We grabbed the last-minute reservation for dinner on a weekend. We got in right when they opened and we led to our seats at the bar. Service was friendly and the gentleman behind the counter checked in occasionally to make sure we were all good and if we needed anything else. We ordered several things including omurice. kimbap, mac n cheese, karage, and a highball and suntory draft to wash it all down. Everything was quite good and the omurice was the highlight. One of the best I've had in a while. I always love suntory so glad they had it on the menu. It's a cute intimate spot perfect for a date or a small group. We were notified that the next reservation was coming so we would have to leave and while that was a little disappointing they did give us 30 minutes heads up (wished they told us at the beginning). All in all, I'd recommend it - 4.5/5 but will round up. read more

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Recommend: Penicillin, Mentaiko Mac & Cheese This place has a nice relaxed vibe. I came by on a Thursday night, the bar was full so I ended up at a table. The server had good drink recs and didn't come by too often. The mac & cheese and the sandos are popular, though I have to come back to try the sandos. Also worth noting that they do not accept parties larger than 4. read more

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I love this place!!! Such good vibes and good drinks + food My favorite was their matcha, penicillin, and cannot go wrong w any of their highballs read more

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This hidden Japanese bar offers a vibey, laid-back, and nice ambiance to enjoy some good music and drinks. They are a whiskey-focused cocktail bar with a good selection of Japanese bites to eat. As I already got dinner beforehand, I only tried their drinks. While I typically don't like dark liquor, I truly enjoyed their earl grey highball. If you haven't been here yet, I highly recommend checking it out! read more

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Came here at the recommendation of DJ Bles-sed! She was spinning that night. Loved watching her spin vinyl and she was open to requests based on what she had with her. (We even found a corner to dance in amongst ourselves, even though nobody else was dancing in our area.) It turns out a couple friends had been here before and enjoyed it. They had food and drinks, while we came here for drinks and DJ after having dinner nearby. Reservations open 2 weeks in advance and must be made online. Can book up to 4 people per group. We requested a seat near the DJ with our reservation. Note that there is a time limit for seats when they are busy/fully booked. (We didn't have an issue with that and noticed some people at the counter seats who also stayed for a while.) Party of 3, we drank the Sorrel Remedy and the Plum Yuzu. Both were wonderfully spirit-forward and delicious. (They feature mostly whisky and bourbon. There are a lot of seats for the space size, with a lot of counter seats plus cute chairs and sofas. Simple and nice decorations including a wall of vinyl. Would definitely come back to try food next time. (Especially if DJ Bles-sed is spinning!) read more

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Still serves some of the BEST whiskey sours in the city in my humble opinion. Also this place is literal heaven if you love egg-white based cocktails or whiskey-based cocktails. - Whiskey sour light: 100000/10 (definition of a well balanced and fragrant whiskey sour) - Whiskey sour dark: 100000/10 (ditto but stronger) - Matcha cloud: 1000/10 (didn't have a really strong matcha flavor but was still amazing nevertheless) - Penicillin: 10/10 (weaker than the OG penicillin I had at attaboy, but still great) I really must come back to try their katsu Sandos next time. read more

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Really liked this bar. Cool Japanese whiskey concept with live jazz record music. Cocktails were good too, well-made and well-thought out. The food was alright. I liked the wasabi octopus and the mentaiko mac was decent. Overall a cool place to chat and vibe to music. read more

Bar Orai - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Orai is everything I look for in a bar. Its location in an unremarkable building in midtown is perfect, and the opposite of scene-y. The smell of Japanese incense, low lighting, and good music made me feel right at home. The vibe is perfect for conversation with a close friend. As soon as I spotted the Earl Grey Highball, I didn't need to peruse the drink menu further. It was a perfect cocktail. The food was simple and delicious. We ordered the: - Crab cream croquette - Goma chili cucumber - Katsu sando I'd happily eat all of these again. Sadly, I only had time for one drink on my first visit to Orai. But I won't make that same mistake twice. I can't wait to come back to sample their egg-white based cocktails (my favorite type of drink) and continue my journey to becoming a regular here. read more

Stopped in at Bar Orai for a few drinks during a weeknight while I was in New York for a trade show. The place is somewhat hard to find and quite easy to miss but that's what makes it all the more rewarding once you've found it. Tucked away on the second floor of a nondescript building, Bar Orai serves a Japanese-inspired menu of both drinks and bites. The main highlight of the place however is the ambience that has been carefully curated inside. It's style is reminiscent of Japan's ongaku kissa, or listening bar/cafe. They usually will have a guest DJ playing music, which they had when I visited. The combination of the great music selection paired with the palatable drinks made the experience at Bar Orai very relaxing and enjoyable. The service is attentive and quick as well. I'm sure it gets busy here since it's small but I got lucky and was alone so I was able to sit within 10 minutes at the bar. If you're in New York City and looking for a little escape to Tokyo, look no further than Bar Orai. read more

