0 Followers
Bar Goto
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Bar Goto
8.6
Bar Goto is a Japanese-influenced cocktail bar where the miso wings have become as famous as the sakura martini and hojicha old fashioned. The room is dim, compact, and polished, making it a go-to when you want standout wings paired with serious cocktails instead of pitchers of beer.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso Wings (chicken wings, spicy miso, chives, sesame), Okonomiyaki Savory Cabbage Pancake, Nori Chips
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Cocktail-bar miso wings served in an intimate, Japanese-inspired room.
Who should go: Drink-focused diners who still care deeply about bar snacks.
When to visit: Weeknights right at opening to avoid long waits.
What to order: Miso wings, okonomiyaki, signature cocktails.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar to watch cocktails shaken while wings arrive hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Ludlow and surrounding LES blocks; plan for metered spots or nearby paid garages within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean polished—dark denim, sweaters, and elevated casualwear fit the room’s cocktail-forward vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. You can hold a date-level conversation, but the bar’s energy picks up during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes, especially for bar seats; the space is small and fills quickly.
Weekday lunch: N/A — Bar Goto opens in the late afternoon; early weekday evenings typically have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options exist, including okonomiyaki variations and select bar snacks.
Vegan options: Very limited; the menu skews toward dishes with miso, fish, or dairy components.
Gluten-free options: Some cocktails and select dishes are workable, but cross-contact is likely; best to ask staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dim lighting, intimate space, and standout cocktails create an ideal first-date atmosphere paired with unique wings and Japanese bar bites.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. They don’t rely heavily on reservations—arrive right at opening or later in the evening to secure a seat without a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. It functions primarily as an adult-focused cocktail bar with limited seating and no dedicated accommodations for children.
Best For
Better for: Pairing elite cocktails with standout wings and Japanese bar bites in an intimate, design-forward setting.
Skip if: You want a roomy dining room, big portions, or a casual beer-and-wings setup—this is a cocktail-driven space with limited food volume.
Bar Goto
8.4
Bar Goto blends Japanese‑style miso‑glazed wings with craft cocktails, offering a cozy, dimly lit spot in the Lower East Side for drinks and bites. Locals come for the spicy miso wings and inventive cocktails — especially at happy hour — making it a draw for evenings out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso Wings, Okonomiyaki (classic), Okonomiyaki (veggie)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Japanese‑style miso‑glazed wings paired with craft cocktails.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers and casual date‑night diners
When to visit: Happy hour around 5‑6 PM
What to order: Miso Wings, Classic Okonomiyaki, Hojicha Old Fashioned
Insider tip: Go right at 5PM to catch happy hour before crowds show up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; best to take a rideshare or walk from nearby subway stations. No valet on site.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top work well, no formal attire required.
Noise level: Moderate – lively enough for energy but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without a reservation; reservations recommended for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but early evening happy hour can get busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options – a few small plates like vegetable okonomiyaki or salads.
Vegan options: Very limited – mostly customizable sides; miso wings and other mains are not vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; check with staff as sauces and batter may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the intimate, dimly lit setting and shareable plates make it ideal for conversation and a relaxed first-date vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends and peak happy hour times may require a wait of 30+ minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children due to dim lighting, cocktail-focused menu, and late-evening crowds.
Best For
Better for: Bar Goto excels in inventive Japanese-style wings and craft cocktails, creating a cozy, date-night-friendly environment that many other Lower East Side wings spots lack.
Skip if: Choose alternatives if you need large-group seating, kid-friendly options, or traditional American-style wings.