This speakeasy has a very cozy, intimate atmosphere with Japanese-inspired decor. Agree with the other reviewers about the extended hours. One of the only speakeasies that's open during the day so it is a great place to spend time if the weather is not agreeable - which can happen frequently in a city like NYC. The bartender was sweet, menu was limited. We got a drink each before heading out to other nearby bars on a night of bar hopping. I would recommend getting the Empress X which is what I got. I love it is located in East Village because there are so many cool thrift stores, bars and restaurants in close proximity. read more

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Hard to Explain is quintessential East Village: tiny, charming, and full of character. They really commit to the Japanese bar theme, all the cocktails are soju-based. Wine and beer are also on the menu, but the unique cocktails are the big draw. The space is narrow, basically one long bar taking up the entire floor plan. No tables, only stools at the bar for seating. There's literally no space for anything else. While I liked the theme overall, I personally wasn't blown away by my cocktails, and didn't love that they were priced over $20 when there was only soju instead of stronger spirits available. Plus the space is "charming" but maybe I'm getting too old for tiny, grungy East Village bars. Definitely a unique vibe, but if you're not actively seeking out a Japanese-themed bar, I wouldn't call this a must-visit. read more

I really like that Hard to Explain is open early on weekends. I stopped in at 1PM on a Sunday and I was the only person there for two hours. I honestly really liked it. It was so chill. Seila was the bartender and she was just so nice and friendly. Since I was the only customer, we talked for the entire time. The bar is tiny, with a tiny bathroom but the vibes are great. There's dim lighting and the light fixtures are so pretty. It looks like alot of decor are from antique shops. I had the Cameron Obscura cocktail as recommended by Seila. It was fizzy and sweet. I also had this amazing plum shochu that was perfectly sweet. I'm adding a photo of it to this review. I had edamame as a snack for $7. They have some other light snacks here like chips and popcorn too. I really loved this bar and it is similar to their other bar Yakuni. The owner is really good at creating cozy and high quality bars. Would certainly come back. A hidden gem on a sleepy East Village street. read more

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Got the yuzu sour and sweet teddy when we went Thought the concept of the bar was super cool and that it all had similar base flavorings. Thought the yuzu flavor came out really well in this cocktail and also really enjoyed the small details of the candy on the cocktail too. Thought the bar tender was super sweet and friendly. She was great with helping us pick drinks we thought would be best. Decor in there is also super cute as well and has a nice cozy vibe to it read more

Hard to Explain - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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We happened to be walking down the street and decided to pop in for a drink. It's a small space with a long bar and cute decor. They serve a variety of sake cocktails, natural wine, sake and Japanese beers. We ordered the sake flight and natural wine flight, which included three tastings for each. Both flights were good and quite different. We also tried a sake cocktail that was similar to a Negroni. The bar serves some snacks and light bites to accompany the drinks. They also have matcha on weekend mornings. Great spot to grab drinks before or after dinner. read more

Hard to Explain - Cocktail - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Just like their sister bar, Steight providing various sake and shoju based cocktails in a cozy Japanese speakeasy. We came between 6-7pm, which was happy hour so we got 10% off all drinks too --win! All of the drinks are Asian-inspired with tasty and refreshing notes. I had the Bitchy Mangoes ($21) and Hojicha Mirin ($18). I enjoyed the mango one more, but highly recommend the Ma-Chet Baker ($21) and Falling for U-Bae ($21) if you want something super tasty. These two come in a bowl and tastes exactly like a latte. You can hardly taste the alcohol (which is dangerous) and it's so fun to drink. Great vibes for a date night or small hang with friends since it's a small space. read more

Hard to Explain - Hojicha Mirin, Cameron Obscura, and Ma-Chet Baker. - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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My best friend introduced me to this spot in January. Very small (in the best way) and intimate bar with amazing selection of Japan inspired cocktails. We loved every single one. The bartender was fun to chat with and answered all the questions I had about the cocktails. One of the places I will be returning to once I'm in NYC again. read more

Hard to Explain - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This is a must every single time we come back to New York. We absolutely LOVE Hard To Explain. The staff is awesome, the drinks are awesome and the place is an absolute vibe. Just be sure to get there early and don't be rude when ordering or waiting for a drink. There's one bartender and they're working as fast as they can. read more

Hard to Explain - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Hard to Explain is... well, hard to explain. But I'll try. Tucked away like your coolest friend's loft you were never invited to until now, this spot blends art gallery vibes with downtown edge. It's moody without being pretentious, creative without trying too hard, and effortlessly cool in that "only-in-New-York" kind of way. The drinks are clever without being gimmicky (the mezcal one with the smoky sprig? 10/10), the music is eclectic but curated, and the crowd feels like a mix of creatives, locals, and people who somehow all look like they're in a band. Service is chill but attentive--no one rushes you, but your drink never stays empty. Also: bonus points for actual comfortable seating and lighting that makes everyone look like they just got back from a film shoot in Berlin. If you're looking for something different, low-key elevated, and a little mysterious, this is it. read more

