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    Yakuni

    4.6 (21 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

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    Anie R.

    A Sunday night looking for a place to have a cocktail. This popped on my insta & is close to where I'm staying. It's very small, quaint. Bartender súper nice & his drinks were delicious! Nice vibe.

    Gerardo E.

    Loved the environment - small basement bar that was a bit dim with good lighting and music that set the ambiance. The drinks were very creative albeit a bit pricey ~$23 for a cocktail. I got the peach drink, and it was tasty. It was busy but they were attentive

    Wooo!
    Leland S.

    Got here when it basically opened, glad I did because this is one of the more new and hype places in NY. AMBIANCE: Parking: You're in Midtown.... good luck. You're not too far away from the E and M subway. Seating: Bar seating, maybe for 12 people total. Vibes: Welcome to Midtown East! A mix of a residential urban neighborhood with a calmer feel of the city. The spot itself is pretty hidden, you do head down a half stairs then open up a door to a dimmed bar. Nothing too flashy, simple lit, great hi fi blues music, Japanese art and a wall of alcohol. Nothing too fancy, so need to dress up if you can't. Great place to wine down, enjoy a drink, and listen to some good music. FOOD: MaCHET Baker (Recommend) Heavenly! Smooth, earthy, nutty, and relaxing. Sweet/Umami - Junmai Sake, matcha, earthy genmaicha, oatmilk, and genmai rice. The icing on the cake is that Chet Baker was playing in the background. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Great! Friendly and a great delivery that contributed to the aura/presentation of the drink TL; DR OVERALL: 4.5. Awesome! Good selections, wonderful drinks, and pleasant vibes. It felt like a sharp contrast from experiencing the hustle and bustle of New York, to something calm and relaxing. I've had a lot of matcha drinks in my life, this is certainly a memorable one! TIPS: * Come early for a calm enjoyment. This place can get packed!

    Oolong Peach
    Lauren M.

    Yakuni is a charming 18 seat cocktail bar located in a basement. No reservations are accepted. I had an Oolong Peach Drink and a special off the menu drink that had no name. Both were exceptional! We also shared some cheese. My friend had a plum wine which was out of this world. The space is super tiny but the vibes are on point. The bartender Jed was awesome. So kind and a master at his craft. Highly recommend stopping in to this chill spot for unique cocktails 10/10

    Haidar H.

    Glad we got to check out Masa Sans newest space! Like each of his spaces, it's a smaller bar space, only one bartender, but an absolute vibe. Ben was awesome and took care of us. The cocktails we got were next level and we would absolutely be back here again. It honestly felt like we stumbled into a bar in a Yokocho in Japan.

    Nick R.

    Really enjoyed our time here. We made a reservation and thoroughly enjoyed the cocktails. It really did remind me of a speakeasy in Tokyo. The sake tasting was excellent and the bartender went through a thorough explanation. 5 stars!!

    oolong punch
    Katherine Y.

    super excited to have come to this place on its date of soft opening. the bartenders were very friendly and knowledgeable about the drinks. it was cool just to watch them create these various drinks. this place is unassuming on the exterior, a few people from the street had even followed my group as they saw us all going down these stairs that seemed to lead to a laundromat and were confused where we were all going, only to be pleasantly surprised by where they ended up. the interior is super vibey and cool, a quaint little spot very dimly lit with cool decor including a record player. the ma-chet baker drink was delicious, and came in a beautiful little matcha bowl. the bartender garnished the drink with a brown rice flaky topping called genmaicha that provided an interesting textural and flavor aspect. the peach oolong punch was DELICIOUS, it tasted almost just like a lovely peach tea, you could barely taste the liquor (dangerous lol). on a friday night around 8pm, this place was poppin, it was a good thing we made a reservation in advance i'm happy we came and wish success for this place, which i'm sure will come very easily!

    Melon cream soda and ginger something cocktail

    I love the bars intimate ambiance! I had two cocktails, two sake, and some chips. They don't serve food, so I'd recommend coming after dinner. The service was exceptional, and Ben's cocktail creations are truly a highlight, so creative and delicious! Definitely a spot worth visiting for a relaxed night out (:

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    6 months ago

    The bartender was super chill and knowledgeable! Cocktails were creative and strong, would def go again

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    1 year ago

    wonderful new sake bar with super unique ambience and an amazing selection of sake plus cocktail. Service is impeccable!

