Minato Izakaya & Garden by Porto Salvo

- 407 E 161st St, Bronx, NY 10451

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For New Yorkers seeking a sophisticated yet accessible dining and drinking experience in The Bronx, **Minato Izakaya & Garden by Porto Salvo** offers a distinctive and welcoming destination. Defined as a modern izakaya restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a tapas bar, Minato brings the vibrant, casual, and culinary-rich spirit of a Japanese pub (izakaya) directly to the borough. The concept skillfully blends the tradition of small, flavorful Japanese plates with a comprehensive, contemporary beverage program, creating a perfect setting for both serious foodies and cocktail enthusiasts.

Far more than just a place to grab a drink, Minato is a fully immersive dining experience. The menu is expansive, ranging from classic sushi and sashimi offerings, including unique items like the **Salmon Flight** and **Tuna Flight**, to hearty Japanese main courses such as **Chicken Katsudon** and **Tuna Poke Bowl**. The heart of the izakaya experience, the *Ippin Ryori* (small plates), is well-represented with options like **Karaage Chicken**, **Shrimp Tempura**, and various tartares and salads, designed for sharing and pairing with drinks.

The ambiance is a major highlight. Patrons can expect an atmosphere that is described as **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy**, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing evening. The establishment proudly identifies as both **Asian-owned** and **LGBTQ+ owned**, and serves as a **Transgender safespace**, fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes **Locals** and **Groups** alike. This commitment to community and culture, combined with its culinary excellence, makes Minato Izakaya & Garden a unique and cherished addition to The Bronx nightlife and dining scene.

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Minato Izakaya & Garden is conveniently located at **407 E 161st St, Bronx, NY 10451, USA**. This strategic address places it in a dynamic and highly-trafficked area of The Bronx, near popular community landmarks and major transportation hubs, ensuring excellent accessibility for New Yorkers from across the borough and beyond.

The location is particularly favorable for its accessibility features, making it a comfortable destination for all patrons. The establishment offers **Free street parking**, which is a significant amenity in New York City. For patrons who rely on public transportation, the central location on East 161st Street provides easy access to nearby subway lines and local bus routes.

Furthermore, Minato has prioritized physical accessibility, offering **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**. This commitment ensures a welcoming and accommodating experience for every visitor. The presence of **Gender-neutral restrooms** further underscores the venue's inclusive and modern approach to hospitality. The centralized location makes it an easy meeting point, whether you are planning a family dinner or a night out with friends.

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Minato Izakaya & Garden offers a full suite of services designed for maximum comfort and convenience, catering to various dining styles and needs throughout the day and into the night.

• **Dining Options:** Available for both **Dinner** and **Dessert** service. The menu offerings are categorized for convenience, providing **Small plates** (Tapas) suitable for sharing, along with larger **Main** dishes.
• **Onsite Seating:** The restaurant provides comfortable **Seating** options, including traditional **Table service** and **Counter service**.
• **Reservations:** The establishment **Accepts reservations**, allowing patrons to plan their visit and secure seating, which is highly recommended during peak hours.
• **Outdoor Dining:** A key feature is the **Outdoor seating** and **Garden Menu**, providing a beautiful and enjoyable setting for al fresco dining, especially during the warmer months.
• **Service Flexibility:** Customers can choose between **Dine-in**, **Takeout** (as noted by a customer review for high-quality food to go), and professional **Catering** services for larger events.
• **Late-Night Service:** The availability of **Late-night food** ensures the experience continues well past typical dining hours, perfect for a genuine izakaya experience.
• **Bar Amenities:** The inclusion of a **Bar onsite** ensures immediate access to the impressive drinks menu.

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Minato Izakaya & Garden’s appeal is multifaceted, highlighted by a rich menu, specialty drinks, and a deeply welcoming atmosphere. These features set it apart in the local New York culinary landscape.

