Sake Bar Decibel

(212) 979-2733

240 E 9th St
New York, NY 10003 40.7295 -73.9882

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Neighborhoods: East Village, Downtown

Hours:

Monday To Saturday From 06:00 PM To 02:50 AM Sunday From 06:00 PM To 12:50 AM

Last updated 8.16.11

Category:

Restaurants, Bars & Clubs

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Bar & Pub Special Features:

Bar Menu

Cuisine:

Japanese

Bar & Club Special Features:

Specialty Cocktails

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Sake Bar Decibel

Featured Review

Karen Hudes

Contributor

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…

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
Check out these other great bars in the East Village.
ambiance
88.88999938964844% positive
  1. “would not send people to Cipriani though like some fan below if people complain on extremly rude service,the stench, the chicken cage atmosphere, and I would not say it was worth my buck( in fact for $28 for a tiny bottle) either.”
  2. “definitely enjoyed the ambience.”
  3. “Decibel is a cozy, dark, snack bar offering the sensation of stepping into another country.”
  4. “loved everything about it, especially the dark, underground ambiance.”
  5. “The sake selection is decent (though there are other places with far better selections and a nicer atmosphere) and the food is actually quite good and cheap.”
  6. “I've lived in the area for a few years now, and have been to Decibel ten times at least and have found the service to be always courteous and eager to please, even it it could sometimes use a little polishing, but one comes here for the sake and ambience,”
  7. “liked it because I felt like I wasn't in NY anymore which was fun.”
  8. “Look- I've seen all these reviews-- pros, cons, but the backbone is this-- if you've got company in from out of town and you want to give them an experience that they will remember and enjoy long after they leave, Decibel is a great little spot to go-- ye”
  9. “Exotic, underground, interesting, fun, nice crowd, good saki.”
drinks
85.41999816894531% positive
  1. “The food is what I consider Japanese bar snacks, and they do the trick - tasty and simple.”
  2. “However, there is sometimes a wait to get into the bar (you have to wait on line, no "reservations), the bar is dirty and the music is too loud, the seats are cramped, and the waitstaff is not that attentive.”
  3. “When we came in they where packing some food at the bar desk, and they asked if we could take one of the free tables, but we wanted to sit by the bar, and they where just smiling, and started to move the food away from the bar desk so we could sit there”
  4. “Look- I've seen all these reviews-- pros, cons, but the backbone is this-- if you've got company in from out of town and you want to give them an experience that they will remember and enjoy long after they leave, Decibel is a great little spot to go-- ye”
  5. “Oh and the plum wine was delicious, wish I had more of it.”
  6. “Last time we had a huge argument with the waiter who brought us drinks we didn't order and insited on charging for them although we confimed our order twice and of course he followed us outside because he expected a tip.”
  7. “work at decible and let me tell you a couple of things, the service first of all is great, the people are freindly and the food and drinks are great.”
  8. “The vibe and setting of this unique spot keeps me coming back, along with great cold Japanese beer, and interesting saki (hot and cold).”
  9. “Its people who order all that food and drink, then complain the wasabi shumai was hot.”
  10. “It is, however, a "cool" and different place, as the bar has a very divey subterranean feel to it, and the food/drinks are a contrast from your typical college dive bar.”
  11. “couldn't believe that this place was preparing food in this little dirty counter behind the bar.”
  12. “Decibel is a cozy, dark, snack bar offering the sensation of stepping into another country.”
food quality
88.88999938964844% positive
  1. “In addition to sake, Decibel serves hard liquor, and lots of affordable, tasty, small plates, ranging between $2 and $6.”
  2. “The food is what I consider Japanese bar snacks, and they do the trick - tasty and simple.”
  3. “authentic sake, authentic feel.”
  4. “have been there maybe 7 or 8 times now and the staff are always friendly, the food is always fantastic, and I have NEVER had a bad experience.”
  5. “It is, however, a "cool" and different place, as the bar has a very divey subterranean feel to it, and the food/drinks are a contrast from your typical college dive bar.”
  6. “couldn't believe that this place was preparing food in this little dirty counter behind the bar.”
  7. “Its people who order all that food and drink, then complain the wasabi shumai was hot.”
