Decibel - New York

4.5 stars, rounding to 5. Absolutely love the vibes here! I recently visited Japan and Sake Bar Decibel truly reminds me of the back alley izakayas there. The interior is charmingly cluttered with Japanese lanterns and lots of scribblings on the wall. Since it's a small space, you might need to wait a while if you have a large party. Groups of 2-4 are the sweet spot. It's also super loud and dark (adds to the dive-y izakaya vibe). They offer a variety of delicious sakes. There's something for everyone, from sweet to dry. If you're not looking for traditional sake, they also offer pitchers of lychee martinis (super easy to drink).

When I used to live nearby, this was my favorite spot for a first date, for several reasons: It was affordable, so I would usually just order a carafe of lychee martini. The food wasn't fantastic, but that was actually a good thing because it meant you didn't have to spend a lot. The atmosphere was loud, which encouraged you to sit close to your date. It was easy to get a reservation, so there wasn't usually a wait. The restaurant was close to the subway and had a 90-minute seating limit. Plus, everyone looked better in the dim lighting. They played good music and the owners were laid-back. People would sometimes get tipsy, which was entertaining to watch. Some may call it a "shithole," but I would give it 5/5 stars overall. I wish there was a sake bar like this in every neighborhood and city!

Lychee Martini was much weaker than I thought. No effects at all and we all ended up ordering another drink. The Yuzu Soda was actually pretty good and I'm glad that the waiter recommended that to us. Takowasa is another favorite. My friends put me on it tonight and I have to say it has an interesting but addicting taste to it. Should def try if it's your first time.

Very authentically Japanese. It's a small, dark and crowded little basement bar in the East Village, there is often a line but if you've been to Japan this whole vibe will feel incredibly familiar! It is very much on the louder side, so you'll have to shout to hear one another, but the atmosphere is great and they have a very extensive sake collection.

True Japanese Izakaya vibes! Dark, loud cavernous, with low hanging ceilings this bar has an extensive sake menu with a few other cocktails, whiskey highball, and some apps and entrees (gyudon, udon, yakisoba, takoyaki, kaarage, and other small plates. The tables are very close to each other so you will be hearing other people's conversations right on top of yours. The service is speedy and very nice not sure if I'd come again because I'm not a big sake girl nor do I enjoy basically having a yelling conversation for a few hours. : Would come again if there was a quieter time of the day!