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    Hard to Explain

    4.5 (52 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Hard to Explain Photos

    Business Info

    HARD TO EXPLAIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Romantic

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    Caroline W.

    Got the yuzu sour and sweet teddy when we went Thought the concept of the bar was super cool and that it all had similar base flavorings. Thought the yuzu flavor came out really well in this cocktail and also really enjoyed the small details of the candy on the cocktail too. Thought the bar tender was super sweet and friendly. She was great with helping us pick drinks we thought would be best. Decor in there is also super cute as well and has a nice cozy vibe to it

    Cocktail
    Rachel G.

    We happened to be walking down the street and decided to pop in for a drink. It's a small space with a long bar and cute decor. They serve a variety of sake cocktails, natural wine, sake and Japanese beers. We ordered the sake flight and natural wine flight, which included three tastings for each. Both flights were good and quite different. We also tried a sake cocktail that was similar to a Negroni. The bar serves some snacks and light bites to accompany the drinks. They also have matcha on weekend mornings. Great spot to grab drinks before or after dinner.

    Hojicha Mirin, Cameron Obscura, and Ma-Chet Baker.
    Cindy Z.

    Just like their sister bar, Steight providing various sake and shoju based cocktails in a cozy Japanese speakeasy. We came between 6-7pm, which was happy hour so we got 10% off all drinks too --win! All of the drinks are Asian-inspired with tasty and refreshing notes. I had the Bitchy Mangoes ($21) and Hojicha Mirin ($18). I enjoyed the mango one more, but highly recommend the Ma-Chet Baker ($21) and Falling for U-Bae ($21) if you want something super tasty. These two come in a bowl and tastes exactly like a latte. You can hardly taste the alcohol (which is dangerous) and it's so fun to drink. Great vibes for a date night or small hang with friends since it's a small space.

    Ariadna S.

    My best friend introduced me to this spot in January. Very small (in the best way) and intimate bar with amazing selection of Japan inspired cocktails. We loved every single one. The bartender was fun to chat with and answered all the questions I had about the cocktails. One of the places I will be returning to once I'm in NYC again.

    Haidar H.

    This is a must every single time we come back to New York. We absolutely LOVE Hard To Explain. The staff is awesome, the drinks are awesome and the place is an absolute vibe. Just be sure to get there early and don't be rude when ordering or waiting for a drink. There's one bartender and they're working as fast as they can.

    Jennifer N.

    The drinks were so easy to drink and I like the asian inspired menu. It was like a dessert and after meal drink in one. My favorite was the ube cocktail. I liked my friends drinks too which were matcha and something tall i forget the name. This would actually be such a cute date spot, very intimate. Wasn't a fan of the bathroom though, could barely sit down on the toilet because my knees were touching the wall

    kurobata sausages (get it with the mustard)
    Ceci C.

    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!

    Cafe Purr-risa   Would you Mirin-me?
    Kati B.

    My favorite way to discover new bars and restaurants in NYC is to utilize the Seated app. This time, it really did not disappoint! After choosing the walk-in option, we made our way to Hard to Explain bar in the east Village. This place is so non-descriptive that we accidentally walked by first, giving it a subtle speakeasy vibe. It's a very tiny bar with limited space but we were able to snag two folding chairs just sit in the back of the room. Their cocktail and liquor options are super unique and all delicious. They use a guest bartender system, with each of the drinks being developed by somebody new. Many of the drinks, many items, and decor are Japanese themed and I particularly love trying the Nisshin-Shurui Sudachi. This is definitely a bar that I want to return to and I've already noted their sister bar/speakeasy to try as well!

    Ma-Chet Baker Latte
    Jacqueline Z.

    A hidden gem! This bar has happy hour from 5-7 PM. Cocktails are $2 off (there's also discounts on other drinks but I don't remember what they were). It's a very small place with one person bartending (the bathroom is also very small). How were, the dark ambiance paired with the industrial lighting and blues/jazz music makes it nice and cozy. Despite being the only person working, the bartender was very friendly and accommodating to everyone who was there. This place specializes in drinks using Japanese spirits. I ordered the Empress X, which was a lychee and floral drink (really good and light). I also ordered the Ma-Chet Baker Latte, which looks like a matcha latte. It is creamy and delicious. If you told me these drinks had alcohol, I wouldn't believe you! I really recommend both of these. I felt like this place was special because of the drink and cocktail selection. These aren't your typical classic cocktails and each one is unique.

    Bar
    Marianne F.

    Cute dimly lit speakeasy, interesting cocktails, very limited space, quite pricey but great for one drink

    Su C.

