Well-stocked bar with wooden shelves and stools in a dim setting
Best Cocktails Guide - Discover the world's finest cocktails and the bars that craft them
8.3
cocktail bar$$

BAR GOTO

Gallery

Well-stocked bar with wooden shelves and stools in a dim setting in New York
Ceramic cup with a cocktail and ice on a wooden table in New York
Cocktail glass on a wooden bar counter with shelves of bottles in background in New York
Bar counter with chicken wings plate and a glass of beer in New York
Bartender pouring drinks at a well-stocked bar with illuminated shelves in New York
Close-up of a cocktail with ice cubes on a wooden bar counter in New York
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Essential Information
Today17:00 - 00:00
Address
245 Eldridge Street, New York, 10002
Reservations
Walk-ins

Reservations available, though walk-ins are also welcome and can be seated at the bar based on availability

Price Range
$$
About

BAR GOTO is a sophisticated Japanese-inspired cocktail bar located in New York's Lower East Side, founded by acclaimed mixologist Kenta Goto. This intimate neighborhood gem specializes in expertly crafted cocktails that blend traditional Japanese ingredients with classic mixology techniques. The bar features signature drinks like sake-based martinis, the refreshing Cucumber-Watermelon Cooler, and the Far East Side, alongside Japanese whiskey selections. The cozy, adorable space offers an excellent ambiance for date nights and intimate gatherings. Guests can enjoy small plates including okonomiyaki, caviar and chips, and flavorful wings to complement their drinks. With attentive, engaging staff and a warm atmosphere, BAR GOTO delivers a unique cocktail experience that showcases Japanese flavors and hospitality. The bar welcomes both reservations and walk-ins, making it accessible for spontaneous visits or planned evenings out in one of Manhattan's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Ambiance & Features

Intimate, cozy Japanese-inspired cocktail bar with adorable decor and warm atmosphere perfect for date nights and small gatherings

Atmosphere

Intimate
Cozy
Romantic
Sophisticated
Neighborhood Vibe
Date Night Friendly

Noise Level

moderate

Lighting

dim

Features

japanese-inspired-cocktails
sake-cocktails
japanese-whiskey
small-plates
bar-seating
standing-room
Our Ratings
8.3
/10

Overall Score

Our weighted scoring system

Score Breakdown

Cocktail Quality

8.5

Service

8.8

Ambiance

8.7

Value

7.5

Accessibility

7.0

✗ Not confirmed accessible

Good to Know

Food & Menu

✓ Food menu available

japanese
small-plates
appetizers

Sake-based martinis, Cucumber-Watermelon Cooler, Far East Side cocktail, Japanese whiskey selection, okonomiyaki, caviar and chips, wings

What People Say

Guests Love

  • Excellent and engaging staff
  • Beautiful intimate atmosphere perfect for dates
  • High-quality Japanese-inspired cocktails
  • Refreshing and well-balanced drinks
  • Quick seating even without reservations

Other Considerations

  • Sake-based martinis may not appeal to everyone
  • Okonomiyaki texture issues (mushy, not crispy)
  • Food quality inconsistent
  • Some dishes not worth ordering

Location

245 Eldridge Street, New York, undefined undefined, US

Directions

40.722780, -73.989890