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Decibel

240 E. 9th St., New York, NY, 10003
at Second Ave.
212-979-2733

Avg. Rating

"Recommended"

Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10.

80% would go back.

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Displaying 1-5 of 5

Former Decibel-lover

By city_rover on 4/7/2009

Overall Rating: 3
No, I would not go back!

I have been going to this small underground bar for the past several years because of its cool intimate atmosphere and wide array of sake, but NO MORE- WORST SERVICE EVER!!!!! We were constantly searching for waitstaff to ask for more drinks and waited twenty minutes for the check. Accordingly we did not leave more than 15% after which our server came over and asked about the tip. After indicating that we didn't really feel like discussing it, he told us that "15% is unacceptable" He then followed us to the door and asked if we had forgotten to leave a cash tip- REALLY? We had to explain to him that bad service= bad tip. If you don't like being bullied, you might want to have your sake elsewhere!

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56 out of 112 people found this review helpful.

A Favorite...

By nickcope on 2/19/2008

Overall Rating: 10
Yes, I would go back!

Hard to find, this dimly lit underground sake bar transports the lucky visitor to a parallel universe distinctly outside of New York City...like finding the perfect slice of pizza in Tokyo. Unless you are an expert, ask the server for a sake recommendation with your basic preference: dry/sweet, full/mild, etc. The music is always perfect for the evening. Amazing nights happen at Decibel...last time I watched David Blaine impressing his date with card tricks.

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79 out of 159 people found this review helpful.

Turning Japanese...

By ajl on 9/18/2006

Overall Rating: 9
Yes, I would go back!

Going to Decibel is like being transported to some tiny, secret Tokyo speakeasy. However, if you get there after 10pm, there is usually a long wait. The lychee martini is great, as is the sake selection, which go well with the small dishes available, like edamame and shumai.

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333 out of 642 people found this review helpful.

Tokyo Underground

By ywwan on 11/12/2005

Overall Rating: 9
Yes, I would go back!

This is a fantastic place - you really feel like you are in some underground dive in Tokyo. More importantly,the sake list is so huge, you can almost get everything there. Sounds intimidating but if you have an idea of what you like and aren't afraid to ask for guidance, you can enjoy some really excellent varieties of sake. And be sure to order the little small plates of creative Japanese appetizers to go with the sake. Fun crowd too.

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337 out of 720 people found this review helpful.

Toto, I don't think we're in NY anymore.

By ScorpioEL on 2/26/2004

Overall Rating: 9
Yes, I would go back!

Decibel has a soft spot in my heart, when it comes to bars. Underground, Decibel transports you to Japan and you no longer feel like you’re in NY. Dimly lit with tea lights and surrounded by Japanese knick-knacks, the atmosphere is very relaxed although the seating arrangement is cramped and many tables only seat two. It’s best to go early at around 9ish before the long line forms, which makes it a great place to start for the night out on the town. Decibel’s menu lists dozens of sakes categorized by type with descriptions, which come in 5oz boxes or by the bottle. If you’re unsure of what to get, don’t hesitate to ask the wait staff, who are very helpful and knowledgeable. Decibel also serves the Japanese version of bar food. It’s a great place to impress a date or to catch up with a friend.

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360 out of 697 people found this review helpful.