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    Kissa Kissa

    4.6 (33 reviews)
    Open 5:30 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    Kissa Kissa Photos

    Business Info

    KISSA KISSA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Kissa Kissa

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    Jennifer B.

    A vibe. Jazz music. Dessert. What more could you want? Went here with my good friend and enjoyed the vibes on the patio.

    Inside
    Michelle L.

    Came here for a date night recently and it was my first time at a listening bar! When we arrived around 8pm on a Saturday night, it was decently busy but we were able to grab one of the last indoor tables without a reservation. Obviously the music is forefront here, so the music volume is quite loud. The tunes were pretty upbeat and lively throughout the night, but also an eclectic mix of jazz styles. I enjoyed watching the DJ switch records and seeing the board above the bar change with the artist & album names. From far away, the board looked analog but the DJ saw me taking a photo and showed me how it's controlled from his tablet! You can also buy records from their "record adoption center" which is pretty neat. As a non-drinker, I always appreciate a bar with a good mocktail menu. I tried two - one was Afternoon in Paris, a nice floral and fruity drink, and the other was their version of a phony Negroni. My boyfriend enjoyed his Giant Steps whiskey cocktail, which smelled like sesame oil and soy sauce - very unique! Our server told us it was slow for a Saturday night, but with the volume of people ebbing and flowing throughout the night, it did get a bit loud at times, making it hard to have a conversation or even hear the music at times. If I lived closer, I feel like I would very much enjoy coming alone on a weeknight and sitting at the bar with a book.

    Round Midnight - a spin on the Black Manhattan.  This cocktail is a must-try for whiskey cocktail lovers.
    Gregg H.

    I was excited to visit this new and unique business that incorporates numerous interests of mine: jazz, vinyl LPs played over a hi-fi stereo system, craft cocktails, and Japanese culture. Kissa Kissa did not disappoint! We made reservations to sit at the bar, sitting at the far end next to the vinyl wall of 4,500 jazz LPs. A stack of hand-selected records for the evening sat next to the turntable. Employees would periodically change the record, and via a tablet, send the album information to a large and colorful vintage typewriter style signboard above the bar displaying the song information, including the release year. On this Saturday night, the music was upbeat and vibrant with selections by Art Blakey and Horace Silver. As I understand it, other evenings showcase different artists and moods. Josh - our bartender - was a skilled and personable mixologist who guided us through the menu. I loved that the cocktails at Kissa Kissa are jazz-themed. We sampled the Smoke Show (mezcal cocktail), Round Midnight (whiskey cocktail) and on Green Dolphin Street (matcha highball). All were excellent, but I particularly enjoyed the Round Midnight which is a riff on the Black Manhattan that uses Japanese whiskey, Averna, plum liqueur, and walnut bitters. The ambience and vibe were top notch. Kissa Kissa's U.S. adaptation of the Japanese kissa is more fun and social, with Japanese counterparts being on the small, serious, and erudite side. I think this is the correct spin! Another reason to visit - no cover charge, and fairly priced food and cocktails.

    Art pieces so lovely
    Ayanna E.

    Food was bites but the drinks were deliciously refreshing. I went due to hearing good things on TikTok.

    Matthew N.

