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Yawning Cobra is on Bowery, there's a small sign outside, and you descend a few steps through a black door into a dark, moody space. Inside, there is a long bar with seating on the right that spans nearly the entire length of the room, about four to five tables toward the front, and additional seating along the wall in the back. It is an intimate space, seating roughly 10-12 at the bar, 20-25 at tables, and another 7-8 along the wall. I visited on a Friday night to celebrate a friend's birthday with a group of five. We made a reservation in advance and were seated at a table near the entrance. Shortly after sitting down, we were offered a small broth tasting, which was a nice and unexpected touch. We ordered a variety of cocktails, which are the main focus here. The drinks are very complex and ingredient-heavy, priced between $22-$24. I ordered the Mercy! Mercy! Merci (tequila, cardamom, coriander, green pepper, pear, chili, curry, lemon, foam). It was served with a thick foam on top and liquid beneath, meant to be sipped together. The drink was smoky, dense, intense, and interesting, with a scent reminiscent of a smoky salsa. I enjoyed it, but it was rich enough that I could not have more than one. Friends ordered the Green Grass of Home (whisky, rum, red bean, matcha powder), which was very strong; Raining in the Woods (gin, tarragon, parsley, sage, lemon, egg white), which tasted and smelled like a salad; and Not So Zen (gin, jasmine tea, lemon, soda), which was the mildest and most approachable drink of the night. We stayed for a few hours, and the service was very attentive: staff were regularly refilling water glasses and checking in without being intrusive. There is also a very limited food menu, mostly small bites. Overall, Yawning Cobra is a cool and memorable experience, especially if you are looking to try something different. While the cocktails were creative and thoughtfully made, they were simply too intense and rich for me to want a second round or a return visit. Still, it is worth checking out at least once for the experience alone.
I went out for drinks on a Saturday evening and decided to try this highly rated cocktail bar. Overall I would say my experience was just ok. 1) the atmosphere was an underground speakeasy vibe. The restaurant is hard to find (have to know to go down stairs, otherwise it is unmarked from the street view) 2) we were not given menus, water or asked about our orders for ~20 mins after sitting down (it was not that busy at 7:30pm). 3) my drink was $22 and looked like a normal drink you might order at a normal bar (with some flakes of seasoning on top). My friend's drink at least came in a nice glass with dried fruit on top. That being said, my drink was quite good and I ultimately ordered another one. 4) after about 90 mins we were reminded about a "90 mins per reservation limit." Which is totally fine, but there were at least 10-12 opens seats around the restaurant and we were seated at the bar... just seems like a good way to lose business. I will probably not be returning given the many other cocktail bar options nearby. Drinks were good, experience was just ok.
Wanna visit Osaka without ever stepping on a plane? Head south from Cooper Square a few blocks, find the sketchy looking stairwell with the unobtrusive logo above it, and step down into a space far removed from the East Village. I've now visited several times, all near opening time, and I've yet to run into a problem with walk-in seating. That said, I understand it gets pretty rowdy later on during the weeknight evenings and on weekends, so an advance reservation is probably a good idea if you're either planning to go during prime times or with a larger group. There's substantial bar counter seating, along with a few tables scattered toward the front and along the wall. I'm a big fan of the counter, and I enjoy the opportunity to watch the bartenders ply their craft. During quieter times, I've even seen the staff experimenting with drinks, which is fascinating to me. I appreciate the welcome dashi at the beginning of each visit. Our first time there, it was a totally unexpected treat. Especially since that initial trip was during the colder months, a warm and savory sip helped ease us into the experience. We also sampled the Cobra fried chicken (essentially, karaage) and found it enjoyable, but not particularly noteworthy. I appreciated the light, crunchy crust that didn't feel greasy, and the meat was steaming and moist. No complaints here. I've tried about half the cocktail menu and, without reservation, I can attest to the quality of the craftsmanship. The aesthetics, the aromas, the mouthfeels, and the flavors of each respective beverage vary dramatically, but every single one I've imbibed has been flawless. I genuinely couldn't pick a favorite among the lot; they're all expertly balanced and dangerously drinkable. I'm very pleased that Yawning Cobra's a newish addition to the rapidly expanding list of great watering holes in the neighborhood. Considering the significant competition, I wish their team the best of luck thriving in this location.
