New York Drinking Diary: Katana Kitten 🍸

Katana Kitten is a top-tier Japanese bar in Manhattan's West Village, consistently ranked in the world's top 50. 🌟 The bar is split into two levels: the downstairs area is filled with tables, giving it a classic Japanese beer hall vibe, while the upstairs bar offers a more intimate setting. If you can snag a seat, I highly recommend the upstairs bar. 🍻 🍸 This place has an impressive collection of Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki 18 and Hakushu 18. If you’re into cocktails, you can simply tell the bartender what flavors you’re in the mood for. I tried the green cocktail, which had a refreshing melon flavor—perfectly balanced and not too sweet. 🍹 Every time I visit, it’s usually during the second seating. I order two cocktails, chat with the bartender, and somehow end up having deep conversations. Maybe it’s the introvert in me turning into an extrovert after a few drinks! 🥂 🍸 The bartender and I hit it off, and I ended up being gifted six shots throughout the night. The highlight of the evening was their calamari—it was absolutely amazing and the perfect accompaniment to drinks. It’s hands down the best fried squid I’ve had in New York. 🍤 #NewYork #NYCBars #JapaneseBar 🌆