"I'd rather drink out of a bloody tampon" This is in the category of "how can a bar like this exist in 2025?". The East Village is one of the densest areas per sq block of bars in the US (if not the world). Why would you go here? What's to Jeer - It's not cheap -- cocktails are well into the 20/ without spirits in the then! - Almost all of the drinks are sweet. - Some of the worst wine I've ever had a bar and I'm including Chilis. I don't think it was even Trebbiano, it tasted like apple juice that was old. - the Most disinterested bartender ever. - The bathroom is gross and is socked in a supply closet that's not even attempted to look presentable What's to Cheer - Decor is authentically old and has a charm to it. This proves even New Yorkers don't have taste. AI definitely did not write this review. Please don't go to this bar. read more

My daughter took me here after a fabulous dinner. She has been a few times and felt that I would enjoy it despite the fact that they don't serve spirits. Well, she was right. The ambiance was awesome. It is hard to explain but it was what I would expect in an east village speakeasy. Down to earth decor that retained much of the old building's character. It was cozy. When we got there, there was only one seat so I stood but in a few minutes, two patrons left so we sat at the end of the bar. The bartender was very intent on ensuring that my cocktail was perfect. I believe it was called heart to explain. It was epic. A perfect balance of citrus and sweet. It was so good, I had 2. GO HERE!! read more

The drinks were so easy to drink and I like the asian inspired menu. It was like a dessert and after meal drink in one. My favorite was the ube cocktail. I liked my friends drinks too which were matcha and something tall i forget the name. This would actually be such a cute date spot, very intimate. Wasn't a fan of the bathroom though, could barely sit down on the toilet because my knees were touching the wall read more

Hard to Explain - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Unlike its name, it's really easy for me to explain why I will be coming back to this bar! They have a happy hour special that runs from 5-7PM, and lets you have 10% off any drink! Hard to explain is an intimate speakeasy type bar that seats about 10 people, and allows for people to stand as well. It offers a wide array of unique asian cocktails, a lot of them sake base, and served in a variety of cute glasses! I got the fall special, falling for u-bae, and it came in the cutest teacup. It tasted dangerously good, like an actual milk tea, and was a favorite among me and my friends. The cafe purr-isa was also really tasty, which was their take on an espresso martini with sake. We also got some kurobata sausages to share, and they were super tasty! The bartender recommended we order it with the mustard because it was a special kind, and it definitely did not disappoint! All in all, definitely check this place out if you're in the area! The happy hour deal is worth it, and their cocktails are unique and tasty! read more

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Thoughtfully curated, quaint, and all vibes. Hard to Explain is an intimate space that serves Japanese inspired drinks. The space itself is small, so you'll have to be a bit lucky to grab good seating (they only have bar seating). The drinks are not super strong, although you can ask for the classics if you'd like. I'm not a huge fan of matcha, but their matcha cocktail blew me out of the water! Their servers were super friendly as well. I'd love to come back another time and try their other drinks. read more

My favorite way to discover new bars and restaurants in NYC is to utilize the Seated app. This time, it really did not disappoint! After choosing the walk-in option, we made our way to Hard to Explain bar in the east Village. This place is so non-descriptive that we accidentally walked by first, giving it a subtle speakeasy vibe. It's a very tiny bar with limited space but we were able to snag two folding chairs just sit in the back of the room. Their cocktail and liquor options are super unique and all delicious. They use a guest bartender system, with each of the drinks being developed by somebody new. Many of the drinks, many items, and decor are Japanese themed and I particularly love trying the Nisshin-Shurui Sudachi. This is definitely a bar that I want to return to and I've already noted their sister bar/speakeasy to try as well! read more

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Great vibe, and the cocktails looked amazing. I prefer my spirits straight, but their cocktails were very tempting.

