Gregg H.
Google
I was excited to visit this new and unique business that incorporates numerous interests of mine: jazz, vinyl LPs played over a hi-fi stereo system, craft cocktails, and Japanese culture. Kissa Kissa did not disappoint!
We made reservations to sit at the bar, sitting at the far end next to the vinyl wall of 4,500 jazz LPs. A stack of hand-selected records for the evening sat next to the turntable. Employees would periodically change the record, and via a tablet, send the album information to a large and colorful vintage typewriter style signboard above the bar displaying the song information, including the release year. On this Saturday night, the music was upbeat and vibrant with selections by Art Blakey and Horace Silver. As I understand it, other evenings showcase different artists and moods.
Josh- our bartender - was a skilled and personable mixologist who guided us through the menu. I loved that the cocktails at Kissa Kissa are jazz-themed. We sampled the Smoke Show (mezcal cocktail), Round Midnight (whiskey cocktail) and on Green Dolphin Street (matcha highball). All were excellent, but I particularly enjoyed the Round Midnight which is a riff on the Black Manhattan that uses Japanese whiskey, Averna, plum liqueur, and walnut bitters.
The ambience and vibe were top notch. Kissa Kissa's U.S. adaptation of the Japanese kissa is more fun and social, with Japanese counterparts being on the small, serious, and erudite side. I think this is the correct spin!
Another reason to visit - no cover charge, and fairly priced food and cocktails.