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    Accidental Bar

    4.6 (29 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    ACCIDENTAL BAR ATMOSPHERE

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    Lovely window seat, sipping on sake
    Whitney L.

    Accidental Bar is a true gem. From their incredibly well-curated sake list, to their scrumptious food and intimate space, this is quickly becoming one of my favorite bars. I wanted to try everything on their menu. Everything we tried was magical. Austin, the owner, was such a generous host to me and my husband. He took his time to walk us through the details of the menu and history of the bar. What an experience. This bar has great energy and we'll definitely be back! Dont miss your chance to go here. HIGHLY recommend!

    Quesadilla
    Alex H.

    Accidental Bar in Alphabet City is a funky sake bar serving small plates alongside delicious glasses of sake. As someone who knows very little about sake, I appreciated the staff's ability to recommend glasses based on the wines I typically enjoy. The food was also surprising good based on the size do the kitchen. We ordered the "whole shebang" which included a sampling of their larger plates including the Otsumami Plate which consisted of various pickles, pecorino cheese nori bites, roasted carrots and olives meant to pair with your sake, scallop crudo, crab with miso cream over crispy potatoes, roasted red peppers with anchovies, Huitlacoche quesadilla, and crispy sweet potatoes. Accidental bar is a great place to learn more about sake and enjoy some delicious bites while you're at it

    a man standing at the bar
    Tessie V.

    I'm not a huge fan of this place. Maybe it's because I'm not a huge fan of sake, maybe it's because I find their need for barside reservations annoying -- BUT still I am fair and need to say it's a solid 4.4/5 I've been here about three times. But the second time was the best, it was the first time we met Austin Powers. Like so many other reviewers state -- hell yeah it's an awesome name, but he's also an awesome guy. We were sat at the bar, after being pushed along to a corner seat for "RESERVATIONS" but we at least got seats. The bartender, who I think in the manager is a bit snooty but helpful. I think you're allowed to have that air about you while working a sake bar in Avenue C tho. So we're sat at the bar picking our sake and discussing the quote on the wall by Austin Powers. There's a fella next to us that is smiling along at our comments and questions until he finally peeks up and admits he's Austin Powers. Which my friend responded, "No, you're not." Austin replies, "Yeah, that's actually my name. I'm Austin Powers the owner of this bar." Really funny. He tells us the story about falling in love with sake, growing up in the south, growing up with the name Austin Powers, and about some of his life in NYC. His energy is super warm and welcoming. He carried an air of serenity. The sake was delightful too. While I'm not a huge fan of sake, it's alright -- GIN is more my thing. One of my friends is a fanatic and he and the bartender got talking. The bartender and the owner play this wonderful BAD COP - GOOD COP which makes the whole experience hilarious. Both of them invited us to partake in the chambong experience which was also quite fun. It sort of felt like being at a field trip at the SAKE museum. They obviously care about what they do here and tho it could be a bit snooty at times, I think it's because the limitations of the space. The best experience is by yourself or on a date. Also, be passionate about sake. Also, be ready to spend a decent chunk of change. But you're at a sake bar on Avenue C. You know that already.

    Nigori Sake
    Mihir P.

    Came with some friends for the first stop while bar hopping. Friendly bartenders, and a cool vibe, would recommend for first dates. It was a bit hot on the day we went though so that's worth taking into consideration. We ordered some Nigori to share and it was incredible, exactly what I had hoped for. Would recommend if you're not usually a fan of Sake. We were only here for a short while but it was relatively uncrowded.

    Indoor bar area
    Marissa N.

    Rarely do I write reviews but UGH. First of all, Sake can feel intimidating or pretentious by this place could not be more opposite. It's like the vibe of your favorite West Village regular spot but in the East Village. The owner is the coolest most interesting person and you can tell he put so much passion and thought into every part of this "accidental" bar. Very reasonably priced and such a good date spot, spot to catch up with friends, spot to sit at the bar and flirt with a server. The kind of place you feel good sitting at for 3 hours on a Tuesday because the atmosphere is so great. If you're one of those "I don't like sake" people, dip your toe into Accidental Bar. You won't be dissappointed.

    Scallop
    Jin C.

    If you're expecting a proper sake education, this is not the place for that. But if you want a fun and laidback place with a bit of whimsy and zero pomp where there is a wide variety of different sakes with quirky descriptions, Accidental Bar is the place for you. For one, there were no options for half glasses or flights, despite being a supposedly educational institution. Hannah was kind enough to set up half pours for me and my friend, though. None of the sakes really stood out for me. Perhaps I don't have quite the palate, but none were particularly complex or sophisticated. I got the entire food menu, and my favorites were the scallop crudo, ponzu marinated mushrooms, crab over crispy potatoes, and anchovies with marinated red peppers and a bit of bread. The dishes are definitely on the pricey side for what they are, but I suppose you're paying for an atmosphere. The bbq jackfruit polenta cakes felt like bland and wet cotton wool, so do not get that.

    Otsumami plate
    Randy A.

