Seemor
Dark Bullet Sake & Oyster BarBWorth Trying
154 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023
· Japanese restaurant, Oyster bar restaurant, Tapas bar
· 4.5/5 Google (412 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A lively Japanese-leaning oyster and sake bar with dive-bar energy, solid rice bowls, variable oysters, strong happy hour, and inconsistent service; great for casual drinks and snacks, less so for meticulous dining.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Dark Bullet earns a grade B through strong food quality anchored by excellent donburi bowls and reliable sake selection, but inconsistent oyster execution and variable service attentiveness during busy periods prevent higher standing. The UWS location and lively bar atmosphere deliver solid neighborhood appeal for casual drinks and happy hour, though it falls short of the area's premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
Dark Bullet feels like a Japanese-leaning neighborhood dive where the pool table hums and the taps pour icy beer in frosted mugs. Expect lively bar energy, a crowd that knows how to take a turn on the felt, and staff who can be charming when not overwhelmed. One diner summed it up: "Came for happy hour, stayed for oysters and a solid rice bowl." Do not expect white tablecloths; do expect casual good times and the occasional wait for oysters. The cooking leans traditional Japanese comfort—donburi like gyu and karaage, miso, and seasonal oysters—punctuated by a few flourishes like green tea butter beef. When the raw bar is on, it sings; when it is not, the bowls save the day. This suits drink-forward nights and casual hangs more than meticulous seafood pilgrimages. Pair a tuna tartare or garlic rock shrimp with sake or Japanese whiskey and you get the best version of what Dark Bullet aims to be: easygoing and satisfying. Families will find kid-friendly dishes such as chicken katsu and karaage don, fries, and simple miso, but the vibe is bar-first and can be loud. If bringing younger diners, aim for earlier hours and stick to straightforward options like oyako don, edamame, and rice bowls; skip oysters if your crew is particular about texture or brine.
At a Glance
- Happy hour deals and frosty draft beer deliver strong value
- Donburi bowls (gyu, karaage) earn consistent praise
- Oysters are inconsistent in size, cleanliness, and flavor
- Service can be slow or dismissive during busy times
- Group seating and coordination struggles reported for large parties
What Sets It Apart
- free_pool_table
- strong_sake_and_whiskey_selection
- happy_hour_value
- casual_japanese_bar_hybrid
What People Love
- Icy-cold beer in frosted mugs
- Comforting rice bowls that hit the spot
- Free pool that keeps the night going
- Expansive sake and Japanese whiskey options
- Relaxed, neighborhood-dive personality
Points of Concern
- Oyster quality varies; several reports of small, gritty, or underwhelming flavor
- Service inconsistency with forgotten items and long waits for oysters
- Music and bar crowd can be loud for conversation
- Large parties face coordination and seating issues; call ahead to confirm options
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$38-$58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build around a donburi plus one starter for balance
- Choose teriyaki salmon as a safer seafood main
- Vegetarians: Spicy Tofu Don, miso soup, salad, and shishitos form a complete meal
Perfect For
- Casual date night with drinks and snacks
- After-work happy hour near the 72 St subway
- Solo bar meal with pool and sake
- Friends hangout before or after a show
Location Insights
Area: Busy Upper West Side block near Lincoln Center corridor; mix of locals, pre- and post-theater crowds.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic typical of UWS commercial streets.
Nearby: Close to 72 St stations, shops, bars; draws neighborhood regulars and visitors.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side boasts a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, catering to a community that values both tradition and innovation. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-friendly, with a strong emphasis on quality and variety in food options.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square is a cultural hub within the Upper West Side, home to Lincoln Center and several theaters, attracting visitors seeking pre- or post-show dining experiences. The dining scene here includes a mix of upscale restaurants and casual spots, often bustling with a lively, arts-oriented crowd.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday13:00–02:00
Tuesday13:00–02:00
Wednesday13:00–02:00
Thursday13:00–02:00
Friday13:00–02:00
Saturday13:00–02:00
Sunday13:00–02:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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