Hard to Explain
Located in New York, New York
Address: 224 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Phone: +1 646-422-7892
Rating: 4.8
Services
- Identifies as Asian-owned
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy-hour drinks
- Wine
- Seating
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilets
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Free of charge street parking
- Paid street parking
- Dogs allowed
Categories
- Bar
- Wine bar
Photos
Latest NYC Bar Directory
Comments
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Review 1 (2024-12-15 - Rating: 5)
I had this saved for a while and I’m glad I got to try. Not sure about the speakeasy label because its actually pretty easy to find, but the vibes are there. I went on a Wednesday post happy-hour so we were able to find seats at the bar. Mind you this is a very small place; it’s literally the bar and 2 more seats but the window. It adds to the coziness and mellow vibes though; with soft lighting. Our bartender was very friendly and gave great recs and despite being alone she was very efficient. The cocktails… awesome and tasty. They do not have the burning feeling of regular alcohol maybe because of the sake but beware they are well made. I got mine served in a tea cup, cute (Falling for U I think it was). I definitely get the hype around it and would recommend -
Review 2 (2024-03-31 - Rating: 4)
This Japanese-themed cocktail bar is pretty small, fitting around 12 people. The bar can be easy to overlook since there are no signs; just a small chalkboard out front. There are no tables, just stools at the bar. It gets crowded fast, even by 4 pm. The bartender was really friendly and kept an eye on us, refilling our water as we checked out the menu. Theyve got some interesting cocktails priced between $19 and $21. Id suggest trying the Cameron Obscura and Cafe Purr-risa. They take credit cards. -
Review 3 (2025-01-03 - Rating: 5)
Its not hard to explain why this bar is Hard To Explain. You want to enjoy a crisp sake by yourself, this bar got you. You want to impress someone over a couple of glass of sake and/or other drinks, this bar got you. You want to take your bestie and vent about how the world misunderstood you, this bar got you. I love its ambiance, intimacy, and warmth. Hard To Explain will be in my head and heart, rent-free. -
Review 4 (2024-03-20 - Rating: 4)
Cute and intimate bar with bar seating only. walked in around 7:30 on a tuesday and it was not too busy. really good vibe and music isn’t too loud, making it very easy to talk/heari was told the Cameron Obscura was the most popular; i thought it was fine and too sweet tbh. Ma-Chet Baker was super unique though. drinks aren’t strong at all. there was only one person behind the bar when we wentalso sometimes unclear when it’s open — my friend has tried to come here twice before but both times it was booked out by an event -
Review 5 (2023-10-30 - Rating: 5)
A cozy and quaint bar that offers a nice selection of cocktails, sake/beer/wine, and snacks. They play jazz music and the bartenders are exceptionally kind and attentive. The space is small and lovely and transports you to another country without having to leave the city. Highly recommended! -
Review 6 (2024-02-04 - Rating: 4)
Intimate bar, great for a date - especially by the window. The music level was perfect, you can hear it but still have a good conversation (also loved the music they played). Drinks are unique, though I personally would prefer it if they are a little bit boozier (you can taste the alcohol, but I guess I like stronger drinks). Came here on a Friday night at 7pm, it was a full house but we were able to get a seat after a 5 mins wait. -
Review 7 (2023-11-18 - Rating: 4)
Tiny bar with a name that will surely confuse your friends. “What bar are we meeting at tonight?” “It’s hard to explain.” “…why?”Seats about 20 people, but I had no issues on a Wednesday night. Drinks were delicious but IMO a little steep price-wise. I’d go back for a date night though! Vibes were great and music was low enough I could carry a conversation. -
Review 8 (2023-11-18 - Rating: 5)
