...when you wish your were getting drunk in Tokyo.

Decibel

240 East 9th Street (At 2nd Avenue)

Although it's name makes it sound like a filthy dance club in 1982 south Jersey, Decibel is actually one of the city's best casual sake bars. Walk down the stairs and into a dark and dank entry way where a rope hangs down blocking your way into the main bar area. Tell the grumpy hostess how many people are in your party and prepare to wait between 5 and 30 minutes for a table. The simple decor, the red hue from lamps, and the exotic smell of Japanese snacks being microwaved all transport you to a dive sake bar somewhere very far away. Service is quick to recommend a sake for you, and it's best to trust their judgment unless you already know what brand sake you like. A small serving of warm sake is perfect for one person (about 4 shot glass size servings).

Tip: Cold Sake at Decibel is served with a glass filled to the brim inside a wood box. The first thing you'll ask yourself, is "what do I do with this?" Well, it's simple: Pick up the box and sip the glass until you can take it out of the box without spilling, then drink any spillage in the box from the corner.

Tip 2: Food-wise...stick to the edamame.

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