Sake Bar Decibel Japanese
Subterranean Sake
Between Second and Third Avenues
New York,
NY, 10003
United States
+1 212 979 2733
http://www.sakebardecibel.com/Transport Options:
Train Available: 6 at Astor Place
Overview
Sake Bar Decibel is a hipster sake bar that brings everything cool and eclectic about Japanese culture and presents it in bar form—think speakeasy meets Hello Kitty. The basement interior is dark, sexy and filled with Japanese decorations. The extensive sake selection can be overwhelming, but the staff is friendly, knowledgeable and more than happy to point you in the right direction. Bar snacks include katsuo, khada and saba miso (all fish dishes), udon or soba noodles, as well as shumai and various seaweeds and vegetables.Open Hours
Mo to Sa from 06:00 PM to 02:50 AM, Su from 06:00 PM to 12:50 AM
THE NUMBER ONE THING IS SERVICE. THEY DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH WELL AND THEY HAVE NO REGARDS FOR THE PAYING CUSTOMER. IT'S WHAT EVER THEY WANT TO DO IN THE RESTAURANT. THE PLACE IS SMALL AND CRAMPED AND THE STAFF IS JUST PLAIN RUDE. I WOULD ADVICE YOU TO STAY AWAY. THERE ARE MANY OTHER SAKE BARS.
I first found Decibel around 98-99. It was great! A hidden , underground bar, nice drinks and excellent choice in music. I've gone to Decibel many times, in fact I even went to their Mega Decibel location when it was open. I would recommend going with a japanese friend it'll end up when them having you eat stuff you'll normally avoid. Also the staff is quite knowledgeable and can really assist you in making choices. On the downside however, it's still too cramped, and some of the staff still needs a bit of training when it comes to dealing with customers. I've been involved it a bit too many disputes with the staff. I would say be very careful when it comes to tips and be ready to hold your ground. The management appear to be very friendly but are unprepared when dealing with conflict and often rush to defend the staff rather than find a resolution where everyone ends up on good terms. At closing time some staffers have a bad habit of clapping people to tell them to get out, we're not school children, it's much better to come over and talk to us like adults.Hopefully, they'll get over their ego's and work on improving...
...I went there and nary a hipster in sight. The food was absolutely delicous, authentic, but no sushi, but nice to know that there's more to Japanese cuisine. "Tokyo-food-vendor-style" according to my friend who's actually been there. You'll feel like you're one of the few people to be in on the secret.
