At the Waldorf Astoria New York, a Clandestine New Bar Focuses on Rare Japanese Whisky

BAR YOSHOKU
Designer: Invite Only
Location: New York City

On Offer: Tucked away behind sumptuous linen drapes in a discreet corner of the recently renovated Waldorf Astoria New York hotel, this 10-seat bar offers a far quieter scene than its boisterous Peacock Alley neighbor. Since it opened in late May 2026, Bar Yoshoku has been serving up generous pours of Japanese whiskies and cocktails, all centered on spirits from the House of Suntory. Reservations can be made only by text message, a novelty which, along with the bar’s intimate size and proactive omotenashi service, lends the experience an exclusive feel.

Styled as a living room by Lauren Brogna and Nikki Squire of Miami-based design studio Invite Only, the space embraces both American and Japanese Art Deco, an ode to the hotel’s restored 1931 glamour. A faceted pendant by HB Lighting bathes the terracotta-hued room in soft light, where guests can perch atop velvet-upholstered Four Hands stools at the bespoke walnut wood bar or sink into period-inspired club chairs, some rattan, others covered in lush jacquard. Floral motifs are found throughout—as mother-of-pearl and bone inlaying a credenza, which hosts the retro CD player with its custom Bang & Olufsen sound system; patterning a wallpaper at the center of the bottle display; and decorating the rug underfoot. Located adjacent to chef Ry Nitzkowski’s kaiseki restaurant Yoshoku, a drink (or two!) at Bar Yoshoku is naturally preceded—or followed—by dinner mere steps away.

Standout Features: Bar Yoshoku is entirely focused on drinks, with a tightly curated menu of 20 whiskies, some rarely seen in the United States like 1970s Suntory Very Rare Old, Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend, and Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2009 (the hotel owner’s favorite). Prices for a one-ounce pour range from $22 to $570. For those that prefer a mixed drink, the beverage program by Yoshoku general manager Sukey Lau also includes five cocktails. Not all are whisky-based: The Sakura Serenade, a gin and tonic twist with sweet, floral Mancino Sakura Vermouth, is a house signature, made with Roku gin from Osaka.

What makes the Bar Yoshoku experience truly stand out is the service. Bartender Sonam Wangdak, originally from Tibet, is a wealth of knowledge, stories, and jokes, but most importantly an amicable guide through the world of Japanese whisky. After selecting your preferred whisky glass from six hand-blown options, he assures your preferences are met with every sip. His expertise in the spirits’ craft, from botanical notes and regional weather’s effects on taste to the meticulous distilling process and the barrels in which each blend is finished (sometimes as many as three different casks), not only creates a rich, fulfilling drinking session but allows you to become an early expert yourself, especially as Japanese whisky’s popularity in the U.S. quickly grows.