Popular Upper West Side Japanese Bar Abruptly Shutters

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The popular and colorful Moonrise Izakaya Japanese bar on the Upper West Side abruptly closed this weekend after years in the neighborhood.

The watering hole at 774 Amsterdam Ave., the corner of West 98th Street, announced on Instagram Friday that it would be having its final night on Saturday.

"We are so happy with everything that Moonrise has done, the people we have brought together, and the community we have built over the last 3-plus years," Moonrise wrote on its Instagram. "Unfortunately, it is time for the Sunrise."

The owners added that patrons should keep an eye out for new projects coming in the future.

The bar held a farewell party Saturday night.

The tributes came pouring in on the Upper West Side bar's Instagram post.

"Forever and always the place that made me who I am," one person wrote. "Moonrise Izakaya is going to go down as the single most influential restaurant in my life."

"Noooo!!! This place is amazing, such good memories," another person wrote.

Moonrise Izakaya was also the setting last year for a funny Mayor Bill de Blasio moment, when he traveled to the bar to sign an executive order to help mediate situations between neighbors and restaurants.

De Blasio ended his remarks by leading a toast with a shot of sake, and let's just say it wasn't the smoothest thing the mayor's ever done.

Surrounded by four people who all finished their shots in one sip, de Blasio ended up needing three to finish the drink.

You can watch it in all its beauty at the 16:23 mark below.

A recovery for all of us must support our small businesses. Join us on the Upper West Side. https://t.co/bKc9UD4GXK
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) February 18, 2021

Patch will keep an eye out for any possible new Upper West Side venture from the Moonrise Izakaya team.