Izakaya Toribar

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine taste of Japan's vibrant izakaya culture, particularly the smoky perfection of yakitori, Izakaya Toribar in Midtown East offers a compelling destination. While the city boasts numerous Japanese eateries, Toribar aims to transport diners to a cozy sake den with its intimate atmosphere and focus on expertly grilled skewers. It's the kind of spot that, for many, provides a true culinary escape, making it a beloved haunt for those who appreciate authentic Japanese small plates and a lively ambiance.

Izakaya Toribar has built a reputation on its commitment to quality yakitori, serving a diverse range of chicken, pork, beef, seafood, and vegetable skewers, often allowing diners to choose their preferred seasoning of salt or tare sauce. Beyond the grill, the menu extends to classic Japanese comfort foods and a selection of drinks, aiming to create a comprehensive izakaya experience. Many patrons have lauded the efficiency of service, especially given its popularity, and the overall authenticity of the flavors, making it a highly recommended spot for those who've experienced Japanese dining firsthand and are looking to recreate that magic in NYC.

Izakaya Toribar is conveniently located at 164 E 56th St, New York, NY 10022, USA. This prime Midtown East address places it in a highly accessible and bustling part of Manhattan, surrounded by a mix of corporate offices, luxury residences, and other dining establishments. Being on East 56th Street means it’s easily reachable for a wide variety of New Yorkers, whether you're a local resident, working in the area, or visiting the city.

Accessibility to Izakaya Toribar is excellent, as is typical for Midtown Manhattan. For those utilizing public transportation, the restaurant is within close walking distance of several major subway lines, including the E, M, N, R, W, and 4, 5, 6 lines, with stations just a few blocks away. Numerous bus routes also traverse 56th Street and nearby avenues, offering extensive coverage throughout Manhattan. While parking can be challenging in Midtown, commercial parking garages are available in the vicinity for those who choose to drive. Its central location makes it a highly convenient spot for a pre-theater meal, a post-work gathering, or a late-night bite.

Izakaya Toribar offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a comfortable and authentic Japanese dining experience for its New York clientele:

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a cozy, smallish basement setting described as feeling like a "sake den" or "Japanese gastropub." It features both table seating and an elevated bar seating area where diners can watch chefs grilling right in front of them (behind a glass divider). This intimate and lively atmosphere is perfect for a night out.
• Reservations: Given its popularity, especially on weekend evenings, Izakaya Toribar accepts and highly recommends reservations. Patrons can often book through platforms like OpenTable or by calling directly. While they strive to seat walk-ins quickly, a reservation ensures your spot.
• Late-Night Dining: A significant highlight, Izakaya Toribar is known for being "open until at least 1 AM every night (and 3 AM on the weekends)." This makes it an excellent choice for late-night cravings or post-event dining in Midtown.
• Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their favorite dishes at home or on the go, takeout services are available.
• Delivery Service: Izakaya Toribar partners with popular third-party delivery platforms such as Seamless, Grubhub, and Postmates. This allows New Yorkers to conveniently order a wide selection of their menu items for delivery directly to their home or office.
• Full Bar Service: As an izakaya, it offers a selection of alcoholic beverages, including various sakes (hot or cold), Japanese-inspired craft cocktails, highballs (like their "sour" drinks with shochu and fresh citrus), Japanese whiskies, and a selection of beer and wine.

Izakaya Toribar distinguishes itself in the competitive New York dining scene with several key features and popular menu offerings that appeal to its discerning clientele:

