Bar Orai

we tried almost everything on the menu and there were some standouts and some misses— the sandos were our favorites. I love the ebi katsu… the shrimp was perfectly crispy and flavorful and perfect for serving on a milkbread sandwich. The mac and cheese was very spicy, but tasty. The karage was a miss for me… it was missing some flavor & salt. The whisky drinks were solid… I loved the earl grey high ball. The vibes of the bar is definitely a speakeasy vibe / someone’s very well curated living room. I loved that they were playing vinyl jazz in the dining room… the dessert was missable, but i loved the concept of fries with ice cream.

This was an amazing vibe. I made reservations for 2 and we were seated a lil earlier than our reserved time. Ordered taco Wasabi, the mac n cheese, Toro and tomago roll, truffle tots, and the sando sandwich. I think the sando sandwich was the best but they were all amazing. They make some good whiskey cocktails too.

Fun and cozy spot for drinks and good music. It's like your cool aunt's home and she invited her DJ friend to come play some chill vinyl tracks on her custom-made sound systems. Really enjoyed the music selection by the DJ when we went, and the Japanese whiskey flight was great. Definitely make a reservation in advance. Would recommend ideally for groups of 2-4.

Bar Orai is the perfect place to come and chill out in a comfortable listening bar where you don't feel crowded, you can relax in a cool setting and enjoy the music. The cocktail menu is great - with lots of whisky options! We didn't try the food this time but lots of good options on the menu! Will be back for sure.

This listening bar understands the essentials: crystal-clear speakers, a considered selection of drinks and snacks, and, crucially, comfortable seating that encourages you to sink in and truly listen.

I’m a whiskey guy and so naturally, I loved Bar Orai. No rotovap, fat washing or milk clarification here, just quality, classic drinks made well with superb ingredients. Old Fashioneds are my favorite drink and I’d say the one I had at Bar Orai was one of the best I’ve had lately. I’d also recommend their highballs. The yuzu one was refreshing and easy to drink. The whiskey sour and the penicillin were good as well. I’m not the biggest fan of Laphroaig because to me it tastes very smoky, and that was included in the penicillin. If that’s your thing you’ll love the penicillin! I was pretty famished when I got to the bar so I ordered just about everything on the menu. My favorites were the Mentaiko Mac n Cheese and the Katsu Sando but every bite was a hit. Still thinking about the Mentaiko Mac. It was creamy and a little spicy, I could’ve eaten the whole thing myself. I would go back for just that dish. Loved the music playing and the ambiance in general. Service was super friendly. I also had a couple small critiques. We went without water for a while and everyone was so busy we felt bad asking for some. They were super friendly about it though. Also our castella dessert tasted like garlic LOL I think they used a chopping board or knife that was previously used for garlic and the flavor transferred, unless they left an ingredient off. Still ate it though haha Overall, drinks are solid, food is great and I’m pretty sure I found one of my new favorite bars in NYC. Just please, no more garlic castella.

This is an experience you cannot miss. Incredible music being spun, top tier hand crafted cocktails, delicious and beautiful food, impeccable service and crystal clear ice. You know you found a spot that cares about their cocktails when you see that crystal clear ice! We had a yuzu highball, a light whiskey sour, and a dark whiskey sour, as well as two orders of sublime truffle tots, pork katsu sammie, and kaarge chicken. Everything was executed perfectly. The music was amazing…this is a spot that cannot miss!

An excellent, hidden gem of a place that is classy cool without being sceney. Went here recently for a date night, not knowing much about Bar Orai other than it was a Japanese-style listening bar. Surprisingly, they've been open for more than 2 years, and while we had no issues making a reservation for a Saturday night, they nevertheless had customers coming through all night long. The drinks and whisky were top notch, at expected prices (warning: Japanese whisky is wildly expensive these days) and the food items we got were all excellent, with the unassuming yuzu tomatoes being a surprise standout. As expected for a listening bar, they had vinyl going on all night and a quality sound system that never made it feel like we were competing with the music, though I had thought the space would've had a bit more of an insulated feel, to be honest (we sat at the bar though, so that could be part of it). Regardless, we didn't regret the bar seating, which had a sleek, coastal 80s feel to it that actually made me miss the rattan back chairs I had growing up. People with dietary restrictions should check the menu ahead of time, as many of the dishes are pork or fish heavy. Not surprising at a Japanese place, but still. You may also want to budget ahead of time if you're going to be whisky tasting, since pours run from $19 to $150+ for 1.5oz (I do wish it was 2oz for the prices, but so it goes). Still, all of these issues are merely nitpicks on what was a fantastic, fun experience. Will definitely be back soon.

