Little Japantown, part 1

Did you know there's a section of the East Village where a bunch of Japanese places are clustered together? Well, I lived there for 2 years and I just figured this out. Little Japantown, as I'll unofficially call it, is on 9th St between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. It also extends onto Stuyvesant Street.

Decibel, a sake bar, is one of the more hidden places in this area. It's located below ground at 240 E. 9th St. Don't let the graffiti-laden stairwell scare you!

In a nutshell, Decibel is a divey, gritty sake bar. I'm not a sake expert, but if you're into it, they've got plenty of it. Of course, they have other drinks too. I was there on a Monday evening, which was pretty low key. But I've heard it can get pretty packed.

When you're sipping on sake at Decibel, you really feel like you've been transported to a far off land. So if Japan is on your list of places you'd like to visit, heading to 9th Street is an easy way to make a quick visit - and a lot more economical!

Moby, can you hear me?

It's time we ventured to Loisaida, don't you think? We're talking Avenue C here people. Which used to be borderline sketchy, but there's so many bars and crowds there now that I don't think it's true anymore. Avenue D is another story. There are a few once-cool, now turned B&T joints on Avenue C. But one of the ones that remains really cool is Moby's live music spot - Nublu.

Nublu is located at 62 Avenue C. Yes, it's a late-night hipster spot. But in an awesome, not annoying way. Moby is the owner after all and he's pretty zen. It is sweaty though. And a little smelly. There's no A/C. There's also no stage for the bands. But there is something very raw about the environment that makes people want to makeout. A lot. Because they do. I've seen it.

There's no real sign outside of Nublu, so just look for this awning thing with the doorman inside. Oh, and I should mention there's always been a $10 cover when I've gone.

[side note] Am I the only one still not over the whole live band/DJ combo thing? Not that it's any kind of new music revelation. But it's still so cool to me everytime I experience it in a small venue like this. This girl pictured here seemed pretty into it too.

So if you like bumping to the beat, or making out in dark, sweaty places, you should check this place out. Maybe Moby will show up and DJ. He's done it before.

Hip to the hop

Whoa, did I see some crazy dance moves at No Malice Palace on Saturday night. Moves so fast and complex that they cannot be recorded by film or digital media, so you'll have to just use your imagination.

Located at 197 E. 3rd St., No Malice Palace is a great place to get your hippity hop on in a non-clubby, non-pretentious environment. The only real sign, seen below, is on the inside of the bar.


Their DJ is great. I can't remember the last time I got to sing along to "Got your money" by ODB (that's Ol' Dirty Bastard for those less in the know). Actually, didn't he change his name to Big Baby Jesus? I digress.

Some negatives about this bar include: there's no beer on tap. I've been there when there's a line and when it's been too crowded. And in terms of the crowd, it's pretty mixed, but leans to the younger side, so it might not be as enjoyable for ladies 30+. I would say the same thing for guys, except that guys seem to like younger girls for some weird reason.

To find No Malice, look for the green light. It does look pretty sketchy outside of the bar with that black curtain over the window. But inside it's fairly normal. Just a long space with a bar up front and then couches as you head towards the back where the dancing happens. There's also an outdoor space, but it closes at 11 on the weekends.

Next time I get the urge to start a hip hop dance crew (which is pretty much everytime I catch an episode of Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew) I am heading to this spot to bust a move.

Tastes like death, in a good way

Death & Co. at 433 E. 6th St is a fantastic place for exotic, high-end cocktails.


(That's the door in the middle. Do not be deceived, the metal sections on the left and right are not doors. And those white spots are rain drops in case you were wondering.)


Who knew that their food was equally as amazing. I don't recall being so blown-away by their cuisine in the past. But jeez, this proscuitto flatbread I had with some kind of cheese and grapes and truffle oil was TO DIE FOR!


Literally, one of the most tasty things I've ever eaten ever. EVER. Bravo to the chef Luis Gonzalez. I just checked their website and their old boring menu is still up there with a different chef who will remain unnamed.


This place is pretty upscale. But since it's in the EV, the crowd is quite mixed. It turns out dudes in suits and hipsters can get along, if there are quality cocktails involved.


I think my flatbread cost $12, but it was practically the size of a pizza and very filling so I think it worked out just fine. I also had the Golden Gate brandy/grapefruit juice (and about a half a dozen other ingredients) cocktail. Also around $12 or $13. Also quite good.


So, why not take your date to Death? It's never tasted so delicious.

Cha cha to the rum bar

Is there anyplace better than Cuba? Alright, I've never been. But I have been to Cienfuegos, which is pretty much the same thing in my mind.


From the outside of 443 E. 6th St (between 1st and Avenue A), Cienfuegos sort of looks like a diner, except that there an inordinate number of people hanging around outside, but not many people sitting at the bar.

But then, you look a little closer and realize there's a line in the back to talk to the host.

(This picture above is sort of strange because it's really just of the ceiling. But you can get an idea of the decor upstairs, which really transforms the space.)

Cienfuegos is all about rum, rum punch specifically. I've never put much thought into punch before, but believe me, somebody did. Because the punch list here is extensive. For $14 you can get an individual glass of punch, or you can get as much punch as you can afford in a silver punch bowl to share with friends. My punch was fantastic and worth the splurge.

I didn't know at the time, but the place just opened in April. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to get punch-drunk or for a group of friends who have something special to celebrate.

It's especially appealing for a girl gathering. There's something girly about the colors and all the punch I think. And there are some good areas for group seating that looked like fun. Just please, please don't eat the food. I didn't think you could mess up sliders or cuban sandwiches. But you can. Oh, you can. Let's cut them a break since they just opened. At least they got the drinks right. Sometimes, that's all you need.