Meaning "sake only," this friendly Seattle sake shop and tasting bar is the first in the United States to sell sake exclusively.

by Contributor

In Short
Part sake bar, part bottle shop, and part sake museum, owners and sake enthusiasts Johnnie and Taiko Stroud encourage guests to discover Japanese sake--an alcoholic beverage brewed using rice, water and koji mold--and learn about its craftsmanship, culture and traditions. Showcasing an extensive selection of imported varieties, bottles are neatly organized according to Japan's sake-brewing regions of Hokkaido and Tohoku, Kanto and Koshinetsu, Hokuriku and Tokai, Kinki and Chugoku, and Shikoku and Kyushu.

Hits: Passionate about educating others about sake, the owners hold seminars and special tastings with food pairings for novices and pros.

Misses: Limited hours make it a challenge for post-work gatherings at the bar.

10/08/07

Authentic!

by katsuji

As a sake lover, what a selection of sake they have! Sake bottles are neatly organized and displayed, like a sake museum! The owners Johnnie and Taiko are very friendly and knowledgeable: I got a very nice lecture of how it is made and so on during my visit. There was no place like this where you can try so many different kind of sake, before you purchase (though not all of sake is available for tasting, they have a weekly list of sake tasting menu!).

If you love sake, this is THE place to go, even if you are new to sake, you'd have a great experience there! Great place to sit at the counter and have a few glasses of sake over a nice chat with the owners, or if you are looking for a unique gift, they've got it!

I am too old for a loud-music kind of bars, so this dim-lighted, zen-feeling place is perfect for me to have a few drinks!

• Pros: Many unique sake selection. Nice, calm atomosphere

09/28/07

Best Sake Store Ever!

by bbobb1

We found Sake Nomi by accident from a sign on 1st Ave. advertising sake tastings. We went there and had a wonderful time. The owner is knowledgeable and friendly, and the flight of sakes we tasted were wonderful. We purchased a sake book to continue our "education" when we returned home. I know that it could sound corny, but visiting Sake Nomi was one of the highlights of our visit to Seattle.

• Pros: Friendly, Knowledgeable, Nice Store Layout, Well-Stocked Sake Examples, Nice Tasting Menu
• Cons: Wish it were in other cities beside Seattle

08/13/07

Sake Baby; East Meets West

by studboy

I will never be the same.

It was our first trip out to Seattle from NYC. After a weekend of being tourists filled with Starbucks, Space Needles, flying fish and lots of trees we were looking for something unique and special in Seattle. We found Sake Naomi by fortuitous accident. The sake tasting got us in the door, the owner's love of sake kept us there. Drop by early for a lesson from the owner, Johnnie. A new world of flavor and texture exists in rice wine and we were quite exited to try samples from such an extensive selection. There is a romance and ethic imbued in Sake Nomi that can only be expressed as a Zen moment.

• Pros: Great selection, knowlegeable & passionate service