StEight(behind KUNIYA HAIR)

The entrance to StEight is through a secret door inside the KUNIYA HAIR salon on Eldridge Street. Once you find it and step inside, you’re in an exceptionally narrow space that seats maybe 10 or 12 people total. The room has the distinct feel of an old-school Japanese coffee shop, with a vintage aesthetic and a long bar that runs down one side, serving as the room’s main focal point. A collection of vinyl records provides the soundtrack, which leans heavily into classic jazz and blues played throughout the night. The drink menu is built around a deep and well-curated selection of sake. You can get guided flights from the bartenders, who know the different styles and producers inside and out, and can walk you through the nuances of each pour. There's also a tight list of handcrafted cocktails that use Japanese ingredients – think drinks built around genmaicha, oolong, or a Sakura Smoke Old Fashioned. For food, the options are minimal, mostly just a plate of Japanese sausages to go with a drink. The bar’s intimate size makes it well-suited for a date or a solo visit, but it also means a wait is common, especially on weekends. It is possible to make a reservation, but you have to do it by sending a direct message to their Instagram account. It’s a compact, focused spot for a quiet drink, built around a specific appreciation for sake and vinyl.