Sake Bar Satsko: A Cozy Gem for Sake Lovers in NYC

Sake Bar Satsko Introduce

In the heart of the East Village, on a residential block between avenues B and C, lies a hidden gem that has been delighting New Yorkers for years. Sake Bar Satsko is more than just a wine bar; it is a cozy, women-owned establishment that has become a beloved destination for sake connoisseurs and novices alike. Opened in 2004 by Satsko Watanabe, the bar was born from a desire to create a welcoming haven for lonely New Yorkers to relax, eat delicious food, and enjoy great drinks. Today, it continues that legacy under the management of her daughter, Amy, and remains a cult favorite for its authentic vibe and impressive offerings.

The atmosphere at Sake Bar Satsko is a perfect blend of casual, cozy, and trendy. It's the kind of place you can walk into and feel instantly at ease, whether you're on a first date, a solo dining adventure, or a lively group outing. The intimate setting, combined with the knowledgeable and friendly staff, creates an environment where you can truly appreciate the art of sake without any intimidation. As a full-fledged Izakaya, it also offers a curated selection of small plates to complement the drinks, making it a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Location and Accessibility

Sake Bar Satsko is situated at 202 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA. Its location on a quieter stretch of a side street provides a charming, local feel, away from the more frantic energy of the main avenues. This makes it a perfect escape for those seeking a more relaxed night out in the East Village.

While specific accessibility details were not fully provided, the bar's location in a walkable, dense neighborhood is a major plus for New Yorkers who rely on public transportation. The cozy nature of the space, however, may be a consideration for those with mobility issues. The bar's presence in a neighborhood known for its vibrant community and diverse offerings makes it a convenient stop for a great night out.

Services Offered

Sake Bar Satsko focuses on providing a high-quality bar and dining experience with a specific emphasis on Japanese culture.

Extensive Beverage Menu: The bar’s primary offering is its impressive selection of sake, categorized into different types like Junmai, Junmai Ginjo, Daiginjo, and Nigori. They also offer a limited but well-chosen selection of wine, beer (including a variety of Japanese brews), and cocktails.
Small Plates (Izakaya): The food menu features a variety of small plates designed to be shared and to pair perfectly with sake. From appetizers like Edamame and Gyoza to more substantial dishes like Tuna Don and Chicken Karaage, the food is simple, healthy, and satisfying. The menu also includes vegan and vegetarian options.
Flexible Dining: The bar offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, providing options for different occasions, whether you’re planning a cozy night in or a late-night outing. It is particularly popular for dinner and solo dining.
Reservations: The bar accepts reservations, which is a useful feature for groups planning to visit during peak hours.

Features and Highlights

Sake Bar Satsko has several notable features that make it a standout destination in the NYC bar scene.

Exceptional Sake Selection: The bar is a haven for sake enthusiasts, offering a wide and varied list that includes options with helpful tasting notes. The staff is also known for being knowledgeable and eager to help customers navigate the menu and find the perfect sake for their palate.
Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere: The ambiance is consistently praised by patrons. It’s described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with a non-intimidating vibe that encourages guests to relax and enjoy themselves. It is a great place to meet up with friends or have a laid-back, late-night meal.
Inclusive and Safe Space: The establishment proudly identifies as a transgender-safe space and is LGBTQ+ friendly, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. It also identifies as a women-owned business, adding to its community-focused character.
Homemade Food: The food menu, while small, is a highlight. Reviewers rave about dishes like the homemade pickles and grilled squid, which are perfect for complementing the sake. Signature dishes like "Jennigiri" and "Carriegiri" are even named after regular customers, a testament to the bar's personal touch.
Dog-Friendly: For those with furry friends, the bar is a great option, as dogs are allowed inside, making it a truly pet-friendly establishment.

Contact Information

For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact Sake Bar Satsko using the details below:

Address: between Avenue B and C, 202 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA

Phone: (212) 614-0933

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Sake Bar Satsko is a decision to embrace a unique and authentic drinking experience in the city. The bar's extensive and well-curated sake menu is a major draw, providing both a chance to indulge in a favorite beverage and an opportunity to learn something new. The staff's expertise and willingness to guide guests through the selection make it an inviting spot for anyone, regardless of their knowledge of sake.

