For awhile, this was my favorite restaurant-- I was coming here twice a week (or at least once a week). I've known about this place for about 3 years, and it's now popular (thanks to opentable and... More

For awhile, this was my favorite restaurant-- I was coming here twice a week (or at least once a week). I've known about this place for about 3 years, and it's now popular (thanks to opentable and the 6/06 new york times review). Sakagura is truly a treasure-- the cooked food is *really* good but the portions are *really* small (note, however, the sashimi is only mediocre to above average). If they happen to have soba on their special menu, definitely get that, as their soba is even better than sobaya. Generally, I get one or two "big dishes" such as the sake oyako don (raw salmon and salmon roe over rice-- ask for extra wasabi!) or the udon. Don't forget the desserts, hand crafted by their very own pastry chef-- she is truly top notch. my favorite dessert is seasonal- the sweet potato with ice cream and some crunchy stuff in it. Of course, like its namesake, definitely try the sake. they have 200 sakes by the glass, and my favorite is the very reasonable sato no homare (pride of the village) for a mere $68 a bottle! Pros: great food, amazing sake selection Cons: small dishes, mediocre sashimi
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This is a "secret" place as many of the sake restaurants seem to be -- it is hidden in the basement of an office building. You've got to walk into an office building past the security guard, walk... More

This is a "secret" place as many of the sake restaurants seem to be -- it is hidden in the basement of an office building. You've got to walk into an office building past the security guard, walk down the stairs (not a grand set but the kind you'd use in the event of a fire) and voila (or whatever equivalent word is in Japanese), you are met with a tranquil setting where you can sample hundreds of sake. There is a tasty menu as well but since this is a sake place, the dishes are small appetizer/tapas style that you order to share with the table. They have flights of sake if you're into experimentation. On weekend nights, it's hard to get in without a reseravation.
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Defniitely one of the most amazing Japanese restaurants NYC has to offer. The Izakaya style menu is truly amazing and partners wonderfully with the excellent sake selection. The staff there is very... More

Defniitely one of the most amazing Japanese restaurants NYC has to offer. The Izakaya style menu is truly amazing and partners wonderfully with the excellent sake selection. The staff there is very friendly and offers great advice on Sake / food paring, should you have any questions. The price is a little high - but well worth it. I've never needed to make reservation when I go, and was always seated within a reasonable amoutn of time. Pros: great food, great service, great atmosphere
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The food and ambiance here are wonderful. The small dishes were beautifully prepared and presented -- especially good were the yuba dumplings and the shrimp balls wrapped in almonds. Our server... More

The food and ambiance here are wonderful. The small dishes were beautifully prepared and presented -- especially good were the yuba dumplings and the shrimp balls wrapped in almonds. Our server was really knowledgable about sake, and guided us to two delicious ones. The one problem is that for three hungry people, ordering lots of little dishes soon mounted up to a lot more than we were expecting to spend, so bring lots of cash or your credit card. Pros: great decor, good service Cons: expensive
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This place is really hidden. The decor is cozy and comfy. Saki heaven I'd like to call this place, a place where u can enjoy the great selection of saki's and enjoy lil tapa dishes to go with your... More

This place is really hidden. The decor is cozy and comfy. Saki heaven I'd like to call this place, a place where u can enjoy the great selection of saki's and enjoy lil tapa dishes to go with your saki. The food is wonderful, japanese style fried chicken, grilled squid, toro to die for and shrimp rolls are just a few great things here. The only downside was the service was slow and our waitress kept forgetting to bring our drinks. Other then that this is a place to visit if you want to have a great time! enjoy! Cons: slow service
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i live in the area and was totally stoked to discover this place. tucked away in the basement of an office bldg on a street loaded w/ parking garages and car rentals, this is a real find. don't let... More

i live in the area and was totally stoked to discover this place. tucked away in the basement of an office bldg on a street loaded w/ parking garages and car rentals, this is a real find. don't let the stark lobby and shady stairwell discourage you. once you enter you'll find sakagura to be a sanctuary. good food and a wide variety of sake. the sake menu is mostly in japanese, but the friendly & unpretentious staff will help out.
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A friend and I went to Sakagura after a concert, and were blown away by the authentic izakaya atmosphere, tasty food and mind-boggling sake selection. The whole experience -- including the warm,... More

A friend and I went to Sakagura after a concert, and were blown away by the authentic izakaya atmosphere, tasty food and mind-boggling sake selection. The whole experience -- including the warm, helpful service -- made me feel like I was in Tokyo again. My only regret is that we didn't make reservations -- we waited 10 minutes to be seated, but I've been told the wait is often much longer. It can get pricey, but ordering a bunch of tapas and splitting them up helps reduce the cost a bit. Pros: sake selection, delicious food, great service Cons: a bit hard to find, need reservations
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If you want to try Japanese, pleeease!!! do not go to Benihana, do not order Tempra, do not believe Teriyaki is the Japanese food. Go to a place like this and order what Japanese are ordering. Yes,... More

If you want to try Japanese, pleeease!!! do not go to Benihana, do not order Tempra, do not believe Teriyaki is the Japanese food. Go to a place like this and order what Japanese are ordering. Yes, I am Japanese from Japan. Don't know what "Izakaya" is? Go and see. It works pretty much similar to a Tapas bar. It is best to go with few people and order many appetizer dishes.
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I love it that this place is located in the basement of non-descriptive office building. Once you passed the harsh fluorescent light in the lobby, and walked downstairs, it's a totally different... More

I love it that this place is located in the basement of non-descriptive office building. Once you passed the harsh fluorescent light in the lobby, and walked downstairs, it's a totally different world. Staff is always courteous and knowledgeable so you don't need to be a sake expert! Food is also EXCELLENT!!! It is best you call ahead and make a reservation.
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New Yorkers tend to believe all Japanese eat is sushi. Sakagura offers almost no raw fish items, but instead, dishes that Japanese enjoy back home. The enormous selection of sake along with... More

New Yorkers tend to believe all Japanese eat is sushi. Sakagura offers almost no raw fish items, but instead, dishes that Japanese enjoy back home. The enormous selection of sake along with explanation amazed me every time I visit. Words got around - it used to be a hidden treasure of Japanese bar scene. Well, I cannot blame anyone. It is trendy and clean like any Japanese sake bar in Tokyo!
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