Shigure Sake Bar, New York

By combining the food and drink selection of a traditional Japanese izakaya with the modern ambiance of a metropolitan cocktail lounge, Sakebar SHiGURE creates a low-key, inviting atmosphere intended to lure in passersby. It's an "antidote to East Village sake dives," according to New York magazine, which also described it as "accessible to both the rice wine aficionado and the shochu novice." The drink menu does seem to be a source of pride for Sakebar SHiGURE, featuring 14 types of shochu as well as 40 different rice wines—including many from small-batch producers according to Time Out New York. To accompany these tipples, the lounge serves small, shareable plates such as grilled edamame until as late as 1 a.m.

With its intimate lighting, exposed brickwork, and palette of warm earth tones, Sakebar SHiGURE's decór exudes a calming spirit ideally suited for casual conversation. Despite being somewhat contemporary, the space also features a handful of traditional touches including posters of vintage-style Japanese advertisements. One wall even features a massive, black and white mural of Japan with each of the country's prefectures outlined, numbered, and given a unique nickname.