  8. “would not send people to Cipriani though like some fan below if people complain on extremly rude service,the stench, the chicken cage atmosphere, and I would not say it was worth my buck( in fact for $28 for a tiny bottle) either.”
  9. “Oh and the plum wine was delicious, wish I had more of it.”
  10. “The sake selection is decent (though there are other places with far better selections and a nicer atmosphere) and the food is actually quite good and cheap.”
  11. “Very Japanese grungy underground feel to this smoke-filled place - staff are friendly, sake choice is excellent and food complements it well!”
  12. “had the lychee martini, which was delicious, and my friends all had sake.”
  13. “So if you are not like that please come to decible and enjoy yourselfs, the staff is great and the food is good and the sake list is insane.”
  14. “always order the shrimp in tofu, btw., but most of the food is really fantastic.”
  15. “I've lived in the area for a few years now, and have been to Decibel ten times at least and have found the service to be always courteous and eager to please, even it it could sometimes use a little polishing, but one comes here for the sake and ambience,”
  16. “When we came in they where packing some food at the bar desk, and they asked if we could take one of the free tables, but we wanted to sit by the bar, and they where just smiling, and started to move the food away from the bar desk so we could sit there”
  17. “He introduced it to me by saying it was the most authentic Japanese place in NYC.”
  18. “work at decible and let me tell you a couple of things, the service first of all is great, the people are freindly and the food and drinks are great.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “Which is a shame because I liked the place and the good selection of sake.”
  2. “The sake selection is decent (though there are other places with far better selections and a nicer atmosphere) and the food is actually quite good and cheap.”
  3. “The sake menu is extensive, the waiter/waitresses are enthusiastic to help you select one, and service is attentive.”
  4. “good sake selection with knowledgeable staff but service was RUDE and ARROGANT.”
  5. “We would really like a large table, we're planning on getting a nice bottle of sake and tasting everything on the menu”
  6. “It's a shame because it's a great place and the sake menu is top notch.”
  7. “Look- I've seen all these reviews-- pros, cons, but the backbone is this-- if you've got company in from out of town and you want to give them an experience that they will remember and enjoy long after they leave, Decibel is a great little spot to go-- ye”
overall
85.71000099182129% positive
  1. “Its a great place to impress a date or to catch up with a friend.”
  2. “Its best to go early at around 9ish before the long line forms, which makes it a great place to start for the night out on the town.”
  3. “It's a shame because it's a great place and the sake menu is top notch.”
  4. “great place for that right kind of friend to bring and just sit and chill.”
  5. “If you can get in there it is definitely a good place to go.”
  6. “It's a good place but yesterday (March 9,2009) We had an embarssing moment.”
  7. “This used to be a great place to chill out, but it's gone to pot.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “Well, THIS New Yorker will never go back to this place again -- there are so many other sake bars with friendly, polite service.”
  2. “Overall, it was a great experience and I will definitely be back soon.”
service
65.38000106811523% positive
  1. “So if you are looking for a friendly, welcoming, and realistic place, you should visit Decibel.”
  2. “good sake selection with knowledgeable staff but service was RUDE and ARROGANT.”
  3. “During the week, it's brilliant - nice staff, amazing sake and a really interesting crowd.”
  4. “can't believe that there are people that actually like this place.”
  5. “the service had been so slow that when it was time to pay the bill, the last thing we wanted to do was ask for change.”
  6. “And then when the check came, we paid and left a small tip - because the service was terrible.”
  7. “But honestly, I've even had whole conversations with members of the waitstaff and they were always pleasant and really, really nice--service just like in Tokyo.”
  8. “left a decent 18% tip, but I was harassed by the waiter to leave more tip!”
  9. “My friend and I spoke in mandarin, and said let's go, service isn't good.”
  10. “Well, THIS New Yorker will never go back to this place again -- there are so many other sake bars with friendly, polite service.”
  11. “Overpriced AND very poor service”
  12. “The sake menu is extensive, the waiter/waitresses are enthusiastic to help you select one, and service is attentive.”
  13. “The staff are so nice.”
  14. “have been there maybe 7 or 8 times now and the staff are always friendly, the food is always fantastic, and I have NEVER had a bad experience.”
