Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar

### Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar: A Unique Gem on the Upper West Side

New Yorkers seeking a Japanese dining and bar experience that breaks the mold will find an intriguing destination in **Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar**. Located at **154 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023**, this Upper West Side establishment offers a distinctive blend of fresh Japanese-inspired cuisine, an impressive selection of sake and cocktails, and a surprisingly playful atmosphere. It's a place where you can enjoy fine food and drinks in a setting that's anything but ordinary.

Customers consistently highlight the quality of the offerings and the attractive value, especially during happy hour. One delighted patron shared, "Happy hour starts at 1 pm. I had the sangria which was delicious, refreshing, and not too sweet. I got the tuna tartar appetizer and it was delicious. Great service too." Another was pleasantly surprised, remarking, "Happy hour pricing was great and I was honestly shocked with how good the food was. Oysters were great and so were the donburi bowls." Beyond the culinary delights, Dark Bullet offers a unique vibe, with one review noting, "The bar gives a very midwest vibe, of course with a Japanese flare," and a delightful surprise: "They have a pool table in the back!" This article will explore what makes Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar a compelling choice for Upper West Siders, from its accessible location and diverse menu to its standout features and enticing promotions.

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### Location and Accessibility: A Prime Spot on the Upper West Side

Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar is conveniently situated at **154 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA**. This address places it firmly in the heart of the vibrant Upper West Side, a bustling residential and cultural hub in Manhattan. W 72nd Street is a major crosstown thoroughfare, making the restaurant easily identifiable and accessible for locals and visitors alike.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the accessibility is excellent. Dark Bullet is just a stone's throw from the **72nd Street subway station**, which serves the 1, 2, and 3 express trains, providing quick connections to various parts of Manhattan. Additionally, numerous MTA bus lines run along 72nd Street and Broadway, further enhancing its reach. While street parking on the Upper West Side can be challenging, the abundance of nearby subway and bus options, combined with several parking garages in the vicinity, ensures that reaching Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar for a delicious meal or a fun night out is a convenient endeavor. Its central location makes it an ideal spot for after-work drinks, a casual dinner, or a lively weekend gathering.

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### Services Offered: A Fusion of Flavors and Fun

Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar offers a distinctive menu that blends fresh Japanese-inspired dishes with a robust beverage program, all within an engaging and casual setting. Their services cater to both culinary enthusiasts and those looking for a relaxed social experience. Here’s a detailed look at what they provide:

• Fresh Oyster Selection: As an "Oyster Bar," this is a core offering. They feature "fresh oysters delivered daily," including seasonal East Coast and West Coast oysters (like Kumamoto), often served with a house-made gluten-free sauce. Customers rave that "Oysters were great." They also offer unique oyster preparations like Baked Oyster, Fried Kaki (fried oysters), and Special Oyster Pancakes.

• Japanese-Influenced Small Plates & Appetizers: Their menu specializes in "Japanese-influenced small plates" (tapas style), perfect for sharing. Highlights include the "delicious tuna tartar appetizer," as well as Garlic Rock Shrimp, Spicy Wings, Cheese Harumaki Roll, Crunchy Shrimp, Japanese Mixed Fries (purple-potato and truffle salt fries), Spicy Tatsuca Age (fried chicken with Japanese chili), and Healthy Magic (cucumber wrap with various seafood).

• Donburi Bowls: A satisfying and hearty option, their "donburi bowls" are praised for their quality. Options include Dark Bullet (various proteins with vegetables), Karaage Don (fried chicken with curry sauce), Ten Don (shrimp and vegetable tempura), Chashu Don (roasted pork belly), Oyako Don (grilled chicken with egg), Spicy Tofu Don, and Unagi Don (broiled eel). They also offer sashimi donburi like Tuna Don, Salmon Don, and Yellowtail Don.

• Extensive Sake & Japanese Whisky List: As a "Sake & Oyster Bar," they boast "an extensive list of Japanese whiskys and 65 different kinds of sake on hand," including popular brands like Toki Suntori, Hakushu, and Yamazaki. This wide selection caters to both connoisseurs and those new to Japanese spirits.

• Full Cocktail Bar & Diverse Drink Menu: Beyond sake and whisky, they offer a "full bar" with a range of cocktails. The "sangria which was delicious, refreshing, and not too sweet" is a standout. They also offer draft beers (like Sapporo), wines, and unique drinks such as yuzu beer and Chu Hi.

• Casual Dining & Bar Experience: The setting is described as "casual" with a "long bar area" and tables. It’s an environment that encourages relaxation and socializing, perfect for both intimate conversations and lively group outings.

• Games and Entertainment: A distinctive feature is the inclusion of "two complimentary pool tables," along with dartboards and a foosball table. This adds an element of entertainment that sets it apart from typical Japanese restaurants, making it a "fun" destination.

• Delivery Services: For convenience, Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar is available on popular delivery platforms like DoorDash and Postmates, allowing customers to enjoy their food and drinks from home.

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### Features / Highlights: What Makes Dark Bullet Stand Out

Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar offers a unique blend of culinary delights and engaging amenities that truly set it apart on the Upper West Side:

• Exceptional Happy Hour: This is a major draw, with happy hour starting daily at 1 PM and running until 7 PM, extending "7 days a week." Customers are "shocked with how good the food was" at happy hour prices, noting the quality of oysters, donburi bowls, and the "delicious, refreshing, and not too sweet" sangria. The value on drinks like "$5 Beers, $6 Wines, $7 Sake, $7 Well Drinks, $8 Chu Hi" is a significant highlight for New Yorkers.

