If you're looking for a spot that truly elevates the downtown Detroit experience, Standby absolutely lives up to the hype. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere pulls you in. It's sleek, intimate, and effortlessly cool without feeling pretentious. The lighting, the music, the overall aesthetic -- everything feels intentional. It's the kind of place that works just as well for date night as it does for a night out with friends. Now let's talk about the drinks -- because that's where Standby really shines. The cocktails are creative, beautifully presented, and perfectly balanced. You can tell there's serious thought behind every ingredient. Whether you're into something bold and spirit-forward or smooth and refreshing, they nail it. The food matches the energy of the bar. Every dish feels curated, flavorful, and plated with care. It's not just "bar food" -- it's thoughtfully crafted and pairs perfectly with whatever you're sipping. Service has always been attentive and knowledgeable. The staff knows the menu inside and out and makes great recommendations without making you feel rushed. Standby is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem even though everyone knows about it. If you want craft cocktails, elevated bites, and a true downtown Detroit vibe, this is your spot. I'll definitely be back. read more

I hadn't been home in three years, and I probably hadn't been to The Standby in five or six years.. and let me tell you, it's still just as amazing as I remember. Downtown Detroit definitely feels different now, and the crowd has shifted a bit, but none of that took away from what The Standby is. That alleyway magic is still there. Walking in honestly felt like a little blast from the past, and it made me really happy. It ended up being a highlight of my trip home. The food was phenomenal. The crab was so buttery, the waffle situation was amazing, and the overall execution across the menu was impressive. We ordered a lot, basically half the menu and everything hit. * Short rib plate: delicious, rich, and comforting * Chicken schnitzel with curry mustard: WOW. Juicy, crunchy, fresh, perfectly seasoned. The curry mustard was everything, and that little pepper on top? 10/10. This was hands down my favorite dish. * Drinks: They had brand ambassadors for Wild Turkey, giving out free Old Fashioneds, which was honestly the perfect touch. We also had a small ounce pour of a mezcal that was beautifully smoked, super aromatic and smoky in the best way. Service was great too, we had two different servers, and both were attentive and kind. The only miss for me personally was the pastrami salmon toast. I wanted to love it so badly because I love salmon and I love smoked fish, but it just wasn't for me. I actually sent it back (which I felt bad about). I think the slight sweetness, (possibly from the tomato jam)threw it off for my palate. I was craving something fully savory with a bit of acidity. I think a thicker, crunchier toast and a more umami-forward, citrusy or pickled element might have taken it where it needed to go. That said, I know pastrami-style salmon is a thing right now, it just didn't work for me. Everything else? Truly amazing. The Standby will forever be a place I come back to when I'm home. I'm excited to return, see what's new on the menu, and relive that magic again. Highly recommend. 10 out of 10. Will absolutely be back. read more

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I must say, service from the bartender really ruined this spot for me. I've spent my lifetime traveling all over the world and have never had anyone tell me "if I'm not going to order a drink can I get up from the bar". I was catching up with my good friend I ran into by random chance at the bar. I planned to order a drink, but the rude barkeep's demand soured my experience. I hope they get her some training soon on how to treat customers - as bad service is one of the things that can slowly erode an establishments success. I appreciate manager Andrew's attempt to diffuse the situation - but my friends and I felt utterly disrespected at this establishment. read more

What. A. Vibe. Came by on the Friday before Movement when many decent spots in downtown Detroit were booked up. We were able to secure a reservation for a party of 4 and were seated promptly upon arriving. While there were a few tables empty at first, the space soon filled up. We ordered a few cocktails from their extensive cocktail menu and some shareables, along with 2 mains. Service was attentive and helpful, and they had some great recommendations when we asked. Some favorites: Bai Mai Daisy: a spicy margarita-type cocktail with lemongrass, ginger, and mango Meditate, Medicate, Meditate: another tequila cocktail but smokier (with mezcal), pineapple, lemon, and yellow chartreuse. Food standouts: Scallop ceviche, roasted beets, coconut shrimp, and the roasted pork belly on the shareables menu. And the rainbow trout on the entrees. Absolutely loved the vibe here and looking forward to coming back when looking for good cocktails and food in downtown Detroit. read more

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Hide away bar that was a vibe for sure! Love it here. the music was chill, the food was good and our server was trying his best to take care of so many tables. . It was a full night as it was a Friday and it was my first time here. It's a great concept that the drink menu is a newspaper ......... out server explained the menu to us so we understood it and we ordered drinks and food at the same time. Every thing was great read more

Standby - Drinks off of the newspaper menu - New American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Incredible, lowkey cocktail bar with low lighting and a chill ambiance. Service was incredible, so helpful and checked in on us the perfect amount. The newspaper menus are so so cute, wish I took one home with me! The cocktails are all delicious and so creative and omg.... the milk toast pork belly is one of the greatest things I've ever eaten. Melt in your mouth savory goodness with crispy edges YUM. I've been mentioning it to my boyfriend like every day since we had it. SO GOOD. read more

Standby - New American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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I enjoy standby very much, but it depends on what type of night and a type of crowd. Sometimes you can get really good attention and good service, other times you won't. And that's not even really their fault necessarily, but at the same time, if it's a hectic night, you may not get the full brunt of the quality customer service or acceptable wait time you're looking for. So this establishment is on the corner of the belt. In the alleyway, if you come up, you really can't miss it. You'll be checked at the door and then you can head in. Now you can sit down and get comfortable in a seat or a table, or you can hang out by the bar. Out of all the ears that I've known it to be there, I've actually only sat at the bar. But it's fine, because you get to have conversations with bartenders and that's kind of what I like. They have some really good cocktails and pretty decent prices as well. The last time I was there I came in for a few, we all got to drink and then got a shot, has good conversation and was on our way. This is a really good spot if you want to go. Have some good conversation or do a date night. It's kind of dark and a little bit intimate, but the last thing you want to do is take somebody out and have a conversation and it'd be Fridays or Chili's LOL. So this is a really good spot to set the ambiance. If it's a good night out in Detroit and your downtown, this is a really good stop in. You have to find parking though because free parking isn't a thing, keep that in mind. But once you do, downtown Detroit is decently walkable. If you're in the area. So bar hopping would also be anything you could do without hesitation if you want to make a stop here and head elsewhere. Also, on the belt itself there's a number of other bars there if you don't know, so you could just just walk along that and be perfectly fine! read more