Japanese whisky, vinyl, and streetwear culture with a dash of speakeasy. Trust the Google Maps locator, and follow the (diminutive) signs to reach Bar Orai. Reservations recommended, but don't show up too early since your table might not be ready yet. There are three dining sections comprised of two main sitting areas separated by the bar. The larger seating area evokes a cozy retro living room, and where vibes are best, in my opinion. I was pleasantly surprised that my chair didn't just look luxurious, but was actually comfy to sit in. There's an air of quiet luxury in Orai, toeing the line between casual and sophisticated. Think tiny beanies and tucked T-shirts with the vintage J's. Supreme merch and Bearbricks line the walls dutifully amid carefully arranged bottles of whisky and hundreds of records. Music, obviously, is tasteful and the perfect volume to get lost in but also to have a conversation. I'll admit I'm not the biggest fan of whisky, so my selections were limited to the Highball and wine section. And also the single beer - who else knew that Suntory makes a beer? For people with real taste, there's a very nicely curated selection of whisky, whiskeys, and bourbon, and cocktails involving the aforementioned. Let's not forget the kitchen either, which shells out some delicious Japanese and Korean tapas to pair with your drink. Portion sizes for the food are pretty small, but think of it as a vibe surcharge. Part of the lovely time we had was attributed to the great service - all the house staff were super polite and thoughtful, keeping our waters topped off and moving things around for our small table to accommodate the drinks and food. Several hours goes by in a flash, and if not for them closing for the evening, we probably could have stayed much longer.

Cool vibes and good drinks! Love the Japanese record bar aesthetic. There's communal seating and lounge areas. Cute, chill spot if you're in the area but also not blown away by the experience.

lord this place was so good! such a vibe apparently they only play records or something? pls get yourself a reservation though because even on a thursday it was so crowded you have yourself a mix of finannce bros coming from work and also young asians and the populus lol they only serve whisky cocktails and wine if you dont like japanese whisky that is something to know luckily most of it was pretty light the food was also really good the katsu is famous for a reason would recommend and would totally come back!

This might be my favorite cocktail bar I've been so far in nyc (in terms of how good the cocktails were). This was my first whiskey sour and... I was blown away. Service was great, vibes were great (very speakeasy vibes), and cocktails were great. Sad that I visited so late that I couldn't try out their other cocktails or food menus, but I will definitely be back!

Bar Orai is one of my favorite bars in the city. The vibes are good for small groups or dates and it's a very lowkey spot. The menu is Asian-inspired and I've been here a couple times and you truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I got a yuzu highball, but all of their highballs are refreshing and tasty, even for those who aren't fans of whiskey. My personal food item is the Mentaiko Mac & Cheese, but the Truffle Tots and Kani Cream Croquettes were up there for me too. I'd recommend getting a reservation if you can as the space is a bit small with limited seating.

When people ask me for bar recs in the city - Bar Orai always comes to mind! Definitely one of my faves - with the causal couch seating, it feels more like a chill hangout at a friend's apartment with a top notch playlist full of jams :) I'm not a fan of whiskey but I still enjoyed my whisky highball here! Highly recommend getting food/dessert here as well - mentaiko mac & cheese is a must get!

Cool lowkey spot great for a date or small get-together. Whiskey only, but with varying levels of intensity so I'd say there's something for everyone if they're willing to try something new. Service was solid. Their food looked good, but we didn't try any. I'd definitely send friends here if they were visiting.

