Bar Moga

Oct 25, 2017

The moga, or “modern girl” emerged in early 20th century Japan. Likened to America’s flappers, moga were financially independent, followed westernized fashions and chose their own male suitors. Condemned by critics for being “unnatural” and “frivolous,” these female archetypes were the embodiment of empowerment and hedonism.

Bar Moga pays homage to this modern girl model. Located in the West Village, the space serves beautiful Japanese-inspired craft cocktails with a femme-friendly ethos. The bar was founded in part by Becky McFalls-Schwartz — a protégé of mixology veteran Sasha Petraske — who also designed some of the cocktails.

Many of the wines and spirits on the menu are female-produced, and sales from their "Moga cocktail" benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation as well as the ACLU. The namesake drink is definitely not your typical girly cocktail, with whisky, bitters and aged plum liqueur.

Along with the drink selection, the menu is filled with Japanese takes on american comfort food or yōshuku. A refreshing far cry from typical bar fare, the dishes include Omu Rice, Hamburger Steak, Fried Prawn and Curry Doria. Between the cross cultural libations, the beautiful bar covered in retro decor and the permeation of female empowerment, who wouldn't want to stop in on their night out?

© 2017