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Overall rating: 4.6 Came here after a play nearby originally wanting to go to Upstairs. It was 10pm on a Friday so it was def busy. Can't remember what we got but both drinks were delicious. The bartender was also really nice. He left us alone but still checked in from time to time. It was definitely busy!! read more

Bar Orai - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Unique environment. Cool vibe and great tunes The whiskey drinks were amazing. Had the tots, charcuterie, and cucumbers. All were excellent read more

Bar Orai - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Not typically a whiskey fan but the drinks are delicious!! All whiskey based drinks with asian flavors. The entire ambience and decor is amazing and exactly how I wish my apartment was decorated The food was supperrrr delicious. Standouts were mac and cheese and the ebi sando. Everything in here from the drinks to decor to food is carefully curated and crafted. Highly recommend read more

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Good drinks - nothing crazy but good. The katsu sando was very yummy and not dry at all. A little expensive but the vibes are cool. music is very nice and not too loud read more

Bar Orai - katsu sando - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Vibes are so good - a cute speakeasy with drinks and food. It's music themed so music is really good and vibey. We got katsu Sando ($18), mentaiko mac and cheese ($18), tuna kimbap ($24), and cucumber ($10). Kinda pricey but food was good and you're paying for the vibes. Would come again and get drinks to chill! Instagram - @joangela.eats read more

Bar Orai - Mentaiko Mac n cheese - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Cute Japanese speakeasy -- good food, big emphasis on drinks. It's a bit hard to find and definitely earns the designation of being a speakeasy and had a fun eclectic collection of chairs. Music was great, but a bit loud and hard to have a conversation. I really enjoyed the mentaiko mac and cheese (very cheesy and a bit spicy) and kimbap (refreshing and flavorful). The Katsu Sando was okay. I got the yuzu plum virgin cocktail, and was a bit disappointed as there wasn't much plum flavor at all. Service was quick and friendly. Would come back again for the bites! read more

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This is the coziest speakeasy I've been to! The inside is really just like someone's living room and the decor matches that. The playlist was great and we were able to still talk without yelling while still being able to hear the music. I got the Plum Yuzu and my friend got the Pomegranate Ginger. They were both so good and I highly recommend if you like fruity drinks. The Pomegranate one was sweeter. The drinks were also fairly strong. We also got the katsu sando and it definitely had much more flavor than I expected. The pork was really tender. It wasn't a huge portion but good as a snack. We walked in on a Saturday night and got seated at a shared table which was fine with us. They offered us bar seats once they became available. Would definitely return! read more

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Japanese whisky, vinyl, and streetwear culture with a dash of speakeasy. Trust the Google Maps locator, and follow the (diminutive) signs to reach Bar Orai. Reservations recommended, but don't show up too early since your table might not be ready yet. There are three dining sections comprised of two main sitting areas separated by the bar. The larger seating area evokes a cozy retro living room, and where vibes are best, in my opinion. I was pleasantly surprised that my chair didn't just look luxurious, but was actually comfy to sit in. There's an air of quiet luxury in Orai, toeing the line between casual and sophisticated. Think tiny beanies and tucked T-shirts with the vintage J's. Supreme merch and Bearbricks line the walls dutifully amid carefully arranged bottles of whisky and hundreds of records. Music, obviously, is tasteful and the perfect volume to get lost in but also to have a conversation. I'll admit I'm not the biggest fan of whisky, so my selections were limited to the Highball and wine section. And also the single beer - who else knew that Suntory makes a beer? For people with real taste, there's a very nicely curated selection of whisky, whiskeys, and bourbon, and cocktails involving the aforementioned. Let's not forget the kitchen either, which shells out some delicious Japanese and Korean tapas to pair with your drink. Portion sizes for the food are pretty small, but think of it as a vibe surcharge. Part of the lovely time we had was attributed to the great service - all the house staff were super polite and thoughtful, keeping our waters topped off and moving things around for our small table to accommodate the drinks and food. Several hours goes by in a flash, and if not for them closing for the evening, we probably could have stayed much longer. read more

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Amazing, amazing, amazing. Regulars here; been to Bar Orai no less than 10 times. Drinks: 10/10 Food: 10/10 Ambience: off the charts Highly recommend for both locals and visitors alike. read more

