Yawning Cobra

Great new speakeasy hidden in the basement. I really liked the vibe and design - it felt intimate and well thought out. The music was at a good volume, quiet enough to have a conversation. It’s a great place for a date or catching up with friends. The cocktail menu is divided into sections like highballs, sours, dessert drinks, experimental, and spirit-forward, all with an Asian twist. I especially liked the Green Grass of Home and Tao Tao Pie, which were both popular and lived up to the hype. Our bartender Anthony was kind, attentive, and really knew the menu. Overall, excellent service and a place I’d definitely return to.

Stopped in for a bachelorette party this weekend and we were totally blown away! The drink menu is eclectic and interesting with unexpected flavor combinations, and the staff is wildly knowledgeable about cocktails in general. Ava was our server and she exceeded every expectation we had - personable without feeling forced, so kind and genuine, with a fantastic grasp on the menu and flavor profiles in general. I would absolutely recommmend this place for a classy yet fun stop.

I literally got lost trying to find Yawning Cobra, but once I arrived, I loved the design of everything, from the pixelated cobra on the napkins to the low light ambiance. I wish we had sat by the bar to watch the bartender make drinks because it was truly mesmerizing. The cocktails are amazing, with so many intricate and complex options to choose from, each with their own unique names. The menu is split into sections like sweet, sour, savory, and intense, and it felt like diving into a cool old style pixel game with how it’s structured, almost like a story arc, like “Quest for Sour.” Our waitress was super knowledgeable about the ingredients and where they come from, mostly Japan, and even told us about things like scallops being used in cocktails, which I thought was pretty crazy. I had the “Super Saiyajin” cocktail, which was made with vodka, beets, Shichimi chili pepper, chai, lime, and ginger beer. The most surprising part was the baby radish on top, it was so fresh, crunchy, and cold. The drink itself tasted like a whole garden, almost like a tomato garden vibe. We literally rotated through a bunch of cocktails like “Say Cheese,” “Mercy Mercy Merci,” “Tao Pie Pie,” “Banana Panic,” “Mystic Island,” and “Green Grass of Home.” “Green Grass of Home” tasted like whiskey, mostly, with a bitter matcha flavor, it was definitely picture worthy, as were all the drinks. “Mystic Island” was a huge kick to the face because it felt strong but subtle at the same time. The drinks range from $22 to $25, but I saw someone order a special $60 cocktail with Moutai, which is a unique and high quality Chinese liquor made from sorghum. We also had some food to share, mind I say the silverware was so beautiful. We got the wagyu ramen and karaage, and while the food was good, it didn’t wow me since the bar is really known for its cocktails. The wagyu ramen broth was a bit too salty for my taste, but I enjoyed the texture of the noodles, and the wagyu tasted like standard beef. The karaage came with a few pieces and was definitely crunchy, though I felt it could’ve used a bit of pepper to add some extra kick. Overall, Yawning Cobra is a unique spot with a great atmosphere and excellent drinks, but the food is more of a nice addition rather than the main attraction. It’s definitely pricey, but I’m excited to go back for more!

If you like a variety in quality cocktails … this place is amazing. My bartender / server Hina was amazing. Say hi to her if you! Will 100% be back with friends.

Oh my, what a secret surprise! Discovered Yawning Cobra due to a friend’s recommendation and it was such a transportive delight. Cozy with just the right amount of edge. I was really intrigued by the interesting and unconventional flavor combos that push the boundaries of cocktail innovation. Loved the matcha cocktail, star Anise Negroni, and savory beet cocktail. Can’t wait to come back to try the entire menu! 🤗

Chris and Hina were soooooo kind and amazing. The atmosphere and skill level are top tier. 🫀🖤💕

I was excited to visit this bar to celebrate a birthday so I was glad we were able to make a reservation. We arrive shortly after they opened and were escorted to the bar. Upon sitting down we were asked for our order. No welcome, no greeting, no coat check offer or explanation of the menu. Meanwhile, another party arrived a few minutes after and were sat right next to us and the service they received was far superior to ours. The waitress provided them with a full explanation of the cocktail menu and made recommendations based on their flavor profile preferences. We’ve visited several speciality bars and we were excited to visit this one but were very disappointed on the service - it was the typical service you’d get at your local dive bar. With the prices they charge per drink, you’d think service would be their priority. Before leaving, we provided feedback to the waitress but she didn’t appear to care. While the bar is beautiful, the service leaves a lot to be desired and the drinks are not extraordinary. There are far better cocktail bars out there.

Great bar! I really like the decor style here, and the drinks are super cool. My friends all thought the vibe was great. We'll definitely come back again.

