NR

This sister bar to ROKC from cocktail expert Shige Kabashima opened in late 2019 and features a menu inspired by the cuisine of 19th century Japanese port towns. Similar to its sibling cocktail destination, NR offers expertly crafted drinks served within ornate vessels (but those arriving in a simple nick and nora glass are just as good, too). Food offerings include Oysters, a Mussel + Beer + Cotton Candy dish, and specialty ramens like Sea Urchin & Salmon Caviar or the Kyoto topped with pork belly. With decor like antique-style lamps and wooden beam ceilings, the alluring dining room easily sets the mood for date night.

This quirky cocktail bar is the sophomore effort from rockstar barman Shige Kabashima, who cut his teeth at lauded Japanese cocktail den, Angel’s Share, before debuting his first solo project, ROKC (also on this list). In addition to curious and elaborately garnished cocktails flavored with ingredients like palo santo, one should come for izakaya-style bites and ramen selections that are both warm and cold. Don’t miss the brothless uni and salmon roe option, which involves thickly-cut, extra chewy noodles topped with shiso and nori.

Shige Kabashima of lauded Japanese cocktail bar ROKC debuted his sophomore effort, NR, about a year and a half ago on the Upper East Side. In his signature style, the spot is also dedicated to cocktails built with Japanese ingredients served in whimsical vessels with elaborate garnishes, and there’s a fun snack menu to match. Loosely inspired by kaiseki cuisine, chef Takashi Igarashi (Kajitsu, Odo) is behind the menu here; think soupless ramen with uni and ikura, and a truffled Japanese egg sandwich served with melted butter on the side. While NR typically offers 20 bar seats, starting this month they’ll begin with eight. 
How to book: Indoor/outdoor seating available; takeout/delivery via website.