"We unfortunately can’t think of too many bars in NYC where you can watch someone play the cello while drinking super dry, full-bodied sake and eating okonomiyaki and creamy cod roe spaghetti. That’s what makes this tiny basement Japanese spot on East 53rd Street special. Tomi Jazz hosts live jazz every night starting every night at 6pm and 9pm (and only charges a $10 cover on Friday and Saturday). You could come to Tomi Jazz just for drinks - they have enough whisky and sake options to warrant a Dewey Decimal System - but you’d be missing out if you didn’t at least get a snack. All the seating is first come, first served so we’d recommend arriving early." - hannah albertine