Wednesday, Sept. 29th, 2010—Bar 262

Day 262—Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
Decibel
I found a sake bar in the East Village online called Decibel that looks like a cool place. From what I could see online it’s got a small bar upfront and a dining area in the back. I’m banking on the fact since it’s Tuesday we can land a spot at the bar. Let’s go and see.

This isn't an easy bar to find, I walked by it twice and finally saw the little red sake sign.

And here's the low-lit sign on the side of the building.

And it's down the stairs we go.

The bar is small and candle-lit with one bench for everyone to sit at. I managed to wiggle in at the end of the bar.

Here's K the bartender. I'm not that knowledgeable about sake and K helped me choose one.

And here he is in action.

K made an excellent choice, it was delicious.

There's a row of Japanese masks that hang over the bar.

The back wall of the bar is lined with sake bottles and cups.

And more bottles are lit up at the top of the wall opposite the bar.

Graffiti and Japanese art line the walls.

Here's the nice people I was sharing the bar with: Lisa, Ryusake, Burt and Anna.

Takashi helps behind the bar and seats people in the back dining area.

A collage of sake labels on the wall.

A view of K from the opposite end of the bar.

There's a dining room in the back, let's check it out.

There's a long, candle-lit bar in the center of the room to sit and dine at.

There's tables in the back of the room...

And booths up front. It's nice and dark back here with candles providing most of the light.

Hello, kitty!

Meanwhile back at the bar, K and Takashi are taking care of business.

A view of the bar from where I'm seated.

A final Japanese beer and a tumbler of sake are served.

Cheers and goodnight, everybody! Sayonara!

Review
Decibel is a hidden gem in the East Village. You have to have the address handy and be vigilant, because it’s easy to pass this downstairs bar. There’s just a small sign on the building and a somewhar rickety flight of stairs leads you downstairs to the bar. The decor is a combination punk rock, Japanese fusion and a litttle speakeasy making for a unique atmosphere. The bartenders and staff are friendly and more than happy to help you with selections from the menu. Trance and disco music play at a conversational level and if you go here on a weekend you may have to endure a bit of a wait for a table or spot at the small, cozy front bar.

There’s more than 70 varieties of sake to be had here and you can sample them chilled or warm. The staff is well-knowledged on the selecctions and can help steer you to a taste that is of your liking. In addition to the large sake list, there’s also cocktails and Japanese beers available. There’s food and soups available to enjoy along with the sake and some of the appetizers include: steamed shumai, edamame and sauteed seaweed and noodles. Okonomiyaki is the house specialty pancake.
 
Decibel
240 E. 9th St. (@Second Ave)
212-979-2733