Victoria W.
Yelp
I wanted to love this place so badly -- amazing reviews and great vibes all around... or so it seemed. Overall, yes I liked my experience, but I didn't love it. The ambiance is wonderful--super low-light, intimate, interesting. It's nice that they have a coat check, but my friend had all her valuables and things in her pockets and had to tell the hostess three times (politely, of course) that she wanted to keep her coat with her, to which the hostess was a bit upset with... I suppose to preserve the aesthetic of the place they want to get rid of coats and things? Or because the tables are close together and it may impact other diners? Unsure. It wasn't a tight fit even with the coat there, but my friend felt a little unnerved by the pushiness of the interaction.
Our server was overall kind and helpful, but later seemed a tad disappointed that we weren't going to order more than 2 entrees/larger plates. I understand this is a spot to share plates, but the price points make it a bit hard to do so and eat a good amount without racking up a hefty bill for two people. They usually recommend ordering 2-3 small plates (approx $17-20 each and then 1-2 large plates ($17-29 each). It's not the end of the world price-wise, but I didn't get the chance to try the spring rolls because something in me felt strange paying $17 for them? I would have loved to try more.
I ordered the peanut street noodles which were a little underwhelming in my opinion. I'm a big fan of pad thai and our server had mentioned it's their version of one with extra peanut flavor, but I found it somewhat bland and less interesting flavor-wise than a pad thai. They weren't bad by any means, and I enjoyed it all enough to finish the plate, I just wasn't wow-ed, if that makes sense. My friend ordered the roasted half chicken, which was pretty good. The sauce and the sweet potatoes were to die for!! She wasn't blown away, but it was certainly tasty!
I was celebrating a belated birthday and noted it in the reservation, but they did not do anything "special" or fun for birthdays, which was kinda meh. But hey, I get that not every place does that. I just think it's a nice gesture.
All in all, not a favorite spot for me, but definitely solid. I may return if I'm in the area.