Midtown spot offers a cozy ambiance with attentive service. Warm, smooth hot sake complements the meal perfectly.

Sake here offers high-quality options at affordable prices. The hot sake is warm and smooth, making it a cozy choice, and the Platinum Sake stands out as a notable selection.

People are saying

"It's a cozy, small spot with a warm atmosphere."

"The place feels cozy and inviting."

"Their udon noodle soup is flavorful and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

The menu features dishes priced between $10-20.

3

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

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Spacious Thai restaurant with outdoor seating and a full bar featuring large drinks and a variety of cocktails. The atmosphere combines pretty decor and great music, creating a lively and enjoyable vibe. Indoor seating is tight, but the back area offers more space and a cozy garden spot.

Cozy atmosphere blends traditional Vietnamese decor with modern touches. Service feels warm and welcoming, creating a comfortable dining environment for friends and family.

Great sake comes on tap during happy hour. Hot sake pairs well with dishes like chicken wings and pork chops, all rated highly for flavor.

People are saying

"It's a cozy spot with a great atmosphere."

"The place feels cozy with a mix of old and new styles."

"It's a cozy and comfortable spot that feels welcoming."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour features $3 Sapporo beers from 11 AM to 6 PM.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special with a free appetizer on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 4 PM.

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There is a $20 all-you-can-drink beer special available.

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Sub-level Japanese BBQ spot features intimate seating and neon-lit vintage decor that recalls Tokyo. Atmosphere turns lively with Japanese guests, creating an energetic vibe late into the night. Outdoor patio and gender-neutral restroom add to the unique setup.

Warm and intimate atmosphere creates a cozy back-alley vibe like a small Tokyo izakaya. The setting suits a comfortable group gathering or a chill night with friends.

A wide selection of curated sakes complements the menu alongside Japanese whiskeys and other spirits. The sake options pair well with dishes like chicken oysters and liver, making it a solid choice for sake lovers.

People are saying

"It felt like a cozy back-alley spot in Tokyo."

"The sake here is outstanding and perfectly grilled."

"I love the cozy, authentic yakitori vibe here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 small plates and Kirin pints.

2

The crowd picks up around 6 PM and is likely to be packed by 7 PM on weekdays.

3

On Thursday night, there is a 50% off deal on a bottle of sake.

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Izakaya-style space filled with authentic Japanese decor and retro anime visuals playing behind the bar. Atmosphere feels cozy and charming, closely resembling izakayas in Japan. Regulars enjoy anime-inspired cocktails and a lively vibe with a DJ and classic anime movies on TV.

Warm and welcoming service creates a cozy vibe. The atmosphere feels nice and inviting throughout.

A diverse and impressive sake selection offers something new to try regularly. Creative cocktails and excellent Japanese sake pair well with meals.

People are saying

"It's a cozy spot with a great atmosphere and eclectic decorations."

"They had an excellent collection of sake."

"I loved the hot sake and their sake variety."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a meal, especially for large groups.

2

Happy hour offers $4 Sapporo and runs daily from 12pm to 6pm.

3

Free parking at the meter is available after 7 PM.

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Small basement jazz club with live Japanese jazz bands playing close to diners creates an intimate atmosphere. Dim lighting and walls lined with books and knickknacks add to the cozy, eclectic vibe. Cocktails and Japanese-inspired dishes complement the engaging musical experience.

Dim lighting creates a warm atmosphere. Japanese comfort food offers a homey feel at a reasonable price.

An extensive drink menu features a large selection of Japanese sake and plum wine. Each sake order comes with two smooth servings, complementing dishes like curry udon and honey toast.

People are saying

"It's so cozy and intimate with live jazz setting the mood."

"The sake here is great in this cozy, intimate spot."

"It's a small spot with a cozy vibe."

Good to know

1

Arriving at 4:30 PM guarantees a seat even on the busiest days.

2

There is a $10 live music cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

You should come during weekdays before 5:30 PM to avoid long waits.

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Sushi restaurant offers a bright, welcoming space with a quiet, calming atmosphere that feels like a small oasis away from the city bustle. The interior is sophisticated and modern, featuring thoughtful design and playing great house music that enhances the dining experience.

High-quality sushi comes with a calm and cozy environment. Warm service adds to the comfortable time spent here.

Happy hour features $5 Sapporo and excellent sake specials. The sake and wine list offers a solid selection for dinner.

People are saying

"I loved the calm and cozy vibe here."

"It's a calm and cozy little spot."

"You can taste a variety of sweet and dry sake before ordering."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with $5 Sapporo and great Sake.

2

The happy hour deal costs $10 for a draft beer and 1 hand roll.

3

The lunch special includes 3 hand rolls for $15.

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Small, intimate ramen shop with tight seating and a classic Japanese vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and authentic, encouraging quick dining. Known for exceptional ramen flavors and a notable sake selection.

