Moonrise Izakaya

"If you’re on the UWS, know that this Japanese spot recently opened a takeout window where you can pick up cocktails, bottles of sake, and snacks like gyoza and chicken wings. In case you aren’t able to fetch a bottle of sake yourself, Moonrise Izakaya is also offering delivery service through a few different online platforms." - hannah albertine

"Purim starts on March 16th, which means it’s party time. Moonrise Izakaya is throwing a whimsical Willy Wonka-themed Purim party with a costume contest, themed cocktails, and a few prizes. Come by at sundown (with goodness in your heart) for a chance to win a Golden Ticket—except instead of a river of chocolate, you could win free monthly bao buns. Make your reservations here. " - neha talreja

"Uptown Japanese restaurant Moonrise Izakaya ended its three-year run in the neighborhood, West Side Rag reports. “We are so happy with everything that Moonrise has done, the people we have brought together, and the community we have built,” the restaurant shared in an Instagram post announcing the closure." - Luke Fortney

"Moonrise Izakaya is where you go for Japanese bar food, but it’s also where you go to have a lot of fun while you eat it. A makeshift living room setup with copious amounts of sake is, of course, the perfect incubator for a super fun karaoke night, so this UWS restaurant is starting a weekly one in partnership with Hiatus Tequila. Come by this Monday from 7-11pm to sing karaoke and drink special cocktails. More info here. " - neha talreja

"You could skinny dip in Central Park Lake the next time you want to have a fun first date on the UWS, or you could just order a bunch of small plates at this neighborhood Japanese spot. Between the sake, skillet of hot cheesy corn, delicately fried karaage, and the welcoming environment that’s lively (but not too loud), Moonrise Izakaya is perfect for a memorable first date near West 96th Street." - Team Infatuation