Pretty fun vibes. It felt like being in someone's living room and the music was pretty solid. read more

Bar Orai - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

This is my favorite listening bar in the city. The music is always spot on (I'm always leaving with a new playlist) and I love the cocktail and menu variety. Service is prompt too. All do the food is so good so these are my recommended: -ebi fry -yuzu tomato -tako wasabi You MUST order these three. You won't be disappointed! Will return back to try the rest of the menu! read more

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Eek...A mouse!!! The drinks were cool, but the 'Feivel meet and greet" was not. Maybe it's a common thing in NYC, but seeing a mouse run around the lounge, was definitely "exit stage left" worthy. What made it worse was that we noticed the intruder just after we ordered our first drink, thereby tainting the remainder of the experience. My friends were so excited to bring us to their local bar, Bar Orai. Not only is it a bar they frequent, but it's the one that they always bring out-of-towners to. My my my were they so disappointed/embarrassed when I pointed out our unexpected guest. The bar was really cool, and the pictures of the food looked great. I only wish we had a better opportunity to enjoy the wonderful things this bar has to offer. Best of luck to the bar, and I hope they get this under control... read more

You know it's a good bar when you're not even sure you've found it. We looked for the entrance like it was a side quest in a video game. Up the stairs, through a non-descript door, and boom - we're in a warm little pocket of Tokyo meets Manhattan. I came with my wife and immediately tried to act like I understood the whisky list. The bartender smiled like he knew I didn't, then handed me something smokey and life-changing. There was jazz. There was tasty food. There was peace in my heart. We sat under a lamp that looked like it had its own record deal. Not sure how we left, or how long we were there, but I think time slowed down for a bit. This place? Secret, stylish, and too good to tell your coworkers about. read more

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The service was alright, the drinks were solid, but the food was great. Note that there's a very strict four-person max per table. The music was also a bit loud and we had to raise our voices a bit to talk, so not really the living room experience that they're going for. The drink menu is small, but the drinks were well-executed. The star of the show was the food. We enjoyed the kani cream croquette, mentaiko mac and cheese, and chicken karaage. An overall pleasant experience. read more

Dark, vibey, and fried to perfection--Bar Orai is where Japanese comfort food meets vinyl worship in a room that deserves its own soundtrack. Would return for the katsu. Would stay for the vinyl. Might even ask about the lamp! Hidden upstairs behind a stainless steel gate in Midtown, Bar Orai is a Japanese whisky bar wrapped in mid-century furniture, glowing light, and vinyl records that spin more than just ambiance. This isn't a theme bar--it's a listening experience with snacks. Drinks: - The whisky list is deep. The Hibiki Harmony leaned slightly sweet for my taste--smooth, yes, but with a honeyed finish that bordered on indulgent. - The Whiskey Sour (light) was well-balanced and easygoing, built for sipping, not grandstanding. Food: - The Ikageso (Japanese-style fried squid legs with mayo) was crisp and deeply satisfying. No chewiness, just golden texture and late-night energy in every bite. - The Katsu Sando stole the spotlight: juicy, well-seasoned, and tightly composed. One of those rare bites where the silence at the table means you're doing it right. - The Mentaiko Mac & Cheese brought heat--surprisingly spicy, even for someone who enjoys a kick. Creamy, yes, but definitely not for the mild-mouthed. Dessert: The Milkshake & Fries Ice Cream was a fun concept, but the ice cream was too hard--closer to chiseling than scooping. Still, it earns points for novelty. Ambience: Bar Orai nails the listening bar aesthetic--vinyl records lining the walls, sound that actually matters, and a space that feels analog in a world of algorithm playlists. Funky lighting, eclectic chairs, and mid-century cool without feeling performative. It's intimate but not cramped. Loud enough to feel alive, quiet enough to actually talk. Service: Efficient and present throughout. No unnecessary chatter, no gaps between courses, just clean pacing and confidence. Overall: Bar Orai isn't trying to reinvent dining--it's curating an experience. If you're into Japanese flavors, thoughtful drinks, and intentional design, it's an easy yes. read more

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Bar Orai is one of my favorite bars in the city. The vibes are good for small groups or dates and it's a very lowkey spot. The menu is Asian-inspired and I've been here a couple times and you truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu. I got a yuzu highball, but all of their highballs are refreshing and tasty, even for those who aren't fans of whiskey. My personal food item is the Mentaiko Mac & Cheese, but the Truffle Tots and Kani Cream Croquettes were up there for me too. I'd recommend getting a reservation if you can as the space is a bit small with limited seating. read more