    All I have to say is this bar is amazing. I recently visited with a group of friends and felt welcome upon walking in. Austin was very helpful when it came to choosing what kind of sake each of us would like by asking us what drinks we usually tend to lean towards, and he did not disappoint any of us with his choices. I definitely recommend ordering The Whole Shebang to try all the different snacks. The standouts for me were the scallop crudo and the roasted red peppers with anchovies. If I'm ever back in the city visiting, I would definitely come back.

    Bar with select bottles of sake
    Colt V.

    Very knowledgeable staff. Delicious small plates in a beautiful room. If you're at all interested in sake you should visit! Great!

    Ashley T.

    Go for the sake selection (or to try it if you *think* you don't like it), stay for the people. There IS a sake for everyone here, and while the staff is incredibly knowledgeable, it's also fun to play around and trust the quirky flavor profile descriptions ("as if someone spiked your Sprite at prom"). The ambiance is so fun, with a layer of casual sophistication that fits so well into Alphabet City/EV vibes. Great for date night or just meeting up with friends. Usually stay for a snack and drinks and grab dinner in the neighborhood. Shout out to Austin & Peter for being some of the most welcoming people I know in the neighborhood!

    Chambongs

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    5 years ago

    This is a sweet spot with great food and atmosphere. Austin is a convivial host with an in depth knowledge of sake.

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    Review Highlights - Accidental Bar

    If you find yourself lucky enough to sit in when the owner is here, he will teach you all about Sake.

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    The Spaniard - The Spaniard front bar

    The Spaniard

    3.7(439 reviews)
    1.4 miWest Village
    $$

    The Spaniard is a spot for a real drink if you're in the mood…read more I've been here a few times. The last time was a couple of weeks ago, were in town for the weekend. After a nice stop and a secret garden in west Greenwich, I decided to use the points I had racked up and suggested a beverage at the Spaniard. It was agreed upon, in part as i suggested "they probably have a nice bathroom". Of which they did. It helped they had a nice house drink menu too. My gal found something she would like, and she did. After a fun drink off their menu I got a scotch. Old Putney 12 year. Actually the bartender came up and said they were out, would I want a 18 year or 20 year, something like that. it was a bit more money but it was he last beverage of the weekend trip so I got it. My Lourd it was good. If we had time I would have gotten an Oban they had, but we were off. But we will be back, maybe this year. And if I have racked up enough points in the area, I will suggest this excellent whisky bar.

    Well if this isn't a perfect late night destination in NYC, I don't know what is! A last minute…read morewhim landed me in NYC on Holiday Eve 2024 and I needed a meal. Walking through the cold streets, I stumbled upon The Spaniard which has quickly become one of my favorite NY destinations! We were there for a quick 30 hour trip to experience the "Holiday Magic". After a long day of travel, we just needed something good. We arrived and they accommodated us in a back booth tucked behind the bar, perfect! Our waiter was a delight and very responsive. The martini was kick-ass and our waiter was kind enough to offer us many recommendations. We landed on Charbroiled Oysters, Steak Tartare, and French Onion Dip. Someone slap me, I'm drooling while I write this review over a year later. Seriously, phenomenal. Every bite was amazing! We cleared the table and manged a few cocktails during our time with The Spaniard. If you are ever in the West Village, stop by, you won't be sorry! Thanks me later, actually!

    Photos
    The Spaniard - Back bar at The Spaniard

    Back bar at The Spaniard

    The Spaniard
    The Spaniard

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    Dear Strangers - Such a nice cute bar!

    Dear Strangers

    4.3(28 reviews)
    1.2 miGreenwich Village

    Dear Strangers is a wonderful hidden gem! We celebrated Valentine's Day there last night and while…read morethe restaurant was incredibly busy, we never felt overlooked or underserved. The owners were milling around making sure everyone was well taken care of and the wait staff were kind and personable. Now the food...AMAZING!!! Every bite we took was wonderful and so surprising with creative combinations and gorgeously presented. The restaurant itself was hip and refined and seemed to be the happening spot of the night. We will certainly be back!

    Met up with friends here for dinner before a show near Washington square. It wasn't super crowded…read morewhen we arrived around 6pm (maybe due to the extreme cold that day) but started filling up gradually. I loved the ambiance and decor, very cozy. As for food, there were some true hits but most of the food was good but basic. The highlights for me were the wild mushrooms & rice cakes as well as the Caesar salad - loved the use of nori in the salad and would definitely come back for the mushrooms. The chicken cutlet and chicken dumplings were fine but I probably wouldn't order them again. The wait staff weren't super attentive nor super warm, but they were efficient when we asked for water refills, etc. There was ample standing room at the bar while we waited for our friends, but the table/booth that we sat at was super narrow, I was knocking knees with my friend all night and generally felt squished.