Cute dimly lit speakeasy, interesting cocktails, very limited space, quite pricey but great for one drink read more

Hard to Explain - Bar - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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What a hidden little spot! I've been here twice and both times were great. 1st time - we found this place after dinner, and did not have a resy. There were 4 spots reserved at the bar for a resy coming in later, but the bartender was kind enough to let our party of 4 sit there for a drink before they came. She was attentive and provided some great recs based on our usual cocktail/liquor preferences. She was the only bartender for a Saturday night, but she was killing it! 2nd time - also walked in without a resy. We sat by the entrance (there are a few seats away from the bar), and made it in time for happy hour which is 5-7pm! Drinks: cafe purr-isa, b*tchy mangoes, Bojo Do Luar "Doralice" (orange wine). Ambiance sort of resembles a speakeasy with the dim lighting, cozy feels. Not a full bar- they serve sake, wine (and natural wines!), craft beers, seltzers, and mock-tails. They also have bar bites/snacks. Highly recommend for a date night or catching up with a smaller group of friends! read more

Hard to Explain - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

A hidden gem! This bar has happy hour from 5-7 PM. Cocktails are $2 off (there's also discounts on other drinks but I don't remember what they were). It's a very small place with one person bartending (the bathroom is also very small). How were, the dark ambiance paired with the industrial lighting and blues/jazz music makes it nice and cozy. Despite being the only person working, the bartender was very friendly and accommodating to everyone who was there. This place specializes in drinks using Japanese spirits. I ordered the Empress X, which was a lychee and floral drink (really good and light). I also ordered the Ma-Chet Baker Latte, which looks like a matcha latte. It is creamy and delicious. If you told me these drinks had alcohol, I wouldn't believe you! I really recommend both of these. I felt like this place was special because of the drink and cocktail selection. These aren't your typical classic cocktails and each one is unique. read more

Hard to Explain - Ma-Chet Baker Latte - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Really cozy, intimate bar with great vibes and a Japanese influence. There aren't too many seats but the space is so cute. The drinks were all really well crafted. I especially loved the matcha cocktail (I forget the name). It's like a matcha latte in cocktail form, what more could you ask for? read more

Hard to Explain - Bar interior - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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It was my first time there, but I loved it! This's so small, but really cozy place for meeting with friends or dating read more

Hard to Explain - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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HTE is an intimate bar with a great atmosphere! I got lucky and snagged the last two seats at the bar. The bar tender was really friendly and attentive. I got two drinks - both were very tasty. They didn't taste like alcohol and it felt like I was just drinking coffee/matcha. I also tried sips of the Cameron Obscura and the Empress X. Both of those were also very fruity and did not taste like it had alcohol in it. I enjoyed my time there and I look forward to visiting again. read more

Hard to Explain - Cafe Purr-risa - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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We came here before omakase and wanted to get a quick drink or two. As soon as we got to the door we almost didn't go in because of how crowded it was. We decided to wait and it was SO WORTH IT. We stood on the side for sometime but finally got a seat. The interior imported me right back to a Tokyo record bar. I loved the records they played and the bartender was attentive as soon as we grabbed a seat. If you come, be patient because she was the only one working when we visited. The drinks we got were Cafe Purr-risa which was similar to an espresso martini. Delicious, the cold brew was so well done. Empress X was an elevated lychee cocktail. I am a sucker for umeshu and this was a great cocktail. Will definitely come back when I'm in the area next. read more

Hard to Explain - Cafe Purr-risa and Empress X - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

One of our favorite bars of the trip. It was a sake cocktail bar and the drinks were excellent. It is a bar seating only which works for me as a prefer the bar and the decor was eclectic meets industrial meets flea market. The bartender (Nikki) was awesome and fun to talk with. read more

Passed by randomly on Valentine's Day after seeing one of their vendors walk out and tell us the drinks were good, not realizing it was a business that was open. It's small and dimly lit inside for the vibes, and the bartender was super chill and nice! I ordered their matcha cocktail, and it was probably one of the best cocktails I've had in NYC in a very long time. If you don't love super boozy drinks and you're a matcha latte fan, definitely get this! I could definitely have drank like 2-3 more because they were so good. I'm happy to have discovered Hard to Explain, and I'll be back next time I'm in EV so I can snatch up that yummy matcha cocktail again. read more

Had so much fun at @hardtoexplainnyc ! It's a small place but I loved the vibes, friendly bartender (yes Carli!), and creative Japanese inspired drinks! Perfectly made so I don't taste too much alcohol in my drinks read more

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I didn't even get to try a sip of my drink, so I wouldn't know how their drinks are. I stopped by around 8pm on Saturday the 20th, and was met with awful service. I ordered a glass of wine. As soon as it was poured, as I was adjusting in my seat, I accidentally knocked over the full glass and broke it. I apologized repeatedly as the bartender came around to sweep up the mess, but she didn't have a single response to my apologies for the entire duration. I still felt awful, and kept to myself the rest of the time. When my party and I were leaving not long after, I was charged for the glass of wine I ordered. I politely asked the bartender if it was customary or policy not to re-pour drinks that were spilled, because it just wasn't my usual experience anywhere else. As soon as I asked, I regretted having done so: she started off with a "well.. you spilled it and broke the glass." She then proceeded to point out she did her job and even had to clean up after my mess. She kept going by saying, "if you didn't break the glass as well, then I might've [re-poured your drink]." If she had simply said it was store policy or that it wasn't the norm there, I would've understood. Instead, I was met with what felt like a personal jab for an honest mistake I already felt very badly about. I've never left a bad review, so I'm hesitant to leave criticism for an establishment I had meant to visit for a while, but I paid $22.5 including tip for no drink and bad service. I figured it was something other potential visitors may want to know. read more

