Inventive Japanese-American cocktails & izakaya bites. A lively, perpetually packed West Village spot w/ unique decor.
This Japanese-American bar in the West Village is a lively spot, known for its inventive cocktails and izakaya-style food. It's often busy, with a unique decor featuring signed dollar bills on the rafters and a diverse music selection. While not a place for simple drinks, it excels in crafting unique signature cocktails and offers must-try dishes like the mortadella katsu sando.
Katana Kitten offers Japanese-inspired bar food, with particular praise for their inventive cocktails, including a recommended sake martini and gin and tonic with shiso leaf. The mortadella katsu sando is frequently highlighted as a must-try dish. Some find the drinks too sweet, while others enjoy the unique flavor profiles.
"The mortadella katsu sando is frequently cited as a must-try dish. Customers also recommend their inventive signature cocktails, such as the sake martini, gin and tonic with shiso leaf, and the Panda Fizz."
Customers generally praise the inventive cocktails and Japanese-inspired bar food, though some find the bar to be too loud and crowded, especially on weekends.
Important Note
The bar can be very loud and crowded, especially on weekend evenings and downstairs. It's not recommended for quiet conversations or those seeking a mellow atmosphere. Some find the drinks overly sweet or the establishment overrated.
"Katana Kitten in the West Village is highly rated (Worlds 50 Best), known for good sandos and a unique basement atmosphere."
Positive"Katana Kitten was recommended as a West Village wine spot with good drinks, food, and outdoor seating."
Positive"Katana Kitten is a bar the commenter has returned to repeatedly, appreciating its highballs, good food, fun atmosphere, and simple cocktails, although they don't consider it a true cocktail bar."
Positive"The commenter prefers Angel's Share over Katana Kitten, implying a less favorable opinion of Katana Kitten in comparison."
Negative"Katana Kitten can be more casual and louder, allowing standing room at the bar when busy. The commenter had no issues getting in on a weekday."
Neutral"Katana Kitten is described as casual and a little divey, with no wait experienced when visiting early in the evening."
Neutral"Recommended Katana Kitten as a more informal but fun and great cocktail bar nearby Angel's Share, mentioning their Panda Fizzy pandan cocktail."
Positive"This user recommended Katana Kitten."
Positive"This user also recommended Katana Kitten."
Positive"This commenter describes Katana Kitten as a great bar but explicitly states it is not quiet at all."
Negative"The commenter usually visits Katana Kitten early and finds it quiet, suggesting that large crowds are unlikely at 6 PM."
Neutral"The upstairs area of Katana Kitten can be suitable for one-on-one conversations, but the downstairs area is extremely loud."
Neutral"The commenter advises finding another spot, stating that Katana Kitten is very loud and crowded."
Negative"During a weekday visit at around 6 PM, the bar was not packed but the music was too loud for a conversation, leading the commenter to find a quieter spot."
Negative"The drinks are decent and the decor is appealing, but the establishment is very busy and considered overrated by the commenter."
Negative"The commenter states that Katana Kitten is very loud, particularly the downstairs area."
Negative"The Warren, located around the corner on Christopher Street, is suggested as a good alternative for food and cocktails that is quieter than Katana Kitten."
Neutral"The user acknowledges the feedback about Katana Kitten being a fun place for less intimate meetups."
Neutral"This is a bar that gets very busy every night and is loud. It is not ideal for quiet, one-on-one conversations, but rather for energetic group gatherings. For a quieter experience, another bar called The Orient Express is recommended, though it does not serve food."
Negative"During a visit on a Saturday around 4 PM, the bar was extremely loud, making conversation difficult without shouting."
Negative
