Dokidoki: A Latin-Japanese Fusion Bar in Williamsburg

In the vibrant neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a new cocktail bar named Dokidoki is making waves with its unique blend of Latin and Japanese influences. Located at 160 Havemeyer Street, this innovative bar is the brainchild of A-K Hada and Christian Suzuki-Orellana. Both co-owners bring a wealth of cultural and professional experiences to the venture, creating a space that reflects their diverse backgrounds. Dokidoki, inspired by the Japanese concept of tachinomi (standing bars), offers a refreshing take on the cocktail scene by merging the lively rhythms of Latin music with the warm hospitality typical of Japanese culture.

A Cultural Confluence

The name "Dokidoki" is a Japanese onomatopoeia that describes the sound of a fast-beating heart, symbolizing the excitement and joy that the bar aims to evoke. Co-owners Hada and Suzuki-Orellana, both with Japanese heritage, have crafted a space that mirrors their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. Suzuki-Orellana, who has honed his skills in Tokyo and San Francisco, brings a deep understanding of Japanese bar culture, while Hada's extensive experience in the New York spirits industry adds a local flair.

The concept of blending Latin and Japanese cultures is not entirely new, as historical ties exist between Japanese and Chinese communities in Latin American countries like Peru and Brazil. However, Dokidoki offers a fresh perspective on this cultural intersection, particularly through its cocktail offerings. Operating with a beer and wine license, the bar focuses on shochu and sake-based drinks, which are lower in alcohol content but rich in flavor, allowing patrons to enjoy a sophisticated drinking experience without the high alcohol content.

Innovative Cocktail Creations

Dokidoki's cocktail menu is a testament to its innovative spirit, featuring drinks priced at $16 that highlight the bar's Latin-Japanese theme. One standout creation is the "Ichiki Tini," a martini crafted with sweet potato shochu and pineapple-lemon verbena-infused vermouth, served frozen and chilled. This drink offers a slightly lower alcohol by volume (ABV) than a traditional martini but retains the classic martini bite, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Another popular choice is the "Tropi Hai," a creative take on the ubiquitous Japanese chu-hai. This cocktail combines barley shochu with cold-brewed barley-cinnamon tea, clarified grapefruit juice, and tamarind, resulting in a refreshing and complex flavor profile. For margarita enthusiasts, the "Chucu-Chucu" offers a delightful variation with honeydew, agave wine, and roasted sweet potato shochu, providing a unique taste experience that is both familiar and novel.

Culinary Delights

In addition to its innovative drinks, Dokidoki offers a small but thoughtfully curated food menu developed by chef Daniel Maysonet. The menu features Japanese bar snacks with Puerto Rican and Salvadoran influences, such as crispy pork belly with yuzu kosho and tamarind, and a cod katsu sandwich served on shokupan bread. These dishes are designed to complement the bar's cocktails, enhancing the overall dining experience and providing guests with a taste of the cultural fusion that defines Dokidoki.

The Dokidoki Experience

Dokidoki's 300-square-foot space is designed to accommodate up to 30 guests, creating an intimate and lively atmosphere that encourages interaction and community. The bar operates on a walk-in-only basis, fostering a sense of spontaneity and connection among patrons. Open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight, Dokidoki invites guests to enjoy its unique offerings in a setting that feels both familiar and novel.

For those seeking a distinctive nightlife experience in Williamsburg, Dokidoki provides a refreshing alternative to traditional bars. Its commitment to blending cultures, flavors, and experiences makes it a standout destination for anyone looking to explore the intersection of Latin and Japanese influences in a vibrant, welcoming environment. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Dokidoki promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the joy of cultural fusion.

The bar's founders, Hada and Suzuki-Orellana, have a rich history in the spirits industry. Hada, who has worked at various New York City restaurants and bars, was the head bartender of the speakeasy Please Don’t Tell for six years and helped open its Hong Kong branch. She later became the general manager of Existing Conditions and served as the North American brand ambassador for Bacardi Rum, winning the Best U.S. Brand Ambassador award at the Spirited Awards in 2023 and 2024. Suzuki-Orellana, originally from the Bay Area, has worked in Tokyo and San Francisco bars and restaurants. He was a semifinalist on Netflix's cocktail competition series Drink Masters in 2022 and ran his own Japanese-Salvadoran drinks pop-up, Kagano.

Dokidoki is more than just a bar; it is a melting pot of different backgrounds and cultures, creating a homogenous, beautiful experience that reflects the diverse influences of its founders. With its unique blend of Latin and Japanese elements, Dokidoki is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of both worlds in the heart of Williamsburg.