New York · Izakaya · a la carte
Katana Kitten
Japanese Cocktail BarHighballToki WhiskyJapanese Dive BarIzakaya SnacksWest Village
A beloved West Village Japanese dive bar by James Beard Award-nominated bartender Masahiro Urushido, known for its Toki highball machine and inventive Japanese cocktails.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- West Village
- Since
- 2018
- Owner
- Masahiro Urushido
Plate № 1960
About
Katana Kitten opened in 2018 and quickly became one of New York's defining Japanese cocktail destinations. Founded by Masahiro Urushido — a Japanese bartender who brought the precision of Tokyo bar culture to the West Village — the bar draws deeply on the aesthetics and hospitality traditions of a Japanese izakaya watering hole while elevating the cocktail program to international recognition. The signature offering is the Toki Highball, delivered from a dedicated machine that carbonates Suntory Toki whisky at precise pressure for perfectly consistent results. The food menu leans into playful Japanese-American combinations: katsu sandos, deviled eggs, karaage, and teriyaki-glazed dishes that pair seamlessly with the drinks. Katana Kitten was ranked No. 42 on North America's 50 Best Bars 2025, and Urushido himself has been James Beard Award-nominated, cementing the bar's status as a pillar of New York's Japanese bar scene.
Neighborhood & visiting
Katana Kitten sits in West Village, one of New York's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Masahiro Urushido's Toki Highball — dispensed from a dedicated carbonation machine — sets the standard for the style in New York and is not to be missed.
- Ranked No. 42 on North America's 50 Best Bars 2025, Katana Kitten has earned its reputation as one of the continent's finest Japanese cocktail destinations.
- The atmosphere channels a Japanese dive bar — unpretentious, loud, and welcoming — in sharp contrast to the formality of Midtown Japanese bars.
- Happy hour from 4–6 PM Monday through Friday offers an accessible entry point to one of New York's most decorated bar programs.
Primarily a cocktail bar with izakaya-style snack food. No full dinner menu.
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Frequently asked
About Katana Kitten
- Is Katana Kitten an authentic japanese cocktail bar restaurant in New York?
- Yes — Katana Kitten is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese cocktail bar in New York: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Katana Kitten located?
- Katana Kitten is located at 531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014, New York, United States in the West Village neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Katana Kitten?
- Katana Kitten does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in New York we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Katana Kitten?
- Katana Kitten sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese cocktail bar of this format in New York.
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