If you're looking for truly awesome cocktails worth the price tag, Yawning Cobra has got you covered. The cocktails are so fun and so delicious, it's hard to choose! This is a good date spot or would be perfect for catching up with a small group. There's a mix of bar seats and small tables. I was able to get in without a res around 9pm on a Friday but I'm not sure if that's always the case. Overall would highly recommend if you're in the market for a unique cocktail.
Amazing Asian inspired drinks! Stumbled upon this place randomly after dinner. We had to walk down stairs and the atmosphere is dark intimate and cozy.
Came here twice for drinks. The drinks are very fun, lots of unique flavors. I didn't realize the menu ranked the intensity of the drinks so you could choose to go for something lighter or heavier depending on your preference. The interior is really cute - I've sat at both the bar and the booths and enjoyed both. Service is great, the drinks came out in a timely manner.
Went to Yawning Cobra on a Thursday night around 6:30/7. It has the speakeasy touch of not being easy to spot walking up to it. Greeting was nice and we were sat at the bar without reservations. We were sat right next to the bathroom/dishwashing sink which wasn't ideal when there were other seats available but was fine. Dark inside, mostly bar seats, good for one or two people with you. The pickles and croquette were great apps. Tried some complex cocktails that we definitely hadn't had before. They were spicy, cheesy, Smokey and beet garnished (edible). Would go again!
THREE MATCHA FLAVORED DRINKS? I'm sat. Garnishes great. Server nice , she gave me outfit suggestions. Fries mid but whatever it's fries. Yummy Asian themed drinks. However I wouldn't suggest trying a bunch of different cocktails otherwise all the different liquors and flavoring gonna be some Harry Potter cauldron in yo gut. Stick with one drink and have four. Otherwise if u want a variety I'm not stopping you but I'd keep it within the same lane
Cute place, love the sneaky entrance, love that they have mocktails & very unique drinks on the menu. The tables have one big chair and then the other chairs are teeny tiny stools haha. Also I would have loved it if they had turned the heat up because my feet were literally numb! My friend let them know about a dairy allergy & they forgot about it a number of times, but definitely meant no harm.
Came for their soft opening and the vibes, drinks, and food are immaculate. Perfect place to catch up with friends or go on a date. For drinks, we got The Tides and Not So Zen. The Tides is their version of a long island iced tea, definitely on the stronger side if that is your style. Not So Zen was my personal favorite -- it was light and refreshing, slightly sweet and not too strong. I would also highly recommend their food items!! The fried chicken was delicious, a strong contender to double chicken please's fried chicken (I arguably like the one at yawning cobra better). The chicken was so tender and juicy, and perfectly battered with a nice crisp. Did not feel too oily either which I loved. the fried chicken paired well with their cucumbers, which are extremely refreshing. The cucumbers were coated in a sauce which had a greek yogurt base, and the flavors of the greek yogurt were really refreshing. The sauce also had tiny bits of bacon in it, adding a unique twist to the dish. Overall, would highly recommend this bar. Service was great, ambiance is sleek, and food and drinks are delicious!
Great experience for birthday night! They are really sweet and amazing people xx The dashi broth as a starter for drinking was pretty nice like Japanese style. Loved every cocktails they are wonderful !! And some Japanese chicken was amazing x The one thing I just not sure was the music.. 90s hiphop kinda vibe ain't fits for the cool hidden bar. Would love to come back!
this place is seriously the best, insanely inventive cocktails and watching the bartender was mesmerizing. you can tell he cares so deeply about the quality of his product and what is served to every customer. he personally oversaw everyone else and made sure that each were up to his taste and presentation standards, if it wasn't mixed enough or had any sort of blemish he'd immediately intervene . you can taste this care in the drinks, i tried to sweet potato one, cacio e pepe and the banana truffle drink. all were a fantastic unique experience and insanely delicious. it was easy for me to walk in about 1:30 hrs before they closed and was served quickly and attended to well throughout my time. ambiance here is chill and classy, fits the drinks quite well. it's a rather intimate space but perfect so everyone can watch the bartenders at work. truly artistry in what they're serving here.
