"The bar and table seats upstairs at Katana Kitten are usually all taken, but this West Village spot also has a big room in the basement with a bunch of communal tables. Put your name in for some seats when you arrive, and get some Japanese-influenced cocktails, like an excellent martini made with sake, at the bar while you wait. Once you’re sitting down, try some bar snacks, like fried chicken skewers with sweet and sour dipping sauce." - matt tervooren