Born and raised near Tokyo, Kenta Goto grew up learning about hospitality from his mother, a restaurateur. Years later he landed in Manhattan and learned the art of New York bartending from legendary bar owner Audrey Saunders at Pegu Club.
After a seven-year run at Pegu, Goto struck out on his own, opening Bar Goto (245 Eldridge St.) on the Lower East Side in 2015 and later Bar Goto Nipan (474 Bergen St.) in Park Slope, Brooklyn in early 2020 (niban means “second” in Japanese). The popularity of his pair of self-described “New York bars with a Japanese soul” cannot be overstated.
Just ask famed chef Andrew Carmellini and bartender Steve Schneider who are fans not just of Goto’s impeccable Highballs and addictive Kombu Celery Sticks, but of Goto himself. Goto is humble and attributes Bar Gotos’ success to his bar teams in both boroughs who hold down the bar when he’s not there and when he is.
This fall has been a meaningful season for Goto, who released his first book The Goto Bartender’s Guide: A Philosophy of Cocktails, Hospitality, and How to Make Great Drinks Every Time with writer Noah Rothbaum this October. The beautiful gold tome details his process of creating recipes and making legendary drinks. It’s a must-have for any Bar Goto devotee and home bartenders.
We caught up with Goto who generously shared his favorite places to eat and drink around his adopted home city of New York.
Kenta Goto’s Favorite Places to Drink
Copper and Oak
“A place I really like to go to is Copper and Oak. It’s really close to Bar Goto on the Lower East Side. They have many whiskies that Bar Goto doesn’t have and the owner, Tomo, is knowledgeable and navigates me. He has me sample lots of things. So it’s a great place to sip on something delicious and wind down. I don’t discriminate—I drink everything—but I really like whiskey. [Now] is the perfect season for it; scotch is also a go-to. Japanese whiskey is very similar to a scotch—sometimes peaty, sometimes non-peated.” 157 Allen St., Lower East Side, copperandoak.com
Employees Only
“Employees Only was my classic go-to late night place—ever since I was bartending at Pegu Club, early in my career. I remember being very happy eating steak tartare there many nights. Since opening Bar Goto, I don’t get there as much. The places I go to most often are on the east side, closer to the bar.” 510 Hudson St., West Village, employeesonlynyc.com
Long Island Bar
“Long Island Bar is always a great place to take people. It’s the perfect neighborhood spot. The drinks are good, the food is good. I love the exterior too, with the neon. It’s very nostalgic New York.” 110 Atlantic Ave., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, thelongislandbar.com
Kenta Goto’s Favorite Places to Eat
Nakaji
“First of all, the sushi counter at Nakaji is incredible— that’s what most people talk about. However, at the front section of the space is a bar and you can make a separate reservation for it.
Without committing to a full course menu, you can order small plates a la carte. including my favorite: a really good chirashi [bowl]. The Highballs are great, and they have a truly impressive Japanese whisky collection there too.” 48 Bowery, East Village, nakajinyc.com
Bobbi’s Italian Beef
“I’m a big fan of a well-made sandwich. The owner of Bobbi’s, Jason [Lux], is originally from Chicago and he knows his stuff. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried there very much, and his chili is mind-blowing.” 228 Smith St., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, bobbisitalianbeef.com
Karazishi Botan
“In Brooklyn, near Bar Goto Niban, is Karazishi Botan. The owner and chef, Foo Kanegae, used to run Ippudo in New York. He’s very well-respected in the ramen world. At Karazishi Botan, he goes outside of tradition and he expresses his creativity through his ramen. It’s really one of a kind.
My favorite bowl is the Point Blank, which has horseradish-infused broth and pork. You’re also instructed to add a little yuzu juice to the bowl half-way through. It’s so good: one bowl, two different experiences.” 255 Smith St., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, karazishibotan.com
Lighthouse in Williamsburg
“I’ve been good friends with Naama and Assaf [Tamir] (who own Lighthouse) for forever. They do things right there. The ingredients are really good and they use them well—and the vibe is so welcoming. It’s just always a great place to be. I like to go there on Sundays with my family.” 145 Borinquen Pl., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, lighthousebk.com
Bar Kabawa
“Kabawa is just so good. It’s fine dining, but not fussy. The energy is incredible and it’s fun. Everything is so delicious there.” 12 Extra Pl., East Village, momofuku.com
noreetuh
“About 10 blocks from Bar Goto is noreetuh in the East Village. I think we actually both opened our businesses the same year, 2015, and they continue to be top level. It’s great every time I go. I love all of the food—especially the mochi rice flour [mochiko] fried chicken and the mentaiko spaghetti. The wine list is incredible, too.” 128 1st Ave., East Village, noreetuh.com
O. Mandarin
“My family lives in Westchester now and our favorite restaurant near our home is O. Mandarin. It’s in a strip mall and doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it’s a hidden gem.
The food is elegant and all of the Sichuan dishes are really good and the menu is extensive. I am still happily working my way through it. To me, it’s one of the best Chinese restaurants.” 361 North Central Ave., Hartsdale, Westchester, omandarin.com
Date Night and More
Sake Bar Asoko
“Sarah (his wife) and I are always working so when we’re not, we like to be at home and just relax together; maybe we’ll cook something simple. But we do try to sneak in dates when we can. We love Sake Bar Asoko.
This is a great sake bar— such a cool spot: a Lower East Side/Chinatown vibe meets Tokyo all in one place. And Shintaro and Arianna [Cho] are the best hosts, with genuine hospitality and great sake and snacks. I really love it. Sake Bar Asoko, 127 East Broadway, Chinatown, sakebarasoko.com
Odo East Village
“The next one on our list to check out is Odo East Village. When we can schedule our next date night, that’s where you’ll find us!” Odo, 536 E. 5th St., East Village, odoeastvillage.nyc
