TLDR
A unique dual-concept kissaten by day and jazz-fueled sake bar by night, celebrated for its precision-brewed siphon coffee and yoshoku-style comfort plates.
Instagram Posts References
Kapehan Ni Roney offers Ube Latte at Ubeland, a beverage combining coffee with ube.
Details
This dual-concept venue transforms from a traditional Japanese kissaten cafe by day into a sophisticated sake and whiskey bar by night [1]. Guests can enjoy a serene daytime atmosphere featuring precision-brewed siphon coffee and a menu of yoshoku-inspired dishes like sandwiches and milk bread desserts [1]. As the evening progresses, the space shifts into a lively jazz lounge with a well-regarded bar program [2].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on Japanese Western-style (yoshoku) cuisine, with standout items like fluffy pancakes, omurice, and egg salad sandwiches [1][5]. While the siphon pour-over coffee and caramelized sweet potato dessert are highly recommended, the pancake quality has occasionally received mixed reviews for being too dry [2][3][5].
Caveats
The evening food program is not the primary focus of the establishment, and some diners have reported that the pancakes can be overly dry [3][4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About HI-COLLAR
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Visiting For Anyc Staying Near The Port Authority
"The author previously enjoyed visiting this spot but feels it is too far from their current convention location."
PositiveFrom post: What Your Fav Cafe Anywhere In Brooklynmanhattan
"Offers excellent coffee, though primarily functions as a brunch spot and izakaya."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Some Japanese Coffee Flan Purin In
"Hi-Collar was recommended in response to a request for Japanese coffee flan."
PositiveFrom post: Best Coffee In The East Village Alphabet City
"This user agrees with the recommendation for Hi Collar, stating it is a great coffee spot."
PositiveFrom post: Best Coffee In The East Village Alphabet City
"Hi Collar is recommended for individuals who appreciate coffee on a high level, including espresso and pour overs. It is noted as a Japanese restaurant that also serves excellent coffee."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Style Bars With Cheap Drinks In The City
"Hi-Collar is listed as a recommendation for a Japanese style bar."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Style Bars With Cheap Drinks In The City
"The commenter has visited Hi-Collar twice, enjoying the food and observing the unique coffee preparation with a siphon. They note that while friendly, the staff doesn't offer the flair of a traditional Japanese bartender."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Style Bars With Cheap Drinks In The City
"Hi-Collar is suggested as a place that fits the user's request for Japanese-style drinks, although they may not be cheap."
PositiveFrom post: Which Coffee Shops Have Both Great Coffee And
"This user mentioned Hi Collar as a Japanese cafe with a serious daytime coffee program and a beloved brunch/lunch menu featuring pancakes and omu rice, influenced by the Japanese 'kisaten' style."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Find Cheap Highball Sodas Like In Japan
"This commenter stated that Hi-Collar has a machine with extra-pressurized club soda for making Japanese highballs."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Find Cheap Highball Sodas Like In Japan
"This commenter mentioned that Hi-Collar makes good highballs for around $14 and also has pretty good food and jazz."
PositiveFrom post: Does Anyone Know A Good Japanese Pancake Place
"The original poster tried Hi Collar and found their Japanese pancakes to be dry. They prefer a softer, creamier texture."
NegativeFrom post: Iced Coffee Recommendations Not Cold Brew
"The commenter expresses interest in trying Kyoto-style iced coffee after seeing it mentioned in relation to Hi Collar."
PositiveFrom post: Iced Coffee Recommendations Not Cold Brew
"The commenter mentions Hi Collar in the East Village, suggesting they offer 'Kyoto Style Iced Coffee' or a similar option which they categorize under hand-brew methods."
PositiveFrom post: Does Anyone Know Where I Can Find Japanese
"This user inquired if Hi collar still has Japanese Strawberry Sando's, as they are not seeing it on the current menu."
NegativeFrom post: Does Anyone Know Where I Can Find Japanese
"This user suggested that Hi collar once had Japanese Strawberry Sando's."
PositiveFrom post: Best Pour Over Coffees
"Hi-Collar is a Japanese restaurant that operates as a Kisaten (Japanese cafe) during lunch hours, famous for its Siphon Pour over and Kyoto Iced Coffee. It's noted that coffee is only served during daytime hours."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Your Favorite Midrange Price Japanese
"Hi-Collar was recommended for omurice."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Your Favorite Midrange Price Japanese
"Hi-Collar was recommended as a good mid-range Japanese restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy
"Hi-Collar in the East Village is described as a Japanese Kissaten known for excellent siphon pour-over coffee, good brunch (especially pancakes and omu rice), and transforming into a sake and whiskey jazz bar at night with izakaya fare."
Positive