My friends and I ended up coming here on a whim, but I was really pleased with our experience here. The entrance is rather unassuming, as you walk up a few flight of stairs before you open a door into the bar. We ended up getting drinks and food. For food, we tried the karage. The karage was good, but nothing spectacular, and I think I could have gone without it. We also got the mentaiko mac and cheese, which I really enjoyed. It was a bit spicy, but I enjoyed the flavor. For drinks, we tried their different cocktails, and I thought all of them were good. You can't go wrong with any of them! If you're in the area, this is a nice chill space to hang out and grab a drink or a bite.

A whiskey speakeasy in Midtown. We were trying to go to a Japanese jazz bar nearby, but after seeing the queue, stumbled into Bar Orai. I was kind of sketched-out with the entrance at first, but it was the textbook definition of "don't judge a book by its cover." Once entering the bar on the second floor, the vibe completely changes. It's filled with incense, low-lights, modern decor, and cozy music. This review is only for the drinks and the vibes, as we didn't get food here. Their whiskey selection is excellent. I loved how they presented their drinks, and had so much to offer. I've read and heard great things about their food, but I'll have to do that next time :)

Very cozy and intimate bar located in Midtown East specializing in Japanese whiskey. They also had some very yummy bites on their menu. The karaage was yummy but I would come again to try their other dishes. Service was also great!

You enter Bar Orai through an unassuming door with only a small sticker on the outside, which was fun. Very easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Great vibes, the ambiance is very dark and cozy. We sat at the bar, and it was cool to see the DJ. The music they played and the speaker quality were very nice as well. They have an extensive list of whiskey options, and their cocktails were delicious as well! I had a highball (pomegranate, I think), and it was super refreshing! The food was really tasty. The Ebi Sando and Mentaiko Mac & Cheese were a few standouts for me. The Ebi Sando had the perfect crisp on the shrimp and some tangy flavors that helped to balance the dish. I'm usually not a big fan of mac & cheese, but the one here was an exception. It tasted more like a creamy pasta rather than mac and cheese, but I'm not complaining. The mentaiko provided another flavor profile to the dish, and it had a little kick to it as well. Service was fine-- nothing exceptional but by no means was it bad. If I return, I would opt to sit in the lounge for even more of a home-y ambiance.

I loved the ambiance and whiskey selection. Food and service was great. Would visit again.

Bar Orai is probably my favorite bar ever, simply because of the atmosphere! The vibes are very lowkey and not at all like a normal (more lively) bar, which I actually really appreciate when I just want to grab a drink while catching up with a friend. The entrance is kind of hidden, as if it's in someone's apartment, which gives speak-easy vibes. Inside, there are a couple of seating options, from small tables if you want to properly dine to a seat at the bar for casual drinks, or their lounge area which is perfect for a more intimate hang-out. Drinks and food are great, I always love a good Asian / Japanese inspired drink. Service is also great, we asked an employee about their music choice and they were happy to chat with us for a bit. Overall, literally the perfect bar for any occasion. Super easy to make reservations on Resy, but I've also walked in on a weekday with no wait time. Also, they don't accept cash!

This was such a fun bar! It was not too elevated, just a cozy spot that I enjoyed catching up with a friend! It is in such an unassuming location (I won't give you instructions, you'll have to find it for yourself like I did - that is part of the fun!) I loved how intentional the entire design of the bar is: the carpet, the speakers and stereo, the type of music they play. My friend and I sat at the bar and it's no less of an experience than sitting by the lounge area. It's fun to watch the bartender do their thing! and the drinks were fantastic too! I'd definitely recommend, and hope to bring another friend soon :)

One of my favorite bars in the area, Bar Orai is hidden on the second floor of a building on 52nd. Upon entering the spot is cozy and has good vibes with equally good music. There is bar seating in the front room and in the back a few tables and one bigger shared table - you feel like you are in someone's living room with the décor and muted lighting - not low-light-candle dim like some other bars. All cocktails are expertly crafted and they actually have good food here! My favorite is the truffle tots ($12) - the most crispiest tots with a slight truffle essence - although portion sizes are slim. The Katsu Sando ($18) and the Tako wasabi ($8) is another favorite of mine. Everyone I have taken here loves Bar Orai!

