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Katana Kitten

New York

Dive bars serving craft cocktails are nothing new, but Masahiro Urushido’s Katana Kitten takes the concept to the next level. Welcome to a Japanese dive bar serving some serious drinks. Walking into the space, one is surrounded by Japanese posters of 80s US blockbusters and the sounds of upbeat music. Behind the long bar, the hospitable staff broadly smile at each guest. Don’t be fooled by the jovial atmosphere – the team is fanatically serious about its craft. Its menu is divided between highballs, boilermakers and signature cocktails along with a healthy assortment of sake, beer and wine.

An impressive command of Japanese techniques and ingredients merge to produce familiar cocktails as you’ve never tasted them before. The Hinoki Martini offers an earthy, slightly sweet variation to the classic vesper through the addition of sherry, sake and hinoki tree (Japanese cypress) essence. The trademark Matcha Grasshopper supercharges the concoction with a house-made matcha liqueur, cacao, pandan, coconut cream and red beans. The kitchen raises the concept to another level. Think popcorn Fujimi chicken with sweet and sour sauce, and crinkle cut nori fries with added Japanese curry sauce, should you wish.

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