    What a hidden little spot! I've been here twice and both times were great. 1st time - we found this place after dinner, and did not have a resy. There were 4 spots reserved at the bar for a resy coming in later, but the bartender was kind enough to let our party of 4 sit there for a drink before they came. She was attentive and provided some great recs based on our usual cocktail/liquor preferences. She was the only bartender for a Saturday night, but she was killing it! 2nd time - also walked in without a resy. We sat by the entrance (there are a few seats away from the bar), and made it in time for happy hour which is 5-7pm! Drinks: cafe purr-isa, b*tchy mangoes, Bojo Do Luar "Doralice" (orange wine). Ambiance sort of resembles a speakeasy with the dim lighting, cozy feels. Not a full bar- they serve sake, wine (and natural wines!), craft beers, seltzers, and mock-tails. They also have bar bites/snacks. Highly recommend for a date night or catching up with a smaller group of friends!

    Bar interior
    Anjolika B.

    Really cozy, intimate bar with great vibes and a Japanese influence. There aren't too many seats but the space is so cute. The drinks were all really well crafted. I especially loved the matcha cocktail (I forget the name). It's like a matcha latte in cocktail form, what more could you ask for?

    Cafe Purr-risa
    Sophia N.

    HTE is an intimate bar with a great atmosphere! I got lucky and snagged the last two seats at the bar. The bar tender was really friendly and attentive. I got two drinks - both were very tasty. They didn't taste like alcohol and it felt like I was just drinking coffee/matcha. I also tried sips of the Cameron Obscura and the Empress X. Both of those were also very fruity and did not taste like it had alcohol in it. I enjoyed my time there and I look forward to visiting again.

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    3 years ago

    Great ambience, wonderful music, and delicious drinks. Records playing creates a warm sound!

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    Ask the Community - Hard to Explain

    Are there any non-alcoholic cocktails here for a friend who is 3 years sober?

    Hi, we have direct-source tea and Kyoto ice coffee.

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    The Woo Woo - Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls

    The Woo Woo

    4.4(352 reviews)
    2.1 miTheater District, Midtown West
    $$

    A secret door, an underground 80s-themed speakeasy, and a brunch where you can actually sing…read morealong?! This spot is definitely not your typical brunch experience. Behind the secret entrance is a hidden dining room with live music, sing-along moments, cocktails, and brunch favorites. And the best part? $30 bottomless cocktails with an entrée! Saturdays & Sundays | 1-5 PM Sing-along brunch | 1:30-3:30 PM Would you know the passcode? Follow me @foodie.elite on IG, Tiktok, and RedNote for more great finds!

    If you love great cocktails, this hidden speakeasy is an absolute must-visit! From entering with a…read moresecret passcode to the very last sip, the entire experience is incredible. It has easily earned a spot as one of my favorite bars of all time. The underground space flawlessly captures a raw, seedy, 1980s rock 'n' roll vibe, with eclectic decor that extends beautifully to the themed menus and custom glassware. Sitting at the bar was a highlight--the bartenders were fantastic, clearly proud of their craft, and they even humorously indulged my game of trying to guess the ingredients of each drink they mixed. The cocktail lineup is phenomenal. A few absolute highlights: the Purple Rain with its purple ice and peppercorn, the flambéed Dirty Dancing, a brilliant espresso martini riff called Flick The Bean, and Pure Temptation--which has glassware you just have to see for yourself. Don't miss this place if you're in NYC!

    Photos
    The Woo Woo - Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls

    Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls

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    A speakeasy bar in the basement

    The Woo Woo - The end of the bar. Pay no attention to that small TV.

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    The end of the bar. Pay no attention to that small TV.

    Bar 369 Miroku - Bar area

    Bar 369 Miroku

    4.8(26 reviews)
    2.2 miMidtown West, Theater District, Hell's Kitchen

    I had researched speakeasies in Midtown West of Manhattan before we traveled there to celebrate our…read morefifth wedding anniversary. From our initial trip last year, I had marked a place called Bar 369 Miroku located in Hell's Kitchen. Being that we didn't make our way to the spot on our trip last year, and were staying in Hell's Kitchen this time around, I wanted us to check out. The only challenge was actually finding it. If you're seeking out this gorgeous speakeasy. You aren't going to find it through some darkened alleyway or non-marked door of a building outside. No. You need to check the website and read between the lines of it being located within a sushi bar on West 46th Street. I could tell you the name, but what fun would that be? Figure that part out. But once you figure out how to access, the staff at said-sushi bar will direct you to the back of the restaurant to wheee you will see a sign for the bar and a stairwell to take you up to the second floor. Once you reach and look around, it looks at first you have reached a dead end between the emergency exit you see and a door that looks locked. There is a black curtain in the darkened hallway you need to notice and peer through. And alas, you will discover the bar that is Bar 369 Miroku. Once you have been checked for ID, and your party number, you are escorted into the small, darkly-lit enclave with plush decor, a bit of a Rolling Stones theme with its large poster hung in the back and artwork perched next to the bar shelving. It's an intimate and relaxed energy that makes it perfect to enjoy one of the Japanese-inspired cocktails on an evening after dinner. The hideaway offers a creative mix of craft cocktail options such as the Ichitaki Spritz (a variation of the Aperol spritz with sake in it), which was quite delightful that I enjoyed immensely within the dark lounge surroundings. If we were here more often, I would have taken advantage of their Japanese whisky selection that looked on point. There is a delectable charm to their curation and craftsmanship of their cocktails, combined with the luscious ambience that makes for a great hangout spot to get away and relax for the night. Bar 369 Miroku hits the mark regarding the speakeasy experience you would think to have when describing one, outside of not needing a password. The bar combines dark, stylish elegance with modern Japanese mixology magic to create an environment nestled deep away from the busy Manhattan streets outside.