    Kissa Kissa is a tremor under the pavement, a long saxophone note that started in someone's chest and shook loose the dust in the rafters. You don't merely enter that place, you surrender to its frequency. Like twisting the dial on a half-dead radio and suddenly landing on Coltrane at full midnight power, the door opened and I was tuned in, body humming in the same key as the room. The tables bore scars, cigarette burns from lives long past, rings of glasses that had sweated through decades. I traced the grooves with my finger, a kind of braille of the city's memory, and watched as new stains joined the old. Light draped itself in intentional shadows, cutting the corners, spotlighting the mic. Every word spoken there felt weighted, serious, as though the ceiling beams themselves leaned down to listen. And the sound--alive, serious, holy. Vinyl hiss, the sharp crackle before a horn, and then Miles spilling out like ritual incense. The record skipped once, twice, but the skip wasn't an error, it was the room itself joining the rhythm, turning flaw into pulse. Bass like a heartbeat under the floorboards, making every glass tremble, making me tremble. This wasn't nostalgia. This wasn't some myth I inherited from older heads telling stories of when Brooklyn was raw and rent was cheap. I was there, in 2025, feet on that floor, shoulder against that bar, and it still lived. The warehouse-to-loft city outside, the app-delivered everything, the air thick with construction dust--none of that bled through. Kissa Kissa bent time, folded it. In one corner I swore I glimpsed a ghost of Shinjuku, smoke rising like kanji over serious faces; in another, Fulton Street pressed through, sneakers tapping to unseen drummers. The people were characters out of stained glass. A woman in a long green coat carrying Neruda under her arm like an icon. A man with a tambourine who said nothing, only shook it in time, punctuating the sax's screams. A couple arguing fierce but whisper-low until the music drowned them out and bound them together again. I saw them. I heard them. They were there beside me, present, burning. And the poets--they cracked open the night. No polite recitals, no tidy stanzas. These were raw transmissions, words ripped out bleeding, slapped against the air. One poet wept mid-line, pages soaking in his hands. No one shifted uncomfortably. The silence held him, the bass caught him, and the crowd leaned forward, as though prayer was simply listening without judgment. I ordered coffee, nothing fancy, chipped mug in hand. It didn't matter what it tasted like. The ritual was the point--the passing hand to hand, sip to breath, word to word. Whiskey appeared for those who knew who to ask. Cups clinked but never drowned the music. Brooklyn outside was rushing forward, towers climbing, rents climbing higher. But Kissa Kissa resisted all of that. It slowed the world. It made time malleable, unmeasured, a place where you could dissolve into rhythm, where the line between your body and the bass blurred. One track the DJ played hung in the air like a spell. The whole room stopped--feet frozen, glasses mid-sip, eyes glazed like water. It was as though we'd all been submerged. When the needle finally lifted, the applause was less celebration than relief--thankful to have survived the drowning, thankful to have been pulled back to shore together. I stepped outside after midnight and felt the loss immediately. The city was loud again, fractured again. But inside me, Kissa Kissa hummed, still spinning. The cracked grooves, the trembling bass, the voice breaking in mid-poem--they etched themselves into me, not as myth, not as nostalgia, but as present tense. Kissa Kissa was amazing because it refuses to dilute itself. It does not cater, does not curate. It demands honesty. I walked in masked by the week, and the music tore it off. I walked in tired, and the poets set me alight. I walked in alone, and left carried by the crowd. This past weekend I felt Brooklyn breathe differently, deeper, freer, because inside that small room a heartbeat still holds. Kissa Kissa is not dead memory. It is alive, right now, a holy noise in a city too busy to pray. And I know I'll carry its vibration in my lungs for a long time.

    Round midnight
    Sa'Rah H.

    What a gem! Kissa Kissa gave all the sexy Brooklyn Jazz bar vibes I was hoping for on a this night. All that was missing was live music but the music was still amazing. The place was buzzing with energy despite the weather being cold and rainy. My friend and I had a cute table. He made reservations well in advance in order to score the optimal seating situations. We had the peaches and cream to start and I stuck with this drink all night. It was the perfect blend of sweetness and warm flavors of peach, sage and bourbon. It was pretty yummy. We didn't have any food because we'd already eaten. The service was great- attentive, friendly and speedy.

    Indoor seating and bar
    Nicole B.

    I made a reservation so had no problem getting a table. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the server and they were super friendly and even provided free popcorn for every table. I ordered the passion dance drink and it was very strong but good. They have jazz vinyl records playing and each time they put on a new record the board changes to let you know what's playing. It was a very nice touch. The bar is relatively small so I will say that you're pretty much on top of the people next to you but that's somewhat normal for New York City. They also have outdoor seating so could be a nice spot to check out during the summer.

    April 18, 2024; Drinks Menu.
    Matteo R.

