Janice C.
Yelp
From Ueno's departure at Star Bar, this bar was born.
They've since relocated from that tiny 4th floor office space that sat 8 people. Now, you have a bar that's handsomely outfitted with dark wood, a long bar with plenty of leather stools and chairs and at the end of the room, a leg of jamon.
YES. I LOVE JAMON.
As customary in fancy cocktail bars that have an automatic cover charge, you're welcomed with an amuse bouche and hot towels. Don't expect fancy, it's just a splendid slice of brie on a japanese cracker and some bar nuts to chew on.
But, you're not here for the nibbles. You're here for the experience. You're here to find what exotic ingredients like Yomogi liquer (a Japanese herb), Sakura blossom liquer, plum wine, etc. can do. As was the format at Star Bar, there are no menus to be had here at Bar High Five. Let the barman/woman know your preferences (whiskey is always a good choice! look at the collection!), flavor profile, light/refreshing or heavy and smoky.
Because of our early arrival, we were the only customers for a good hour. And I saw this as an opportunity to ask questions about the craft and what makes Japanese cocktailing unique. It's really very traditional -- conservative even -- and it shows through and through: from the crisp white shirts of the staff, to the way they humbly serve you and respect your experience by waiting for you to initiate conversation instead of doing it the American way where at an empty bar, bartenders would actually engage you in conversation first.
Admittedly, drinks take long to make. But our concoctions were superior and on par with
the best cocktail bars I've been to in the U.S. (but with half the fraction of a cost!) I heavily favored my gin, green tea liquer, grape and lime juices. It was very refreshing with an interesting slight bitter component. I found it to be more fragrant than my partner's tequila based cocktail with home made ginger liquer, but equally as tasty in its own right. The second cocktail I had was made with plum wine and it bordered a bit too sweet for my tastes, but it was nicely countered with a fragrant Yomogi herbs.
Fascinating cocktails in a traditional atmosphere. I would definitely come back again.