It's on 3 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address531 Hudson St, New York, NY
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Katana Kitten is a celebrated Japanese dive bar serving inspired craft cocktails in the West Village. Helmed by mixologist Masahiro Urushido, the bar is a frequent flier on “best bars in the world” lists. Even time-tested classics like the martini are step up under Urushido’s watch.
The bar’s signature Hinoki martini is made with Grey Goose vodka, Spring 44 Mountain gin, fino sherry, Junmai Daiginjo, and cyprus tree essence, it’s one of the most unique cocktails in NYC. If you prefer traditional libations, ask the expert bartenders for your usual order and see where the night takes you.
Unpopular opinion. Unpopular opinion. Dive bars are more fun than rooftop bars, and I’ll stand by that forever.
Katana Kitten is a celebrated Japanese dive bar serving inspired craft cocktails in the West Village. Helmed by mixologist Masahiro Urushido, the bar is a frequent flier on “best bars in the world” lists. Even time-tested classics like the martini are step up under Urushido’s watch.
Katana Kitten’s Hinoki martini, made with Grey Goose vodka, Spring 44 Mountain gin, fino sherry, Junmai Daiginjo, and cyprus tree essence, is one of the most unique martinis in NYC.
But if the idea of blending vodka and gin has you questioning whether you’re a purist after all, you can always request a traditional martini. The expert bartenders are keen to impress.
Katana Kitten is a celebrated Japanese dive bar serving inspired craft cocktails. Under the direction of mixologist Masahiro Urushido, the West Village bar makes frequent appearances on the list of the best bars in the world.
The bar’s signature cocktail is the Hinoki martini (Grey Goose, Spring 44 Mountain Gin, Fino Sherry, Junmai Daiginjo, and cyprus tree essence), one of the most unique martinis in NYC.
Good to knowKatana Kitten makes our list of the 10 best martinis in New York City.