ABOUT US

Bar Goto is a New York City cocktail bar known for exceptionally well-made cocktails, shochu, sake, Japanese whisky and delicious bar snacks (some of the best in the city according to Eater, NYMag, & The New York Times).

Open in the Lower East Side since 2015, the Eldridge Street bar has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

In 2020, Bartender-owner Kenta Goto and team expanded to open sister bar, Bar Goto Niban, in Park Slope, Brooklyn, near Barclays Center.

"If you’ve never been to Tokyo and wondered what all the fuss is about when it comes to the bars, Bar Goto is a perfect introduction. The hospitality is honest, the lighting makes everyone look good, and the drinks are simple and made with exacting technique. If that wasn’t enough, the bar food—the must-order fresh celery with sesame oil and okonomiyaki—is transporting as well. When we have people we really, really like visiting us in New York, this is where we take them. Let’s keep it on the DL." -Bon Appétit

"A minimalist shelter from the storm of Lower East Side partiers, Bar Goto has sleek Japanese design, attentive service, excellent highballs and bar food. Kenta Goto, owner and barman, was once at the dearly departed Pegu Club, and has retained that famous bar’s warm service and exacting attention to detail. It shines in his highballs and the delicate coupe cocktails, such as one made with a rosy cherry blossom, sake, gin, and maraschino. The food here is not an afterthought. The okonomiyaki—that killer izakaya drinking standard of fried cabbage and kewpie mayo, dancing with bonito flakes and stuffed full of pork belly, rock shrimp, and squid that will transport you to Tokyo—is some of the best in town."  -Condé Nast Traveler

Both bars open Tuesday to Sunday. Happy Hour martinis 5-6pm. Walk-in only; complete parties seated first come, first served.

⭐⭐ ⭐  

“Best Bars in New York City” Condé Nast Traveler, 2025 

“Essential Cocktail Bars of NYC” Eater, 2025

“Best Cocktail Bars in the U.S.” Food & Wine, 2023

“Best Martinis in America" Esquire, 2023

"World's 50 Best Bars" 51-100, 2022 & '18   

Tales of the Cocktail “Best U.S. Cocktail Bar” Top 4, 2022 & '18  (Top 10: '24, '23, '20, '17) 

James Beard Award “Outstanding Bar Program” Semifinalist, 2018 & '17

Esquire “Best Bars in America” 2017

“Bar of the Year” Bon Appétit, 2016

BAR GOTO/BAR GOTO NIBAN 2025.