The Choosy Chow
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Some restaurants lean into a theme, but Lamp & Shade lives it. From the quirky lampshade décor to the gorgeous mural on the wall, the atmosphere feels both stylish and playful, like stepping into a space designed for good times.
I came here on a mission: their Negroni. As a true Negroni lover, I had high expectations, and wow, it easily slid into my personal Top 5. Perfectly balanced, bittersweet, and bold enough to earn its spot. That alone would have made my day.
But Lamp & Shade isn’t shy when it comes to cocktails. The Melon Dollar Baby (watermelon, cucumber, mint, gin, and a cheeky Red Bull Watermelon kick) was fun and refreshing, but the second round stole the show. The White Kimono, delicate, herbal, and lightly floral with Thai basil and elderflower, was dreamy. And the Zen & Tonic with shiso and Aviation gin felt like a polished, elevated twist on a classic.
Since it was “brunch,” we dove into food. The chicken and waffles hit every note: perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken on fluffy waffles that made the sweet-and-savory combo shine. I also had the sliders, fried egg, applewood bacon, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle aioli, messy in the best way and absolutely delicious.
Service sealed the deal. Our server was warm, welcoming, and genuinely enthusiastic. She walked us through specials and even invited us back for their Thursday all-night happy hour (4 p.m. to close). She wore a necklace with her name on it, which I noticed, but I still can’t remember her name, and I wish I did, because she truly made the visit unforgettable.