• **Exceptional Cocktails and Beverages:** Recognized for having **Great cocktails** and a specialized drink program. Signature Cocktails include the **Minato Lycheetini**, **Kyoshu's Kiss**, and the theatrical **Flaming Captain**. The bar also offers a wide selection of **Classic Cocktails** like the Martini and Margarita.
• **Extensive Japanese Whiskey & Sake Selection:** A remarkable feature is the deep dive into Japanese spirits, with a long list of whiskies like **Suntory Hibiki** and the highly sought-after **Suntory Yamazaki 12**, and a comprehensive **Sake** menu including **Classic Junmai**, **Nigori**, and the sparkling **Mio Sparkling Sake**. The bar even offers specialized **Courses** like the **Intro To Sake** and **Study Of Junmai**.
• **The Garden Experience:** The "Garden" component of the name is a major draw, providing a scenic **Outdoor seating** area with its own specialized **Garden Menu** that includes plates like **Grilled Whole Prawn** and the **Minato Trios**.
• **Happy Hour Deals:** To make the experience even more accessible, a dedicated **Happy Hour** menu features excellent deals on drinks and food, including **Classic Sake** ($5.00), **Sapporo** ($6.00), and popular cocktails like the **Margarita** ($10.00).
• **Diverse and Healthy Food Offerings:** The menu ensures there are **Healthy options** available, alongside the comfort of **Small plates** and mains. Sushi and sashimi are available in various forms, including custom-named rolls like the **Bronx Roll** and the **161st Roll**, providing a hyper-local touch.
• **Community and Inclusivity:** The business proudly identifies as **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**, appealing to a diverse and supportive crowd of **Groups** and **Locals**.
• **Fast Service:** A highlight noted by customers is the **Fast service**, ensuring that even during busy times, the dining experience remains efficient and enjoyable.

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To plan your visit, make a reservation, or inquire about catering, use the following contact details:

**Address:**

407 E 161st St, Bronx, NY 10451, USA

**Phone Number:**

(929) 376-9651

**Mobile Phone (for convenience):**

+1 929-376-9651

As reservations are accepted, utilizing the phone number to secure a table, especially for the popular outdoor seating area or during dinner hours, is highly recommended.

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Choosing **Minato Izakaya & Garden** is choosing an elevated, versatile, and highly inclusive dining and nightlife experience in The Bronx. For the local New Yorker, what makes this venue truly worth visiting is the combination of its specialized drink selection and its authentic izakaya-style food.

For cocktail enthusiasts, the selection of **Signature Cocktails** or a deep dive into the **Japanese Whiskey** menu, perhaps starting with a glass of the affordable **Tenjaku** or splurging on the luxurious **Suntory Hakushu 18**, is a must. Patrons interested in Japanese culture can benefit from the unique **Sake Courses**, such as the **Intro To Sake**, which offers a tasting and learning experience that is rarely available in casual settings.

Culinary recommendations include trying one of the locally-named **Signature Maki** rolls—the **Bronx Roll** or the **161st Roll**—for a hyperlocal culinary nod. For starters, the **Avocado Spring Roll** and the **Karaage Chicken** are perfect izakaya small plates for sharing over drinks. A customer review specifically highlighted the quality of the **Spicy Tuna** and the spectacular drinks, suggesting these are consistently excellent choices. The presence of the **Happy Hour** menu is also a compelling reason to visit, offering premium drinks like **Shochu Highball** and **Sangria** at favorable prices.

In summary, Minato Izakaya & Garden is worth choosing because it delivers a rare trifecta in a single Bronx location: **High-quality, authentic Japanese cuisine**, a **Sophisticated, well-curated bar program**, and an **Incredibly welcoming, trendy, and accessible atmosphere** that makes it a true neighborhood gem. Whether you are coming for a quick **Solo dining** experience, a **Cozy** date night, or a **Groups** gathering in the **Outdoor seating** area, Minato provides an impressive and memorable experience.

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Minato Izakaya & Garden by Porto Salvo

407 E 161st St, Bronx, NY 10451, USA