Energetic West Village izakaya-style bar w/ inventive Japanese-American cocktails & a must-try katsu sando. Gets packed!
Katana Kitten, a Japanese-American dive bar in the West Village, offers an energetic atmosphere with inventive cocktails and delicious bar food. It's a perpetually busy spot, known for its unique decor and a vibe that leans towards fun rather than quiet conversation. While not a traditional cocktail bar, its highballs and signature drinks are a highlight, complemented by must-try items like the mortadella katsu sando.
Katana Kitten serves Japanese-American bar food, with the mortadella katsu sando being a highly recommended dish. Their cocktails, especially highballs and inventive options like the Panda Fizz and a unique gin and tonic with shiso leaf, are frequently praised. However, some find the drinks not to their taste.
"The mortadella katsu sando is highlighted as a must-try dish. Inventive cocktails like the Panda Fizz, sake martinis, and gin and tonics with shiso leaf are also frequently recommended."
Customer feedback is mixed, with many praising the inventive cocktails and lively atmosphere, while others find it too loud and crowded, deeming it potentially overrated.
Important Note
The bar is frequently described as very loud and crowded, particularly in the downstairs area, which can make conversation difficult. Weekends and later evenings are especially busy.
"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"During a recent visit around 7:30 PM on a Friday, the bar was loud and crowded. The commenter suggests that weekdays and earlier times might be better."
Negative"Katana kitten is mentioned as a potential option for the user's request for a small, atmospheric bar."
Positive