Host was so rude and extremely conceited. We had a reservation and were reluctantly sat. The waitresses ignored us the entire time and the entire atmosphere was super hostile and unkind. I will never be returning here.

drinks here are good! there are lots of highballs and japanese whiskey options. the menu reminds me of another excellent japanese bar katana kitten. as good as the drinks were, the food here is what really blew me away! soooo unexpectedly good! i wish the mac and cheese came in a larger portion because i could've polished that off in one sitting. they also have a french fries and ice cream dessert which is my absolute favorite combo at the drive thru. these are definitely tapas / snack size dishes, but i didn't want to share!

The vibes of this place is so nice. A bit tough to find, Orai is tucked in the corner on the second floor. There's a small unassuming sign outside, so keep your eyes peeled. Once you get in, you smell the incense, and you see the turntable playing music, and the vibes just go. The music was excellent, a good mix of hiphop, rnb, jazz, and other genres of music. I think they had a bit for all audiences, which was great. The menu has a bit of food and a lot of whiskey options, which is excellent for anyone interested in whiskies, especially japanese whiskey. Their cocktails are tasty, but I would say the highlight of this spot is chilling and sipping on some neat or on-the-rocks beverages. It's just a good vibe to kick back and relax. Definitely make a reservation, because it's tough to get in otherwise. And ideally, be fairly punctual, because you'll only have ~2 hrs per seating to enjoy your time here. Would recommend coming by and checking this spot out.

This bar was such a cute find! My friend and I were actually eating at a mexican restaurant nearby and saw this place pop up, so we decided to check it out. The vibes are super cozy in here, like you were at a friend's apartment, except its fitted with a pretty bar, immaculate decor, and a great sound system! It seems like a pretty lowkey spot where friends come to catch up over some great asian inspired cocktail drinks and bites! I had the D'Angelo, since I love coffee flavored anything, and it came out in the cutest teacup and saucer! Can't wait to come back, because their whole drinks menu looks so good!

I had a great experience at Bar Orai. I reserved for 2 but was stood up :(. The host was kind enough to offer a "walk in" table. It was a table in the back. Everybody seemed to be doing their own thing, in deep conversation. The music was great. I really went for the music and the Japanese whiskey. I ordered the Honey Hibiki and it was smooth. I also ordered the chili cucumbers which were delicious and the kimbop which was great as well. I would've liked the chili sauce of the cucumbers on the side to dip the kimbap in. But they don't offer that. I want the recipe. It's delicious! It did feel like I was in someone's house having a kickback. One thing that threw me off were the lockers. Nobody offered to put my coat in one, so I don't think they were for the patrons. I would change that design anyway to cubbies and hooks for the bags. All in all I spent about $78 and I think I was on the cheaper end. This makes a great date.

LOVED this place, my new favorite spot around Midtown East to grab a drink. Prices are in line with what you expect for New York, and heads up if you make a reservation they collect a $5 hold fee. However, the interior is so nicely decorated and cozy. Drinks were great - tried a plum whiskey and was tasty. The food was the star of the show - the katsu sandwich far exceeded my expectations. Staff are cool too!

What an amazing place! Props to my friend and her social media prowling for finding this place. The vibes are immaculate... great decor, great workers, and great drinks. If you ever need a good classic-esque old fashion, I'd say give this spot a try. I had two and they were consistent in taste so that's a plus! My friend had two highballs (yuzu and earl grey), both were great too. Servers are busy but they don't forget to check in eith you from time to time which was nice. And and and AAAAND... the sound system!!! Their set up is amazing, especially with the music they play, so it was just a great time. 10/10. All around A. All in all, not that this place probably needs any further recs... but definitely recommend and will come again.

Flavorful, unique, and pretty drinks. The food is asian-fusion which definitely suits our young palate. We sampled a few things-- Karage: delicious and fried super well. It comes with a savory, creamy egg tartar sauce (almost like a runny egg salad), and we wished that there was more sauce that came with it Truffle tots: not enough truffle flavor, even though it's advertised as being made with truffle salt and oil. We also wished that it came with a different, more unique sauce other than ketchup Whiskey Sour Light: super yummy and the little berry that came with it was a nice sweet and tangy last bite Plum Yuzu: our favorite drink of the night! Perfectly sour and a light alcoholic drink for those who can't tolerate alcohol well The service was great and all of the staff matched the vibe of the bar. The decor, tableware, and food were all so aesthetic and the music was great to set a romantic mood for an intimate date. When we went, the music was just a tad too loud (as we were seated right next to the DJ), so it was difficult to converse over it. The place, however, is also super hard to find. At first glance, the outside gated door seemed like we were barging into a run-down apartment in Chinatown, but in hindsight, we thought that it actually fit the theme of the bar very well and attested to the true essence of a speakeasy. Also be sure to make a reservation in advance! This place fills up quick.

