Accidental Bar

"After spending an hour or two at Accidental Bar, you'll walk away knowing a lot more about sake than when you walked in. The selection here, which changes regularly, is riddled with descriptions like “for my geeks!” and “holy water for the god of sake,” and all of the food on the short menu is meant to bring out different flavors in your beverage. Most of all, this small place just feels like a party where you could either hang with your friends or take a date." - bryan kim, kenny yang, neha talreja, will hartman, sonal shah

"Just like you, Accidental Bar is fun and quirky. They specialize in sake here, and the menu is full of tasting notes like “karaoke!” and “vesper martini vibes!” The Alphabet City space has the feel of a trendy studio apartment that was converted into a bar, and there are a few snacks like scallop crudo and pickled vegetables that you can pair with sake." - bryan kim

"Most people who come to Accidental Bar leave knowing more about sake than when they walked in. So as long as your date has at least a marginal interest in fermented rice wine, you'll have a great time at this East Village spot. Handwritten, fun phrases like “Vesper martini vibes! Decadent” and “For my geeks! Smoky + salty” are used to describe each sake, and all of the food is meant to bring out different tastes in your beverage—especially the otsumami platter for two with market pears and honey, turmeric pickled cauliflower, and more." - will hartman, bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja

"You might already know you like sake, but do you know exactly which variety you like and what season to drink it in? Starting Friday, June 11th, you can sip and learn about sake at a brand new bar on Avenue C in Alphabet City (that took over the Lois space). Accidental Bar’s mission is to teach New Yorkers about sake in the same way they might learn about wine from a tasting - but in a completely casual and fun atmosphere. The new bar is run by Austin Power, a sake sommelier who has been working in the industry for 12 years - and there’s seating available inside and out. You can book a reservation here." - hannah albertine

"This new East Village joint serves some of the best saké in the city. Expect seasonal selections and a handwritten menu scribbled with quirky tips, from the Austin Special (a blend of Orion and Asahiyama) to local saké brand Brooklyn Kura. In the mood for a quick bite as well? Pair any of its drinks with a small plate or two. We recommend the crab with miso crema over crispy potatoes."