Very cute hidden bar. Took a bit to find, but was a good place to hang and chill. Bartender Christine was a one-woman operation that handled a 15-seat bar by herself with calmness and efficiency. -
Review 9 (2024-03-16 - Rating: 5)
We came here before omakase and wanted to get a quick drink or two. As soon as we got to the door we almost didnt go in because of how crowded it was. We decided to wait and it was SO WORTH IT. We stood on the side for sometime but finally got a seat.The interior imports you right into back to Tokyo. I loved the records they played and the bartender was attentive as soon as we grabbed a seat, but be patient because she was the only one working!The drinks we got were Cafe Purr-risa which was similar to an espresso martini. Delicious, the cold brew was so well done. Empress X was an elevated lychee cocktail. I am a sucker for umeshu and this was a great cocktail. Will definitely come back when Im in the area next. -
Review 10 (2024-04-20 - Rating: 5)
I shouldnt even be telling you about this place because its magical.An intimate space, live music, tasty food, creative drinks... theres not much to dislike here. Few places capture the serendipitous wonder of drinking through Tokyos Golden Gai, but Hard to Explain comes pretty damn close. And, on an early New York spring night, it actually goes beyond that with its open windows and buzzy crowd outside, approaching some stereotypical idea of what a small Parisian bar by way of Japan might be like.That said: Its tiny, so come in small groups and be prepared to not find a seat. Likewise, be prepared to leave when youre done so others can enjoy it too--this is the kind of place where someone nursing a water for 2 hours and tipping a dollar shuts out many other guests who wouldve loved to pop in. Dont be that person. -
Review 11 (2024-12-14 - Rating: 5)
It was my first time there, but I loved it -
Review 12 (2024-10-31 - Rating: 5)
Unlike its name, it’s really easy for me to explain why I will be coming back to this bar!They have a happy hour special that runs from 5-7PM, and lets you have 10% off any drink!Hard to explain is an intimate speakeasy type bar that seats about 10 people, and allows for people to stand as well. It offers a wide array of unique asian cocktails, a lot of them sake base, and served in a variety of cute glasses!I got the fall special, falling for u-bae, and it came in the cutest teacup. It tasted dangerously good, like an actual milk tea, and was a favorite among me and my friends. The cafe purr-isa was also really tasty, which was their take on an espresso martini with sake.We also got some kurobata sausages to share, and they were super tasty! The bartender recommended we order it with the mustard because it was a special kind, and it definitely did not disappoint!All in all, definitely check this place out if you’re in the area! The happy hour deal is worth it, and their cocktails are unique and tasty! -
Review 13 (2025-01-03 - Rating: 5)
Good place for Japanese drinks -
Review 14 (2023-02-24 - Rating: 5)
Had so much fun at @hardtoexplainnyc ! It’s a small place but I loved the vibes, friendly bartender (yes Carli!), and creative Japanese inspired drinks! Perfectly made so I don’t taste too much alcohol in my drinks🤭 -
Review 15 (2024-10-18 - Rating: 5)
Cameron is a wonderful bartender. The Ma-chet Baker with Junmai and Genmaicha is other worldly. Love the vibe. -
Review 16 (2024-06-05 - Rating: 5)
My favorite yuzu/sake bar in town! Intimate and romantic with incredible original cocktails. Also has a great wine selection. Can get busy late night on the weekends. -
Review 17 (2022-11-16 - Rating: 5)
A pleasant, comforting, homey vibe bar. The only thing missing is a warm fireplace. The drinks here were unique and tasty! The bar tender was awesome and I will certainly be returning soon. -
Review 18 (2024-03-04 - Rating: 4)
Cozy and intimate, perfect for a date night. Dim lighting and comfortable seating create a romantic atmosphere. However, prices are on the higher side. -
Review 19 (2024-12-15 - Rating: 5)
Amazing cocktails, cozy vibe, wonderful and kind service! The matcha and ube drinks were amazing and unique. Pictured are the bitchy mangoes and the blood orange elderflower mocktail (canned) -
