initially, i was impressed with the atmosphere, and thought i was having one of those new york moments where i remember how much i love this city. then, the waitress didn't come to take our order... More

initially, i was impressed with the atmosphere, and thought i was having one of those new york moments where i remember how much i love this city. then, the waitress didn't come to take our order for about 10 minutes while we sat waiting. i witnessed some other customers get treated rudely in a similar way as other reviewers described. the service had been so slow that when it was time to pay the bill, the last thing we wanted to do was ask for change. between the three of us, we had enough to cover the bill and a 15% tip. after we left the bar, this guy (not our waitress) chased us down 9th street to ask us for more tip. i couldn't believe it. i'll never be going there again, and i would recommend that no one else go either. Pros: Atmosphere Cons: Rude, Arrogant, Greedy
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good sake selection with knowledgeable staff but service was RUDE and ARROGANT. this attitude might be "cool" in tokyo but not in nyc. no "arigotos" here. our bill came out to about 70 bucks. i gave... More

good sake selection with knowledgeable staff but service was RUDE and ARROGANT. this attitude might be "cool" in tokyo but not in nyc. no "arigotos" here. our bill came out to about 70 bucks. i gave the waitress a hundred dollar bill and she kept my change! after giving her the standard 15% she deserved, she still insisted on more tip! NEVER AGAIN! Pros: good sake selection Cons: attitude
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I was there in a tuesday, with a friend. When we came in they where packing some food at the bar desk, and they asked if we could take one of the free tables, but we wanted to sit by the bar, and... More

I was there in a tuesday, with a friend. When we came in they where packing some food at the bar desk, and they asked if we could take one of the free tables, but we wanted to sit by the bar, and they where just smiling, and started to move the food away from the bar desk so we could sit there, good sake and a beer. Service was exelent!! The bartenders english wasnt too good, but who cares :-)
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Decibel is a great spot for a late night rendezvous with friends. It's dark, a little musty, and feels a little illicit. Although it's pretty small, I've gone with large groups before and we've been... More

Decibel is a great spot for a late night rendezvous with friends. It's dark, a little musty, and feels a little illicit. Although it's pretty small, I've gone with large groups before and we've been well-looked after. The sake menu is extensive, the waiter/waitresses are enthusiastic to help you select one, and service is attentive. There's a good price-range for the sake, so you can share cheaply or go overboard. Pros: Good Service, Good Sake Cons: Cramped, Dark
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I have never been treated so rudely in my life as my friends and I were at Decibel. We went on a weeknight and the place was empty (literally - we were the only customers there). After being ignored... More

I have never been treated so rudely in my life as my friends and I were at Decibel. We went on a weeknight and the place was empty (literally - we were the only customers there). After being ignored by the wait staff we asked if we could sit down. We were reminded of the mimimum charge and told to sit at a tiny table not big enough for the four of us. Seeing that every table was empty, we asked if we could sit where we'd be more comfortable. The waiter rudely said "no" and then left us standing alone in the bar without even asking if we'd like to order something. We walked out and will never return again. Pros: none Cons: , bad service
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Decibel has a soft spot in my heart, when it comes to bars. Underground, Decibel transports you to Japan and you no longer feel like youre in NY. Dimly lit with tea lights and surrounded by... More

Decibel has a soft spot in my heart, when it comes to bars. Underground, Decibel transports you to Japan and you no longer feel like youre in NY. Dimly lit with tea lights and surrounded by Japanese knick-knacks, the atmosphere is very relaxed although the seating arrangement is cramped and many tables only seat two. Its best to go early at around 9ish before the long line forms, which makes it a great place to start for the night out on the town. Decibels menu lists dozens of sakes categorized by type with descriptions, which come in 5oz boxes or by the bottle. If youre unsure of what to get, dont hesitate to ask the wait staff, who are very helpful and knowledgeable. Decibel also serves the Japanese version of bar food. Its a great place to impress a date or to catch up with a friend. Pros: Unique, Impressive Sake List Cons: crowded, A Bit Pricey, $8 minimum
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I've been there 3 times already and have had mixed experiences. During the week, it's brilliant - nice staff, amazing sake and a really interesting crowd. On the weekend, VERY rude and arrogant... More

I've been there 3 times already and have had mixed experiences. During the week, it's brilliant - nice staff, amazing sake and a really interesting crowd. On the weekend, VERY rude and arrogant staff, a very firm $8 minimum and you must show ID to get in. (I'm 35!) It's a shame because it's a great place and the sake menu is top notch. Is it worth it? Yes - but not on weekends. Pros: great sake menu, authentic atmosphere, interesting crowd Cons: rude arrogant staff, expensive, $8 minimum
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I went to Decibel last night. It was my first time there. I really enjoyed the dungeon look as you entered. You had to go under a rope, way in the back, to a dark room, lit with candles on the... More

I went to Decibel last night. It was my first time there. I really enjoyed the dungeon look as you entered. You had to go under a rope, way in the back, to a dark room, lit with candles on the tables. It was very cozy in the sense that the tables are so close to each other, music and chatter was kind of loud, so I had a hard time hearing. I definitely enjoyed the ambience. Oh and the plum wine was delicious, wish I had more of it. Pros: great ambience, good background music, nice area Cons: sort of loud, it gets crowded
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This used to be a great place to chill out, but it's gone to pot. I totally agree with the previous reviewer.... the same thing happened to me! Got two bottles of $32 sake ($32?!!), left a decent... More

This used to be a great place to chill out, but it's gone to pot. I totally agree with the previous reviewer.... the same thing happened to me! Got two bottles of $32 sake ($32?!!), left a decent 18% tip, but I was harassed by the waiter to leave more tip! He practically chased us outside demanding more money! His excuse was, "This is New York, you know. And if you don't want to leave more tip, well, you might not get let in next time." Well, THIS New Yorker will never go back to this place again -- there are so many other sake bars with friendly, polite service. Pros: Used to be good Cons: Bad service, Overpriced, Terrible manners
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I really liked decibel 2 years ago as a cool late night hang out and "impress you guest from overseas" place. There is good news: the lines are gone, the bad news is: it's not worth going anymore.... More

I really liked decibel 2 years ago as a cool late night hang out and "impress you guest from overseas" place. There is good news: the lines are gone, the bad news is: it's not worth going anymore. Last time we had a huge argument with the waiter who brought us drinks we didn't order and insited on charging for them although we confimed our order twice and of course he followed us outside because he expected a tip. This sounds exactly like similar note somebody else left before. A pattern? Pros: old fashioned funky, seventies music Cons: watch your bill, minimum $8 charge, value / money = ?
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