This was a really chill and relaxed environment with pretty good food and great drinks. We loved spending time with our friends here, and we tried literally everything on the menu. I personally loved the kimbap, and my friend loved the sandos. Of course, you can't leave out the music- it's the perfect vibes! This speakeasy can be hard to find, but once you do, it's the best place for conversation or a date!

UPDATE: Second time around, I was a bit disappointed with the food and service. We were first told that for walk in, we would sit in the couch, shared table, or a seated table. I sat at the couch while I waited for my friend to come; when she came, she wanted to sit on the seated tables so we moved, grabbing our own drinks and menu only to hear from a different server that we cannot. So once again, I had to grab everything myself to switch tables. The drinks came out pretty fast, but they were just okay. We ordered some food, but everything was just mid. The mac and cheese was the most unique thing that we got, and it was good for the first couple bites but got really greasy/overwhelming. Not to mention that it also got hard/cold pretty fast. Also expected more of the roe(?) on top like they used to. The one and only dessert they have was the most disappointing. Very overpriced, the castella kind of felt like it just came out of the refrigerator because it was cold and hard. But the cream was like the one you would get at korean bakeries on their cakes, so that was good, but even after couple bites I was still confused what this was supposed to be.. The toppings did not mesh with the castella and I think people mostly order for the cute dish that it comes out in.. It was hard to get a hold of our server once more customers came, and most of the night I was just staring him down so that we could get what we needed (menu, straw, the check, etc). Overall, the vibe is still there but I'm not sure if this is a place I'd come too often.

The vibes are so nice here, but I wish we were seated at tables or corners rather than the bar. The space by the bar is really tight, so it's difficult for people to go by. I loved the lighting and music here. The food was also seriously so good for no reason. I liked the drinks, but I wish there were non dark liquor options.

I learned about this place because it kept popping up on my Instagram. It was the one time an ad on Instagram was actually relevant and helpful. I remembered that a colleague of mine had recently went there so I asked him about it. He told me that it was a place for whiskey and vinyl. If I liked those two things, I'd like this place. We just happen to be spending Saturday with a couple friend of ours who love whiskey. So I made the reservation and we went here. It's classified as a speakeasy and it's literally in an apartment building. The place is pretty small. When you walk through the door, there is like a circle of chair surrounding a coffee table, a bar, a small kitchen, and a few other tables. I can see why you need a reservation. I had reserved for the bar but I guess we got there early so we were seated at a table. I got cocktails, my husband started with a beer and then switched to the old fashioned, which he really liked. My other two friends were extremely happy with this place. They kept telling me what a good pick this was. They were able to try whiskeys they hadn't had before and the food menu reminded one of them of the food selection in Tokyo's 7-Eleven. It was nostalgic for him and it made him so happy. Food wise, we got the kara-age, fried shrimp, tater tots (which are really really good), the octopus appetizer, the tuna kimbap, and the karage sandwich. All were delicious and my friend loved it so much he got another order of the sandwiches. This place really is the best kept secret and an oasis from the cold outside the city. Service is friendly and fast and they are attentive without hovering. Make a reservation if you want to try this place and spend time there.

Absolutely loved the vibes of this bar - beautiful furniture, minimalist and modern design with a cozy feel as music plays in the background. Came for a quick drink after dinner but would love to come again and spend a longer time - was recommended to try to Mac & Cheese but the Truffle Tots were perfectly crispy and had the perfect amount of truffle!

