Kakuteru — Restaurant in Saint John

Inventive, unique, avant garde. Just a few adjectives that will likely resound with you if you decide to visit. Eric is uniquely talented, and the type of individual to travel all the way across the globe even if it were just to squeeze that extra percentage improvement or refinement into one of his cocktail recipes. I say that because he has - one more than one occasion. When we get a place like this in the city, and a talent on this level from someone this interested in their craft, I think it's important to support those businesses.

There will always be availability of food and familiar drinks from a lot of different types of restaurant, there aren't many of the type here, and even fewer still the amount of people with such deep commitment to a craft. And this is not a dig on the city, but a geographic reality of supply. My philosophy these days, is to a visit the places that make me say.."damn, I would never have thought to do that", which deliver an experience that elates the senses, educates, and impresses..I'd rather reserve spending on occasions where you will experience something unique, something that changes every time you go in, but remains at its core consistently amazing.

You'll also encounter some of the friendliest, most thoughtful and intelligent people here to converse with while you enjoy your drinks.. because those are types of people Eric also attracts as an individual. I'd rather go where I'm going to have a new experience than repeat one over and over. Eric's been to Japan - twice - a place that has a culture of excellence and perfection in its output - and it's clear to see Eric's admiration for that culture, which he brings pieces of in detailed studies and notes to share with us at the bar. Both times, as far as I know, seem to be about curiosity, accumulation of knowledge, and the excitement in sharing it. Eric also forages for local ingredients, and plays with the form of his ingredients like a modern day alchemist. Eric's Kakuteru delivers these types of experiences in spades. Visit and support a place run by someone who takes pride in entertaining through the medium of delicious cocktails, probably a little sleight of hand, and all the passion and obsession of a Michelin...

Kakuteru is very much a craft cocktail lounge. Owner and bartender, Eric Scouten, is right at the heart of it all, and honestly, part of the joy is just watching him work and the way he mixes, explains, and tailors each drink feels like its own performance. His style isn’t just about wild reinventions but about taking the classics we know and lifting them up with small, thoughtful touches locally inspired ingredients, house-made syrups, and compotes. The menu shifts with the seasons, and there are even creative non-alcoholic options if that’s more your speed.

The space itself is small, only 11–12 seats, but that’s the point. It’s meant to be immersive. The low lighting, minimalist design, and reclaimed elements. Some even from the church I grew up in helps give it this quietly dramatic atmosphere. This isn’t the place you go to be loud or lost in a crowd. It’s for conversation, for subtlety, and for details that matter.

What I love most is that Kakuteru doesn’t try to be everything to everyone and that’s why it works. If you appreciate nuance, craftsmanship, and a certain quiet elegance, it’s a must-visit in Saint John. It’s more than just a bar; it’s a conversation, a tasting, and an experience all...

the owner is the only employee and you can tell he loves his job. i've heard he's worked at every bar worth going and had a hand creating their cocktail menus. he's even got local beer and some higher-end shots. the place is small enough to keep riff-raff from lingering with space enough to relax -- he's even got a couple loveseats. mature patrons, young and elderly. i'm sad my friends would rather go to cheap dive bars, get sloshed, and bump into drunk strangers all night, but i slip away by myself from time to time just for a slow sip bc there's nothing else in town like Kakuteru lounge. feels more my vibe than anywhere else... just a shame they...