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My friends and I ended up coming here on a whim, but I was really pleased with our experience here. The entrance is rather unassuming, as you walk up a few flight of stairs before you open a door into the bar. We ended up getting drinks and food. For food, we tried the karage. The karage was good, but nothing spectacular, and I think I could have gone without it. We also got the mentaiko mac and cheese, which I really enjoyed. It was a bit spicy, but I enjoyed the flavor. For drinks, we tried their different cocktails, and I thought all of them were good. You can't go wrong with any of them! If you're in the area, this is a nice chill space to hang out and grab a drink or a bite. read more

Bar Orai - mentaiko mac and cheese - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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A whiskey speakeasy in Midtown. We were trying to go to a Japanese jazz bar nearby, but after seeing the queue, stumbled into Bar Orai. I was kind of sketched-out with the entrance at first, but it was the textbook definition of "don't judge a book by its cover." Once entering the bar on the second floor, the vibe completely changes. It's filled with incense, low-lights, modern decor, and cozy music. This review is only for the drinks and the vibes, as we didn't get food here. Their whiskey selection is excellent. I loved how they presented their drinks, and had so much to offer. I've read and heard great things about their food, but I'll have to do that next time :) read more

Bar Orai - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Bar Orai is a listening bar located on the second floor of a Midtown East building. Listening bars are inspired by Japanese "kissaten" establishments, where there is an emphasis on high-fidelity audio/quality equipment and curated music collections. Bar Orai feels like you are in a friend's apartment living room, with fun lamps, couches nestled into corners, carpeting, communal tables, a bookshelf with books and other knick-knacks, etc. This lowkey record bar has a speakeasy feel (and is quite easy to miss) since it's tucked between other shops/apartments on the street. They play jazz, hip hop, R&B, J-Pop, among many other genres. (Orai Sounds is its YouTube channel if you want to get a better sense of the vibes). My friend and I walked in on a Thursday at 9 PM and were quoted a 1-hour wait, but our table was actually ready in 30 minutes! I thought that the service here was also great. We were originally sat at the communal table but when a couch opened up, we asked to move there and the staff agreed easily. I also felt like we could chill for a long time/didn't feel rushed or any pressure to order more. The menu/drinks are Japanese. We got two drinks but I definitely want to try the food options next time. - Plum Yuzu Highball (7.9/10): strong yuzu/citrus flavor, I thought it was pretty sweet and enjoyed it - Earl Grey Highball (7.8/10): didn't taste much earl grey flavor but i also enjoyed this The experience feels casual yet classy/sophisticated. I definitely recommend for a nice sit-down bar experience. read more

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You enter Bar Orai through an unassuming door with only a small sticker on the outside, which was fun. Very easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Great vibes, the ambiance is very dark and cozy. We sat at the bar, and it was cool to see the DJ. The music they played and the speaker quality were very nice as well. They have an extensive list of whiskey options, and their cocktails were delicious as well! I had a highball (pomegranate, I think), and it was super refreshing! The food was really tasty. The Ebi Sando and Mentaiko Mac & Cheese were a few standouts for me. The Ebi Sando had the perfect crisp on the shrimp and some tangy flavors that helped to balance the dish. I'm usually not a big fan of mac & cheese, but the one here was an exception. It tasted more like a creamy pasta rather than mac and cheese, but I'm not complaining. The mentaiko provided another flavor profile to the dish, and it had a little kick to it as well. Service was fine-- nothing exceptional but by no means was it bad. If I return, I would opt to sit in the lounge for even more of a home-y ambiance. read more

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This was such a fun bar! It was not too elevated, just a cozy spot that I enjoyed catching up with a friend! It is in such an unassuming location (I won't give you instructions, you'll have to find it for yourself like I did - that is part of the fun!) I loved how intentional the entire design of the bar is: the carpet, the speakers and stereo, the type of music they play. My friend and I sat at the bar and it's no less of an experience than sitting by the lounge area. It's fun to watch the bartender do their thing! and the drinks were fantastic too! I'd definitely recommend, and hope to bring another friend soon :) read more

Bar Orai - vibes - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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When people ask me for bar recs in the city - Bar Orai always comes to mind! Definitely one of my faves - with the causal couch seating, it feels more like a chill hangout at a friend's apartment with a top notch playlist full of jams :) I'm not a fan of whiskey but I still enjoyed my whisky highball here! Highly recommend getting food/dessert here as well - mentaiko mac & cheese is a must get! read more

