Ha’s Đặc Biệt, run by Sadie Mae Burns and Anthony Ha, has been one of the city’s most in-demand pop-ups for years. In late 2024, Burns-Ha and Ha opened Ha’s Snack Bar, a snug wine bar in the Lower East Side that served as a precursor to their newer Bistrot Ha that opened in December. Now it’s a bit easier to get a seat — it’s been reworked to be more walk-in friendly.
Warm and romantic — scooting close to your dining partner is inevitable (as is brushing elbows with the other person next to you). Despite the squeeze, the thrum of music and conversation, along with the constant waft of butter and fish sauce, makes it a place where you want to order another glass of wine just to hang out longer.
Though Ha’s Snack Bar served larger dishes in its earlier days, a streamlined menu and space re-emphasize its intention as a small-bite destination. You’ll want to try a lot here because it’s so good, but true to the vision, you should probably plan for more food after.