I literally got lost trying to find Yawning Cobra, but once I arrived, I loved the design of everything, from the pixelated cobra on the napkins to the low light ambiance. I wish we had sat by the bar to watch the bartender make drinks because it was truly mesmerizing. The cocktails are amazing, with so many intricate and complex options to choose from, each with their own unique names. The menu is split into sections like sweet, sour, savory, and intense, and it felt like diving into a cool old style pixel game with how it's structured, almost like a story arc, like "Quest for Sour." Our waitress was super knowledgeable about the ingredients and where they come from, mostly Japan, and even told us about things like scallops being used in cocktails, which I thought was pretty crazy. I had the "Super Saiyajin" cocktail, which was made with vodka, beets, Shichimi chili pepper, chai, lime, and ginger beer. The most surprising part was the baby radish on top--it was so fresh, crunchy, and cold. The drink itself tasted like a whole garden, almost like a tomato garden vibe. We literally rotated through a bunch of cocktails like "Say Cheese," "Mercy Mercy Merci," "Tao Pie Pie," "Banana Panic," "Mystic Island," and "Green Grass of Home." "Green Grass of Home" tasted like whiskey, mostly, with a bitter matcha flavor--it was definitely picture worthy, as were all the drinks. "Mystic Island" was a huge kick to the face because it felt strong but subtle at the same time. The drinks range from $22 to $25, but I saw someone order a special $60 cocktail with Moutai, which is a unique and high quality Chinese liquor made from sorghum. We also had some food to share--mind I say the silverware was so beautiful. We got the wagyu ramen and karaage, and while the food was good, it didn't wow me since the bar is really known for its cocktails. The wagyu ramen broth was a bit too salty for my taste, but I enjoyed the texture of the noodles, and the wagyu tasted like standard beef. The karaage came with a few pieces and was definitely crunchy, though I felt it could've used a bit of pepper to add some extra kick. Overall, Yawning Cobra is a unique spot with a great atmosphere and excellent drinks, but the food is more of a nice addition rather than the main attraction. It's definitely pricey, but I'm excited to go back for more!
Date: Thursday, March 5th, 2026 Time: around 5:30pm Party of: 3 *Green Dino Jump ($25) *Raining in The Woods ($23) *Yawning Abyss ($24) *New York, New York - 10012 ($6.39) We had some time to kill and decided to drop by this bar. It was a rainy random weekday, so we were actually the first patrons here. The space is below ground, so it's one long dark bar. Walking in, you see the bar seating on the right and the table seating on the left. We ended up at a table. I adore matcha so when I saw there were three options, i decided to try the green dino. It combined some of my favs - scotch, egg white, and a macaron. I was afraid this might end up too sweet or even milky, but it wasn't. Great for sipping if you adore matcha like me. The owner / bartender / server was awesome. Talked to us for a bit. Even started us with some complimentary shots. I cannot recall what they were, but I think something along the lines of soju or shochu? It was a nice little amuse into the cocktails. Glad we stumbled upon this bar. I had a great time. REVIEW #4020 read more
22 hours ago
The cocktail is delicious. The space is a very cute. I'd say a Japanese style cocktail bar. I think what's good is that they can accommodate a lot of people we have around like eight people and they still have a good table that could put us all together. read more
11 months ago
Came for some after dinner drinks on a Friday night! The entrance is very unassuming, there's a small sign above some stairs that go to a basement. Seems a little creepy at first but inside is very vibey and moody. It's a good place to take a date or catch up with a friend. We arrived around 9pm without a reservation and were able to snag counter seats. All the other seats were reserved. Definitely recommend making a reservation if you can. They start you off with a little cup of hot dashi as a palette cleanser which is a nice touch. The menu is full of creative cocktails. I landed on the Not So Zen which was a gin based cocktail with jasmine tea, lemon, and soda. It was light and refreshing! Had a great time here and would come back. read more