The food menu, while consisting of small plates, is perfectly designed to accompany the drinks, with flavorful dishes that are fresh and well-executed. The homemade pickles and grilled squid, in particular, are lauded as delicious pairings. Beyond the food and drink, the atmosphere is what truly sets Sake Bar Satsko apart. It's a place that feels like a hidden gem, a cozy retreat from the busy city streets. The fast and friendly service, combined with a genuine sense of community, makes it a truly special place. For anyone in New York looking for an authentic, educational, and relaxing night out centered around great Japanese drinks and food, Sake Bar Satsko is an excellent choice.

Sake Bar Satsko Food & drink

DRINKS - JUNMAI SAKE
ozeki junmai $12.00
junmai - 70% polish - 16% ABV dry, full-bodied, delicate, brewed in California
asabaraki suijin “god of water”
[1.8 L] junmai - 70% polish - 16.5% ABV - iwate prefecture dry, bold, smooth, full-bodied, strong rice flavor
suigei tokubetsu junmai “drunken whale”
[1.8 L] tokubetsu junmai - 55% polish - 15.5% ABV - kochi prefecture dry, gentle rice notes, rose & wood nose
kariho namahage “devils mask”
[1.8 L] junmai yamahai - 60% polish - 15% ABV - ishikawa prefecture extremely dry, robust, cedar & ripe fruit nose
otokoyama junmai “man’s mountain”
[1.8 L] tokubetsu junmai - 55% polish - 15.5% ABV - hokkaido prefecture very dry, acidic, velvety, subtle earthiness, fennel & hops presence
niizawa jozo ten atago no matsu honjozo “waiting love”
[720 ml] honjozo - 60% polish - 15% ABV - miyagi prefecture tropical fruit aroma, herbal profile, dry & elegant finish
kikumasamune taru “spirit of cedar”
[720 ml] junmai - 73% polish - 16% ABV - hyogo prefecture dry, fragrant, light, natural cedar fragrance, aged in yoshino cedar casks
masumi okuden kantsukuri “mirror of truth”
[720 ml] junmai - 70% polish - 15% ABV - nagano prefecture semi floral front, with clean, dry ending. reads like a crisp chardonnay
hakkaisan honjozo “eight peaks”
[1.8 L] tokubetsu honjozo- 50% polished - 15.5% ABV - niigata prefecture dry, rich, earthy, campfire & tropical fruit nose
mioya yuho junmai “eternal embers”
[720 ml] junmai - 55% polish - 16% ABV - ishikawa prefecture raisin, nut & fig aroma, lots of umami, rich texture, female-owned brewery
seitoku bessen “special select” $20.00
9 oz futsushu - 58% polish - 16% ABV - hiroshima prefecture woodsy earth tones, smoked wood, rich, full-bodied served hot
soto junmai “outdoor”
[720 ml] clean and light on the palate, apple, soft rice, touch of umami
yamada shoten mukashi no manma “everlasting roots”
[900 ml] tokubetsu junmai - 15% ABV - gifu prefecture creamy texture, dry and earthy, dried tangerine peel and clove nose
kurosawa kimoto “junmai”
[720 ml] junmai kimoto - 65% polish - 15% ABV - nagano prefecture traditional brew method using ambient microbes, robust with prominent acidity, notes of black walnuts
taka “noble arrow”
[720 ml] tokubetsu junmai - 15.5% ABV - yamaguchi prefecture melon rind, notes of spearmint, luscious

