Set the scene.
From Tokyo’s avant-garde cocktail culture to New York’s timeless charm, Sip & Guzzle is where the spirit of both cities comes alive in a way you’ve never experienced before.
Opened in January 2024, this bi-level craft cocktail bar is helmed by internationally celebrated bartending icons Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider, whose combined 40 years of expertise shape every drink, dish, and moment within Sip & Guzzle’s walls.
The design elements pay homage to an extraordinary historical moment–the 1860 voyage of 77 samurai who sailed from Japan to the U.S. to ratify a treaty between the two nations. The story of these samurai, who traveled the world and were said to develop a newfound affection for cocktails during their stay in Lower Manhattan, serves as the heart of this concept.
Descending the stairs into Sip, guests are greeted by a space resembling 1860s Edo (Old Tokyo). The bar, crafted from distressed white oak, is a tribute to the Kanrin Maru, the ship that carried the samurai on their journey. The back bar’s concrete finish and black-glazed oak walls amplify the sense of history. Japanese artwork, personally commissioned by Gokan, adorns the walls while soft lighting creates a mysterious, almost reverent atmosphere as if the spirits of the samurai are watching over the space.
Above ground, Guzzle offers a different perspective. Inspired by the saloons of 1860s New York, it brings a raw, rustic charm that evokes the gritty energy of the time when those samurai first set food in the city. Complete with rustic wood furnishings, playful touches of pop art, and vintage photographs (think: kimono-clad David Bowie smoking in Shibuya), it’s the kind of space that feels both familiar and new.
What can we expect from the food?
The food is not just a side note to the cocktails. Chef Mike Bagale, previously of the Michelin-starred Alinea, leads the culinary program, pushing the boundaries of izakaya cuisine with a blend of Japanese street food and fine dining techniques.
Expect sumptuous creations designed for smaller groups where each dish is jovial yet refined. The Bikini–the world’s thinnest sandwich–pairs comté ganache with 5J Jamón in a minimalist masterpiece, and the Mochi French Fry–presented as one long fry– is dusted with nacho cheese. The Foie Gras Mont Blanc elevates foie gras into a dessert-like creation with pickled cherry jam and nori.
Downstairs at Guzzle, the menu takes a more relaxed, shareable approach, a compelling contrast to the sophisticated environs. The Koji Mustard Cucumber is refreshing, while the Electric Chicken, served sizzling on a pan with gloves and scissors, packs fiery heat. The Royale with Cheese, a luxurious A5 Miyazaki wagyu sando with aged cheddar, Japanese barbecue sauce, and shokupan bread, is a decadent indulgence served inside a gold box for extra flair. Round out the meal with Japanese Butterscotch Soft Serve.
Tell us about the drinks.
When it comes to drinks, Gokan’s and Schneider’s expertise shines through in every pour.
At Sip, Gokan reimagines cocktails from his globally acclaimed Tokyo bar, The SG Club, presenting concoctions like the Wagyu Old Fashioned and Whisky Nigiri. They push the boundaries of flavor, incorporating unexpected ingredients like wagyu beef and sushi vinegar in ways that feel innovative and nostalgic. Each drink is crafted with precision, reflecting Gokan’s obsession with balance and the use of Japanese spirits and artistry.
At Guzzle, Schneider takes a different approach, mixing up cocktails that call for rice spirits crafted specially for him. From the Miami Vice Negroni to the Not So Dirty Martini and “Ice Cold Highballs” like the Sherry Colada Highball, everything prompts easy drinking (hence the “Guzzle” name). There’s a jovialness to Schneider’s approach: familiar drinks are reimagined with a refreshing twist, offering something for everyone.
Final thoughts?
At Sip & Guzzle, the past is celebrated and the present is elevated; every drink and dish tells a story of global connection. Spending an evening here feels part of something greater–a narrative that bridges two of the world’s greatest cities and their rich, intertwined histories.
Top Takeaways:
Location: Greenwich Village
Address: 29 Cornelia Street, New York, NY
Cuisine: Japanese
The vibe: Tokyo meets New York at this bi-level cocktail and culinary hub in the heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: Upstairs at Guzzle, order the Bikini and Mochi Fry while sipping Schneider’s “guzzle-worthy” cocktails. Downstairs at Sip, pair Gokan’s balanced beverages with shareable bites like Electric Chicken or The Royale with Cheese.
The attire: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Sip is open from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM on Sunday & Tuesday and from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Wednesday through Saturday. Guzzle is open from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM on Sunday & Tuesday and from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Wednesday through Saturday.