Review 20 (2024-11-24 - Rating: 5)
I loved this bar. Was lucky to find 2 seats by the bar. The bartender is lovely and the atmosphere is very intimate. -
Review 21 (2023-02-28 - Rating: 5)
Very cozy and viby place with amazing cocktails. Really loved the bar tender :D -
Review 22 (2024-06-09 - Rating: 4)
You could probably explain Hard to Explain as -A cute bar that serves sake, wine, liqueur and aperitif cocktails in a space lit by oil lamps, that exude the intimate date spot slash hole in the wall vibe for those seeking such places with antique items and dried flowers for decor, to meet long lost friends and lovers you havent seen in a while with chill vinyls being played by the staff as they craft unique cocktails for you to imbibe.Well, thats what comes to my mind in the least.As of this review, know that Hard to Explain does not have a hard liquor license but it doesnt stop them from crafting some unique tasting drinks which they sell along with snacks and imported beers.Worth it! This one goes in my Best Bars / Speakeasys of the World list. -
Review 23 (2023-01-30 - Rating: 5)
Amazing ambience and drinks! Hosted bday there and the bartenders made the experience super memorable and welcoming. Thank you! Would definitely come back -
Review 24 (2023-10-19 - Rating: 5)
Such a unique, tucked away little spot with incredible natural wine, sake cocktails, and even mocktails. There’s really something for everyone. The staff, especially Christina, have always been extremely kind and welcoming (on top of making great drinks). Great music too. I have been back several times and I would recommend this place to any kind of person :) -
Review 25 (2024-08-20 - Rating: 5)
Unique and quaint atmosphere met with well balanced and delicious cocktails, Christina provided perfect service and guided my group and I through the experience !! -
Review 26 (2023-07-24 - Rating: 5)
I love this place. Its my favorite bar in the city. The drinks are creative and tasty, atmosphere/ambiance is amazing, they play great music (off of vinyl, no less!), the service rocks. If you can get a seat at the bar, its a great time.Bring a date, bring coworkers, bring friends. And try a glass of some sake, they have good taste! -
Review 27 (2024-06-22 - Rating: 5)
Great atmosphere! Great drinks! Mellow, adult environment amongst the college crowd. Everyone is very friendly, staff and patrons. -
Review 28 (2022-09-28 - Rating: 5)
A must visit location in the East village.Astonishing drinks, from great craft beer to delicious sakes. With its warm lighting and attention to detail-unique decor. A very compelling New York Gem. -
Review 29 (2024-06-22 - Rating: 5)
Hard to Explain is a cozy bar that has a variety of delicious mixed drinks. They dont serve any hard liquor, so anticipate a unique sake twist on some of your favorites! There are also an array of various beers and wines, so youll definitely find something youll enjoy. -
Review 30 (2023-07-01 - Rating: 5)
This charming, snug sake-centric cocktail bar in East Village. I dropped in on a Monday night, and the crowd was pleasantly sparse. As a tea-based cocktail aficionado, I was thoroughly impressed by the matcha latte cocktail. Our bartender, Christina, was extremely hospitable, making for an enjoyable night of conversation. -
Review 31 (2024-05-09 - Rating: 5)
It’s a great place to have a few cocktails. It’s tiny and has a cozy, warm vibe. They don’t have a kitchen and only serve packaged chips or cheese/olives. -
Review 32 (2023-08-31 - Rating: 5)
New favorite place! Gets filled up pretty quick, but the narrow space is incredibly cozy and invites good conversation. All of the cocktails and sake we tried were also amazing.To boot, the very kind waitress also gave us great complimentary sake!This place is great for a date spot, vibing alone (saw someone doing that!), or just a chill spot to catch up with your friend over some solid drinks. All I wish was that it was open later and NYC were cheaper. -
Review 33 (2024-03-25 - Rating: 4)
It’s an intimate bar and very good vibes. The selection of sake are great and so as cocktails 😊 would be back soon! -
Review 34 (2024-03-11 - Rating: 5)