Wanna visit Osaka without ever stepping on a plane? Head south from Cooper Square a few blocks, find the sketchy looking stairwell with the unobtrusive logo above it, and step down into a space far removed from the East Village. I've now visited several times, all near opening time, and I've yet to run into a problem with walk-in seating. That said, I understand it gets pretty rowdy later on during the weeknight evenings and on weekends, so an advance reservation is probably a good idea if you're either planning to go during prime times or with a larger group. There's substantial bar counter seating, along with a few tables scattered toward the front and along the wall. I'm a big fan of the counter, and I enjoy the opportunity to watch the bartenders ply their craft. During quieter times, I've even seen the staff experimenting with drinks, which is fascinating to me. I appreciate the welcome dashi at the beginning of each visit. Our first time there, it was a totally unexpected treat. Especially since that initial trip was during the colder months, a warm and savory sip helped ease us into the experience. We also sampled the Cobra fried chicken (essentially, karaage) and found it enjoyable, but not particularly noteworthy. I appreciated the light, crunchy crust that didn't feel greasy, and the meat was steaming and moist. No complaints here. I've tried about half the cocktail menu and, without reservation, I can attest to the quality of the craftsmanship. The aesthetics, the aromas, the mouthfeels, and the flavors of each respective beverage vary dramatically, but every single one I've imbibed has been flawless. I genuinely couldn't pick a favorite among the lot; they're all expertly balanced and dangerously drinkable. I'm very pleased that Yawning Cobra's a newish addition to the rapidly expanding list of great watering holes in the neighborhood. Considering the significant competition, I wish their team the best of luck thriving in this location.

If you're looking for truly awesome cocktails worth the price tag, Yawning Cobra has got you covered. The cocktails are so fun and so delicious, it's hard to choose! This is a good date spot or would be perfect for catching up with a small group. There's a mix of bar seats and small tables. I was able to get in without a res around 9pm on a Friday but I'm not sure if that's always the case. Overall would highly recommend if you're in the market for a unique cocktail.

this place is seriously the best, insanely inventive cocktails and watching the bartender was mesmerizing. you can tell he cares so deeply about the quality of his product and what is served to every customer. he personally oversaw everyone else and made sure that each were up to his taste and presentation standards, if it wasn't mixed enough or had any sort of blemish he'd immediately intervene . you can taste this care in the drinks, i tried to sweet potato one, cacio e pepe and the banana truffle drink. all were a fantastic unique experience and insanely delicious. it was easy for me to walk in about 1:30 hrs before they closed and was served quickly and attended to well throughout my time. ambiance here is chill and classy, fits the drinks quite well. it's a rather intimate space but perfect so everyone can watch the bartenders at work. truly artistry in what they're serving here.

Came here twice for drinks. The drinks are very fun, lots of unique flavors. I didn't realize the menu ranked the intensity of the drinks so you could choose to go for something lighter or heavier depending on your preference. The interior is really cute - I've sat at both the bar and the booths and enjoyed both. Service is great, the drinks came out in a timely manner.

Went to Yawning Cobra on a Thursday night around 6:30/7. It has the speakeasy touch of not being easy to spot walking up to it. Greeting was nice and we were sat at the bar without reservations. We were sat right next to the bathroom/dishwashing sink which wasn't ideal when there were other seats available but was fine. Dark inside, mostly bar seats, good for one or two people with you. The pickles and croquette were great apps. Tried some complex cocktails that we definitely hadn't had before. They were spicy, cheesy, Smokey and beet garnished (edible). Would go again!

Cute place, love the sneaky entrance, love that they have mocktails & very unique drinks on the menu. The tables have one big chair and then the other chairs are teeny tiny stools haha. Also I would have loved it if they had turned the heat up because my feet were literally numb! My friend let them know about a dairy allergy & they forgot about it a number of times, but definitely meant no harm.

Great experience for birthday night! They are really sweet and amazing people xx The dashi broth as a starter for drinking was pretty nice like Japanese style. Loved every cocktails they are wonderful !! And some Japanese chicken was amazing x The one thing I just not sure was the music.. 90s hiphop kinda vibe ain't fits for the cool hidden bar. Would love to come back!

Came for their soft opening and the vibes, drinks, and food are immaculate. Perfect place to catch up with friends or go on a date. For drinks, we got The Tides and Not So Zen. The Tides is their version of a long island iced tea, definitely on the stronger side if that is your style. Not So Zen was my personal favorite -- it was light and refreshing, slightly sweet and not too strong. I would also highly recommend their food items!! The fried chicken was delicious, a strong contender to double chicken please's fried chicken (I arguably like the one at yawning cobra better). The chicken was so tender and juicy, and perfectly battered with a nice crisp. Did not feel too oily either which I loved. the fried chicken paired well with their cucumbers, which are extremely refreshing. The cucumbers were coated in a sauce which had a greek yogurt base, and the flavors of the greek yogurt were really refreshing. The sauce also had tiny bits of bacon in it, adding a unique twist to the dish. Overall, would highly recommend this bar. Service was great, ambiance is sleek, and food and drinks are delicious!

