Moonrise Izakaya is the coolest place to have a group dinner on the UWS right now. As soon as you sit down, someone will probably hand you a complimentary glass of sake. Which, scientifically, will only encourage you to drink more sake and set up a temporary living room in the loud space here. We’d suggest ordering a bunch of small Japanese plates like a skillet of hot cheesy corn and some delicately fried karaage (and then excusing yourself to admire the ode to Sailor Moon in the bathroom). Between the sake, the shareable food, and the fun neighborhood feel, Moonrise Izakaya is perfect for the next time you want to spend a few rowdy hours with some friends near West 96th Street.