  15. “I've lived in the area for a few years now, and have been to Decibel ten times at least and have found the service to be always courteous and eager to please, even it it could sometimes use a little polishing, but one comes here for the sake and ambience,”
  16. “However, there is sometimes a wait to get into the bar (you have to wait on line, no "reservations), the bar is dirty and the music is too loud, the seats are cramped, and the waitstaff is not that attentive.”
  17. “The serving staff was kind and helpful in making suggestions in selecting a bottle of cold sake.”
  18. “The wait staff was very helpful giving recommendations.”
  19. “The servers are not big on English, but they have all been nice.”
  20. “Your service was still terrible and chasing people down the street is not anyway to get people to leave more.”
  21. “The bartender came running out asking why, we said because your service wasn't good.”
  22. “How can a wonderful place have such horrible staff.”
  23. “Look- I've seen all these reviews-- pros, cons, but the backbone is this-- if you've got company in from out of town and you want to give them an experience that they will remember and enjoy long after they leave, Decibel is a great little spot to go-- ye”
  24. “Its people who order all that food and drink, then complain the wasabi shumai was hot.”
  25. “work at decible and let me tell you a couple of things, the service first of all is great, the people are freindly and the food and drinks are great.”
  26. “Very Japanese grungy underground feel to this smoke-filled place - staff are friendly, sake choice is excellent and food complements it well!”
  27. “Small yet very decent friendly place.”
  28. “Its people like you who find excuses not to pay for certain items.”
  29. “myself have had good service when accompanied by sake enthusiasts who devoured everything placed before them and threw a bunch of money around.”
  30. “the service is not great.”
  31. “Yes we have small seats, but the big tables are for 4 or more people, we get crowded all the time, even on wensday, when i work we are packed till 3 am.”
  32. “would not send people to Cipriani though like some fan below if people complain on extremly rude service,the stench, the chicken cage atmosphere, and I would not say it was worth my buck( in fact for $28 for a tiny bottle) either.”
  33. “good music, service, recommendations by staff.”
  34. “poor service w/bad attitude.”
  35. “If youre unsure of what to get, dont hesitate to ask the wait staff, who are very helpful and knowledgeable.”
  36. “And the waitress was super rude.”
  37. “However, the waiters were so rude, and the service was the absolutely terrible.”
  38. “So if you are not like that please come to decible and enjoy yourselfs, the staff is great and the food is good and the sake list is insane.”
  39. “Last time we had a huge argument with the waiter who brought us drinks we didn't order and insited on charging for them although we confimed our order twice and of course he followed us outside because he expected a tip.”
value
87.5% positive
  1. “On our visit, we spent big bucks and left more than minimum tip.”
  2. “I've lived in the area for a few years now, and have been to Decibel ten times at least and have found the service to be always courteous and eager to please, even it it could sometimes use a little polishing, but one comes here for the sake and ambience,”
  3. “would not send people to Cipriani though like some fan below if people complain on extremly rude service,the stench, the chicken cage atmosphere, and I would not say it was worth my buck( in fact for $28 for a tiny bottle) either.”
  4. “There's a good price-range for the sake, so you can share cheaply or go overboard.”
  5. “The sake selection is decent (though there are other places with far better selections and a nicer atmosphere) and the food is actually quite good and cheap.”
  6. “Last time we had a huge argument with the waiter who brought us drinks we didn't order and insited on charging for them although we confimed our order twice and of course he followed us outside because he expected a tip.”
  7. “In addition to sake, Decibel serves hard liquor, and lots of affordable, tasty, small plates, ranging between $2 and $6.”
  8. “myself have had good service when accompanied by sake enthusiasts who devoured everything placed before them and threw a bunch of money around.”
wait time
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. “Its best to go early at around 9ish before the long line forms, which makes it a great place to start for the night out on the town.”
  2. “Look- I've seen all these reviews-- pros, cons, but the backbone is this-- if you've got company in from out of town and you want to give them an experience that they will remember and enjoy long after they leave, Decibel is a great little spot to go-- ye”
  3. “the service had been so slow that when it was time to pay the bill, the last thing we wanted to do was ask for change.”
2 Star Rating: Below Average