The perfect cross of a local dive with a secretive natural wine bar. Loved everything about the experience here - owners were incredibly friendly as we closed down the bar. -
Review 35 (2023-08-04 - Rating: 5)
The sake-based drinks were good. They were out of a few of the sakes that were supposed to be in the flight. Small, intimate setting and great vibes. A few snacks were available but didnt have any. -
Review 36 (2023-05-01 - Rating: 5)
Nice cocktails and wine selection; cozy atmosphere. -
Review 37 (2023-08-08 - Rating: 5)
This place is excellent!! I highly recommend it. Super friendly staff! Amazing drinks :) will definitely coming back! -
Review 38 (2023-05-13 - Rating: 5)
I didn’t expect that there is such a cute bar in east village. I feel like I’m back in Japan. Dry January is one of the best Martinis I have ever tasted. Thanks the bartender, Christina, for the recommendation. -
Review 39 (2023-01-20 - Rating: 5)
Love the ambiance of the bar. Super chill and cozy. Cocktails were well made, the beers and sakes were great too. Shout out Christina, the friendliest bartender!! -
Review 40 (2024-02-11 - Rating: 5)
Japanese speakeasy in east village. Ambiance is intimate, great place for a date. Seating is quite limited, but the drinks are fantastic. -
Review 41 (2023-04-23 - Rating: 5)
New York charm is walking by a place youve never heard of, going inside because it looks interesting, and then having an amazing experience. This is that kind of place. Great selection of different sakes, wines, and beer, but the ambiance is the best part -
Review 42 (2023-07-20 - Rating: 5)
Excellent service, lovely ambience, and a lot of uniquely curated drinks served here! A bit of a hidden gem 💎 Probably gets busier later at night, I went around 7pm and it was chill. Liked that I didn’t have to yell over people to hear my friends. I’d come here regularly if I was local :) -
Review 43 (2023-06-15 - Rating: 5)
I would bring my first date here. Low key, chill, small bar. Try the green tea beer -
Review 44 (2024-01-22 - Rating: 5)
Great cozy / low key vibe, perfectly complimenting music and unique drinks / snacks. service was awesome— will def be back! try the sake flight if you go! -
Review 45 (2023-07-09 - Rating: 5)
Cost atmosphere. Really good sake and super friendly staff. What more can you ask for? -
Review 46 (2023-06-05 - Rating: 5)
Seriously the coolest spot! Most delicious and uniquely styled cocktails, super friendly and warm environment, intimate vibe and people there. A real gem! -
Review 47 (2022-12-24 - Rating: 5)
Wow, what a gem of a place. Hard to explain hosted our holiday office party’s happy hour and it couldn’t have been better. Such a cool vibe, the nicest staff, and so accommodating of us. Above and beyond, can’t wait to become a regular here! -
Review 48 (2024-03-08 - Rating: 4)
Space is small but drinks & service were great! -
Review 49 (2023-08-29 - Rating: 5)
Super cute bar in east village with great vibes! Very intimate and cozy.FYI: there is no seating aside from bar seating. -
Review 50 (2023-12-07 - Rating: 5)
IN LOVE with this hidden gem ! What an amazing find after we had pho next door. This tiny Japanese speakeasy bar was honestly the best surprise during our trip. The cocktails were amazing, the decor, the dark and cozy ambiance makes it perfect for a date. -
Review 51 (2024-02-16 - Rating: 5)
Such an amazing cute little cocktail spot! Highly recommend it. Drinks are delicious 😋 -
Review 52 (2022-09-08 - Rating: 5)
Andy was very welcoming and friendly. This little bar reminds me of small bars in Japan. Love the atmosphere and the drink selection. Will definitely come back. -
Review 53 (2024-10-29 - Rating: 5)
Love the atmosphere and vinyl music selection. -
Review 54 (2023-12-22 - Rating: 5)
Tiny space with great vibes, amazing drinks and wonderful service. A new favorite spot in the city. -
Review 55 (2022-11-26 - Rating: 5)
Small chick bar with craft beer and small bites. Great for low conversations and to read books. -
Review 56 (2022-06-16 - Rating: 5)
Andy was so welcoming during my first visit here! I had an iced matcha latte. So lovely! -
Review 57 (2024-11-08 - Rating: 5)
Very cool wine and sake bar -
Review 58 (2023-02-28 - Rating: 5)
