TLDR
Authentic Japanese izakaya vibes in Midtown. Perfect for late-night bites and value-packed happy hour specials.
Details
This beloved Midtown spot offers an authentic Japanese izakaya experience that is highly regarded for its lively atmosphere and late-night availability [1], [2]. Diners frequently praise the menu for being both high-quality and reasonably priced, making it a go-to destination for pre- or post-theater dining [3], [4]. While the restaurant is celebrated for its traditional vibes, some visitors note that its broad selection of dishes does not necessarily excel in any single culinary category [5].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on traditional izakaya-style small plates, sushi, katsu, and ramen [5], [6]. Customers often highlight the bar food and daily happy hour specials as particular strengths [2], [4], though some noted the variety is wide without any singular dish dominating the experience [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highballs are specifically noted as a highlight of the happy hour menu [1], alongside a variety of Japanese small plates and sushi that offer good value [3], [6]."
Customer Sentiment
Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with patrons frequently commending the establishment for its great value, authentic atmosphere, and convenience as a late-night venue [1], [4]. While generally well-regarded, some feedback suggests the food quality is consistent but not necessarily standout across all offerings [5].
Caveats
Some visitors suggest that while the menu is diverse, it does not necessarily excel in any one specific culinary area [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SAKE BAR HAGI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For A Place To Eat Between Broadway Shows
"The original poster decides to try this restaurant based on recommendations."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Place To Eat Between Broadway Shows
"The commenter mentions the restaurant has a happy hour available daily from 5pm to 6:30pm."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Place To Eat Between Broadway Shows
"The commenter notes the place offers sushi and small plates at a reasonable price for the theater area with a nice atmosphere."
PositiveFrom post: Recs For Drinks Dinner Before After A Show At
"Saki Bar Hagi is praised for its excellent selection and great bar food."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Style Bars With Cheap Drinks In The City
"The food at Sake Bar Hagi is described as very good and reasonably priced, with the added benefit of a daily happy hour."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Style Bars With Cheap Drinks In The City
"Sake Bar Hagi is recommended as a good izakaya option."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Style Bars With Cheap Drinks In The City
"This commenter agrees that Sake Bar Hagi captures the authentic Izakaya atmosphere of Japan and plans to return."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Style Bars With Cheap Drinks In The City
"The commenter likes Sake Bar Hagi on 51st street and often visits after Broadway shows as it is open late."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Find Cheap Highball Sodas Like In Japan
"This commenter recommended Sake Bar Hagi in Midtown for its relatively cheap highballs during happy hour."
PositiveFrom post: Oyatte Chef Hasung Lees First Restaurant Of His
"This user also conveyed that they miss Kajitsu."
NegativeFrom post: Oyatte Chef Hasung Lees First Restaurant Of His
"This user shared a link to the Spotify playlist curated by Ryuichi Sakamoto for the former restaurant, Kajitsu."
NeutralFrom post: Oyatte Chef Hasung Lees First Restaurant Of His
"This user expressed that they miss the restaurant Kajitsu."
NegativeFrom post: Oyatte Chef Hasung Lees First Restaurant Of His
"The commenter shared historical details about the previous restaurant, Kajitsu, including that the composer Ryuichi Sakamoto curated its background music. They also provided a link to the playlist and mentioned the restaurant's closure and passage of time."
NeutralFrom post: Oyatte Chef Hasung Lees First Restaurant Of His
"This commenter mentioned that the location of Oyatte used to house a vegan Japanese restaurant called Kaijitsu."
NeutralFrom post: What Was The Name Of The Sushi Restaurant Open At
"A user suggested Sake Bar Hagi on 49th street as a potential match for a Japanese restaurant serving sushi late at night in the 1980s, noting it's more of an izakaya and the original sake bar."
NeutralFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Recommendations
"Sake Bar Hagi offers a variety of dishes including sushi, katsu, and ramen, but doesn't particularly excel in any single area."
NeutralFrom post: Recs For Fusionethnic Small Plates
"The commenter listed Sake Bar Hagi as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Missing Japan
"Sake Bar Hagi is recommended for izakaya style dining."
PositiveFrom post: Any Late Night Food Bar Suggestions On A Wednesday
"This izakaya is recommended for pre-show happy hour and bites, noting it stays open until midnight on Wednesdays. The timing of their happy hour is considered perfect."
Positive