Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association | JSS
Lovingly referred to as ‘The Big Apple’, New York City is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It is a cross-section of many different cultures and lifestyles. Plus, it is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and along with sushi, Kobe beef, and ramen, Japanese sake has become a gastronomic ambassador for Japanese culture.
For New York citizens that are looking to enjoy sake at home, let us share a list of where to buy sake in New York City.
Here is a list of some well-known retailers in the New York area to help you find your ‘go-to’ place for buying sake. Shops are listed in alphabetical order.
This old-charm wine and spirit shop sits in the heart of Manhattan. A family-run business in the third generation, the owners have not only expert knowledge in wine, but also in sake. Notably, sake lovers in New York praise Ambassador Wine and Spirits for their well-stocked walk-in sake fridge. As time goes on, the shop continues to show real dedication to Japanese sake.
The knowledgeable staff can help with any of your sake-related questions. It is a great place to come to and discover some unique sake.
Ambassador Wines and Spirits
1020 2nd Avenue,
New York, NY 10022.
Phone: (212) 421-5078
Another well-loved liquor store in New York is Astor Wines & Spirits. Aside from standard western alcohol, they offer a wide selection of sake with over 200 different bottles on their shelves. Most uniquely, the store stocks both bigger brands as well as artisanal sake from around the world. Plus, their staff is extremely knowledgeable in both sake and wine.
It is a great place for anyone new to sake as they are great at guiding customers to find the best sake for every occasion. With a wide range of styles and price points, it is almost impossible not to find sake you’ll love here.
Astor Wines & Spirits
De Vinne Press Building
399 Lafayette St. (at East 4th St.)
New York, NY 10003.
Phone: (212) 674-7500
Just south of SoHo sit the sake specialists at Landmark Wine and Spirits, also known as Minoru’s Sake Shop. The shop boasts a selection of sake from both big and small producers around the world. In addition to regional variety, Landmark W&S also carries nostalgic sake favorites rarely found outside Japan.
For those new to sake, the shop hosts regular tasting nights. These tastings follow seasonal themes, showcase prefectural sake breweries, and even offer shochu selections. Details about upcoming tastings can be found on the shop’s website and Instagram.
Landmark Wine and Spirits – Minoru’s Sake Shop
167 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 242-2323
Sakaya is New York City’s only shop exclusively selling premium sake. Customers are greeted by a big ‘sugidama’, a ball made of cedar wood. Sugidama symbolizes Japanese sake breweries, showing just how serious they are about sake.
Along with the beautiful interior, customers can enjoy more than 100 carefully curated sake brands. These include artisanal sake, small and often not yet well-known breweries as well as many of the well-known brands. Due to their connections in the sake industry, the store regularly refreshes its collection with new sake.
Needless to say, they are experts in all things sake. It is an exciting shop for anyone new to sake and sake connoisseurs alike.
Sakaya
324 East 9th Street
New York, NY 10003.
Phone: (212) 505-7253 (SAKE)
Located in the vibrant Union Square neighborhood, this wine and spirit shop opened its doors in 1995. Their mission is to provide consumers with an exquisite selection of beverages and expertise in a comfortable setting. Most importantly, they have a great selection of classic sake with a few surprises on offer.
In addition, customers can look forward to free tastings and the occasional food pairing in the shop. With this first-hand tasting experience, Union Square Wines is the perfect place to explore Japanese sake.
https://www.unionsquarewines.com/
Union Square Wines
140 Fourth Avenue
New York, NY 10003.
Phone: (212) 675-8100
Warehouse Wines & Spirits is one of the best-known liquor stores in New York and rightly so. Voted as ‘The Best Liquor Store’ by The Village Voice, it also made the ‘Best for Bargains’ list by Time Out New York.
So, if you are asking yourself where to buy sake in NYC, this is one shop to pop into. They have a great sake selection, including anything from one cup sake to premium daiginjo. Plus, their value sake prices make for excellent bargains. It is well worth a trip out to Broadway.
https://www.warehousewinesandspirits.com/
Warehouse Wines & Spirits
735 Broadway
New York, NY 10003.
Phone: (212) 982-7770
Fax: (212) 982-7791
Here’s a look at some online sake shops that deliver in and around New York. Shops are listed in alphabetical order.
MM Sake isn’t just an online shop, it’s a family business that knows its way around sake. Dating back to the 1940s, the company used to be the largest independent Japanese supermarket in Los Angeles. Their sake catalog is proof of their extensive knowledge and includes many artisan sake. However, they also have many well-loved brands in their collection. Furthermore, customers come back because of their well-organized, educational online store. This makes MM Sake not just a place to buy sake but a place to learn more about it.
Tippsy is said to be one of the best-stocked sake stores on the web. It is an easy-to-use online shop featuring over 150 breweries on their virtual shelves. Furthermore, they provide extra information about taste and pairing. It is perfect if you are a sake newcomer or if you are looking to grow your sake knowledge.
Customers can buy their favorite bottle or choose to sign up for their popular sake subscription box. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone to discover new sake and the surprise element is a bonus.
New York City is a great place to be if you are a sake enthusiast. The city has several award-winning Japanese restaurants offering amazing sake to sample when dining out. However, there are also plenty of shops selling sake that you can enjoy at home.
Whether you prefer going to a store or ordering it online, these sake retailers are passionate about what they do. They don’t just sell you a bottle of sake but share their expertise as well. By asking a few questions, you can find sake that will intrigue and maybe even surprise you.
So, if you find yourself wondering where to buy sake in New York City, rest assured any of these shops will help you find your perfect bottle of sake.
Journey to the west coast and see how NYC compares to Sake Shops in Los Angeles
