Sake Bar Satsko

Top Pick
202 E. Seventh St.
New York, NY 10009
Phone (212) 614-0933

This charming sake bar provides a quiet haven for Alphabet City locals trapped between the ever-growing nightlife scenes of Avenues B and C. Not much bigger than the average studio apartment, Sake Bar Satsko has a comfortable, careworn style. Low-hanging beaded red lamps light the few tables and small bar area, while snapshots of smiling patrons paper the walls.
Neighborhood regulars drop in to sample one of the 30 types of sake on offer (from $7 to $50 per serving), snack on dumplings and edamame or simply greet old friends. Colorful descriptions bring the sake menu to life, supplemented by solid recommendations from the friendly bar staff. The house cocktails are also a treat — for a new take on an old favorite, try the Saketini -- Amy Douthett

Q. What is sake bombing and where can I do it?—Laura Phillips, Lower East Side
A. Sake bombing, or the practice of dropping a hot shot of sake into a cold pint of beer and then downing the mixture, is especially popular at Azuki Sushi (239 Park Ave South between 19th and 20th Sts, 212-228-3611) where sake is free if you spend $15 or more on your meal (beers are $4 to $7 each). The sake bombing scene has exploded at the East Village Sake Bar Satsko (202 E 7th St between Aves B and C, 212-614-0933), thanks in part to their Sunday night chug-a-thons. Between 10 and 11pm, patrons who pay $10 can partake in a drinking competition with other bargoers; whoever pounds two sake bombs fastest gets a free Satsko’s t-shirt. Losers can buy theirs at the bar for $15.