So, I forgot to finish walking through the Resy system to make a reservation and arrived thinking I had one. Luckily, they had walk-in available and seated us at the bar and my boyfriend I were able to enjoy the ambiance on a rainy, Thursday night in December. The place was pretty empty around 6pm, but started filling with more people as it approached 7pm. They have a good selection of Japanese whiskeys, and a nice assortment of food to accompany our drinks. We ordered and enjoyed everything we ordered. My favorite was the squid legs (ikageso), but we also had the crab cream croquette and spicy cod roe mac and cheese, and the milk. The mac and cheese was decadent and more filling than the dish size led me to believe. The music being played set the tone and chill mood of the bar, but we did have to move down a seat or two so we weren't directly in front of their state of the art speakers.

Met up with a friend after work at midtown on a thursday night, I was trying to avoid typical midtown corp scenes, my friend found this gem, completely hidden on an apt setting, it's located on the 2nd floor of the private residential building, like you're going to someone's apt, it opens at 6pm sharp, we were taken to the left side of the apt and passed the bar, feels very homey with some communal rectangular and round tables like someone's apt. The drink choices are diverse, with focus on alot of japanese whisky. I got a manhattan which was really balanced and spot on, although low on alchohol it was still nice! my friend ordered old fashioned, smoky version! what and they have an interesting way of smoking it and cap it w a wooden lid, it was quite a show. Overall, it was nice hidden place and cozy ambiance. the music can be abit loud for its setting.

i loved this spot!! the vibe is so good from the atmosphere to the drinks. the drinks were good (they're known for whisky) but was alittle disappointed that i didn't see some of the other cocktails like the matcha one available when i went. the food was also so good (mac and cheese was the best- not too heavy) the place gets busy and we had to leave after an hour cause there was another resy but def recommend

TIP- To get in go to the black door that is next to Raku and ring the doorbell. Then walk up the stairs. TIP- get the ebi fried, the Tako wasabi if you're eating. Came here, and the vibes are amazing!! They are playing actual vinyl records and it's just about the volume that you could keep talking to your friends in an intimate setting. It is dimly lit and the interior is decorated like an apartment so you feel like you're in someone's home. That doesn't take away from the quality of the food and drink, however, and they offer a wide variety of Japanese flavored drinks and dishes which were all great quality. However, I would probably skip the cake as ours was just a touch dry. I would really recommend the coffee drink with gin as I hate gin but loved this drink. Sade was also good, citrusy, but I don't think it was necessarily anything to write home about.

Wow, what a vibe! LOVE this speakeasy nestled in Midtown East! Definitely recommend making a reservation via Resy. The ambiance is so calming and soothing. The music makes you want to stay there for hours with the chill jazz / earthy music that blasts through the speakeasy. They even explain it on their menu! The drinks are delicious and pack a punch! We tried the croquettes which were surprisingly also so tasty! Staff was attentive and friendly. I already want to come back here -- I'll be back and suggest you try this spot out, too!

i'm not going to lie i really wanted to gatekeep this heaven of a place for a while... but here we are!! Bar orai is hands down, the best LP speakeasy you will EVER find in the city. It's the perfect ensemble of the best drinks (named after top-tier artists like prince, d'angelo, etc.), intentional interior design (think blocked off corners and rugs for the perfect listening experience), and a really amazing staff. the food/drinks: my favorite dishes are the yuzu tomato and hokkaido milk castella -- portions are small for the price but really delicious and served on the PRETTIEST plates you will ever see! honestly every drink is pristine but my top top top choices have to be: munsae (oolong cocktail), d'angelo (coffee cocktail with a beautiful cream top), and the smokey rob. they also specialize in a huge array of whiskeys, take your pick!! the space: amazing place that's for LISTENING TO LP's!!! every detail from lamps to rugs to coasters is my dream bar. AND they play city pop on wednesdays!!

It's a 3 star place if you can grab a lounge seat, one of like five or so they have. It's a 2 star if you go to eat dinner in the back. The service is good and drinks are alright. People go for music but it's surprisingly not impressive especially in the dining side.

Very chic Japanese whiskey / record bar with an amazing ambience.. one of the few speakesies in midtown east, and worth a visit. High end Japanese whiskeys can be paired with Sandos and other food n snacks..laid back place

Top tier music Top tier vibes Friend and I split a bottle of wine (girl math) But the highlight of the evening was the mentaiko Mac and cheese You can skip the sandos in my opinion

Great vibes and quiet ambiance for those who like whiskeys and vinyls. It doesn't feel like a speakeasy, but almost as if they transformed someone's apartment into a hangout space. The drinks were good, but nothing was outstanding. They have a good variety of whiskeys. Food was great, but portions are small so expect to order a bunch.