Yawning Cobra is on Bowery, there's a small sign outside, and you descend a few steps through a black door into a dark, moody space. Inside, there is a long bar with seating on the right that spans nearly the entire length of the room, about four to five tables toward the front, and additional seating along the wall in the back. It is an intimate space, seating roughly 10-12 at the bar, 20-25 at tables, and another 7-8 along the wall. I visited on a Friday night to celebrate a friend's birthday with a group of five. We made a reservation in advance and were seated at a table near the entrance. Shortly after sitting down, we were offered a small broth tasting, which was a nice and unexpected touch. We ordered a variety of cocktails, which are the main focus here. The drinks are very complex and ingredient-heavy, priced between $22-$24. I ordered the Mercy! Mercy! Merci (tequila, cardamom, coriander, green pepper, pear, chili, curry, lemon, foam). It was served with a thick foam on top and liquid beneath, meant to be sipped together. The drink was smoky, dense, intense, and interesting, with a scent reminiscent of a smoky salsa. I enjoyed it, but it was rich enough that I could not have more than one. Friends ordered the Green Grass of Home (whisky, rum, red bean, matcha powder), which was very strong; Raining in the Woods (gin, tarragon, parsley, sage, lemon, egg white), which tasted and smelled like a salad; and Not So Zen (gin, jasmine tea, lemon, soda), which was the mildest and most approachable drink of the night. We stayed for a few hours, and the service was very attentive: staff were regularly refilling water glasses and checking in without being intrusive. There is also a very limited food menu, mostly small bites. Overall, Yawning Cobra is a cool and memorable experience, especially if you are looking to try something different. While the cocktails were creative and thoughtfully made, they were simply too intense and rich for me to want a second round or a return visit. Still, it is worth checking out at least once for the experience alone. read more
11 months ago
I went out for drinks on a Saturday evening and decided to try this highly rated cocktail bar. Overall I would say my experience was just ok. 1) the atmosphere was an underground speakeasy vibe. The restaurant is hard to find (have to know to go down stairs, otherwise it is unmarked from the street view) 2) we were not given menus, water or asked about our orders for ~20 mins after sitting down (it was not that busy at 7:30pm). 3) my drink was $22 and looked like a normal drink you might order at a normal bar (with some flakes of seasoning on top). My friend's drink at least came in a nice glass with dried fruit on top. That being said, my drink was quite good and I ultimately ordered another one. 4) after about 90 mins we were reminded about a "90 mins per reservation limit." Which is totally fine, but there were at least 10-12 opens seats around the restaurant and we were seated at the bar... just seems like a good way to lose business. I will probably not be returning given the many other cocktail bar options nearby. Drinks were good, experience was just ok. read more
Wanna visit Osaka without ever stepping on a plane? Head south from Cooper Square a few blocks, find the sketchy looking stairwell with the unobtrusive logo above it, and step down into a space far removed from the East Village. I've now visited several times, all near opening time, and I've yet to run into a problem with walk-in seating. That said, I understand it gets pretty rowdy later on during the weeknight evenings and on weekends, so an advance reservation is probably a good idea if you're either planning to go during prime times or with a larger group. There's substantial bar counter seating, along with a few tables scattered toward the front and along the wall. I'm a big fan of the counter, and I enjoy the opportunity to watch the bartenders ply their craft. During quieter times, I've even seen the staff experimenting with drinks, which is fascinating to me. I appreciate the welcome dashi at the beginning of each visit. Our first time there, it was a totally unexpected treat. Especially since that initial trip was during the colder months, a warm and savory sip helped ease us into the experience. We also sampled the Cobra fried chicken (essentially, karaage) and found it enjoyable, but not particularly noteworthy. I appreciated the light, crunchy crust that didn't feel greasy, and the meat was steaming and moist. No complaints here. I've tried about half the cocktail menu and, without reservation, I can attest to the quality of the craftsmanship. The aesthetics, the aromas, the mouthfeels, and the flavors of each respective beverage vary dramatically, but every single one I've imbibed has been flawless. I genuinely couldn't pick a favorite among the lot; they're all expertly balanced and dangerously drinkable. I'm very pleased that Yawning Cobra's a newish addition to the rapidly expanding list of great watering holes in the neighborhood. Considering the significant competition, I wish their team the best of luck thriving in this location. read more
