"A high-energy, walnut-paneled 22-seat counter tucked behind a cocktail bar in Williamsburg where chef Mark Garcia presents an unconventional, flavor-forward 16-course omakase for about $150. The program is distinguished by a signature black shari—rice seasoned with Celtic sea salt, a custom vinegar blend, and a touch of maple syrup—that underpins playful yet pristine seafood such as kanpachi topped with poblano pepper served on a green quartzite counter. The menu nods to the chef’s past (including a cult-favorite bite built from tuna, roasted shiitake, and Marcona almond) and signs out with inventive desserts like tomato sherbet with wasabi oil, ricotta, and white chocolate while cocktails lean into al pastor taco inspirations." - Kat Odell
New NYC Restaurant Openings, March 2025 | Eater NY
"A Japanese listening bar and omakase counter with a front bar run by a PDT alum, serving cocktails and otsumami such as the Big Apple (a green-apple cocktail), Brussels sprouts with beef, crab toast topped with caviar, and wagyu short ribs. The back houses a 22-seat omakase counter offering two tasting-menu options — a split format between cocktail-led front room and intimate omakase back counter." - Nadia Chaudhury
Hear & There - Review - Williamsburg - New York - The Infatuation
"In Williamsburg, Hear & There combines two different spaces in one package. Up front, there’s a cocktail bar with drinking snacks—like a Chicago dog-style bao bun, and in the back, there’s an omakase counter. Sound is paramount: they’ve got a pretty serious hi-fi system in the bar space.
We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Will Hartman
New Cocktail Bar and Omakase Restaurant Hear & There Opens in NYC | Eater NY
"A new Japanese listening bar and omakase counter in Williamsburg will open at 109 South Sixth Street (between Berry Street and Bedford Avenue) starting Monday, March 3. The front is a bar with a cocktail and otsumami menu led by Please Don’t Tell (PDT) alum Larry Gonzalez; Gonzalez worked at PDT under co-founder Jim Meehan and current owner Jeff Bell. Co-owners Howard Ng and Samantha Nie run the new company Third Date Hospitality, and Mark Garcia — formerly at Queens speakeasy omakase Himitsu and sushi restaurant Kissaki — is the chef. Menu highlights include the Big Apple (a drink with green apples), Brussels sprouts with beef, crab toast topped with caviar, and wagyu short ribs; a 22-seat omakase counter in back offers two tasting-menu options, and the speakers are custom-built by audio-focused design studio House/Under/Magic." - Nadia Chaudhury
A new Japanese listening bar and omakase counter is coming to Brooklyn next month, with a drinks menu led by a Please Don’t Tell (PDT) alum, Larry Gonzalez. Hear & There is opening in Williamsburg at 109 South Sixth Street, between Berry Street and Bedford Avenue, starting Monday, March 3. It’s the first venture by new company Third Date Hospitality, run by co-owners and couple Howard Ng and Samantha Nie.
Gonzalez worked at PDT under co-founder Jim Meehan and current owner Jeff Bell. Mark Garcia is the chef, formerly at Queens speakeasy omakase Himitsu and sushi restaurant Kissaki.
The front of Hear & There is the bar with a menu of cocktails and otsumami (Japanese bar snacks) — think the Big Apple, a drink with green apples; Brussels sprouts with beef; crab toast topped with caviar; and wagyu skewers. The 22-seat omakase counter is in the back where diners can choose from two tasting-menu options. The speakers are custom-built by audio-focused design studio House/Under/Magic.
I had a great experience here! I did the omakase and everything was on point. The otoro was incredibly buttery, and I especially loved the eel with tamago. The crab cake topped with uni was another standout—uni is literally my favorite, so that was a treat. The vibe of the place is really cool too; it’s split into two rooms—one for the omakase experience and the other for more comforting dishes like bao buns. Also, shoutout to Amy—she was so lovely and super helpful when it came to helping us choose the perfect sake. Her recommendations really elevated the whole experience.
Jessica Currie
Google
Me and my fiancé came here for omakase and when waiting for our reservation, got a drink at the bar. The cocktails are craft with unique ingredients. There is an eclectic selection of spirits and wine. The speakers in this establishment are of particularly good quality. There is even a dj set up at the Omakase bar. Omakase is 16 courses in 2+ hours. There was 4 non nigiri dishes at the beginning which were essentially small dishes. After, there was nigiri, a hand roll and dessert. The food was amazing and creative. The staff members are witty and pleasant. We had a great time and will be coming back.
Nina Berezin
Google
Awesome cocktail bar + omakase. With so many sushi restaurants in Nyc I definitely thought this was one of the superior vibes. Great MUSIC. It would totally be great to impress date. overall, the sushi was very good. I thought the fish was fresh and it was garnished well without being too overwhelming.
Amandip Kaur
Google
I went for restaurant week and had a beautiful experience — top notch service thanks to Amy who was very kind and attentive. High quality ingredients and very fresh fish (everything from sashimi to nigiri was delicious). I especially loved the strawberry popsicle ice cream which was not too sweet and very flavorful. The music was a vibe & space was chic. I’ll be sure to come back for omakase next time.
Erni Poche
Google
Omg this is probably the best place in all of NYC! Where do I even start? The service is 10/10. The bartender JC is amazing. I went for restaurant week with my cousin and we left wanting more. It hasn’t even been a week since we went and we are still thinking about the nigiri. I forgot the name but it’s the one piece with almonds and mushroom omg it was such an acquired taste. The drinks are phenomenal and neat. Everything paired beautifully. The only thing missing was the DJ but we were too busy enjoying our food and conversation. Very intimate space. We had the best seat in the house right across the chef. Deff coming back for more.
Monica Nguyen Kugler
Google
Hear & There is a fun audio focused Japanese cocktail bar and omakase that recently opened in Williamsburg. There are two tasting menu options (traditional or otsumami) that are very reasonable and well worth the value! I got the otsumami and the uni was so fresh! The chefs take great pride in the fish and it all paired beautifully with the sake and natural wines. The service was also impecable. With Hear & There, you have options whether you want to pop in for a cocktail and snack or go for the omakase. It has a fun vintage vibe as well with great music in the lounge area. We'll definitely be back!
Nao Koyama
Google
The food, services and atmosphere were amazing ! It was my first time for me to trying the sushi and french fusion style. It was so so delicious. Thank you so much. I will definitely come back very soon !
Erica Yang
Google
Hear & There is a beautiful new cocktail + omakase experience located right by the Williamsburg bridge! The space was beautifully and thoughtfully designed and the drinks are top notch. The acoustics in the bar will make you want to stay and chat for hours, and is a really great spot for a date night or to catch up with friends.
My partner and I also did the dining experience in their back room, and again you can see the attention to detail that was put into the design of the space. The food is a modern take on traditional omakase flavors and both menu options are really great value for your dollar! I feel like there are so many omakase spots nowadays, and many that float in the more affordable price points are the quick omakase experiences which I personally really do not like because they’re not really places you can go to truly enjoy a meal and chat with whoever you’re dining with. But at Hear & There you get the best of everything - reasonable price points, quality fish, and a fine dining experience!