    Awesome upstairs speakeasy behind an Asian restaurant…read more Went after dinner for a few cocktails. Was a last minute thing so did not have an RSVP, but luckily there was an open table. Ordered a few various drinks - all very good and balanced. A pretty intimate vibe also, which is appreciated. Would come back!

    Photos
    Bar 369 Miroku
    Bar 369 Miroku
    Bar 369 Miroku

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    Pocket Bar NYC - Sharknado Sangria! 3/5. IG: @amei.eats

    Pocket Bar NYC

    4.7(344 reviews)
    2.4 miHell's Kitchen, Midtown West
    $$

    This warm, classy place is fabulous -- a plush Jazz bar with great sound, good food and top name…read moremusicians. I could go every week to see the Mingus Big Band on Mondays and the Arturo O'Farrell Afro-Latin Big Band on Tuesdays!!! Just perfect.

    SUCH a cute little bar! Came out to "investigate" yesterday around "Happy Hour" time (note: there…read morewas no actual happy hour here) around 5-6pm on a Friday. It IS a small bar, but there were only about 4-5 folks here already, engrossed in a conversation at the bar that anyone could join. I quietly took a seat at one of the 3 tables on the plush high-top bench and the lone, friendly bartendress was immediately attentive (I was greeted the moment I stepped through the door!). Now, there's no ACTUAL liquor here, ONLY the beer and wine on the small menu, so don't try asking her to whip you up something not on the menu. Luckily for me, there was a fruity sangria special, so I opted for that, served with a decorative shark adornment and a metal straw, and was immediately given a little bucket of popcorn to accompany it. Now, this is part of the reason why I wanted to check this place out. Fresh popcorn is my weakness. Bars that give free snacks with drinks are top tier in my book. You could probably lure me into the back of a white van with a signature red and white filled popcorn bucket. So I sat, and I sipped, and I munched, and I listened to the conversation from the others, and the bartendress, god bless her, would check on my bucket and refill it any time it got low. Now I'm really a mixed drink girly, but the vibes were SO cool here that I would most definitely come back. :D Also note, there's cool little padded seating by the window that I noticed that would be great for people-watching outside.

    Photos
    Pocket Bar NYC - Sharknado sangria!

    Sharknado sangria!

    Pocket Bar NYC - Popcorn and Cabernet

    Popcorn and Cabernet

    Pocket Bar NYC - Greek White Wine

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    Greek White Wine

    Dutch Freds

    Dutch Freds

    4.5(2.3k reviews)
    2.2 miTheater District, Midtown West, Hell's Kitchen
    $$

    Stopped by Dutch Fred after seeing a show in the area. We asked for a table outside and we were…read moreable to sit and enjoy the New York scenery. We decided on the Wagyu sliders, Honey Sriracha Wings and Parmesan Truffle Fries. So glad we did bc all of our choices were fantastic. The sliders were served on a pretzel bun and the Wagyu melted in your mouth. The wings were perfectly cooked. They were smokey with the perfect amount of heat. The fries were just okay. They could have been cooked better or served "fresh." Overall we enjoyed our time at Dutch Fred's and would return after another show.

    There's a new happy meal deal here and for a starting price of $27, you get a martini, choice of…read moresalad or sliders, and fries! It's a great meal portion for a quick pick-me-up in the Theater District. For one Freddie's Happy Meal combo, I got the, Kale Caesar Salad, Truffle Fries, and Pornstar Martini. You can upgrade your fries and martini for $2 more each. In the other Freddie's Happy Meal, I went with the Sliders, Sweet Potato Fries, and House Vodka Martini! I liked the salad a lot. It had a really good amount of dressing. I also tried their Dry Rub Wings and yummy Brisket Croquettes which reminded me of hush puppies. The wings were overcooked and tough unfortunately. To end the meal, I got their refreshing Hibis-Kiss and Pom Pom Fresca mocktails.

    Photos
    Dutch Freds - Inside

    Inside

    Dutch Freds - Pork Belly Bao Buns

    Pork Belly Bao Buns

    Dutch Freds - Bar

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    Bar

    Hard to Explain - wine_bars - Updated September 2026

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