Sake Bar Hagi • 1985

In Hell's Kitchen, New York's first authentic izakaya draws theater-goers and locals into its brick-walled den for yakitori skewers, crispy rice with tuna, and mentaiko pasta tossed in a silky cod roe cream sauce. Since 1985, this cozy Japanese tapas bar has been perfecting the art of izakaya dining with Showa Era decor—old records, trinkets, and an atmosphere that feels imported from a Tokyo backstreet. The happy hour runs until 6:30 PM with $4 drinks, and the vast sake selection includes carefully curated bottles from across Japan.