• Authentic and High-Quality Yakitori: This is the primary draw. Customers consistently praise the "phenomenal" yakitori, noting it's "the best we've had since Japan." You can customize skewers with either salt (shio) or tare (sweet soy glaze), a detail appreciated by connoisseurs. Popular skewers include:
  • Thigh with Scallion (Momo Negima): A consistently praised classic for its succulent chicken and aromatic scallion.
  • Chicken Meatball (Tsukune): A flavorful and well-regarded skewer.
  • Chicken Skin (Kawa): Described as "fantastic," indicating it's crispy and well-prepared.
  • Asparagus Wrapped in Pork Belly and Mochi Wrapped in Pork Belly: Unique and highly recommended items, offering a medley of textures and rich flavors.
• Crispy Chicken Karaage: Their Japanese fried chicken is celebrated for being "sooo crispy" and served "classic with kewpie mayo + lemon," providing a delicious appetizer or side dish.
• Extensive Izakaya Menu: Beyond yakitori, Izakaya Toribar offers a wide array of small plates (tapas), including Edamame, Gyoza (chicken & pork), Shumai, Takoyaki, Tako Wasabi, Fried Oysters, Ebi Mayo (fried shrimp with Japanese mayo), and Agedashi Tofu. They also feature grilled fish like Saba (mackerel) and Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar), and Japanese hot pot (Nabe) options like Oden.
• Cozy and Authentic Ambiance: The "dark, smallish basement restaurant" with its "big smoky grill" and "elevated bar seating" evokes the feel of a "sake den in the East Village" or a traditional Japanese izakaya, creating an immersive dining experience.
• Attentive Service: Despite being busy, customers report "great attentive service" and staff who warn about potential wait times for yakitori during peak hours, demonstrating thoughtfulness.
• Variety of Japanese Beverages: A comprehensive selection of Japanese beers, sakes (including hot or cold options), and unique "sour" highball drinks (shochu with fresh citrus) enhances the izakaya experience.

While specific daily or weekly promotions for Izakaya Toribar are not always prominently advertised on general public platforms, it is common for Midtown izakayas to offer various deals, especially during off-peak hours or through specific channels. For New Yorkers looking for potential offers, here’s what to consider:

• Happy Hour: Many izakayas feature a happy hour with discounted drinks and select small plates. While not explicitly detailed in all general reviews, the nature of an izakaya lends itself to such promotions. Checking their official website or calling ahead is advisable.
• Delivery Platform Specials: Keep an eye on popular delivery services like Seamless, Grubhub, and Postmates. These platforms frequently feature promotional offers, such as discounted delivery fees, percentage off your first order, or seasonal deals that might apply to Izakaya Toribar.
• Check Their Official Website/Social Media: The best way to stay informed about any current or seasonal promotions directly from Izakaya Toribar would be to visit their official website (izakayatoribar.com) or follow their social media channels, as businesses often announce special deals there.

Always verify any offers when placing your order or making a reservation, as promotions can change.

To experience the authentic yakitori and Japanese comfort food at Izakaya Toribar in Midtown East, here’s how you can connect:

• Address: 164 E 56th St, New York, NY 10022, USA
• Phone: (646) 767-0029 (You can also use the mobile phone number: +1 646-767-0029)

Izakaya Toribar is known for its extensive operating hours, particularly for late-night dining:

• Monday - Thursday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Last call 11:45 PM)
• Friday - Saturday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM (Last call 1:30 AM)
• Sunday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Last call 11:45 PM)

It's always recommended to call ahead or check their official website (izakayatoribar.com) or preferred online dining platform for the most current operating hours and reservation availability, especially during holidays or for specific dining plans.

For New Yorkers, especially those in Midtown and surrounding areas, Izakaya Toribar stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for authentic Japanese izakaya dining. Its prime location on East 56th Street offers unparalleled accessibility, making it a convenient spot for a diverse range of locals, from office workers seeking a post-work unwind to residents looking for a vibrant dinner spot, or anyone craving a late-night meal in the city. What truly resonates with New Yorkers is its commitment to high-quality, authentic yakitori – the expertly grilled skewers that transport diners directly to the bustling alleys of Japan. The ability to customize seasoning (salt or tare) on each skewer further enhances this genuine experience.

Beyond the celebrated yakitori, the extensive menu of Japanese small plates like crispy karaage, unique pork belly-wrapped items, and various appetizers ensures there's something for every palate. The cozy, atmospheric setting, reminiscent of a true Japanese sake den, provides a comfortable yet lively backdrop for social gatherings or intimate dinners. The highly praised attentive service and the significant advantage of being open late into the night (until 1 AM on weekdays and 3 AM on weekends) make Izakaya Toribar a practical and desirable option for various occasions. For locals seeking a taste of genuine Japanese pub culture, where quality food, a great atmosphere, and convenient hours converge, Izakaya Toribar is a must-visit destination in the heart of NYC.

Izakaya Toribar

164 E 56th St, New York, NY 10022, USA