I literally got lost trying to find Yawning Cobra, but once I arrived, I loved the design of everything, from the pixelated cobra on the napkins to the low light ambiance. I wish we had sat by the bar to watch the bartender make drinks because it was truly mesmerizing. The cocktails are amazing, with so many intricate and complex options to choose from, each with their own unique names. The menu is split into sections like sweet, sour, savory, and intense, and it felt like diving into a cool old style pixel game with how it's structured, almost like a story arc, like "Quest for Sour." Our waitress was super knowledgeable about the ingredients and where they come from, mostly Japan, and even told us about things like scallops being used in cocktails, which I thought was pretty crazy. I had the "Super Saiyajin" cocktail, which was made with vodka, beets, Shichimi chili pepper, chai, lime, and ginger beer. The most surprising part was the baby radish on top--it was so fresh, crunchy, and cold. The drink itself tasted like a whole garden, almost like a tomato garden vibe. We literally rotated through a bunch of cocktails like "Say Cheese," "Mercy Mercy Merci," "Tao Pie Pie," "Banana Panic," "Mystic Island," and "Green Grass of Home." "Green Grass of Home" tasted like whiskey, mostly, with a bitter matcha flavor--it was definitely picture worthy, as were all the drinks. "Mystic Island" was a huge kick to the face because it felt strong but subtle at the same time. The drinks range from $22 to $25, but I saw someone order a special $60 cocktail with Moutai, which is a unique and high quality Chinese liquor made from sorghum. We also had some food to share--mind I say the silverware was so beautiful. We got the wagyu ramen and karaage, and while the food was good, it didn't wow me since the bar is really known for its cocktails. The wagyu ramen broth was a bit too salty for my taste, but I enjoyed the texture of the noodles, and the wagyu tasted like standard beef. The karaage came with a few pieces and was definitely crunchy, though I felt it could've used a bit of pepper to add some extra kick. Overall, Yawning Cobra is a unique spot with a great atmosphere and excellent drinks, but the food is more of a nice addition rather than the main attraction. It's definitely pricey, but I'm excited to go back for more!

Wow, this spot has some really solid drinks in a sexy space. The "Say Cheese" was my favorite with a ton of parmesean in the drink. Everything seemed extremely cared for from the service to the space. I do wish the space was a little less loud, as I'm not going to a cocktail bar for this level of noise, but I think with some acoustic tiles they could fix that. You should get a reservation if you come, it was necessary when we went for 3 - we probably could have walked in with 2, but there's not a lot of space for 3 or 4 to sit. Every cocktail we had was good and the staff is able to speak to the cocktails intelligently. I'll definitely be coming back as everything is inventive and fun, and I do want to try the food.

Cute new cocktail bar in Bowery perfect for a date night or catching up on the tea. Upon arrival you're greeted with some warm soup to prep your belly for what's about to happen. It was tasty by the way. My friend and I ordered some cocktails and shared the fried chicken- definitely recommend trying. Service was on point and vibes were just right. Definitely check it out.

A newly opened secret bar in NOHO with a cool and mysterious vibe. Cute that they welcome you with a complimentary shot of broth. I am always on the hunt for creative cocktails that tantalize my senses. I have to say that I do hold these fancy mixology cocktail bars to a higher standard bc I'm here to be blown away by their creativity and knowledge of blending flavours and spirits, especially if I'm paying $20-25 per cocktail, so when I give it a 3 it's actually not bad I'm just not super impressed. I tried the Green Grass of Home and the Say Cheese, and although they are both tasty, they both seem to be missing the taste of some key ingredients listed. Green Grass of Home has Matcha and Redbean listed as main ingredients - it is strongly matcha in flavour and a whiskey forward drink, but the red bean seems to be a figment of the imagination. Say Cheese was listed in the sour section despite it being not sour at all - it is creamy and savoury and sweet, topped with lots of parm. Lemon was listed as an ingredient and hence why it probably under the sour drinks section, but it is not a sour cocktail and I think if someone was actually looking for a sour drink, would be gravely disappointed. I would give this place another chance and visit again bc I am curious about their other interesting, surprising flavours such as the mushroom cocktail or the one with the curry component. If the other cocktails blow me away I will definitely change my feedback, but currently it's decent, but I'm not super impressed.

Beautiful space, attentive service, exquisitely constructed cocktails. The Japanese-influenced bar feels very speakeasy-like, as its entrance is quite inconspicuous, and the cocktails are unique, balanced, and delicate. If you appreciate a high-quality cocktail experience you most definitely want to add Yawning Cobra to your must-try list.

cool cocktail bar with a laidback atmosphere. the cocktails were very well made and interesting, a long list that has something for everyone. you start off the experience with a cup of dashi which is nice. cocktails on the pricier side but worth it

This place looks good on instagram and probabiy have friends driven reviews. This bar is, however, an absolute joke. 1. There is a sink on the bar. Literally on the bar. Yes, they wash cups there. Yes, water splashes. No, most bars don't have it on the bar; it's either below the bar or behind the bar. 2. The bar itself is made of rough stone. Yes, bags and shoes scratch on it. Yes, knees too. 3. Staff and owners all mingle in an odd "nobody really has a role" service. Bartenders wash dishes then make drinks. Owners? just lounge around not interacting with the customers to see how they are doing. There are a lot more details I could mention, but I would suggest they go check out real bars that are run well. Beyond all this, the drinks are horrid. Hands down the worst drinks I've ever had. Limited choices with terrible flavor profiles at prices that rival top bars in NYC.