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Bar Orai is probably my favorite bar ever, simply because of the atmosphere! The vibes are very lowkey and not at all like a normal (more lively) bar, which I actually really appreciate when I just want to grab a drink while catching up with a friend. The entrance is kind of hidden, as if it's in someone's apartment, which gives speak-easy vibes. Inside, there are a couple of seating options, from small tables if you want to properly dine to a seat at the bar for casual drinks, or their lounge area which is perfect for a more intimate hang-out. Drinks and food are great, I always love a good Asian / Japanese inspired drink. Service is also great, we asked an employee about their music choice and they were happy to chat with us for a bit. Overall, literally the perfect bar for any occasion. Super easy to make reservations on Resy, but I've also walked in on a weekday with no wait time. Also, they don't accept cash! read more

Bar Orai - Plum Yuzu Highball, Penicillin, Menkoi Mac & Cheese, Katsu Sando - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Cool lowkey spot great for a date or small get-together. Whiskey only, but with varying levels of intensity so I'd say there's something for everyone if they're willing to try something new. Service was solid. Their food looked good, but we didn't try any. I'd definitely send friends here if they were visiting. read more

Bar Orai - Inside - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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This bar was such a cute find! My friend and I were actually eating at a mexican restaurant nearby and saw this place pop up, so we decided to check it out. The vibes are super cozy in here, like you were at a friend's apartment, except its fitted with a pretty bar, immaculate decor, and a great sound system! It seems like a pretty lowkey spot where friends come to catch up over some great asian inspired cocktail drinks and bites! I had the D'Angelo, since I love coffee flavored anything, and it came out in the cutest teacup and saucer! Can't wait to come back, because their whole drinks menu looks so good! read more

Bar Orai - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Cool vibes and good drinks! Love the Japanese record bar aesthetic. There's communal seating and lounge areas. Cute, chill spot if you're in the area but also not blown away by the experience. read more

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The best Mac n cheese The mentaiko Mac n cheese The highballs taste so good here (not too sweet and not too strong) and the vibes are good read more

UPDATE: Second time around, I was a bit disappointed with the food and service. We were first told that for walk in, we would sit in the couch, shared table, or a seated table. I sat at the couch while I waited for my friend to come; when she came, she wanted to sit on the seated tables so we moved, grabbing our own drinks and menu only to hear from a different server that we cannot. So once again, I had to grab everything myself to switch tables. The drinks came out pretty fast, but they were just okay. We ordered some food, but everything was just mid. The mac and cheese was the most unique thing that we got, and it was good for the first couple bites but got really greasy/overwhelming. Not to mention that it also got hard/cold pretty fast. Also expected more of the roe(?) on top like they used to. The one and only dessert they have was the most disappointing. Very overpriced, the castella kind of felt like it just came out of the refrigerator because it was cold and hard. But the cream was like the one you would get at korean bakeries on their cakes, so that was good, but even after couple bites I was still confused what this was supposed to be.. The toppings did not mesh with the castella and I think people mostly order for the cute dish that it comes out in.. It was hard to get a hold of our server once more customers came, and most of the night I was just staring him down so that we could get what we needed (menu, straw, the check, etc). Overall, the vibe is still there but I'm not sure if this is a place I'd come too often. read more

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I had a great experience at Bar Orai. I reserved for 2 but was stood up :(. The host was kind enough to offer a "walk in" table. It was a table in the back. Everybody seemed to be doing their own thing, in deep conversation. The music was great. I really went for the music and the Japanese whiskey. I ordered the Honey Hibiki and it was smooth. I also ordered the chili cucumbers which were delicious and the kimbop which was great as well. I would've liked the chili sauce of the cucumbers on the side to dip the kimbap in. But they don't offer that. I want the recipe. It's delicious! It did feel like I was in someone's house having a kickback. One thing that threw me off were the lockers. Nobody offered to put my coat in one, so I don't think they were for the patrons. I would change that design anyway to cubbies and hooks for the bags. All in all I spent about $78 and I think I was on the cheaper end. This makes a great date. read more

Bar Orai - Honey Hibiki and chili cucumbers - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Very cozy and intimate bar located in Midtown East specializing in Japanese whiskey. They also had some very yummy bites on their menu. The karaage was yummy but I would come again to try their other dishes. Service was also great! read more

Bar Orai - Pomegranate ginger - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Absolutely loved the vibes of this bar - beautiful furniture, minimalist and modern design with a cozy feel as music plays in the background. Came for a quick drink after dinner but would love to come again and spend a longer time - was recommended to try to Mac & Cheese but the Truffle Tots were perfectly crispy and had the perfect amount of truffle! read more

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