If you're looking for truly awesome cocktails worth the price tag, Yawning Cobra has got you covered. The cocktails are so fun and so delicious, it's hard to choose! This is a good date spot or would be perfect for catching up with a small group. There's a mix of bar seats and small tables. I was able to get in without a res around 9pm on a Friday but I'm not sure if that's always the case. Overall would highly recommend if you're in the market for a unique cocktail. read more
Came here twice for drinks. The drinks are very fun, lots of unique flavors. I didn't realize the menu ranked the intensity of the drinks so you could choose to go for something lighter or heavier depending on your preference. The interior is really cute - I've sat at both the bar and the booths and enjoyed both. Service is great, the drinks came out in a timely manner. read more
Went to Yawning Cobra on a Thursday night around 6:30/7. It has the speakeasy touch of not being easy to spot walking up to it. Greeting was nice and we were sat at the bar without reservations. We were sat right next to the bathroom/dishwashing sink which wasn't ideal when there were other seats available but was fine. Dark inside, mostly bar seats, good for one or two people with you. The pickles and croquette were great apps. Tried some complex cocktails that we definitely hadn't had before. They were spicy, cheesy, Smokey and beet garnished (edible). Would go again! read more
1 month ago
9 months ago
THREE MATCHA FLAVORED DRINKS? I'm sat. Garnishes great. Server nice , she gave me outfit suggestions. Fries mid but whatever it's fries. Yummy Asian themed drinks. However I wouldn't suggest trying a bunch of different cocktails otherwise all the different liquors and flavoring gonna be some Harry Potter cauldron in yo gut. Stick with one drink and have four. Otherwise if u want a variety I'm not stopping you but I'd keep it within the same lane read more
2 years ago
Cute place, love the sneaky entrance, love that they have mocktails & very unique drinks on the menu. The tables have one big chair and then the other chairs are teeny tiny stools haha. Also I would have loved it if they had turned the heat up because my feet were literally numb! My friend let them know about a dairy allergy & they forgot about it a number of times, but definitely meant no harm. read more
Came for their soft opening and the vibes, drinks, and food are immaculate. Perfect place to catch up with friends or go on a date. For drinks, we got The Tides and Not So Zen. The Tides is their version of a long island iced tea, definitely on the stronger side if that is your style. Not So Zen was my personal favorite -- it was light and refreshing, slightly sweet and not too strong. I would also highly recommend their food items!! The fried chicken was delicious, a strong contender to double chicken please's fried chicken (I arguably like the one at yawning cobra better). The chicken was so tender and juicy, and perfectly battered with a nice crisp. Did not feel too oily either which I loved. the fried chicken paired well with their cucumbers, which are extremely refreshing. The cucumbers were coated in a sauce which had a greek yogurt base, and the flavors of the greek yogurt were really refreshing. The sauce also had tiny bits of bacon in it, adding a unique twist to the dish. Overall, would highly recommend this bar. Service was great, ambiance is sleek, and food and drinks are delicious! read more
Great experience for birthday night! They are really sweet and amazing people xx The dashi broth as a starter for drinking was pretty nice like Japanese style. Loved every cocktails they are wonderful !! And some Japanese chicken was amazing x The one thing I just not sure was the music.. 90s hiphop kinda vibe ain't fits for the cool hidden bar. Would love to come back! read more
this place is seriously the best, insanely inventive cocktails and watching the bartender was mesmerizing. you can tell he cares so deeply about the quality of his product and what is served to every customer. he personally oversaw everyone else and made sure that each were up to his taste and presentation standards, if it wasn't mixed enough or had any sort of blemish he'd immediately intervene . you can taste this care in the drinks, i tried to sweet potato one, cacio e pepe and the banana truffle drink. all were a fantastic unique experience and insanely delicious. it was easy for me to walk in about 1:30 hrs before they closed and was served quickly and attended to well throughout my time. ambiance here is chill and classy, fits the drinks quite well. it's a rather intimate space but perfect so everyone can watch the bartenders at work. truly artistry in what they're serving here. read more