    This truly awesome and unique new Japanese-style[1] jazz vinyl cocktail lounge that recently opened on Franklin Avenue features an insane collection of 4,500 LP of mid-1950s - late 1970s jazz in an elegant, sexy, welcoming setting. Perfect place to take a date after dinner, or to just relax while listening to great jazz. This may be the first cocktail lounge I've ever been to where jazz music is front and center. An unusual concept for sure, but also a sure winner. The wall of LP to the side of the bar doesn't feel intimidating; rather, it makes you feel like you may be in some jazz aficionado's living room. The vinyls are in constant rotation, and I loved the train station-style display above the bar that tells you what is currently playing. Playful and cool. The signature cocktails ($16) are arranged by spirit: gin, mezcal/tequila, rum, whiskey/rye, vodka. I had the opportunity to try 4 cocktails[2]: -Smoke Stack (mezcal, blood-orange amaro, grapefruit liqueur, lemon, agave, smoked salt, burlesque bitters; 24%) -Round Midnight (Mars Iwai 45 Japanese whiskey, house amaro blend, plum liqueur, orange walnut bitters; 33%) -Deeds, Not Words (gin, Brucato, umami bitters, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, yuzu, cucumber juice, chili tincture, sesame oil; 23%) -On Green Dolphin Street (gin, Lustau vermut bianco, matcha, lime, egg white, Pocky stick; 16%) The cocktails, named after famous jazz songs, are all excellent, and feature some unusual ingredients, like sesame oil and umami bitters. The use of nonconventional ingredients extends to the delicious chocolate mousse ($12): made with organic raw cacao, it featured a yuzu honey marmalade and matcha wafer powder. I also loved how the bartenders are involved and very enthusiastic about their craft. We got the opportunity to try several bitters, including an umami one from Japan that was unlike anything I've ever tasted. Kissa Kissa may well be my new favorite cocktail place in the neighborhood. Closed on Mondays. --------------------------- [1] From Wikipedia: "Jazz kissa, sometimes transliterated as jazu kissa, are cafés that specialise in the playing and appreciation of recorded jazz music". [2] Out of 11 on the menu.

    Dana L.

    Nice cozy vinyl bar with good cocktails and small bites. The patio is open during the colder months with plenty of heaters and they provide blankets! Service was great! Didn't need a reservation but it was pretty busy.

    Yvonne D.

    Stumbled in here on a Thursday evening (thinking it was still the old place). Surprised by the cozy ambiance of the new setup/ decor. Wasn't crowded but wasn't empty either, which I enjoy. Drinks were delicious & well balanced. Server was friendly and attentive-- she brought us over some popcorn which filled the air with such a good smell. Music was mostly jazz, think chill vibes. Perfect place to start off or end date night. We were ending it, hence why we only had 1 drink. Loved the flip board that showed what song was playing!

    Casai H.

    Kissa Kissa is about to be my new go to spot! The vibes in here are immaculate I had to bring my friends here. The service is always great as well. I love this place!!!

    Trish A.

    The staff is extremely friendly and this is such a cute spot. Don't expect to eat but there are snacks and it's usually full on an evening.

    Victoria F.

    Great drinks, great vibes - a real hidden gem. What a time! I'll be back. To be able to listen to jazz and still have a full on convo - I can't recommend it enough!

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    5 months ago

    Unique and cozy cocktail spot- highly recommend for a date night. The music was great and drinks very thoughtful.

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    1 year ago

    This spot has one of my favorite drinks in Brooklyn, called the Giant Steps! So good! Great vibe!

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    9 months ago

    Such a great bar- very moody and intimate. The cocktails were fantastic and the staff was extremely kind and knowledgeable.

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    1 year ago

    Cool spot for a date. Wish they had move food options. Stunning service. Highly recommended

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    1 year ago

    Amazing cocktails, friendly service, great ambiance. So happy to have discovered this spot and will definitely be back.

