4 Midtown East Spots Near Second Avenue For Sake Cocktails, Matcha And Wine

4.7 (29)

Mon – Thu, 18:00 – 01:00 (+1); Fri – Sat, 18:00 – 02:00 (+1)

249 E 49th St 2nd Floor

Head upstairs at 249 E 49th St for BAR ao, a Japanese speakeasy centered on original sake cocktails and shochu. The kitchen serves Japanese bar food alongside the drinks, while the room settles into live weekend jazz. Music typically starts at 9 PM, so arriving an hour early can give you time to chat before the performance.

4.9 (146)

Mon – Sun, 07:00 – 19:00

927 2nd Ave

At 927 2nd Ave, Simpl Coffee's compact black, white and gray room uses track lighting to pick out the counter and display art. Three tables and two window-facing seats set the scale. Drinks extend beyond espresso to RAF coffee, rich hot chocolate and real strawberry lattes. Matcha lattes skip sugary premixes, and fresh, delicate almond croissants round out the offerings.

4.4 (429)

Mon – Thu, 10:00 – 01:00 (+1); Fri – Sat, 10:00 – 03:00 (+1); Sun, 10:00 – 23:00

939 2nd Ave

At 939 2nd Ave, La Cava is a wine bar serving Mediterranean plates, seafood, cocktails and a wide wine selection. The kitchen sends out artisanal boards, salmon and salads, with outdoor seating and happy hour specials available. Hours run to 1 AM Monday through Thursday, 3 AM Friday and Saturday, and 11 PM Sunday.

4.5 (597)

Mon – Fri, 07:30 – 17:00; Sat – Sun, 08:00 – 17:00

941 2nd Ave (at 50th Street)

At 941 2nd Ave by 50th Street, Slate Cafe Midtown sets up daytime laptop work with individual seats along the walls and a long table in the middle. The kitchen serves sandwiches and salad bowls, while the cafe offers coffee, beer and wine. Loud music and noise from the barista workspace shape the room.