Cute and cozy neighborhood sake-based cocktail bar in EV✨ Came on a Monday night and it was not crowded. Always a big fan of tea-based cocktail and the matcha latte cocktail did not disappoint. Our bartender Christina was super welcoming and we ended up chatting with her the entire night -
Review 59 (2022-10-19 - Rating: 5)
Happy hour 4-7pm for 20% off. Only 5 or so cocktails on the menu which makes it easy. Each are meticulously made. No food. -
Review 60 (2023-04-20 - Rating: 5)
Its a beautifully romantic spot in a decrepit kind of way, haha! I love the low lighting and cozy cocktails. The bartender was telling us that each of the bartenders invented a cocktail on the menu. I ordered the cocktail that was her own creation: Empress X. -
Review 61 (2023-03-09 - Rating: 5)
Yes, a fantastic time at this beautiful bar in the middle of east village with cocktails. Roonie mara on a date with some random person. East village dream is still alive in New York. Been in the village for 17 years and felt like after pandemic this is one of the places we still have left in EV. -
Review 62 (2023-05-07 - Rating: 5)
Great vibe, excellent drinks, Christine is the best bartender ever! Highly recommend! -
Review 63 (2024-05-27 - Rating: 5)
Threw my birthday party here - the most attentive staff, fun wine and snacks selection and wonderful overall experience!! Chin was a punctual planner/manager and I highly recommend this cozy and charming bar for your more intimate events -
Review 64 (2022-07-16 - Rating: 5)
Was great. Did sake flight. Super nice bartender. -
Review 65 (2023-01-30 - Rating: 5)
How could you not love this cute little gem hidden in east village 💖 -
Review 66 (2023-01-21 - Rating: 5)
Christina is the best! It makes the night awesome -
Review 67 (2024-09-13 - Rating: 5)
Great sake based cocktails. -
Review 68 (2024-06-05 - Rating: 5)
Fantastic sake and quaint little atmosphere except for the excruciatingly British man with the load shirt -
Review 69 (2023-06-09 - Rating: 5)
Surprisingly great sake selection and a bar with cool vibes. I would definitely come back. -
Review 70 (2024-02-06 - Rating: 5)
Cozy, chill bar. Bartender was sweet and knowledgeable. We tried a couple of the sakes and all were tasty. Cocktails were also great. It gets crowded quickly. Will be back! -
Review 71 (2024-03-08 - Rating: 5)
Super cute and very small. Great for a date. Cocktails and service are great and if you are looking for a comfortable and intimate environment, this should be on your list of places to go. -
Review 72 (2023-08-06 - Rating: 5)
Cozy, warm atmosphere, great wine/sake list, will be back!! -
Review 73 (2024-04-19 - Rating: 5)
Nice and cozy! They play jazz music and serve good beer, which becomes affordable during happy hour (3-7pm). -
Review 74 (2024-02-17 - Rating: 5)
V cute and quiet, nice lil nat wine selection -
Review 75 (2024-06-23 - Rating: 5)
Nice place to stop and hang up with a good cocktail 🍸🍹 -
Review 76 (2024-02-22 - Rating: 5)
Cameron was very hospitable. Great selection of sakes and beers. Prices are reasonable, definitely go for a bottle if youre having more than four. -
Review 77 (2023-09-20 - Rating: 5)
Really cool little hidden bar. Drinks were all curated by the bar staff and super delicious. A little on the pricey side but welcome to New York. More worth the price of the drinks than most other bars I had been to in the city. Super nice bartender, great music playing inside, really cool decorations and atmosphere -
Review 78 (2024-06-07 - Rating: 5)
My new go to. If you know you know. -
Review 79 (2024-03-13 - Rating: 5)
Came in on a rainy Saturday early afternoon with a friend since the pizza spot we were trying to go to wasnt open for another hour. Since it was early, we were the only 2 there for a while. Mindy greeted us with a smile and we took our seats and looked over the menu. We started with some Makgeolli from Hana and then went for some other drinks. Mindy was a great bartender and host, we felt very much at home there. She even offered to let us try her invention, which doesnt really quite have a name yet -- but I thought Hot Dog Flavored Water was a pretty fitting name. It involves drinking the water used to cook the kurobuta sausages that they offer at the bar, followed by a short of sake, and then you eat the sausage with some condiments as a chaser, kind of like a pickleback, but with sausage. It was actually pretty good -- the sausage water was like drinking tea, which was pretty perfect for a cold, rainy day. 10/10, would go again!! Thanks Mindy! -
