Led by the vision of international bartending icons Shingo Gokan and Steve Schneider, Sip & Guzzle has established itself as a distinguished entry on the Forbes All-Star Eateries list in it’s very first year. Nestled on Hudson Street in Greenwich Village, this dual-level destination is anchored in a trans-Pacific narrative that began in 1860, when 77 Japanese samurai visited New York and were inspired by the American bartending style of the legendary Jerry Thomas. Sip & Guzzle imagines a “return journey” for those explorers, fusing the meticulous, award-winning technique of Tokyo’s SG Club with high-octane New York hospitality.
On the street level, Guzzle functions as a lively New York-style tavern where Schneider holds court, serving “crushable” comfort drinks and perfect highballs designed for high-volume execution. This bustling “docks” atmosphere serves as the high-energy counterpoint to the downstairs experience.
Descending to the intimate, 25-seat Sip speakeasy, the program pivots to a formal, Japanese-style service where depth is prioritized over speed. Overseen by Head Bartender Ben Yabrow, the menu features conceptual masterpieces like the “Tomato Tree,” a signature cocktail where every ingredient—from dill-infused gin to mastiha sap—represents a different structural part of a tree. Meeting Gokan’s rigorous standards requires an intensive R&D process, with certain labor-intensive preparations taking up to three days to achieve the perfect flavor profile.
Recently ranked as the No. 5 Best Bar in North America and recipient of the Highest New Entry Award, the beverage program is supported by culinary offerings from the three-Michelin-starred Executive Chef Mike Bagale. From the “Royale with Cheese”—a Wagyu sandwich presented in a golden box—to sophisticated izakaya-inspired snacks, the food is engineered to match the excellence of the spirits.
Find the latest All-Star Eateries list on Forbes:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/restaurants-go-consider-stop/2025/11/26/the-forbes-2025-all-star-eateries-in-new-york/
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0:00 – Introduction: The Dual Spirit of Sip & Guzzle
0:45 – The 1860 Legend: Samurai and Jerry Thomas
1:30 – Guzzle: Redefining New York Comfort Drinks
3:15 – Sip: The Intimate Japanese Speakeasy Experience
4:45 – The 3-Day Cocktail: Engineering the Tomato Tree
5:30 – Japanese Technique vs. American Speed
6:13 – Accredited Excellence: Ranking No. 5 in North America
7:21 – The Future of Consistency in the West Village
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