TLDR
A Japanese kissaten by day, sake bar by night. Known for its coffee, fluffy pancakes & omu rice.
Instagram Posts References
Kapehan Ni Roney offers Ube Latte at Ubeland, a beverage combining coffee with ube.
Details
Hi-Collar is a unique Japanese restaurant that transitions from a serene kissaten cafe by day to a lively jazz lounge by night. By day, it offers a sophisticated coffee program with rotating global roasts and a delightful brunch and lunch menu featuring items like sandwiches and sweet milk bread desserts. In the evening, it transforms into a bar serving sake and whiskies, often accompanied by live jazz performances.
Food Overview
Hi-Collar is celebrated for its Japanese-style brunch and lunch offerings, including fluffy pancakes and omurice. The coffee program is a highlight, with many recommending the siphon pour-over and Kyoto-style iced coffee. While some enjoy the Japanese pancakes, one user found them dry and preferred a softer texture. The dessert menu has also featured a delicious caramelized Japanese sweet potato with sweet cream [29]. They also offer Yoshoku, a Japanese take on Western cuisine [35].
Caveats
While known for its daytime offerings, the dinner program may not be its primary strength, and it can be quite small, having previously fit only about 10 people. The Japanese pancakes are described as tasty but not the soufflé variety, and one visitor found them dry.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About HI-COLLAR
Recent Reddit Mentions
From 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."
PositiveFrom post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo
"Hi-Collar is listed as a recommendation, categorized as Yoshoku/Izakaya."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Japanese Or Italian Birthday
"Hi Collar is described as a coffee shop by day and sake/cocktail bar at night with a dinner program and reasonable prices. It's part of the TIC restaurant group in the East Village and is located near Sakebar Decibel."
Positive