I visited YNOT on September 21, 2026, with a friend for my birthday. I came in happy and excited,…read moreand Kevin (KJ) initially seemed welcoming. We enjoyed the music, and my friend especially liked the lady who prepared our hookah--she had great energy.
Food: There was a wait, and the pasta smelled amazing while cooking, so I expected the flavor to match. I gave my salmon pasta 7/10, and my friend gave her chicken pasta 7/10. Both were decent but needed more flavor, seasoning and cheese; mine also tasted a little watery. I asked for extra cheese, seasoning and garlic bread and was told there would be an additional charge, which was completely fine with me. I received everything I requested, but it still didn't improve the pasta enough for me. I also had pieces of the aluminum foil underneath the pasta stick to my food. For $25, I personally expected better flavor and presentation; what I received felt closer to a $13 meal.
Drinks: Our $12 YNOT Late Fee drinks didn't have the real strawberries shown in the menu picture. Ashleyy added more strawberry purée when we asked, which we appreciated, but for the presentation we received, I personally would've expected around $8-$10.
The main issue was the hookah. I saw $25 on the happy-hour menu and didn't realize "Explore the Menu" led to a separate regular menu showing $40. As a first-time customer, I genuinely misunderstood the website. I wasn't trying to avoid paying. KJ explained that the price was listed and it wasn't his fault. I understood his side, but I wish mine had been acknowledged without so much back-and-forth.
I appreciate KJ giving me a complimentary birthday shot and $20 toward our bill to resolve it. However, he made a comment about not wanting to mess up my birthday more than it already was. My birthday wasn't messed up--I had been enjoying myself until the disagreement, and the interaction changed the atmosphere for me.
My friend and I also felt Ashleyy stared at us frequently throughout the night. Combined with the talking/texting behind the counter and change in energy toward closing, we became uncomfortable. I can't say anyone was talking about us, but it made us wonder if there was an issue. If there was, I would've preferred direct communication.
Overall, we liked YNOT starting off. My friend wants to return on a busier night when it's really popping, and I'm willing to try again too. At these prices, I expect good flavor/presentation, clear pricing and to feel welcomed throughout my visit. I think clearer happy-hour vs. regular pricing and better communication would make a big difference.
I came in happy hoping to leave feeling even better. That didn't happen this time, but maybe we got off on the wrong foot. I'm open to returning and hopefully having a better experience next time.