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    Dear Strangers
    Dear Strangers
    Dear Strangers - Smoked chicken croquettes

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    Smoked chicken croquettes

    Sip & Guzzle - Soft serve kumquat

    Sip & Guzzle

    4.1(271 reviews)
    1.3 miWest Village

    Date: Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 Time: 5pm…read moreParty of: 6 Reservation Made Thru: Resy Accolades: No. 39 in The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, No.5 North America's 50 Best Bars 2025 *Chinatown No.5 ($31) *Satsuma Creamsicle ($28) *Tomato Tree ($24) *Yakitini ($28) *Jamon & Cheese ($31) x2 *Whisky Nigiri ($29) *Addictive Cabbage ($8) *Doctor Green ($26) *Strawberry HotPot ($26) *Dirty Mango ($27) *Plantain Colada ($26) x2 *Espresso Matahini ($28) *Southeast Gimlet ($25) *Espresso Martini - Classic ($25) *Large Party - 20% ($83.80) *Tax ($37.19) My group was on a mission to get bar reservations. We ended up booking a party of four initially when rezzies were released. Later, we made a separate rez for a party of two as we had two more people join and there weren't any openings for a party of six. They were nice enough to combined the two bookings and give us one table when we checked in. I got the chinatown no 5. I was born in sf chinatown and my last name in chinese is the number 5, so I figured it was meant to be. Very cute presentation. The cocktail is in a bottle, so you end up with more than one pour. Nice since the rest of my party could try. I did have another cocktail afterwards, but I cannot remember what it was for the life of me. I enjoyed sipping on it tho. Our server was sooo sweet. Friendly, attentive, and informative. The cocktails here are definitely creative, so she was very helpful in guiding us towards what we may like and describing the different drinks. Inventive cocktails. Had a great time here. REVIEW #4012

    Sip&Guzzle was recently made #1 bar on the list of Top 50 in North America in April 2026, and I…read moreknew I had to make my way here! We were not able to make a resy, so we had standing room at the bar area. 5/5 Rum&Coke - truly such a standout drink due to their secret house blend of spices for their Coke! This such a light and refreshing drink, and woud be very appropriate for the friend who says they do not like spirit forward drinks. 4/5 Super Lychee Martini 4/5 Coffee Martini

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    Sip & Guzzle - Bar Area by the entrance

    Bar Area by the entrance

    Sip & Guzzle - Hand rolls $

    Hand rolls $

    Sip & Guzzle - Wagyu old fashioned

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    Wagyu old fashioned

    Serpentine - Espresso Martinis

    Serpentine

    4.5(24 reviews)
    1.4 miWest Village

    We got here early before it started hopping and boy did it hop. The service was friendly and fast…read more The drinks great. The food (only one of our friends ate) looked pretty good, but not exceptional. I'd come back again. A fun, nice, clean bar with a great crowd and staff.

    We had a great time at Serpentine for post-dinner drinks recently. I already had it mind when we…read morewalked by on our way to dinner and even at around 8:30 (on a Saturday) it was already busy. Not surprising, then, that it was pretty packed by the time we finished dinner, at 10:30ish. Serptentine has a solid cocktail list, one that definitely reflects the West Village sensibility. The drinks are all clear variations of classics (ie., martini, negroni, espresso martini, margarita, old fashioned, etc.) but with some added intrigue. All well-executed and made efficiently, which is very impressive during weekend primetime. If you're not nearby I wouldn't make a trip to the area just for Serpentine, but it's a fantastic option if you live/work in the neighborhood and/or are getting a meal in the area and are looking for a bar to start or end at. As I mentioned, it was relatively busy when we arrived here. There weren't any open seats initially but the host said we could hang around the bar for a bit, as he expected a table to open soon. It was probably 10 minutes before we were sat which is basically like being sat immediately in New York time. And generally, the staff here were great -- very personable and accommodating, quick service, only praise in that area. The vibes here are cozy but lively, giving more of a friend hangout than a date (it's also relatively loud so not ideal for conversation if you're sitting across from someone at a table, versus standing and mingling or sitting on bar stools). If you're a dirty martini person you are in luck here, because the Serpentini (grey goose vodka, dry vermouth, olive brine, pepperocini liqueur) is unlike any other. And I get dirty martinis pretty much everywhere I go, so that's saying something. Why is it so unique, you may ask? Well, the pepperocini liqueur is a nice touch and props to whoever decided it was necessary to make such a thing. But the real game changer is the sidecar. You may be thinking -- how is a sidecar unique? Well, it's not just any sidecar...it is not filled with more martini but simply PURE FILTHY BRINE. I mean, if you're ordering a dirty martini, you probably would take a bath in olive brine, brush your teeth with olive brine -- hell, maybe even your contact solution is just olive brine. Want to make your martini dirtier as you drink it? Serpentine has you covered. It is so simple and obvious yet I've never experienced it before. And, because I've never met someone who loves dirty martinis who doesn't also drool over blue cheese-stuff olives, the Serpentini's got that too. Though less exciting and groundbreaking, Mezcal Negroni (ilegal mezcal, campari, averna amaro, lo-fi gentian amaro) is also solid. I love a mezcal negroni and this one is relatively straightforward, just a subtle variation with a few different amaros to add some complexity and herbal notes. A fun and versatile neighborhood spot. It's in prime location so I imagine to rent is absurd, so fingers crossed that it sticks around!

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    Serpentine
    Serpentine - Espresso martini

    Espresso martini

    Serpentine

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    Accidental Bar - bars - Updated May 2026

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