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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Midtown East

Japanese fun activities

Made for those who want their Japanese dining experience paired with an engaging, high-energy activity.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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01
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Apartment-style bar with live jazz and vinyl records creates a moody, soulful vibe. Cozy, upscale decor features Japanese whiskey and creative cocktails. Space feels intimate and relaxed, ideal for quiet listening or dates.

Shrimp comes out crispy and flavorful in the ebi katsu, served on soft milkbread. Drinks include a matcha cocktail and a melon prosciutto that stand out.

Semi-private spaces create a cozy vibe with fun music blending Japanesey, hip hop, and funk. The cocktail menu adds to the enjoyable atmosphere for groups.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the Mentaiko Mac n Cheese, is creamy and a little spicy."

"The music and vibe here make for such fun activities."

"I love the crispy katsu sandwiches here."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended because the bar gets packed on weekends.

2

The bar has a wait time of 2 hours during peak hours.

3

Bar Orai does not accept cash; credit cards only.

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Small space combines cozy Thai dining room style with Japanese decor and Thai movie posters. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting with live jazz music that supports conversation. Seating uses tiny kitchen stools, adding to the casual, intimate vibe.

Flavors focus on Yezo Yakitori and dishes like tako wasabi, kai yang, and crying tiger. The salad offers a wasabi kick with ponzu, all served in an Izakaya style setting.

Thai hot pot offers a very good and fun experience. The indoor atmosphere feels warm and fun, making it great for a relaxing date night.

People are saying

"I love how the food mixes Thai and Japanese flavors."

"It's a cozy spot for Thai-Japanese fusion food."

"The Japanese food, especially the sukiyaki hot pot, is so delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has live jazz music from 8-9pm on Fridays.

2

There is a lunch special available.

3

Yezo Thai Isankaya does not have liquor but offers BYOB for beer and wine.

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Tables feature smokeless grills for cooking food at the table, creating an interactive dining experience. The space feels cramped and noisy, with glass, wood, and metal surfaces amplifying sound and limiting privacy. Seating ranges from intimate booths to bar areas, offering options for solo diners or groups.

Lunch specials include three kinds of meat, rice, salad, and miso soup. Takoyaki comes crisp yet light. Meat lovers special features fried chicken, sushi with meat, and multiple salads. Matcha tiramisu serves as a notable dessert.

Cooking your own food at the table creates a fun atmosphere and a table feast experience that offers good value and enjoyment.

People are saying

"I loved the Japanese food, especially the amazing fried gyoza."

"I loved the lunch combos with tasty miso soup and salads."

"It's a fun experience grilling your own food at the table."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at the restaurant.

2

The all-you-can-eat special requires you to leave after 90 minutes.

3

Happy hour is daily from 11 AM to 5 PM.

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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.

Small bites like edamame and purple sweet potato tempura come in crisp golden batter. The menu blends Japanese izakaya dishes with unexpected Thai influences, featuring items like Saba ramen.

A basement-level jazz spot with low lighting creates a cozy, fun atmosphere. Friendly servers and welcoming, talented musicians add to the lively vibe for a night out with friends.

People are saying

"The live jazz music here is absolutely spellbinding."

"The bartenders here are so fun and talented."

"I always have a fun time here."

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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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.

Authentic Japanese cuisine shines with uni croquettes and cod udon pasta standing out. Solid dishes include curry udon, honey toast dessert, and matcha ice cream with red bean paste.

Jazz music creates a super fun and lovely atmosphere. Cocktails add to the fun with their delicious flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the okonomiyaki, tasted just like Japan."

"I loved the cod roe udon and okonomiyaki."

"The cocktails here are fun and delicious."

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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Small space with a pop art interior featuring a wall of packaged instant ramen creates a cozy, convenience store vibe. A ramen bar invites guests to cook their own noodles, adding an interactive element. The atmosphere suits those seeking crispy, flavorful Korean fried chicken with bold sauce options.

Combining instant ramen with Korean fried chicken creates a unique menu. A ramen station lets you make your own bowl, with free kimchi and scallions on the side.

Ramen bar offers a lively spot to enjoy food. Boongs Korean Fried Chicken adds a fun fast food vibe. Kpop demon hunter fans find the concept enjoyable and engaging.

People are saying

"I love making my own ramen with so many options."

"The Japanese food here has crispy, flavorful chicken with bold sauces."

"The ramen bar gives a fun, authentic vibe I enjoy."

Good to know

1

The combo costs $20 for 4 chicken wings.

2

The menu offers a wide selection, including a ramen station.

3

There are many types of ramen 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.

Offers authentic yakitori with perfectly grilled skewers like juicy chicken thigh and smoky pork belly. Features Okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and unique dishes like mochi-wrapped pork, all at affordable prices.

People are saying

"The Japanese yakitori skewers are perfectly grilled and packed with flavor."

"I love the authentic Japanese yakitori and izakaya flavors here."

"The place feels lively with a real Japanese izakaya vibe."

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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Seafood restaurant offers an intimate setting with private booths and a sea-inspired aesthetic. Atmosphere features soft old school R&B music that encourages singing along, creating a lively yet cozy vibe. Known for fresh lobsters and crabs, it combines great food with a vibrant musical backdrop.

Seafood dishes like crab legs, shrimp, and sushi show clear freshness and quality. Healthier sides include broccoli, seaweed salad, and edamame.

Vibrant atmosphere and a bustling vibe make the dining experience lively. The food is fresh, well-seasoned, and the 2-hour limit adds a fun pace to the meal.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, flavorful, and a great value."

"I love the fun seafood feast with friends."

"The pirate vibe makes dining super fun."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation before visiting to avoid a long wait.

2

The wait time for a party of 2 on a Saturday night at 5 pm is 3 HOURS.

3

You have 2 hours to eat as much as you wish.

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