Sake Bar Decibel
(212) 979-2733
240 E 9th St
New York,
NY
10003
40.7295
-73.9882
Neighborhoods: Downtown, East Village
What People Are Saying About Sake Bar Decibel
The Editor
Karen Hudes
Citysearch
The Scene
The basement locale and outside buzzer lend Decibel a speakeasy feel, and the inside is a charm. A crowd with a high street-style quotient makes noise over the pop soundtrack, while waitresses in gorgeous hapis shuttle sake to the tables. The dark, wooden interior contains red paper lanterns, framed gold fans, kitschy good-luck kitties and shelves of Japanese bric-a-brac.
The Draw
The accessible, in-the-know staff may offer guidance in navigating the extensive sake list, divided into categories based on the brewing process and ranging from mild to very dry. (Dry sakes served cold are a fine way to go.) Try the special Nigori, a sweet, partially unfiltered sake with a milky texture, or chance the hot sake special with a globefish fin. Among the appetizers are steamed shumai, edamame, sauteed seaweed and noodles.
User Reviews
SakeExperience
May 10, 2009
I've been going to Decibel on and off for more than 8 years. It's a good place but yesterday (March 9,2009) We had an embarssing moment. After spending 2 hours at the place and spending around $50 per person, we left a customary gratuity of 15%. The waiter took the money and asked "is there something wrong with the service". I said no and asked what's wrong. He demanded another $5-$10 more, totalling 20%-25%. He made a big stink and said something in japanese that didn't sound very nice. Furthermore, he said "Dont come back here!". We tried to reason with him as we like Decibel very much. I have tried contacting the management to resolve this. I'm not sure if the problem with only the one waiter. Apparently, all the other waiters sided with him. He was very loud and embarassed all of us in front of all the patrons and staff. How can a wonderful place have such horrible staff.
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lightfantaastica
March 30, 2009
not for everyone, cramped and grungy but i wouldn't have it any other way. good music, service, recommendations by staff. authentic sake, authentic feel. great place for that right kind of friend to bring and just sit and chill. please, if you're from out of town or want to bring out of towners here, don't expect 5 star hospitality. it is cramped and "dirty". don't complain that it "smells"....it is a BAR. please, don't take your bridges and tunnels, highlights and juicy couture here. thanks. we appreciate it.
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NinthStreetNYCdotcom
March 07, 2009
I see other reviewers had issues with service here, but I can't say I have had problems. The vibe and setting of this unique spot keeps me coming back, along with great cold Japanese beer, and interesting saki (hot and cold). The food is what I consider Japanese bar snacks, and they do the trick - tasty and simple.
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