It's been over 5 years since I've reviewed this restaurant! I was just there last night and it is…read morestill as good as it always was.
I was not able to make a reservation because it was completely booked when I checked their website. My husband and I arrived at 6:30PM on a Friday night. There were 2 seats at the bar; lucky us!
My husband always has the Tanteo Margatini. Former bartender, Kirk's, concoction. He had three last night. It's that good! He calls it "spicy, sweet, yet refreshing ". Spice from jalapeño, sweetness from mango and agave.
I usually have the Blueberry Hibiscus Martini. I also tried Pretty In Pink, which is my new favorite! Pretty in Pink was light, sweet, and pleasant on the pallet. Despite the lightness, still got me buzzing after 1 drink. Blueberry Hibiscus, a martini obviously, is stronger vodka taste, with lots of blueberry and floral notes. Very different drinks. I'll change it up based on my mood, haha!
To start, always Parmesan Truffle Fries. French fries are my #2 favorite food. My all time favorite fries live at 626. They weigh the portions out so you will always have the same amount of fries. The crisp and potatoness is the perfect ratio. (If you're a fry girl, you get what I'm saying lol.)
Blue cheese escargot: flavorful, buttery, garlicky, bubbling hot, soft and tender escargot with slices of baguette to dip in the yummy butter.
Calamari-- I didn't have it last night because I couldn't justify ordering a third appetizer but I remember this dish thoroughly. Lightly crisp calamari rings and tentacles, perfectly cooked and tender. I HATE overly cooked, rubbery chewy calamari. You will NEVER get that here. Yummy ponzu sauce to dip.
Tempura Cauliflower-- also didn't have last night but another absolute favorite.
I had the fish of the moment, which was trout served with purple cabbage and seasonal asparagus. (Another thing I love about 626 is their menu changing based on what's in season. You get that fresh shit!) Trout was perfectly cooked, duh. Flaky, little seasoning, not too much to overpower a delicious filet of trout. Asparagus was also cooked perfect. I hate a mushy, overcooked asparagus. Also love the touch of orange caviar on top. Mid bite, the bartender asked, "is everything tasting amazing?" Yes, yes, yes. Literally no other restaurant can ask this question.
My husband had the black angus tenderloin. They recommend medium rare, so of course we have to do it that way. It was tender and delicious. I cut it with a butter knife!
We didn't have time for dessert. We were rushing to The Avalon for a show, just 1 block away. But I will tell you my favorite is the crème brûlée. Always the perfect texture and sweetness. Also the almond cake with Enstrom's ice cream added on.
My husband and I were there on a BUSY night. Every chair on the floor had a customer. It was loud, but I was still able to have conversation with my husband sitting next to me. Despite the occupied staff, they're always friendly, attentive, warm and waits are minimal. They made sure we made it to our 8PM show on time. (We were 10 minutes early, hehe)