DRINKS - JUNMAI GINJO SAKE
kitaro jungin “kitaro’s sake” $16.00
junmai ginjo - 50% polish - 16% ABV - tottori prefecture dry, smooth, light, caramel, served in decorated individual cup
oyaji gokuraku “father’s paradise” $16.00
junmai ginjo - 50% polish - 16% ABV - tottori prefecture dry, balanced, clean, elegant acidity, served in decorated individual cup
nezumi otoko “mouse man” $16.00
junmai ginjo - 50% polish - 16% ABV - tottori prefecture medium dry with well balanced acidity, served in decorated individual cup
kubota senju “1,000 long lives”
[720 ml] ginjo - 55% polish - 15.5% ABV - niigata prefecture dry, light, dried fruit nose, cotton candy & cocoa, velvety & layered
meibo yowanotsuki "midnight moon"
[500 ml] junmai ginjo - 50% polish - 16% ABV - aichi prefecture light and full of melon flavor, great for the sauvingon blanc lover. cool for the summer
nishi shuzo “tenbu”
[500 ml] junmai ginjo - 50% polish - 16% ABV - aichi prefecture light and full of melon flavor, great for the sauvingon blanc lover. cool for the summer
nishi shuzo “tenbu”
[720 ml] junmai ginjo - 15% ABV - kagoshima prefecture refreshing, with note of white peach, pairs excellent with fried dishes
kirinzan shuzo “classic” junmai ginjo
[720 ml] futsushu - 65% polish - 15.5% ABV - niigata prefecture dry, light-bodied, hazelnut & melon aroma, velvety & smooth
koshi no kanbai sai “blue river”
[720 ml} junmai ginjo - 55% polish - 15% ABV - niigata prefecture pure, crisp, clean, Japan’s most sought-after & rarified
dewazakura dewasansan “green ridge”
[720 ml] junmai ginjo - 50% polish - 15.5% ABV - yamata prefecture bright, refreshing, slightly tart
kokuryu junmai ginjo “black dragon”
[720 ml] junmai ginjo - 55% polish - 15.5% ABV - fukui prefecture sweet nose, dry finish, smooth, coffee & taffy nose, caramel, rich & mysterious
dewazakura izumi judan “tenth degree”
[720 ml] ginjo - 50% - 17.5% ABV - yamagata prefecture a martini lover’s sake, crisp, dry, with hints of juniper & fragrant melon
sohomare tokubetsu kimoto “heart and soul”
[720 ml] junmai ginjo - 60% polish - 12% ABV - tochigi prefecture Soulfully drinkable with plenty of acidity and ample umami
fukucho junmai ginjo “moon on the water”
[720 ml] junmai ginjo - 55% polish - 16.5% ABV - hiroshima prefecture expressive, pear & honeydew nose, mango fruit tones, female-owned brewery & toji
brooklyn kura “number 14”
[720 ml] junmai ginjo namazake - 55% - 15% ABV - brooklyn lovely, small batch unpasteurized sake brewed right next door!

DRINKS - DAIGINJO SAKE
soto ”outside”
[720 ml] junmai daiginjo - 60% polish - 15.5% ABV - niigata prefecture nose is a collection of mango, ripe peach, citrus, and a touch of coconut aromas
wakatake onikoroshi “demon slayer”
[1.8 L] junmai daiginjo - 48% polish - 16.5% ABV - shizuoka prefecture semi-dry, bright, fruity nose, alluring silky texture, honey & citrus
nihon sakarai “daiginjo”
[720 ml] junmai daiginjo - 50% polish - 16% ABV - hyogo prefecture light and dry, brewed with rokko mountain range water, delicate floral notes of pear
hoyo kura no hana “fair maiden”
[500 ml] junmai daiginjo - 45% polish - 15% ABV - miyagi prefecture airily light, hint of anise, smooth & gentle, delicate

DRINKS - NIGORI SAKE
ozeki nigori
[1.5 L] junmai nigori - 70% polish - 14.5% ABV sweet, full-bodied, rich, velvety, smooth & soft, unfiltered
dassai 50 nigori “otter festival”
[720 ml] daiginjo nigori - 50% polish - 15.5% ABV - yamaguchi prefecture semi-dry, bright, rose water & melon aroma, soft & airy, hints of anise, unfiltered
gozenshu bodaimoto “misty mountain”
[720 ml] junmai usu-nigori - 65% polish - 17.5% ABV - okayama prefecture sweet, zesty, peppery finish, uses 12th century bodaimoto technique, unfiltered
kamoizumi nigori ginjo “summer snow”
[500 ml] nigori ginjo - 58% polish - 17.5% ABV - hiroshima prefecture sweet, cotton candy, dry finish, voluptuous, undiluted, unfiltered, unpasteurized

DRINKS - BEER
sapporo draft
crisp, refreshing, refined with a clean finish pitcher
sapporo light $7.00
light body, smooth finish
orion $8.00
dry, crisp, medium-bodied, grassy aroma - okinawa prefecture
japas craft $11.00
rotating selection of craft brews
asahi black $8.00
rich, nutty & smooth, dry finish
yuzu shuwah $11.00
sweet and citrusy shandy. gluten free

