Hot Sake Spots to Warm Your Winter Chills

While a hot cup of cocoa can really hit the spot on a wintery day, when I am in the mood for a more grown up way to warm up I just LOVE a cup of hot sake. Especially when the flakes are falling, it feels extra cozy to find my way to a small sushi shop with big windows and warm sake served in the cute little pinched pot with doll sized cups. Here are some of my favorite spots to warm up with a sake and friends.

Uni Sashimi Bar

Ken Oringer’s famed Uni Sashimi Bar is a perfect local for quiet elegance and a good variety of sake options.  From aged, to fragrant to traditional, each is uniquely its own.  And when paired with beautifully prepared and presented sashimi , it makes for a perfectly simple evening indulgence – snowy or not.

Uni Sashimi Bar is located at Clio Restaurant at the Elliot hotel, 370A Commonwealth Ave., Back Bay, Boston 617.536.7200

Samurai Sushi

With a dozen sakes to choose from including my preference – hot – and sparkling versions, there appears to be a sake for every taste at Samurai.  The subterranean location and cozy clean lines of the space makes for a welcome respite form winter’s harsh chill.  In fact, you may get so cozy you’ll find it hard to leave.

Samurai Sushi is located at 827 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston 617.236.7672

Shabu-Ya Restaurant

Not every sake lover is also a sushi enthusiast. For those that still love (or love to try) Japanese cuisine, a hot pot to accompany your hot sake is a perfect winter warm up. Shabu-Ya in Harvard Square is full of opportunities to explore new cuisine all washed down with sweet (or dry) sips of warm soothing sake.

Shabu-Ya Restaurant is located at 57 JFK St., Harvard Square, Cambridge 617.864.6868

Q Restaurant

Q has it all – hot pot, sushi, lounge, upscale environment and, of course, a tasty selection of sakes including sake cocktails. Located in Chinatown, Q’s ample booths (over the crowded small tables of most sushi only stops in town) make it great for a big group and sharing.

Q Restaurant is located at 660 Washington St., Chinatown, Boston 857.350.3968