Wayne Z.
Yelp
Interesting spot tucked away in a shopping center. Ample seating from a bar area right at the entrance to the main dining area in the back with a "view" of the surrounding area as it sits a bit elevated. Felt a bit warm/humid inside but fortunately only 3 other tables a little after 7 on a Thursday (3 more came in before I left).
Came in after reading recommendations on the best spot for XLB in greater Dallas area. I got an order of XLB, marinated duck, kao fu and sautéed bok choy seeking an authentic Shanghai experience. Service was meh, mostly prompt and friendly at least, place appeared clean and organized inside. Food started coming out 10 min after ordering. Kao fu came first and was warm, quite honestly would've preferred cold as the reheat caused it to become a bit tough and rubbery vs the airy and crisp texture it should be (and more likely to be without additional reheating after initial cook) - 3/5.
XLB was next to come out and while some ginger slices were in a dish that was brought out, I had to specifically ask for traditional black vinegar as only white vinegar. Calamity struck shortly after however, while the container was marked vinegar, was actually filled with soy sauce, big L there and almost completely ruined a XLB. Order came out with 8pc and tbh probably the best I've had in the states, rivaling that of a much more expensive offering at Ding Tai Fun. Very thin wrap, delightful soup inside and a nice filling also. Easily 4/5 and would've been 5/5 if not for the vinegar/soy sauce mishap. (Could also afford to be less stingy on the ginger slices).
Bok choy came out 3rd and was largely pretty solid. Main complaint in that it was lazily cut and retained way too much of the tough stem. 3/5
After 30 min and no duck I had to ask one of the waitstaff who was standing around with another just chatting. It did come out hot 5 min later and sauce and taste on point, very tender also. Serving size was very much a snack/appetizer portion and it was really just a leg cut up with a tiny bit of the thy, a lot of small bones and whatnot to work through. 4/5.
Lastly, rice was a bit undercooked so I had maybe 2 bites and left it alone.
Overall a nice spot with tasty and authentic food. Staff and service could work on attentiveness especially when the place sat mostly empty.
I wouldn't hesitate to come back and feast out on XLB alone.