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    Review Highlights - Yakuni

    The cocktails are incredibly creative using various ingredients from in and around Japan.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Thyme Bar - Happy hour cocktails and drinks at Thyme Bar NYC in New York

    Thyme Bar

    4.1(349 reviews)
    1.6 miFlatiron
    $$

    Thyme used to be a fun, charming spot that I genuinely enjoyed visiting and bringing out-of-town…read morefriends to. I was warmly greeted by the gentleman at the door (5 service there), which set a great first impression. However, as soon as I walked downstairs, it felt like the space had lost its speakeasy vibe. I was seated right near the stairs and could feel cold air from outside every time the door opened, which made the experience uncomfortable. I was also surprised to see how much the cocktail menu had been reduced. When I asked about it, the response was that "the place changed a lot." That's fair -- places evolve -- but instead of highlighting the improvements or new strengths, the explanation focused negatively on what the bar used to be. As someone who really enjoyed the former version, that wasn't reassuring. Unfortunately, the drinks themselves didn't make up for it. One of the two cocktails was simply not good. No one came back to check on the drinks, and when I asked for the check after about 20 minutes, there was no acknowledgment that I had barely touched mine or any inquiry about my experience. Overall, a place I once enjoyed and recommended now feels more like a standard dive bar where " Mixologist " were replaced by bartender and were fun cool looking and tasty drinks were replaced by " less complex cocktail ", lacking the warmth and attention to detail that once made it special.

    My expectations were high for my first NYC speakeasy. TLDR version - disappointing and not planning…read moreto return. Easy to find if you know what you're looking for, if you arrive right at 5pm on a cold weeknight in the winter, you'll easily find a table or seat at the bar. Very cute space, cozy like everyone says, but nothing mind blowing. Music is moderately loud. The menu in early February still included their winter holiday cocktails. I was more interested in the apple sage house-made fermented soda, and it was pretty good-large glass, flavorful and not too sweet. My friend enjoyed her pomegranate version. The space started to fill up at around 5:30. Service was polite when you could get it, but generally very inattentive, even before it got busy. It honestly didn't feel too different from anu other very nice NYC bar, in terms of menu selection, prices, ambiance and service. Maybe that's standard for NYC speakeasies, but the places I frequented in other cities were more fun and felt more worth the price. I'll still give another NYC spot a try, but not coming back to Thyme.

    Photos
    Thyme Bar - Squirrel on a beach (@joeynht)

    Squirrel on a beach (@joeynht)

    Thyme Bar - Roasted Garlic & Tarragon Ketchup

    Roasted Garlic & Tarragon Ketchup

    Thyme Bar - (@joeynht)

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    (@joeynht)

    Patent Pending - Bar area.

    Patent Pending

    4.2(432 reviews)
    1.4 miFlatiron
    $$$

    I'd give this place 6 stars if I could. It's my favorite speakeasy in the city by far…read more The drinks are absolutely phenomenal. They're experimental, whimsical, delicious, and worth every penny. My absolute favorite is Child of Light, and my BF's was High Frequency Device. The interior was dimly lit, with a couple of candles per table or counter. It's a perfect place for a date night. And while there may be a wait on busier nights, it's always worth the wait. We were sat at the bar once and were very well taken care of by our bartender, Nikola. It was a Sunday night, so it wasn't terribly busy. We chatted up a storm and he was able to create some drinks off the menu just for fun (on request). He also made my BF and me a couple of drinks to celebrate our anniversary too. Wonderful people and wonderful service. Needless to say, we will be back as frequently as we can!

    One of my friends and I were looking to grab a drink before calling it a night. She had been to…read morePatent Pending before and had good things to say, and since it wasn't too far from us we decided to head over. Patent Pending is a speakeasy, located behind Patent Coffee. It was dark when we entered the coffee shop but an ajar door gave way to the bar. The decor is a homage to the works of Nikola Tesla, which can be seen in the subtle electric theme throughout the space and the naming of the cocktails. The space isn't too large - the bar and stools take up most of the space but they also have some booths/tables. The place looks great. The cocktail menu is very creative - I got one of their seasonal mixes that was actually two drinks in one. The main cocktail was meant to be sipped first and they provided a small glass of beer to be sipped after. The name escapes me but it was very good. Since we had cocktails at dinner, we only stayed for one round. Service was good, and overall I enjoyed my time at Patent Pending. I would definitely return to explore more of their menu.

    Photos
    Patent Pending - Entry to Patent Pending

    Entry to Patent Pending

    Patent Pending - Strange Magic Cocktail (~$21)

    Strange Magic Cocktail (~$21)

    Patent Pending - Impossible Idea

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    Impossible Idea

    Little Ned - the lil' ned wagyu katsu sando

    Little Ned

    4.7(55 reviews)
    1.3 miFlatiron

    I was looking for a spot in the area to meet a friend, and after a quick search settled on Little…read moreNed. As I walked in and saw just how swanky this place is I panicked - there was no way we could just walk in here without a reservation, right? But the hostess was, thankfully, so down to earth. I was straight up like hey I totally messed up and thought we could just walk in here, she was like you know what, let me see what we have. Lo and behold, she did have a table for us - as long as we were out in an hour and a half, which was just the right amount of time. Stepping into this place feels like you're in some secret, super special cocktail club. Decor is super high end, vibes are upscale AF. The cocktail menu is incredible -- and incredibly pricey, but truly worth it. I ordered the Valentino which was strong and sweet, really well made. They gave out a complimentary nut mix that was also delicious. Service was swift and gracious. If you're looking for a spot to impress a date, this is it.

