About This Spot

Tucked away on the second floor of a bustling Midtown block, Bar Orai offers a quiet reprieve where time seems to slow down just enough for genuine connection. Stepping inside feels like entering an intimate hideaway—dimly lit yet inviting, with just the right hum of conversation and carefully curated music weaving through the air. It strikes a balance between the pulse of the city and a relaxed, comforting mood, making it an ideal spot for lingering evenings or casual catch-ups.

This isn’t a place for rushed nights or flashy showmanship. Instead, there’s a thoughtful simplicity here, reflected both in the atmosphere and the offerings. The kitchen crafts dishes that feel familiar yet refined, like the crisply satisfying bite of a katsu sandwich or the warm, indulgent comfort of a smoky mac and cheese. Each plate seems designed to complement a meticulously made cocktail or a carefully selected pour of Japanese whisky, encouraging a pace that invites you to savor every flavor.

Bar Orai’s charm is in its subtle details—the smooth flow of classic drinks without unnecessary fuss, the attentive yet unhurried service, and the occasional, perfectly timed live set that fills the space without overwhelming it. Whether you’re drawn in by a refreshing yuzu highball or a rich whiskey sour, the experience is rooted in moments of genuine enjoyment, shared over thoughtfully prepared food and drinks.

It’s a spot where locals return again and again, drawn not just by the menu but by the comfortable energy that makes it feel like a personal discovery. Bar Orai invites you to settle in, explore the layers of flavor, and enjoy the kind of quiet joy that lingers long after you leave.

What’s Available Here

  • IconNo wheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconServes dine-in
  • IconNo delivery
  • IconNo takeaway
  • IconServes great cocktails
  • IconHas live performances
  • IconServes alcohol
  • IconServes beer
  • IconServes cocktails
  • IconServes food
  • IconServes food at bar
  • IconServes spirits
  • IconServes wine
  • IconHas seating
  • IconHas toilet
  • IconCosy
  • IconTrendy
  • IconAccepts reservations
  • IconAccepts credit cards
  • IconAccepts debit cards
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconPaid street parking

Location & Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday 06:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday 06:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday Closed

Guest Reviews

USUN 31 Dec 2025

I have visited this place countless times, which speaks volumes about how much I appreciate it. If you enjoy good music and quality drinks, this venue truly feels like a little piece of heaven. What sets it apart, however, is the consistently excellent food — every dish is thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor. I personally recommend the kimbap, yuzu tomatoes, and mac and cheese; they have become staples for me. Each pairs beautifully with a well-crafted whiskey or cocktail, elevating the entire dining experience. If you’re considering a visit, I highly encourage it — you’re in for a memorable time

S C 06 Dec 2025

To me, Bar Orai is exactly what I want a speakeasy to be, 10/10. Absolutely fantastic atmosphere with great music (and live music on occasion!!), great service, and great food. The drinks were delicious and most of the food was also great. I recommend getting the mac & cheese, it was smoky and creamy and everything I wanted. All in all, the perfect spot to get a couple drinks with friends and eat some small plates. See you there

Christine Yang 02 Dec 2025

we tried almost everything on the menu and there were some standouts and some misses— the sandos were our favorites. I love the ebi katsu… the shrimp was perfectly crispy and flavorful and perfect for serving on a milkbread sandwich. The mac and cheese was very spicy, but tasty. The karage was a miss for me… it was missing some flavor & salt. The whisky drinks were solid… I loved the earl grey high ball. The vibes of the bar is definitely a speakeasy vibe / someone’s very well curated living room. I loved that they were playing vinyl jazz in the dining room… the dessert was missable, but i loved the concept of fries with ice cream.

Nathaniel Jison Padre 02 Nov 2025

I’m a whiskey guy and so naturally, I loved Bar Orai. No rotovap, fat washing or milk clarification here, just quality, classic drinks made well with superb ingredients. Old Fashioneds are my favorite drink and I’d say the one I had at Bar Orai was one of the best I’ve had lately. I’d also recommend their highballs. The yuzu one was refreshing and easy to drink. The whiskey sour and the penicillin were good as well. I’m not the biggest fan of Laphroaig because to me it tastes very smoky, and that was included in the penicillin. If that’s your thing you’ll love the penicillin! I was pretty famished when I got to the bar so I ordered just about everything on the menu. My favorites were the Mentaiko Mac n Cheese and the Katsu Sando but every bite was a hit. Still thinking about the Mentaiko Mac. It was creamy and a little spicy, I could’ve eaten the whole thing myself. I would go back for just that dish. Loved the music playing and the ambiance in general. Service was super friendly. I also had a couple small critiques. We went without water for a while and everyone was so busy we felt bad asking for some. They were super friendly about it though. Also our castella dessert tasted like garlic LOL I think they used a chopping board or knife that was previously used for garlic and the flavor transferred, unless they left an ingredient off. Still ate it though haha Overall, drinks are solid, food is great and I’m pretty sure I found one of my new favorite bars in NYC. Just please, no more garlic castella.

m yum 13 Oct 2025

Bar Orai is a gem!!! The food is amazing (kimbap and mac and cheese), and the cocktails are insane — everything was so good. Every server was chill and friendly, and their cocktail and whiskey recommendations were perfect. Considering how great my overall experience was, the prices felt more than fair. I will definitely be visiting again soon.

Mayra 13 Oct 2025

I love a listening room! We need more places that play vinyls where I live, this one is top 3 on my list. Perfect for a date night drink, I recommend the Penicillin. The ambiance is everything! So cozy! And can we talk about the matches? How creative!

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