yakuni

- 226 E 53rd St BSMT w, New York, NY 10022

Nestled in the basement of a building in Midtown East, yakuni is a hidden gem that has quickly become a standout in New York City's vibrant bar scene. More than just a place to grab a drink, yakuni is a beautifully decorated and intimate speakeasy that transports its guests to a pocket of Tokyo. The bar’s interior, with its dimly lit and cozy aesthetic, creates a serene and inviting escape from the constant hustle and bustle of the city above. As a bar, yakuni excels in its carefully curated offerings, which include an exceptional selection of specialty sake, plum wine, and unique cocktails. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the immaculate music, often featuring jazz vinyls played on a retro record player, creating a chill and sophisticated vibe. This unique combination of ambiance, music, and a high-quality drink selection makes yakuni a truly special and memorable destination. It’s the kind of place you'll want to linger at for hours, whether you’re on a date, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet, solo evening.

yakuni is a "hidden gem" located at 226 E 53rd St BSMT w, New York, NY 10022. Its location is part of its charm; to find it, you must descend a half flight of stairs and open a door to reveal the dimly lit bar. This adds to the exclusive, almost secret vibe that makes it feel so special. While the address places it firmly in Midtown, its secluded nature makes it feel like it’s miles away from the city's grime and noise. The central location makes it accessible from various parts of Manhattan, easily reached by walking from nearby subway stations and bus stops. However, due to its small and intimate size, it is a place where you will want to plan your visit, as it can get quite packed, especially on weekend evenings. The cozy space adds to its appeal, but it's important to be aware of its intimate nature, as it's not a large venue built for a massive crowd.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: The bar offers a full-service experience within its cozy and beautifully decorated interior.

• Onsite Services: The bar provides a full bar experience with a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

• Payments: For customer convenience, the bar accepts credit cards, making transactions smooth and easy.

• Quick Visits: The atmosphere is perfect for both long, relaxing evenings and quick, high-quality drinks.

Features and Highlights

• Phenomenal Drinks: The bar is celebrated for its amazing cocktails and specialty drinks. Patrons highlight the unique curation of sake and plum wine, which are often difficult to find outside of fancy Japanese restaurants.

• Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere: Described as a "speakeasy," yakuni has a beautifully decorated, dimly lit, and intimate interior. This small, 18-seat space feels like a "pocket of Tokyo" and is perfect for a chill, relaxed evening.

• Live Vinyl Music: A key feature of the bar is its immaculate music selection, often playing jazz vinyls on a record player, which adds a sophisticated and laid-back soundtrack to the evening.

• Exceptional Staff: Customers praise the bartender for being talented, friendly, and knowledgeable, providing great insight on the sake and creative cocktails.

• Delicious Food: In addition to the drinks, yakuni is also noted for its great food, including "phenomenal spicy sausage," adding a culinary dimension to the experience.

• Authentic Vibe: The bar successfully replicates the feel of a small, local bar in Tokyo, offering a truly unique and authentic cultural experience in the heart of New York City.

• Restroom: For customer convenience, a clean restroom is available on-site.

Contact Information

Address: 226 E 53rd St BSMT w, New York, NY 10022, USA

Phone: (347) 224-2706

What is worth choosing

yakuni is a bar that is truly worth choosing for anyone in New York seeking an elevated and distinct drinking experience. It's a place that transcends the typical bar scene by offering a curated and thoughtfully designed environment. The most compelling reason to visit is the unique combination of its ambiance and offerings. The bar's interior is a major draw, with its beautiful decor and a cozy, intimate feel that is a stark contrast to the busy Midtown streets outside. This "hidden gem" quality makes the experience feel special and exclusive. The drinks are another significant reason to choose yakuni. Reviewers consistently praise the "great cocktails" and the "phenomenal" selection of specialty sake and plum wine. This dedication to a specific, high-quality Japanese-inspired drink menu is a rare find and a major draw for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Furthermore, the music, with its focus on jazz vinyls, creates an atmosphere that is both chill and sophisticated, perfect for conversation and relaxation. While some reviews mention that the service can be slow, this is often attributed to a lone, but highly skilled, bartender serving a packed house, which speaks to the popularity of the spot. The quality of the food, like the "phenomenal spicy sausage," adds to the overall experience, proving that yakuni is a place where every detail is considered. It's a place that feels like a discovery, and its authentic, relaxed vibe makes it a standout choice for a memorable evening in New York.

yakuni

226 E 53rd St BSMT w, New York, NY 10022, USA