• High-Quality Oysters: As an oyster bar, the freshness and taste of their oysters are consistently praised. "Oysters were great" is a direct testament to their quality, ensuring a satisfying experience for seafood aficionados.

• Surprisingly Good Food Quality: Beyond the oysters, the general quality of the "Japanese-influenced small plates" and "donburi bowls" is a pleasant surprise for customers. The "delicious tuna tartar appetizer" and tasty donburi indicate that the food offerings are genuinely fantastic, not just an afterthought to the bar.

• Unique "Midwest Vibe with Japanese Flare": The distinctive ambiance, described as having a "very midwest vibe, of course with a Japanese flare," creates a comfortable yet intriguing atmosphere that stands out from typical NYC establishments. This unique character makes it a memorable place to visit.

• Entertainment Amenities (Pool Table, Darts, Foosball): The presence of "a pool table in the back," along with dartboards and foosball, adds a significant entertainment factor. This makes Dark Bullet an ideal spot for a casual hang-out with friends, where you can enjoy games alongside your food and drinks.

• Extensive Sake and Japanese Whisky Selection: For enthusiasts of Japanese spirits, the "extensive list of Japanese whiskys and 65 different kinds of sake" is a major highlight, offering a rare depth of selection for exploration.

• Late Operating Hours: With opening hours from 1:00 PM and closing at 2:00 AM (next day) seven days a week, Dark Bullet is a great option for late-night food and drinks on the Upper West Side.

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### Promotions or Special Offers: Unbeatable Value at Dark Bullet

Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar is particularly celebrated for its robust happy hour program and overall accessible pricing, making it a standout for value in New York City. While specific, time-limited promotional coupons might not be widely advertised, their consistent daily happy hour is the main attraction:

• Daily Happy Hour (1 PM - 7 PM, 7 Days a Week): This is the most significant and consistently praised offer. Starting exceptionally early at 1 PM, this daily happy hour provides fantastic discounts on a wide range of beverages and often includes enticing food deals. Customers note the "great" happy hour pricing for both drinks and food.

  • Drink Specials: These typically include "$5 Beers," "$6 Wines," "$7 Sake," "$7 Well Drinks," and "$8 Chu Hi." This wide array of discounted drinks caters to diverse preferences, making it an excellent spot for after-work unwinding or a relaxed afternoon.

  • Appetizer Specials: While specific happy hour food items aren't always explicitly priced in reviews, customers confirm that "the food was good" and affordable during happy hour, with mention of the "delicious tuna tartar appetizer" as a highlight. It's common for oyster bars to offer discounted oysters during happy hour as well.

• Value on Oysters: Even outside of specific promotions, the quality and pricing of their oysters are considered excellent value. While exact pricing varies, their seasonal East Coast and West Coast oysters are a highlight.

• Donburi Bowl Value: The donburi bowls are also noted for being good value, providing a satisfying and wholesome meal at a reasonable price for a Manhattan restaurant (e.g., Karaage Don for $16, Unagi Don for $22).

• Delivery Platform Deals: When ordering through third-party services like DoorDash or Postmates, customers might find additional platform-specific promotions such as reduced delivery fees or discounts on first orders. It's always worth checking these apps for current incentives.

The daily, extended happy hour at Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar makes it an incredibly attractive and affordable option for New Yorkers looking for quality Japanese food, fresh oysters, and a great drink selection without the typical Manhattan price tag.

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### Contact Information: Your Link to Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar

Connecting with Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar is straightforward, whether you're planning to visit, inquire about their menu, or wish to place an order for takeout or delivery. Here's how to reach them:

• Address: 154 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA

• Phone: (212) 235-6788

• Mobile Phone: +1 212-235-6788

You can use either of the provided phone numbers to contact the restaurant directly. Calling is ideal for inquiries about their daily oyster selection, current happy hour offerings, or to inquire about the availability of their pool tables. Their prominent location on West 72nd Street, a well-known street on the Upper West Side, makes it easy to find for those familiar with the neighborhood. For added convenience, Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar also partners with major online food delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Postmates, allowing you to browse their full menu and place an order for delivery to your home or office. Their multiple contact options ensure a seamless experience for all customers looking to enjoy their unique blend of Japanese flavors and fun.

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### Conclusion: Dark Bullet – An Unmissable Upper West Side Hotspot for Locals

For New Yorkers on the Upper West Side and beyond, **Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar** at **154 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023**, offers a truly unique and compelling reason to visit. It masterfully blends high-quality Japanese-inspired cuisine with a lively, casual bar atmosphere, making it perfectly suited to the diverse tastes and lifestyle of the city.

The restaurant's standout feature, its daily happy hour starting as early as 1 PM, offers unbeatable value on both delicious food and an impressive selection of drinks, from refreshing sangrias to an extensive array of sakes. This makes it an ideal spot for everything from a casual afternoon catch-up to an affordable pre-dinner drink. Customers' genuine surprise at the quality of the food during happy hour, specifically praising the "great" oysters and donburi bowls, confirms that Dark Bullet doesn't compromise on taste despite its value-driven approach.

Beyond the food and drinks, the unique ambiance, described as a "midwest vibe, of course with a Japanese flare," combined with the unexpected bonus of a "pool table in the back," creates a fun and welcoming environment. It's a place where you can relax, socialize, and enjoy more than just a meal. Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar is a refreshing addition to the Upper West Side, offering a perfect blend of fresh Japanese flavors, lively entertainment, and excellent value that locals will undoubtedly embrace and return to time and again.

Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster Bar

154 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA