ANTE

A quiet room of records and sake gives this Newtown bar its own clear identity. Inspired by the Japanese jazz bar tradition, it treats music as part of the experience, with vinyl playing a real role in the mood rather than serving as background noise. Sake is the heart of the list, and the selection is broad enough to reward both curious first timers and people who already know what they like. The food is designed to work naturally alongside the drinks, which makes it easy to settle in for more than one round. If you want a bar with focus, character, and a strong sense of taste, this is a very good place to start.