Walked in at 5:15 PM on a Saturday during what feels like still a soft opening. Got three seats at the bar. Service was lovely (5 ), place was lovely (chill and stylish), and the food was very good (4 ).
The price to size to deliciousness ratio on the apps could be better. They were all good but not amazing, and were all quite small (we got four apps to split between three people, and each one was pretty much three small bites). For ex, the empanada was tiny--three small bites--and the single fluke croquette was also just three tiny bites. (I think they were around $8/ea.) I wish they were either a few bucks cheaper, 50% larger, or even a couple bucks more expensive, but then two to a plate. The octopus was a smidge bigger (maybe three big bites per person) and was well seasoned, but not comparable in size or preparation to the many other places that are doing a nice grilled octopus leg these days.
The entrees impressed more (it's usually the opposite for me!). The whole branzino was perfectly deboned, perfectly grilled, perfectly seasoned (and super fresh).
The green salad was fresh and well-dressed, though a little over salted (which actually worked nicely eating it with the simply-seasoned branzino--but still, I'm a heavy-salter myself and I was pretty struck by how heavy handed the salt on the salad and a few other things was). And it was a super simple, smallish plate of baby greens with a few orange slices for $14, which I know is probably pretty average these days, but is a bit much, IMO. Either the price needs to come down a bit or the salad needs to get a smidge more interesting (and/or larger).
The burger was fabulous. Brioche bun, with a thick and well-seasoned patty that was satisfyingly crispy but still cooked to a perfect medium (though over-salted) and their special sauce was full of flavor. My only note is that I would have liked a little more lettuce.
The fries were GREAT. Big-ass steak fries that were super crunchy on the outside and super tender and fluffy on the inside. Haven't had this style in ages and they totally nailed it.
The poached fruit dessert was okay. Good execution but that didn't make up for mediocre fruit (strawberries, pears, and pineapple). Next time I'd walk across the street to Van Leewan for ice cream!
Despite this critique, I would definitely go back again after they settle in a little more--and will happily update this review if anything is different next time. The space out back (which hasn't opened yet but looks like it will in the coming weeks) is beautiful--full glass greenhouse effect. And they have beer and wine now but the server said they are waiting on a liquor license to serve cocktails soon, as well.
If the price to size ratio were a fair bit better on the small plates, this might become a regular neighborhood spot for us. But right now, it seems a little out of reach for that. Time will tell! read more