Sakaya
“I've been a regular at Sakaya since they opened – can't say enough good things about Rick and Hiroko and their amazing shop.”
“This is clearly the place to go to for premium sake, both for novices and pros alike.”
“I wish that I lived closer to take advantage of the frequent free tastings.”
Sakaya
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range Moderate
7 reviews
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Sakaya is amazing, even though I can't really afford to buy from there that often. This is not really their fault, as they can't move sake in volume in the States like they can with wine and pass the savings onto consumers yet. But until it does, this is one of the premier places to buy it. Rick and Hiroko have a great relationship with sake breweries and fly to Japan to make new connections and bring even more delicious stuff stateside.
With Sakaya, I subscribe to their newsletter and keep an eye out for seasonal namazake (unpasteurized sake.) This is not to be confused with nigori-zake, a sort of unfiltered sake that is more popular stateside. Namazake have fresh, fruity, rich tastes and due to the unpasteurized nature, the bottle's flavor can change significantly throughout the year. Buy these when they are released, and drink soon.
(This namazake isn't like beaujoulais nouveau where wine is hurriedly made and shipped out to the world for a marketing stunt. It's really a lot better, and well worth the $30-40 you will pay for one bottle.)
My review is only for the service at Sakaya because when I went soon after they opened last year, it was an incredible experience. Rick was working at the time, and you could just look at him and know he was the kind of person that lives and breathes food. They all have that same look. And I just found out today he was Associate Publisher for Food and Wine Magazine so that makes sense.
Anyway, I went with a friend who was buying sake for someone. She had no idea where to begin. So Rick had her list what alcohols her friend liked so that he could see what their palette was like.
Soon enough, he was pointing out sakes that would fit the flavor profile, educating us about the different types of sake from the extent of rice polishing, and to my surprise, pouring sakes into tiny cups for us to try.
I'm not a sake lover, but some of the things I tasted were AWESOME. My friend walked out with about 4 bottles of pretty expensive stuff and I walked out thinking I would return. Unfortunately, I haven't, but I hope a positive review for this establishment is good enough because being in the presence of Rick was a treat in and of itself.
This place is the palace of sake – the equivalent of La maison du chocolat for chocolate or Mariage Freres for tea. The sake bottles are just so beautiful that it is like being in a museum. You take your time to read on each little paper the description of the sake and the food that will match the bottle. The lady who was working there on last Saturday help me to chose a bottle for my sake testing. I will come back to buy more.
Sake is the new wine, oh you didn't know? Ya better ask somebodeeeee!
I fell in love with sake about a few years ago and Sakaya is one of the best stores to feed my habit.
Small and quaint, Sakaya defines the essence of Japanese culture which is beauty by simplicity. A great selection of sake which is placed on a wooden wall. Also labeled by name along with tidbits of information such as prefectures as well as acidity levels.
The real bonus is that the store clerk which I'm also assuming is the owner is VERY knowledgeable in his craft. If you don't see the brand or type you like, you can even place an order for it!
Please skip the sake selection at a general liquor store and come here. I won't steer you wrong. Kampai!
Looking to learn about sake? Go to Sakaya.
Looking to impress a Japanese coworker with a gift? Go to Sakaya.
Looking for sake glassware? Literature? Go to Sakaya.
This tiny store has it all.
When you're the only game in town, it's easy to rest on your laurels. Sakaya has been the only premier saka-ya (sake shop) in NYC for 4 years now. Their elegant, yet simple interior is a shrine to sake. From affordable "introductory" sakes to high end premium, they have something for everyone.
The husband and wife team who run the shop know their sake like nobody's business. They curate their selection without bowing to the whims of their distributors. To keep on top of their game, they take frequent trips to Japan to learn even more.
Their shochu selection is also growing along with American interest in the spirit, and their selection of these spirits is also well curated, though much more limited.
You can find cheaper sake elsewhere, but you can't find this combination of selection and knowledge anywhere else in the area. It's worth a stop even if just to browse, but beware, if you show up during one of their frequent weekend tastings you may end up coming home with a bottle or two.
The perfect place for sake lovers, at all levels. Im a beginner myself, and have learned from Rick in my short visit to this wonderful sake shop. They only sell sake from Japan, none of that American made stuff. Most things here are premium grade, and most if not all are safe bets to get. Talk to Rick and he'll guide you if you are a noobie. I know I did.
Also sign up for the email listing for updates on FREE tastings . Cant beat it. I will try and make one of these epic offerings.
I'm not a sake drinker – but i had a few good experiences drinking Sake lately and I wanted to learn more. So after reading a little bit online, I wanted to ask someone about Sake.
The staff is really helpful. This store is run by Rick and his wife and they are pretty much there all the time. They are very knowledgeable and are willing to stand and talk with you for a while and discuss sake with you.
So with that said – the prices are a little pricey, although I don't know what sake usually goes for. They do say that most of the sake they stock are smaller craft sake from smaller places as opposed to the mass made stuff.
What I actually got was this little gold can for 8 bucks. (7.99 plus tax or something) – of some sake that was pretty good and sadly the cheapest item on the shelves. According to Rick it was their best seller and it makes sense! It's a little can that looks like an energy drink. You could pop it open anywhere and drink it!
I like this store – very neat and clean. I'll sure to be visiting again. Oh Be sure to get on their mailing list. They have free sake tastings every now-and-again so you drink a little – learn a little and maybe buy something.