Set the scene.
Situated on the southside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Hear & There delivers a masterclass in atmosphere, fusing Japanese-inspired minimalism with a cinematic soundscape.
Conceived by designer Danny Taylor and the boundary-pushing team at HOUSE/UNDER/MAGIC, the venue unfolds across two distinct yet interconnected spaces: a stylish front lounge and a discreet omakase counter tucked behind a sliding door.
Rich walnut woods, antique mirrors, and Italian Lapitec stone create a moody, tactile elegance, while herringbone-patterned floors provide warmth to the space.
Sculptural concave lighting, custom acoustic treatments, and high-fidelity speakers elevate the environment into a full sensory experience. Sound isn’t just part of the ambiance, but the architecture.
Let’s break it down–wine, food, and everything in between.
Executive Chef Mark Garcia brings nearly 25 years of expertise in Japanese cuisine to the table, crafting menus that celebrate the art of subtlety and precision.
In the front lounge, a refined take on Japanese otsumami (small dishes) shines through in dishes like Bao–a hot dog-esque creation with kurobuta pork, maple mustard, house ketchup, onion, and relish; Chirashi served with market fish, tamago, shiso, and ikura; and Karaage finished with ichimimi nori dust and served alongside a tangy yuzu yogurt aioli.
At the 22-seat omakase counter, Chef Mark’s storytelling deepens. Two seasonally shifting 13-course menus—Seasonal Nigiri and Luxury Otsumami—highlight dry-aged, sustainably sourced fish served atop a proprietary black shari rice inspired by Chef Mark’s own insulin resistance.
Expect surprises and delights such as grilled calamari amuse-bouches, crab toast crowned with uni, ice cream topped with caviar, and more. Every course and detail is intentional, layered, and luxurious.
At the bar, Larry Gonzalez—a Please Don’t Tell alum with a rare finesse—leads a beverage program that’s bold, inventive, and deeply rooted in Japanese flavor profiles.
Signature cocktails like the Rice & Nori (featuring seaweed-infused Toki whisky and a caviar bump) and Green Noise (a vibrant mix of sotol, calamansi, matcha, and serrano) demonstrate a fearless approach to balance and nuance.
The Nightfall, a moody blend of Zacapa rum, dark roast espresso, and stout, evokes richness and depth, while non-alcoholic options like Big Apple and Golden Glow prove that complexity isn’t solely reserved for booze.
The wine list, curated by sommelier Amy Lim, spans 150+ bottles with a sharp eye on sustainability and small producers.
Final thoughts?
Hear & There is a finely-tuned sensory escape where high design, exceptional craft, and Japanese artistry converge harmoniously.
Top Takeaways:
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Address: 109 S 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY
Cuisine: Omakase
The vibe: Hear & There offers omakase enthusiasts and novices a laid-back experience centered on delicious foods and even better beats.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: The omakase and cocktail menus change seasonally and based on availability; we recommend pairing wine with either set, then venturing to the bar for a nightcap.
The attire: Smart Casual
Hours: Hear & There is open daily for dinner from 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM on Sunday through Wednesday and from 5:00 PM – 1:30 AM on Thursday through Saturday.
