Recommendations

A basement-level sake bar with an edgy, punk vibe.

Guide: Hipster (Isabella)
Location: East Village

Strengths

• Walk down a set of stairs to this clandestine bar, where you can escape NYU environs and feel like a character in Lost in Translation.
• No Hello Kitty here: Instead, add your scribbles to the graffiti-covered walls or read about sake-making on your menu.
• This place takes rice wine seriously. Don't be intimidated- the staff will help you navigate the long, continually-updated sake list.
• The appetizers are good - try the shumai.

Shortcomings

• "Sake in a box" is not as cool as it sounds: The sake's in a glass. The glass is in a box. The whole thing can be a bit of a mess. Especially if you are a mess when you drink it.
• No sushi for you. Not here, anyway.

Insider tips

• If you're not into sake, you'll still love the light, refreshing sake cocktail.
• Whichever beverage you select, this is (literally and figuratively) a cool place to avoid summer heat.

Anecdotes

• I wowed a date by ordering us Fugu Hire Zake-hot sake with roasted globe fish fin. Loosened him up and showed my exotic, adventurous side... The playlist isn't the only thing here that's well-planned!

Credentials

• New York magazine editor's pick