I thought it was very cute. Service was great. This is more of a me thing but prices were exorbitant and it was not well air conditioned. Other notes is seating is soooo sparse and some of the seats that are offered are wildly uncomfortable and kind of forced. I do not have interest in sitting 1 foot from the toilet no matter how few seats there are. I do think the drinks themselves were beautiful and the aesthetic was really unique and nice. read more

I hate cocktails. They are usually too sweet, tart, or spirit forward. The drinks here are unique and creative without being too strong in any direction. I would come early though because it is small with limited seating! read more

Hard to Explain - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Hard to explain's appeal isn't hard to explain, it's a hole in the wall bar right off 1st avenue in East village, and an excellent date spot. The inside is cozy and I had no problem heading the person next to me speaking. The bartender was super, super kind; she let me sit for over half an hour while waiting for a friend and I didn't feel pressured to order. She knew the menu well and was able to provide a few recommendations, which were all great. Drinks I'd get again: Christina-- limited batch orange wine produced by a female-owned winery :) read more

Hard to Explain - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Its kind of hard to explain but I love coming to this place. don't often drink, but when I do it's here. Try the Carli-Flower, found out it's the name of the lady behind the bar cause she made it. Uhhhhhhhhh good vibes they got connect 4 and a ton of cameras. Also try their croissants, I swear they're just as good if not better than the pastries at Bibble & Sip. Literally come for Carli, yes with an I. Also heard their ice is pretty good. read more

Hard to Explain - The Carli-Flower, but I already drank it so imagine that it's full. - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Super cute little sake bar with really friendly bar tender. 5oz sake pours that will run you a little more than $20 each so it is a little on pricier end if you're looking to try a few different sakes. Very limited seating (~12 seats for the whole place) so not good for groups but an amazing spot for a date or 3 or 4 people to meet up. read more

A must visit location in the East village. Astonishing drinks, from great craft beer to delicious sakes. With its warm lighting and attention to detail-unique decor. A very compelling New York Gem. read more

Hard to Explain - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

cozy spot for a cocktail. menu is very cool, but the space is TINY. hard to get a seat or even standing room without a reservation, worth the effort but be aware! read more

This bar is great the drinks are amazing and the snacks they have to offer are good in case you are hungry. The ambiance is nice especially if you are going out with a loved one and wanna get a drink or two before a nice dinner or just a spot to go with friends. read more

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Had a quick trip to NY and stopped by this treasure, and what an amazing experience. The venue is warm, and the ambience is chill. It fills up quickly with a mix of new-comers, usual customers, and everything in between. The layout, music, and vibe really inspires everyone to have a good time. The bartender is friendly, the owner is engaging and has a wealth of knowledge about his product offerings. I ordered the Christina Orange drink, crafted by mixologist Christina, and it was delicious. It's really not Hard to explain: good drinks, good vibe, great people! read more

Came to visit NY for one night, really wanted a drink but was very intimidated by the city and the rest of the bars around the area. Found Hard to Explain almost by accident, I even passed by it not thinking it was opened but I'm glad I saw someone walk out. Divy, small, cozy - perfect for my vibe. Bartender super awesome and nice, didn't feel pressured or judged that I was alone. I felt safe and welcome for a female wanting a few drinks. Pink Silhouette was perfect, love sour beers! read more

Hard to Explain - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

My brother brought me here while I was visiting - if I lived here, this would be my local spot. It's a tiny bar but so intimate and cozy with a chill/jazzy vibe. The bartender (Christina) is the sweetest and easy to talk to bartender around. You totally feel welcome there! And the drinks were delicious! These are well thought out, crafted recipes. The place is definitely a win if you like japanese alcohols, cocktails, jazz, and good vibes (lmao i'm a californian). read more

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Hard to Explain is an amazing time and have incredible staff. Very intimate and fun. They were wonderful to me and my group of friends. I actually had my engagement here. They made our time in New York a night to remember. I had actually been in contact with the bar owner and he helped me coordinate the whole thing. Flew in from California, and when they opened, we came in and ordered our drinks, and then the bartender played our song. Went perfectly. She loved it. We're engaged. Family flew in and said congratulations. Super happy ending and it's all thanks to the incredible staff at Hard to Explain. Couldn't ask for a better time. Some day I'm gonna have my first drinks here with my kids. read more

Hard to Explain - Proposed here! - Wine Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Great ambience, wonderful music, and delicious drinks. Records playing creates a warm sound!