Friendly staff create a welcoming vibe. The spot offers a cozy atmosphere with quick service.

Dessert sakes include nigori with rice grains and jelly sake, offering unique textures. Hot sake is available, and the overall variety of sake pairs well with the food.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich and hearty, it feels incredibly cozy."

"I loved this place for ramen."

"The place feels cozy and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait for a table if you are a party larger than 1 during busy hours.

2

The restaurant is open till 3am during the week and weekend.

3

You will likely have to wait for a table at 7pm on a Saturday.

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Speakeasy bar with an intimate, cozy atmosphere and Japanese-inspired design creates a hidden, inviting space. Seating includes vintage-style couches and clean, comfortable arrangements ideal for quiet conversation. Cocktails feature Japanese flavors and careful craftsmanship, complementing the overall refined vibe.

A cozy atmosphere defines the space, offering a warm and relaxing vibe without feeling cramped. The bar features a good selection of drinks and maintains an intimate setting with no loud music or lines.

Japanese sake stands out with a solid selection. Sake cocktails offer a unique twist, though the extra umami martini mainly tastes like sake without much else.

People are saying

"I love the cozy vibe and great cocktails."

"It's a sophisticated, dark, and sleek space that feels cozy."

"The sake here is great and goes down smoothly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid a wait.

2

The location is not wheelchair accessible.

3

Customers have to climb several stairs to access the venue.

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Interior blends traditional Japanese decor with modern sophistication, creating a serene and cozy atmosphere. Seating options include semi-private alcoves and bar areas, offering varied privacy levels. The vibe is relaxed and inviting, with friendly service and subtle background music.

A serene and cozy atmosphere creates a comfortable setting reminiscent of a Japanese Izakaya. Private rooms add to the comfortable vibe, perfect for small celebrations or quiet meals.

Sake selections include a chilled carafe that pairs well with meals. The sake is consistently very good and complements four-course meals with beautiful plating.

People are saying

"It felt like a cozy Tokyo izakaya with a warm, lively vibe."

"I love the cozy, authentic izakaya vibe here."

"I found the sake here to be very good."

Good to know

1

During restaurant week, the restaurant offers a fantastic four course meal.

2

The yakitori (skewers) menu is only available for dinner.

3

The restaurant is really busy at lunch time.

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Basement-level jazz club with intimate vibe and low lighting creates a cozy atmosphere. Live jazz bands play classic tunes with welcoming, talented musicians. Unique decor and a sake bar complement the music and add to the distinctive experience.

Intimate setting offers an authentic jazz experience with a comfortable vibe that suits both casual chats and live music focus. Friendly staff add to the cozy atmosphere.

An extensive sake list offers a well curated variety. The sake highball stands out as a refreshing choice, and mixing beer with Born Special sake creates a smooth, crisp fusion flavor.

People are saying

"It's a cozy spot with amazing cocktails."

"The live jazz band was great and the vibe is fantastic."

"It's a cozy spot perfect for a night out."

Good to know

1

The jazz band starts at 8 pm on Thursday nights.

2

Expect a $15 minimum spending per person with no cover charge.

3

The venue is usually packed during jazz performances on weekends.

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Cozy underground setting with a serious Kyoto old Japanese feel creates an authentic, speakeasy atmosphere. Loud groups mix with quiet diners, giving a lively yet intimate energy. Extensive, rare sake selection and beautifully presented dishes add to the distinctive experience.

An underground restaurant with a warm, attentive service that never feels rushed. The space feels like a Japanese speakeasy, making it very cozy and inviting.

More than 200 sake references create a paradise for sake lovers. Sake flights offer a nice tasting option, and a sake expert helps pick bottles that match your taste.

People are saying

"The yuzu sake was a delightful balance to the flavorful dishes."

"The sake list is huge and impressive."

"It's a cozy speakeasy tucked away underground."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for visiting the restaurant.

2

International customers are required to pay in cash due to payment system limitations.

3

Get there early as they are busy.

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Small, authentic Japanese tonkatsu restaurant with tight seating and traditional decor. Atmosphere feels genuine and immersive, evoking a sense of being in Japan. Offers solo bar seating and interactive touches like grinding sesame seeds.

Warm and comforting dishes like miso soup and katsu curry create a cozy atmosphere. Fresh, crisp salad and perfectly cooked rice add balance to the authentic Japanese comfort food.

The sake menu includes a scale for tasting notes that helps guide choices. The Nigori sake offers a distinct flavor, and the Brooklyn set with 180ml servings pairs well for tasting.

People are saying

"It's so cozy and perfect for a date or nice dinner."

"The place feels cozy and perfect for cold days."

"I love the tight and cozy seating here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash or Zelle for payment.

2

The lunch menu costs $11 and must be paid in cash.

3

Most times, customers can expect to be seated in 10-15 minutes, except on Saturday nights at 6:30.

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Midtown East, New York

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