2 years ago
I literally got lost trying to find Yawning Cobra, but once I arrived, I loved the design of everything, from the pixelated cobra on the napkins to the low light ambiance. I wish we had sat by the bar to watch the bartender make drinks because it was truly mesmerizing. The cocktails are amazing, with so many intricate and complex options to choose from, each with their own unique names. The menu is split into sections like sweet, sour, savory, and intense, and it felt like diving into a cool old style pixel game with how it's structured, almost like a story arc, like "Quest for Sour." Our waitress was super knowledgeable about the ingredients and where they come from, mostly Japan, and even told us about things like scallops being used in cocktails, which I thought was pretty crazy. I had the "Super Saiyajin" cocktail, which was made with vodka, beets, Shichimi chili pepper, chai, lime, and ginger beer. The most surprising part was the baby radish on top--it was so fresh, crunchy, and cold. The drink itself tasted like a whole garden, almost like a tomato garden vibe. We literally rotated through a bunch of cocktails like "Say Cheese," "Mercy Mercy Merci," "Tao Pie Pie," "Banana Panic," "Mystic Island," and "Green Grass of Home." "Green Grass of Home" tasted like whiskey, mostly, with a bitter matcha flavor--it was definitely picture worthy, as were all the drinks. "Mystic Island" was a huge kick to the face because it felt strong but subtle at the same time. The drinks range from $22 to $25, but I saw someone order a special $60 cocktail with Moutai, which is a unique and high quality Chinese liquor made from sorghum. We also had some food to share--mind I say the silverware was so beautiful. We got the wagyu ramen and karaage, and while the food was good, it didn't wow me since the bar is really known for its cocktails. The wagyu ramen broth was a bit too salty for my taste, but I enjoyed the texture of the noodles, and the wagyu tasted like standard beef. The karaage came with a few pieces and was definitely crunchy, though I felt it could've used a bit of pepper to add some extra kick. Overall, Yawning Cobra is a unique spot with a great atmosphere and excellent drinks, but the food is more of a nice addition rather than the main attraction. It's definitely pricey, but I'm excited to go back for more! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Cute new cocktail bar in Bowery perfect for a date night or catching up on the tea. Upon arrival you're greeted with some warm soup to prep your belly for what's about to happen. It was tasty by the way. My friend and I ordered some cocktails and shared the fried chicken- definitely recommend trying. Service was on point and vibes were just right. Definitely check it out. read more
A newly opened secret bar in NOHO with a cool and mysterious vibe. Cute that they welcome you with a complimentary shot of broth. I am always on the hunt for creative cocktails that tantalize my senses. I have to say that I do hold these fancy mixology cocktail bars to a higher standard bc I'm here to be blown away by their creativity and knowledge of blending flavours and spirits, especially if I'm paying $20-25 per cocktail, so when I give it a 3 it's actually not bad I'm just not super impressed. I tried the Green Grass of Home and the Say Cheese, and although they are both tasty, they both seem to be missing the taste of some key ingredients listed. Green Grass of Home has Matcha and Redbean listed as main ingredients - it is strongly matcha in flavour and a whiskey forward drink, but the red bean seems to be a figment of the imagination. Say Cheese was listed in the sour section despite it being not sour at all - it is creamy and savoury and sweet, topped with lots of parm. Lemon was listed as an ingredient and hence why it probably under the sour drinks section, but it is not a sour cocktail and I think if someone was actually looking for a sour drink, would be gravely disappointed. I would give this place another chance and visit again bc I am curious about their other interesting, surprising flavours such as the mushroom cocktail or the one with the curry component. If the other cocktails blow me away I will definitely change my feedback, but currently it's decent, but I'm not super impressed. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
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