Hard to Explain — Restaurant in New York

Anyone who’s visited Japan would know of the calm quiet that can encapsulate nearly every inch of it at times. Everywhere feels comfortable and welcoming, and it’s a feeling that’s been hard to find anywhere else.

While New York is a far cry from Tokyo’s bar scene, Hard To Explain is the closest little taste of Japan I’ve found since.

Tucked between residences with only a modest sign hinting its existence to the outside world, Hard To Explain is more than easy to pass by - and for anyone unfamiliar with the area? As the name would suggest, finding this little speakeasy is quite literally ‘hard to explain’, and maybe that’s for the best.

Dimly lit with just a couple of small tables and narrow bar to perch at, Hard To Explain is immediately welcoming and cozy - though certainly runs the risk of quickly becoming cramped on a busy night. Light background music drifts through the shadows, emanating from a small record player tucked behind the bar. Hushed conversations shared between friends, couples, and maybe even a first date or two. This isn’t your local dive-bar, and everyone behaves accordingly.

It’s easy to feel at home here, with the barkeep drifting in and out of idle chitchat while deftly mixing sake based cocktails. A smattering of Japanese from her on occasion, helping the Japanese travellers passing through feel more at ease. Another round offered during a quiet lull - always present for service, but never intrusive.

The drinks themselves are creative without being obnoxious. With clear Japanese inspiration throughout the menu, it’s a refreshing change from the Manhattans and Martinis crowding every other list in NYC; despite this, there’s still something for everyone, even those looking for the classics - just found here with a little international inspiration instead.

Were I not only passing through NYC, it would be a struggle to keep away. But with a setup this welcoming, I’m not sure coming back here too often would be such a bad thing. Frequent other bars and be labeled a barfly - frequent Hard to Explain and instead, it’s more likely you’ve found your place to unwind, and a quiet serenity which is all too rare in somewhere as...

I was really disappointed with my experience here at this bar. I was expecting a cosy, relaxed vibe with a selection of good drinks and snacks and that just wasn’t the case. The person behind the bar who served us was on her phone for most of the hour we stayed there and it was a bit off putting. The cocktails sounded great but the rest of the selection of drinks is really limited. I’m sober so I didn’t order anything with alcohol- my only options were a can of mixer or a virgin cosmopolitan. The bartender turned away from me as they made my drink and I realised it’s because they were just pouring it from a pre made canned drink. That really annoyed me. It was $11!! Microwaving the tiny portion of edamame felt like the cherry on top of a the cake of disappointment. The atmosphere was not great because there were random storage boxes right behind our seats which made sitting down feel uncomfortable and awkward. It’s so small that people ordering from the window seats had to lean over me to pay. I understand the vibe of the bar wants to be lowkey and vintage (?) but it just came across to me as unfinished and lazy with peeling wallpaper and random items everywhere. I would not recommend this place to anyone. I wanted to take my parents out for a cool drink on holiday and I was actually embarrassed that I took...

I first stumbled in here on a date a couple of years ago, and returned last night with a couple of girlfriends for a nightcap. If you’re searching for a cozy, romantic little hideaway that feels like stepping into a little Japanese Parisian bar, this is the place. Dim red lights, rustic walls, and artsy details make the whole space glow with intimacy.

The bartender, Teddy, was wonderfully warm, funny, and attentive, genuinely engaging with every guest. My first drink, the Sugar Teddy, was perfectly balanced: nigori sake with just the right hint of yuzu, ginger, and pineapple. After that, he asked us what we like and crafted us a hibiscus-based cocktail that was refreshing, unexpected, and delicious. (Note: everything here is sake-based, so if you’re looking for heavy pours, this won’t be your spot—but that’s part of its charm.)

For cozy vibes, easy banter, and a little romance, this just might be one of my favorite bars in the city. Seating is limited and it’s popular, so you may have to wait—but honestly, that’s part of the...