Review 80 (2023-11-24 - Rating: 5)
Was such a romantic vibe and great to chat with friends. Could also see it being a great date vibe. Bartender was very friendly and drinks were amazing -
Review 81 (2022-08-08 - Rating: 5)
Excellent spot with amazing drinks and even better service! Highly recommend it. -
Review 82 (2023-12-24 - Rating: 5)
Excellent space, cozy and comfortable with a general great atmosphere and friendly staff that is inviting towards equally friendly patrons. Of course there are also amazing, unique drinks. -
Review 83 (2022-07-01 - Rating: 5)
A very cozy place!Sake, wine, and tea are available in the evening. -
Review 84 (2023-04-17 - Rating: 5)
Delicious cocktail, lovely ambience, loved the oil lamps. -
Review 85 (2023-09-01 - Rating: 5)
Excellent vibe, good drinks and friendly bartender. -
Review 86 (2024-02-12 - Rating: 5)
Very nice bar with great vibes, Carli had great vibes and helped me with deciding a drink. Will recommend to friends!!!!!!!!! -
Review 87 (2023-01-20 - Rating: 5)
Great little bar at night! we were turned away from a couple other busy east village bars. Someone was walking back in and we heard goth rock pouring out.Great vibe! awesome sake based cocktails! -
Review 88 (2022-11-23 - Rating: 5)
Intimate, cozy space. Chill, laid-back vibes and excellent craft cocktails. Tons of other interesting sake, beer, and rare options to explore too. Great for a date. Will be back =) -
Review 89 (2022-06-19 - Rating: 5)
Amazing low key place, hate to rate and review because I don’t want people to know! -
Review 90 (2023-01-21 - Rating: 5)
Nicest staff youll ever meet. Its definitely a bar that youll end up at again and again.Cozy and feels like home!Shoutout to Christina. -
Review 91 (2023-05-15 - Rating: 5)
Great neighborhood place with the color that so many places are lacking. Christina makes a mean cocktail to boot! -
Review 92 (2023-05-06 - Rating: 5)
Small, cute, bartender Christina was so helpful and spot on with her sake recommendations! -
Review 93 (2023-05-26 - Rating: 4)
A little too dark there, nice bartender, but overall the atmosphere is nice -
Review 94 (2023-07-26 - Rating: 5)
Wonderful little hole in the wall with great drinks -
Review 95 (2022-09-25 - Rating: 5)
Stumbled across this delightful little bar whilst waiting for a table at a restaurant up the road.Amazing local sake collection, delicious cocktails and very friendly bar staff. -
Review 96 (2022-11-05 - Rating: 5)
Great vibe, great drinks. A really unique set of speciality cocktails! -
Review 97 (2022-06-16 - Rating: 5)
Excellent lighting. They serve delicious iced matcha. Nice place to hang out -
Review 98 (2023-04-18 - Rating: 5)
Intimate sweet old school jazz vibe -
Review 99 (2022-05-26 - Rating: 5)
Without being said… this place is hard to explain… within one word- amazing. good vibes, free wifis, authentic coffees and fresh teas (matcha is the best) -
Review 100 (2022-08-10 - Rating: 5)
Intimate atmosphere and i think it is perfect for a layback dates. While you are seating on the bar make sure to try the ice matcha. It is sooo good! -
Review 101 (2022-10-15 - Rating: 5)
Amazing bar with great music, warm, knowledgeable bartender sake recommendation in a cool setting, -
Review 102 (2022-06-08 - Rating: 5)
Best spot on the LES! Cool setting and awesome drinks. -
Review 103 (2022-05-20 - Rating: 5)
No lie, this place has excellent chai! Take it from this review by Dai, an honest guy. -
Review 104 (2023-04-29 - Rating: 5)
BEST BAR EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR -
Review 105 (2023-06-02 - Rating: 5)
🤌 -
Review 106 (2022-11-20 - Rating: 5)
Very cozy- a gem of a bar -
Review 107 (2022-07-31 - Rating: 5)
Great place for a little wine or beer -
Review 108 (2024-07-06 - Rating: 5)
Hard to explain -
Review 109 (2024-01-03 - Rating: 5)
Very cozy bar, cocktails made with professionalism and passion.I recommend 100%