Union Square | Takeover with Shinobu Kato of Kato Sake Works

Join us to explore the world of sake, with Shinobu Kato and Joanie Payne of Brooklyn's Kato Sake Works!

When: Saturday, March 22, 2025. 5-7 pm

Where: 13 E. 13th St. New York, NY 10003

What: Featured Flights & Sake by the Glass from Kato Sake Works

About Kato Sake Works:

When Shinobu Kato moved from Tokyo to the U.S., he quickly realized something was missing: good local sake. In Tokyo, sake was everywhere- sold at convenience stores, gourmet shops, divey izakayas, and upscale farm-to-table restaurants. In the U.S., however, it was rare, leaving Shinobu without the drink he loved for hosting friends, cooking, and entertaining. Inspired by the craft beer scene and homebrewing, Shinobu decided to try making his own sake. After a successful tasting party with friends, he realized he had something special and began dreaming of a place where people could enjoy locally made sake.  

In 2020, Shinobu opened Kato Sake Works in Bushwick, Brooklyn, a small brewery with just 500 square feet, a tiny koji room, a few fermentation tanks, and a bar with five seats. They served three sake styles on tap: Junmai, Nigori, and Nama. The grand opening was set for April 1st, just as the pandemic forced a citywide lockdown. Despite the challenges, Shinobu and his small- but growing- team kept brewing, determined to brighten tough times, and the community rallied behind the brewery, spreading the word even during lockdowns.  

By 2023, demand outgrew the space, and Kato Sake Works moved to a larger location just 15 minutes away, partially funded by a successful crowdfunding campaign from family, friends, and customers. Today, the brewery offers a welcoming taproom where visitors can enjoy freshly brewed sake, live music, and food pairings, making it a place to celebrate both sake and community.

Reservations are encouraged, but not required.  Our full wine list and dinner menu are available.