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    Ask the Community - Kissa Kissa

    Review Highlights - Kissa Kissa

    All were excellent, but I particularly enjoyed the Round Midnight which is a riff on the Black Manhattan that uses Japanese whiskey, Averna, plum liqueur, and walnut bitters.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Sunken Harbor Club - Shallows drinks

    Sunken Harbor Club

    4.5(115 reviews)
    2.0 miDowntown Brooklyn
    $$$

    I've been trying to go to Sunken Harbor for over a year now. I don't know how it's possible but…read moredespite being local it always seems to have a private event whenever we have plans to go. The stars finally aligned this winter and I had the opportunity to try it out. The vibes are perfect. Fog and bubbles, sea noises and all of the art go together seemlessly. Drinks were great. We had three and left suitably sloshed for the night with no aftereffects. We didn't have too many bites but the food was very good for a bar. I'm excited to go back and I hope we have just as much luck getting in next time.

    This is a "speakeasy" above Gage and Tollner. An undersea Tiki style adventure with a sexy mermaid…read moreheading up the bar. Nautical theme throughout with weathered leather, ropes, fish. Cocktails are made with various types of rum and ingredients like grapefruit, maraschino, wormwood amaro, falernum, thyme, Assam tea, spiced lime, allspice, coconut, cucumber, nutmeg, sour orange. All the drinks keep with the tropical, fruity taste with a hint of spice. They are also broken up into categories (dry land = no alcohol, shallows = average amount of alcohol, and abyss (larger amounts of alcohol). The abyss section has some cocktails that are limited to two per customer. They have some bar bites like fried green tomatoes, shrimp toast, broiled oysters, ricotta, dumplings, sliders. I had the French fries with kimchi ranch, which were underwhelming. Bartenders were cool and kept the drinks coming. I got in immediately without an issue or a wait, but it was right after a snowstorm. I've seen some people struggle to get in or have a long wait.

    Photos
    Sunken Harbor Club - View of the bar

    View of the bar

    Sunken Harbor Club - Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi

    Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi

    Sunken Harbor Club - Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner

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    Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner

    Barely Disfigured - Charcuterie

    Barely Disfigured

    4.5(182 reviews)
    2.0 miCobble Hill, Gowanus
    $$

    This bar has a very fun fun concept- a bar turned from a former brothel. The motif on the door is a…read moreplay on the 'this is not a pipe' work, which really added to the vibe I was expecting. Unfortunately this place fell very flat. Leading with what we liked: Their mocktail offerings were good, promising a 0.0% ABV which is hard to come across when mocktails are offered. They serve oysters, which adds to that aphrodisiac experience of the oh so 'wow this is a former brothel!'. The bartenders and servers were fast and very sociable with the more sociable customers. The immediate entrance is very tight, and it was uncomfortable navigating the space. We expected there'd be more seating in the back, which there was, but it was limited and not offered to us until we asked for it. We honestly had no clue where it would be and only asked because of how this place was advertised. While it was comfy once we made our way back there, it was reminiscent of a lounge style bar space that almost any bar could replicate with the right room and budget. We didn't feel as though this hit the spot and were let down by this experience. I'm not sure if I can judge the menu of drinks/ foods as expensive, but we left hungry bc we couldn't justify some of the prices. In addition, I've seen a lot of complaints about the volume of the music: it's definitely loud at the front but a lot lower in that back lounge space. It's as loud as any bar's music level would be, but truth be told we were expecting music that matched the vibe of what was advertised and yes, at a lower volume.

    i love this bar!! it's not great for big groups, but perfect for a date night or group of 2-3…read moreit's a pretty small space favorite drink is the hokusai, i absolutely love it

    Photos
    Barely Disfigured - Back room

    Back room

    Barely Disfigured - Claws!

    Claws!

