Nestled in the back of a Japanese cafe and below a Thai restaurant, this bar is a cozy space to savor sake, shouchu or umeshu (Japanese distilled spirits).

On a late Saturday night we attempted to check out Hiro's–it's a bar after all–but they were already closed. Determined, we successfully tried again a little earlier the next night and left behind the cold weather as we settled into three of the five bar stools surrounded by warm red walls and gray brick.

The bar's friendly and articulate owner, Hiro, recommended the Yaegaki Tanpopo Yunmai Sake (150 / 300mL), which is fruity and lightly sweet. The Choya Umeshu (plum liqueur) was a favorite at 40 per glass. Hiro's closes at 10pm, but we were graciously allowed to linger a bit later. We can't wait to return and enjoy the Thai food restaurant upstairs on our way back to this little bar.