Bar Goto

Photography by Bar Goto

Words by Simon Difford

Bar Goto image 1

Address: 245 Eldridge Street, (btwn Houston & Stanton Sts), New York, NY, 10002, United States
Tel: +1 212 475 4411
Email: info@bargoto.com
Website: view Bar Goto’s website
Instagram: @bargoto_nyc
Door: Go early
Style: Cocktail bar
Food: Set menu
Established: 2015

Bar Goto in New York is a 30-seat bar that uses Japanese flavours to spice up modern cocktails and serves Japanese dishes.

Review

After a seven-year tenure at Pegu Club in New York, Kenta Goto opened this namesake Japanese tapas and craft cocktail bar in June 2015. Its a small, warmly lit and very cosy space.

The drink menu features eight original cocktails, many with an Asian twist, including the Sakura Martini (Sake, Gin, Maraschino, Salted Cherry Blossom) and the Umami Mary (Shiitake Vodka, Miso, House Bloody-Mary Mix).

The menu incorporates house infusions and Asian ingredients such as yuzu, shiso and lemongrass. Goto also serves sake, and a selection of New York and Japanese beers.

The food menu, designed by Chef Kiyo Shinoki from Bohemian in New York, offers familiar Japanese appetizers and comfort-food dishes. Shared plates include dishes such as Gobo French Fries (Japanese Burdock Root, Shichimi Pepper, Salt) and Tako Sashimi (Blanched Fresh Octopus, Wakame Seaweed, Sweet Chili Miso, Fresh Wasabi Soy Sauce). A highlight of the menu is the selection of Okonomi-yaki (savory pancakes) inspired by Goto's childhood memories of this Japanese culinary tradition at his mother's restaurant outside of Tokyo. Combinations include meat, cheese, seafood and vegetable offerings, all served with special Okonomi sauce, kewpie mayo, shaved dried bonito and tempura flakes.

This is a popular spot which doesn't take reservations so head here early or plan for a short wait for a table to become available.

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