Angel's Share and Decibel

Meet your Harajuku girl (or guy) at Angel’s Share (8 Stuyvesant St at 9th St, second floor; 212-777-5415), an elegant drink parlor at the crossroads of downtown’s mini Tokyo. Head upstairs to the bustling Gyu-ya restaurant and enter through the unmarked door on the left. Once inside, snuggle into a banquette or snag a club chair in the cozy wood-paneled back room, then whet your appetite for amour over a classic cocktail like the Evidence, made with Earl Grey–infused vodka ($13). Singularly monikered bartender Shingo says, “Come Sunday or Monday to avoid a crowd.” Now that you’re in a state of heavenly bliss, go around the corner to subterranean sake bar Decibel (240 E 9th Street between Second and Third Aves; 212-979-2733, sakebardecibel.com). This intimate lair serves more than 70 sakes—try the Nigori, a sweet unfiltered variety ($10), and nibble on a heaping plate of edamame ($3). Manager Yuki says, “It’s a casual place that feels like home.” Kampai!

—Maria Longo

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