DRINKS - NON-ALCOHOLIC
green tea pot of hojicha $5.00

DRINKS - WINE
ja tempranillo - argentina - organic
jean-marie berthier sancerre - france
aphros phanus loureiro - portugal
ô de léthé rosé cave du luberon - france
contessa prosecco della contessa - italy

VEGETABLES
edamame $6.00
young soy beans, salt
Peperoncino edamame $8.00
Spicy garlicky soy beans
miso soup $4.00
tofu, wakam fe, green onion
myoga yuzu pickles $10.00
cucumber, myoga ginger, yuzu
homemade vegan kimchi $5.00
young spicy pickled cabbage
vegetable dumpling $10.00
seasoned tofu, vegan kimchi, shiitake mushroom
shishito tempura $10.00
lightly battered peppers, ponzu dipping sauce
foil baked mushrooms $11.00
mixed mushrooms, citrus soy butter
veggie buns $10.00
vegan kimchi, mushrooms, vietnamese pickles
house salad $9.00
lettuce, cucumber, onion, tomato, cilantro

RICE
tuna don $16.00
seared sesame tuna, spicy tuna, seasoned rice
jennigiri $15.00
avocado, melted mozzarella, wrapped in nori
debugiri $15.00
smoked salmon, avocado, wrapped in nori
carriegiri $16.00
smoked salmon, avocado, mozzarella, nori
spicy tuna onigiri $16.00
tuna, spicy mayo, wrapped in nori

MEAT
gyoza $10.00
ground pork & beef dumplings
kurobuta sausage $8.00
berkshire pork sausage, shredded cabbage
chicken karaage $12.00
deep fried soy-marinated chicken
pulled pork buns $10.00
spicy pulled pork, vietnamese pickles, cilantro
korean style bbq beef $14.00
gochujang marinated beef, pickles, lettuce wraps

SEAFOOD
tako wasabi $8.00
raw baby octopus marinated in wasabi stems
shumai $10.00
seasoned seafood dumpling
dried grilled squid $15.00
served with seasoned mayo, a Satsko specialty
tuna tartare $17.00
tossed in sesame oil, soy, on a bed of cucumbers
garlic shrimp $14.00
garlic, cilantro
tuna tataki $17.00
seared sesame crusted tuna, ponzu, onion, over lettuce

Sake Bar Satsko Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Food at bar
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Dinner

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Pets
Dogs allowed

Sake Bar Satsko Photos

Sake Bar Satsko Location

Sake Bar Satsko

New York New York County New York East 7th Street

between Avenue B and C, 202 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA

Sake Bar Satsko Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 252 user reviews.

bartendersake bombsselectionatmospheresnacksintimatepartytunachicken karaagepork buns

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

What a cute little sake bar, I've had this on my list to go to for so long and disappointed I didn't go sooner. If you love sake this is the place to be, a great variety to choose from and paired with food menu i can hang here all night
April 10 · Matt Torres
Love this little gem. We came right after they opened on a Monday and had the place to ourselves! Susan was great explaining food choices and chatting about sake choices. I love that you can eat small plates that come out quickly and perfect for sake nerds! I would come back all the time for these 2 dishes pictured. Amazing flavor and love the homemade pickles. The squid reminded me of squid jerky i wish i had some right now.
March 13 · Lindsay Baum
It is a really small place but it’s a sake bar .. it’s a small cute bar with red ambience, I believe it’s red coz sake is originated from Japan and Japan has its red circle in the flag which symbolizes Japan.. had a sake bomb which is fun to have and loved it.. the bartender was really helpful in selecting the drinks and make our lives easy for a sake bomb.
March 22 · Sajud Hamza
Such a fun time at a neighborhood gem of a hole-in-the-wall.Tons of sake to try, all excellent.Delicious small bites. Love the ambiance and music too.Perfect for a creative date night!
April 17 · Justin Hayworth
Knowledgeable staff, generous pours, and good food. Has outdoor seating and is luckily a block away from the dense loudness of East Village. You can take your time, enjoy your company, and learn about and enjoy your sake.
October 22 · Kimberly Peng