05/10/09

Horrible Waiter

by SakeExperience

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.

  • Pros: Wide Selection of Sake
  • Cons: No Happy Ending
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/30/09

if you're prissy, don't come here

by lightfantaastica

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.

  • Pros: bad*ss
  • Cons: not for everyone, cramped
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/07/09

Transport Yourself

by NinthStreetNYCdotcom

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.

1 Star Rating: Poor

02/22/09

Astoundingly Rude Service - It's not ATMOSPHERE...it's OBNOXIOUS

by SmokeChewerMD

This place came highly recommended, so we went being super excited...Three of us got there, on a Saturday night at around 6:30-7pm...the place was completely dead, and we asked to get seated at a four top. The waitress rudely told us "NO" and put the three of us at a tiny little table that would barely fit two people...we grabbed another table (remember, it was completely empty) and slid it over so that we had enough room for our food and drinks. They came over almost immediately and glared at us telling us we would need to move it back - when I said "but it's empty in here" the guy said, "ok, but if it gets busy..."... Two of us wanted to leave, but we stayed because of the recommendation we'd received...We ordered food, it took a while to get there. And the waitress was super rude. It was a pain to track her down to order additional food, drinks, anything. And then when the check came, we paid and left a small tip - because the service was terrible...

The waitress STOOD over me watching me tip, and then said "no...you didn't leave the minimum tip" and tried to snatch the copy of the receipt out of my hand!!! I pulled it away and she said "you can't steal my pen". I gave her the pen and started laughing...she went and grabbed her manager, who then told me "you didn't tip enough...don't ever come back."

I won't be...I thought it was just a fluke until I came here to look at the reviews...

Bottom line - there's other places to spend your money...places where they won't treat you like garbage...

  • Pros: Definitely makes you think you aren't in NYC anymore
  • Cons: Staff is openly hostile, inflexible, and horrendously rude...food isn't good enough to make up for it
1 Star Rating: Poor

02/01/09

To sudogenki716

by koko81

Since you work there perhaps it would be better to stop writing your own review and start thinking why all these customers (half of the reviewers actually in this site) have the same problem with your EXTREMELY RUDE STAFF! We all work our asses off in ths city, so the whole thing about you & your exhaustive work hardly touches anyone. So, if a customer has a problem perhaps it would be a good idea to respect him and if you cannot grant him what he wishes then you should learn how to explain him the situation in a nice manner. For example you may tell him that 'unfortunately it is the policy of restaurant to reserve the large tables for groups of 4 people or more' instead of an giving him a cold and authoritative 'NO' when he asks for a table. If there is a mistake with the order perhaps you should consider the probability that your waitresses, who hardly speak a word of english, might had made a mistake instead of yelling to your customers repeatedly 'we cant cancel it - you have to pay it'. And if a customers leave the place without giving you a tip (as i did, because i have never been treated so bad in my life at any restaurant) because you told him to 'leave and dont come back' about ten times within 2 minutes, it is rather stupid to run behind him and asking for a tip again and again. And the fact that a member of your staff took pictures of me and my friends with his digital camera on our way out is just unheard of. RESPECT YOUR CUSTOMERS AND LEARN SOME CODE OF CONDUCT

  • Pros: unique place, very 'underground' urban atmosphere
  • Cons: worst service EVER

The Details on Sake Bar Decibel

Place Categories:

  • great japanese place
  • very helpful wait staff
  • good polite service
  • great food
  • cold sake
  • great little spot
  • never bad experience
  • really interesting nice crowd
  • bad place
  • good music
  • good saki
  • decent group
  • simple trick
  • extensive sake menu
  • clean bathroom
  • delicious plum wine
  • nice manner
  • great cold japanese beer
  • horrible staff
  • big bucks
  • friendly realistic place
  • great drinks
  • not good poor service
  • nice servers
  • delicious oh
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