Dope ambience and very refreshing Japanese whiskey cocktails, and I'm not even a whiskey fan. The customer service was very nice as well.

Cool ass place! Great selection of music. The food is good and the service is even better. Our bartender Alex was welcoming and helpful. The staff is great. We will be back.

Came again with another person, still great quality food but wish the price was better for the portion sizes. Got to try their cocktails this time and highly recommend all of them! D'Angelo - strong coffee flavor which we loved, also could definitely taste / feel the gin afterwards! A strong drink for sure Sade - strong yuzu flavor, similar to the D'Angelo they definitely don't skimp on the alcohol Mayer - the most mild of the 3 drinks we tried and probably our favorite. Still full bodied and nice and foamy!

Was the food to die for? No. But the vibes were certainly on point. Think Modernist (Bauhaus), contemporary (no shortage of Kaws, Warhol, Basquiat) -- the decor screamed "MoMA Design Shop". We ordered the following: - Kani Cream Croquette (8/10): super rich and flavorful, but couldn't really make out the crab - Mentaiko Mac n Cheese (10/10): this was the most unique dish with a strong smoky flavor (smoked Gouda or smoked roe?) - Tuna & Tamago Kimbap (8/10): Hard to go wrong with this, liked how generous they were with the tuna which paired nicely with the sweet tamago and the radish - Katsu Sando (7/10): Least impressed by their sando, which I felt could've used some more dressing up. The milk bread was toasted nicely but the inside was a bit dry.

Super cool speakeasy, the music is vibey and the interior is aesthetically pleasing, there is different speakers at each room. Good date spot. I like the drinks. The dessert was good but not notable, like a normal so sponge cake.

Bar Orai is hidden away in an apartment building and quite an unexpected place to find a Japanese bar. It really is a unique place, with custom made furniture and half the menu dedicated to describing their speaker system. The bartenders are helpful, friendly and create amazing cocktails. It was cool to see how they rotate between themselves, so that they take turns to DJ and act as the host for the evening. This is definitely somewhere we'll be coming back!

Such a hidden gem in midtown east! Our party made a reservation for 10pm for the lounge and was seated right in front of the live performance. Would recommend coming a bit earlier since they left shortly after. Such great vibes with dim lighting and good jazzy music For drinks we got the Anri, Sade, D'Angelo, Prince and Louis from the cocktails section. All were great to be honest. My favorites were the Prince and Sade (on the sweeter side). We also got the Intro to Japanese Whiskey (whiskey flight). For food we ordered truffle tots, ebi sando, and katsu sando. All were delicious and paired well with our drinks. Next time I would try to get the mentaiko mac n' cheese since that looked pretty good as well.

Overpriced bar with food that feels pretty cramped. Whiskey tasting is $50 for 3 flights and the food was mid

Easily one of favorite new bars. A ton of Japanese whiskeys. They even have flights, in case you wanted to try out a few different brands. The thing that one me over was the DJ that was playing a great selection of music. Nothing clubby about spot, more so somewhere you go to have a good conversation and great beverage

Beautiful spot that's tucked away in an apartment complex that you can easy miss (if you did not have the address). You could definitely taste the alcohol in the cocktails, but it is well thought out and well-made. I would come for a date night as it is very aesthetic and intimate.

I really really REALLY want to gatekeep this place because it's such a gem in the city.... But this is a really cool speakeasy bar on the upper east side. You enter through what looks like an ordinary apartment building and there's a really small sign that says "bar orari" if you're in the right spot. Once you go up the stairs and open the door you'll be greeted by a dark vibey space. I wonder if this place is owned by someone Korean because they have stickers that says "orari" in Korean that you can pick up at the cash register area for free! Great place for a date or to take your special friends out for a chill night. The music is great, cocktails are delicious and they also have food which I haven't tried but looks good too. They also are known for their Japanese whiskey so if you're a fan of whiskey I'd definitely give it a try.