    Barely Disfigured - Hokusai

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    Hokusai

    Honeycomb Hi-Fi Lounge - Stormbringer

    Honeycomb Hi-Fi Lounge

    3.9(39 reviews)
    1.2 miPark Slope

    It's clear this place takes inspiration from Japanese vinyl listening bars, from their menu of…read morehighballs to their vinyl collection and attention to the audio experience. I've made it a point to visit every vinyl listening bar that I learn of in town, after enjoying the shared experience of someone curating a select vinyl list in intimate spaces in Tokyo. Few have been able to replicate the experience, but Honeycomb Hi Fi Lounge comes close. That the space is narrow with just a few seats along the bar and a few tables mimics the Japanese experience best, where you can almost have it so the whole room is having one conversation together. The music is the focus. The cocktail menu is rather simple, and my Stormbringer drink, with dark rum and ginger beer was not anything to write home about, but $15 is pretty low for cocktails these days so I'll take it. If they introduced new cocktails to the menu with more interesting ingredients I'd be more inclined to return, but the vibes overall are pretty good and the staff really nice.

    Was brought here by a dear friend, a neighborhood regular…read more The cocktail was amazing, selection very diverse- many hard-to-find liquors, etc. Bartender was incredibly knowledgable and attentive. My friend and I each order a cocktail, and are catching up. I'm from Brooklyn, however I no longer live here, and this was precious catch-up time with my friend. Then I get interrupted mid-sentence by the old-timer DJ from his low seat in a corner behind the bar. I had bumped the bar with my wrist (bumped my wrist watch as well, not deliberately) and then placed my hand down (granted- more than placed but definitely not slammed), and he decided to warn me that I COULD HAVE made his record skip. It was the Eagles or Santana (far from eclectic, but that's just me). I'm also 99% certain he turned the volume up afterwards, making it even harder to enjoy the company. After that interaction, I struggled to pick it back up with my friend, because I found that distraction very effing rude. When this "4th wall" gets broken down with service, it is hard to then enjoy the space in an uninhibited state. I am all for the Tokyo Vinyl Bar vibe, and I'm also for also giving talent an outlet to share their collection, but this interaction colored my experience, and I closed out after one drink and went elsewhere. I mentioned this to the bartender, and he was kind to offer a buy-back of a rare whiskey, which I did accept. 5 stars for the bartender, but 1 for my experience. I don't like to be harsh or unnecessarily cruel, but this is what it is. I have visited in the past and enjoyed myself. Nonetheless, I certainly won't be coming back.

    Photos
    Honeycomb Hi-Fi Lounge - View from the corner of the bar

    View from the corner of the bar

    Honeycomb Hi-Fi Lounge - Bar

    Bar

    Honeycomb Hi-Fi Lounge - Very attractive bar. You can see the speakers up above.

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    Very attractive bar. You can see the speakers up above.

    Understudy Community Cocktails

    Understudy Community Cocktails

    5.0(4 reviews)
    2.0 miBedford Stuyvesant

    This was scary! For quite a while this place was closed, but thankfully it reopened and I got to…read morereturn on my most recent visit to the city. Not much has changed honestly. I got to have some Detroit style pizza from upstairs, which I still think is hilariously bold in NYC, and I tried a few new drinks. I had one new friend in town who was trying them for the first time and was also delighted. It's also helpful when you have a bartender or staff in general that genuinely engages with you and is excited that you are enjoying yourself. I forget his name, but he made sure our party really enjoyed ourselves. Great way to kick off the birthday month, that's for sure!

    Tucked away in Bed-Stuy beneath a pizzeria, this small speakeasy is the kind of spot you'd only…read morediscover if someone let you in on the secret. I'm sure I've walked past it countless times without realizing it was there, until now. You enter through the pizzeria, where you'll be asked to wait for a host to escort you down. Once inside, you're greeted with a cozy, intimate space and a menu full of creative, delicious cocktails with clever names. The bartender and host were both warm, friendly, and quick with a joke, which made the atmosphere even more welcoming. The space is small, but that's clearly part of its charm, it feels intentional and inviting. I'd definitely come back. No photos this time, I was too busy enjoying the experience and soaking up the vibes. You'll just have to check it out for yourself to see how cool it really is.

    Photos
    Understudy Community Cocktails - Margherita pizza topped with prosciutto and burrata

    Margherita pizza topped with prosciutto and burrata

    Understudy Community Cocktails - Bees Knees

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    Kissa Kissa - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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