UES GEM: Artful Craft Cocktails (With a Great Happy Hour)

The cocktails at NR are truly a work of art. Located at 339 E. 75th Street and 1st Avenue, NR is the sophomore restaurant from Shigefumi (Shige) Kabashima—of ROKC in Harlem. Kabashima is no stranger to the craft cocktail scene; he’s a veteran of New York speakeasy Angel’s Share, the breakout cocktail bar that introduced the city to the art of Japanese bartending in 1993. He brings that same talent to NR, which has been open since 2019. But here’s the thing: I don’t hear a ton of people talking about it and I almost seem to forget that this incredible bar is in our neighborhood.

The vibe is meant to mimic the turn-of-the-19th-century port towns in Japan, with dark wood accents and vintage decor. Cocktails are a big draw here and it’s a treat to sit at the bar and watch the team work their magic, meticulously tinkering with each beverage until it’s absolutely perfect. The result is a drink that’s not only delicious, but beautiful, often served in an elaborate vessel. A few standouts: The Grapefruit, Coconut Curry, a spicy Cucumber, and Our Negroni.

And while cocktails are a big deal, the space feels warm and inviting, ideal for dinner. NR specializes in ramen noodles of Chinese origin, with offerings like a Summer Cold with a chilled broth, Sea Urchin + Salmon Caviar, and Yuzu + Truffle Vegetable. You can also find a selection of apps and curry. But the very best part might be the oysters—they’re some of the best I’ve had in the neighborhood, served with a house-made mignonette and available on happy hour for $1.50 every day until 7 p.m.