    Come to Little Ned for fantastic cocktails in an intimate setting, you won't be disappointed…read more The space is gorgeous, with bar and table seating on the main floor, as well as some standing tables next to the bar if you can't find a seat right away. There's also seating on the second floor, perfect for couples or small groups. I tried two of their cocktails when I went. The first was the Eastern Julep, a delicious twist on a classic. The mint Moroccan tea gave the drink a cool, refreshing taste on every sip. I also tried the Silver Screen, the closest drink I could find to an old fashioned. It was interesting, there was definitely a hint of a buttery taste. Overall a really balanced bourbon drink. I walked in and found room at the standing tables. A bar seat eventually opened up but I was already on my second drink by then. Definitely make reservations if you're planning a visit!

    Photos
    Little Ned - Saturn

    Saturn

    Little Ned - Yankee Hanky Panky

    Yankee Hanky Panky

    Little Ned

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    The Tusk Bar

    The Tusk Bar

    4.5(40 reviews)
    1.3 miFlatiron
    Full bar
    Romantic vibe

    Had such a lovely time at The Tusk Bar! The atmosphere is gorgeous and cozy at the same time,…read moremaking it feel like the perfect spot to relax with friends or enjoy a fun night out. The cocktails were absolutely delicious. Everything was beautifully presented and full of flavor. You can tell a lot of thought goes into both the drinks and the overall experience. The food was also amazing and perfect for sharing. What really made the visit memorable was how kind and welcoming everyone was. The service was attentive without feeling rushed, and the staff made us feel right at home. I can definitely see why people rave about this place!!

    Tusk Bar inside The Evelyn Hotel feels like stepping into a well-kept secret from another century…read more The space leans fully into that Prohibition-era Art Deco elegance, low lighting, polished brass, velvet everything. It somehow manages to feel both refined and relaxed at the same time. The kind of place where you half expect to spot Hemingway in the corner pretending not to eavesdrop. We started with half a dozen oysters, which were fresh, briny, and exactly what you want with serious cocktails. Crisp, clean, gone in about three minutes. For drinks, we ordered the Smoke Show and the King Tusk. The Smoke Show was beautifully balanced. The Grey Goose vodka and Dolin Dry gave it that classic martini backbone, but the fino sherry and brine added depth. The smoked olive oil and blue cheese olive brought just enough savory drama without overpowering the glass. It was complex but not fussy. The King Tusk leaned more aromatic and layered. The vermouths gave it richness, while the Buddha's Hand and osmanthus flower added subtle citrus and floral notes that lingered in a really elegant way. It felt like a cocktail designed to be savored slowly. The music fit the mood perfectly, not too loud, just enough to give the room energy without killing conversation. Overall, it's a great spot if you want elevated drinks in a space that feels transportive without being pretentious. Definitely a place I'd come back to when I'm in the mood for a refined, slightly cinematic night out in Flatiron.

    Photos
    The Tusk Bar
    The Tusk Bar
    The Tusk Bar

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    Clemente Bar - Clemente mushroom burger

    Clemente Bar

    4.3(48 reviews)
    1.4 miFlatiron

    This is a hidden bar upstairs of a restaurant. Small and intimate dimly lit space. Although small,…read moreyou still felt the energy of the room. Very full cocktail menu. Staff was accommodating and let us sit for an hour as we didn't have a reservation. Don't try any of the light bites. I'd come back

    Date: Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 Time: 7:15pm…read moreParty of: 6 Reservation Made Thru: Resy about two weeks prior Accolades: No.15 North America's 50 Best Bars 2026, No.11 North America's 50 Best Bars 2025 *Clemente Martini ($26) *Negroni Colada ($24) *Apples to Orange ($26) *Oyatsu Club ($25) *Parakeet ($24) *Glenfiddich Reserve ($25) *Against the Grain ($26) *Three Boxes ($25) Our reservation was originally for a party of five. We had an extra person when we checked in and they happily added her to the rez. We just had to wait about 15 mins which was fine. We were seated around 7:30pm. It was busy and bustling in the upstairs bar. We were seated at a spot resembling a coffee table(s) with chairs / ottomans surrounding it. I got the martini. It was a fun play with the green curry and saffron. This place is a little loud, so it is not easy to have a convo with your party. I am old so this probably wouldn't have been something I clocked in my younger years. They do have food which looks intriguing. Especially anything with truffles on it. If in the area, would definitely consider coming back for a quick drink and bite. REVIEW #4013

    Photos
    Clemente Bar - Interior

    Interior

    Clemente Bar - Truffle Tofu Dog

    Truffle Tofu Dog

    Clemente Bar - The Lounge

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    The Lounge

    Yakuni - speakeasies - Updated June 2026

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