Daniel M.
Yelp
Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover:
A phase commonly used to describe something that's rough around the edges but turns out to be a hidden gem, but I wish I could say that's the case for this place.
The atmosphere is really cool, very modern and has a clean layout with good music. Bar is giant, displaying lots of high end liquor.
BUT.
The food and the service just does not ring that bell.
I had 2 beers (best thing I had there), 2 of their Jinya buns (cold and soggy), and the Premium Tonkastu Red. For the Ramen you're asked to choose your spice level between 1 and 10, I chose 4 because I like a little excitement in life but not trying to burn my mouth off. Boy was I way off. Came out in reasonable time but was so spicy I couldn't eat more than 10 bites (And to be clear, I love spicy food).
As for the service, I got there around 5 or 6pm at the beginning of the week, was informed that the bar is seat yourself type of situation. Found my seat at and empty bar, ordered my beer and asked for a food menu shortly there after. Unfortunately that was not the same rapid response to actually getting me the beer or the menu. It took about 15 mins to for just the beer and another 5 for the menu. I could see the bartender was working off cheat sheets to make drinks, I get it, I worked as a bartender for many years and have sympathy for those just starting out. But I feel like you know it's bad when the managers don't even know where things are in the bar.
I almost got their attention to tell them to finish what's infront of them right there and then.
All in all, it would have been great if it was a long wait for an amazing meal, but unfortunately that was just not the case. Really disappointed but will be going back to try a 1 spice level ramen and plenty of beer.