Something that'll do it quick is nice, like a Long Island Iced
Tea. Other times, I like mind-numbing red wine to soothe me. But
on special occasions, like when I want to sex it up without regret,
I choose sake. When's the last time you had sake? At some over-priced
sushi joint...right.
Well, get all your Mr. Miyagi references in order cause this
place is genuine. A sake bar called Decibel and its situated below
ground right off East 9th Street and 2nd Ave. Which is a block
over from St.Marks. Be prepared though cause the times of business
are late and your suburban navigation skills will miss it. Go
past the little wooden sign at the gate, down the staircase. First
door on your left...It's dingy, the aroma is pungent, and it's
dark; perfect for hipsters and for raping a girl. Don't get me
wrong I don't like hipsters either but I'd rape a girl ;) Monica
Belluci in that Irreversible style.
This place is built to serve sake. The selection is overwhelming
considering I know very little of what makes a good one. A ton
of different kinds of filtered, unfiltered, Junmai-shu, Junmai
Daiginjo-shu, sweet, and dry sakes to bonzai.. They make mixed
sake drinks as well. Decibel also serves Shochu which has the
same core ingredients of sake but ranks for the more astute crowd.
The ambience, as I said, is hip aka expensive and packed! Most
sake priced from $5-$12 for about 6-8 oz. Almost 3 boxes worth.
It'll get you drunk, bitch. It's what you expect from a place
that seems like it was transplanted straight from Tokyo. I don't
know, call me stupid but I look for the graffiti on the walls
to determine how cool a place could be. ...the kings of graff
have all scrawled there!! If you really just want to get in and
get drinking opt for the bar. Or you can wait and grab a table
in the back. The back room has small-almost kindergarten like-tables
and chairs like the ones you'd find at Kenka, another genuine
Japanese fave. I don't go here often but everytime I have I've
gotten belligerent. In a nice way though! It's a drunk that is
too hard to explain...To each there own's pleasure.
240 E 9th St
East Village New York
(212) 979-2733