Standby - New American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Checked out standby following a dinner. Service is very robust, can see the teamwork to keep the guest happy and water filled. The atmosphere is almost like a speakeasy but at the same time like a club with the music. not easy to have a conversation because it is loud Drinks were great, unique AND I enjoyed the "snake in the grass" I believe it's called and I will look forward to another one of thosein the near future read more

Standby - New American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

We were so PUMPED to go here!!! We are HUGE Matty Matheson fans! (Though our waiter introduced him as Matty MatheRson...he ended up being a fine waiter). When we arrived there was a line to get in - good sign. It was super close seating and nearly everyone seated had a 5 pm reservation. We quickly realized we had to be millionaires to eat here- each cocktail was $20+ and any 2 oz pour of any alcohol was $20. The cocktails were really tasty, just 2 sips each. Each sip being $10. On to the menu: (Full disclosure -- We chose gluten free or low gluten options. Lowkey crying they didn't have GF buns for the burgers because man would we have loved to try those!) Apps: Roasted cabbage - yum! Tasted like roasted veg + pickles + crunchies Grilled wings - wow. So tasty! 10/10 recommend these (despite the vegan chick next to us who loudly proclaimed "those would be my worst nightmare!" lol oops they were delicious ) Dinner: I got the coconut shrimp app for an entree -- super good! The sauce with them was a great match. Shrimp were crunchy and delicious. My husband got the steak and frites - he liked it!! It was essentially a medium rare filet in a nice peppery sauce, fries were basic. Our waiter was really nice and explained nearly everything we ordered to us, recommended cocktails we liked and provided fast service. Though, we asked him to pick the reposado tequila for a round of birthday shots-- not a good pick and each double was $20. Overall, would not return. A few rounds of drinks and small plates were extremely pricey -just looking for value and quality for the price. I think the cocktail bar piece was overemphasized compared to the partnership with the Matty Matheson curated menu. We have eaten in Detroit with Yelp-chosen restaurants multiple times for more expensive menus, but they wowed our socks off and this place simply didn't. If they had more GF options on the menu like GF buns for burgers and maybe a seltzer or cider rather than a cocktail, it would have slapped. read more

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This is my second time coming here. The first time I came it was late and dark inside. I decided to come earlier to see the inside. I ordered chicken and fries. My friend ordered the salad. The fries were good. The waiter we had was helpful. I didn't care for my drink it tasted like ginger. Ginger wasn't listed as an ingredient on the menu for the drink. read more

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This place is nice, I wouldn't really call it a speak easy since it is in a busy alley way. The food is good, but the menu is limited. I had wings and fries, my drink was a tequila mixed drink (spring equinox) very fruity and good. There's two menus and one is fashioned like a newspaper and each headline is a drink, you can take a menu home for $5. The ambiance is nice, there is soft R&B playing, but you can hear the bass line from the music outside in the alley. The environment is relaxing aside from that, low lighting and a calm vibe. The waiter provided drink recommendations and checked in often, overall a good experience. read more

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Updating my review now that Matty Matheson (of The Bear fame) came thru and re-vamped their menu. The drinks are still on point, but Matty is a GENIUS. It's a small but mighty menu and so delicious. We tried damn near all of the (Food) menu: *CRISPY PORK BELLY (milk bread toast, chili hoisin mayo, ginger, scallion) - yo, how have I not had pork belly on toast in my 3 decades of existence of this planet?!?!?!? I want this all the time. It was a PERFECT bite of savory, sweet, acid, heat. Damn. * FULLY LOADED SWEET POTATOES (corn, jalapeño, crema, fried cheese) - Another GENIUS move. Just wow wow - it's basically like esquites ON a sweet potato. The cheese curds are also genius. Anyways, flavor town status. *COCONUT SHRIMP & JERK MAYO (green onion, serrano relish) - This was perfectly fried and quite delish but in the context of the other two shareables, I wouldn't order this again. *BRICK CHICKEN (buttery mash, pan jus) - When you have a chicken dish on the menu, it had better be AMAZING and I mean it was pretty amazing. Crispy skin. Huge portion (half a chicken?!). Delish. *STEAK FRITES (tenderloin, au poivre) - I found it interesting that the sauce for the brick chicken & steak frites were exactly the same. This was my friend's dish so I didn't try any so can't comment on flavor. Looked like it was cooked properly though! *8oz BISTRO BURGER & FRIES (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, cheese) - okay I say this in the most loving way but it tasted like Burger King (elevated) and McDonald's fries. I actually think that's a pretty impressive feat to do that in an elevated way like Standby did! Taylor - our server - was great. Super attentive and gave great recs. Also we were celebrating our friend's birthday so it was sweet that they sent out a complimentary lemon drop shot w/ candle! read more

Exceptional cocktail menu. One of the best in Downtown Detroit..But...It's too loud. Only only complaint is that the music is too loud that you have to shout to the person next to you. The place is not an ass shaking club. It would be more comfortable space if they music was turned down slightly. read more

This restaurant is on the belt and has a nice ambience for a nice dinner. The menu is on the smaller side but it seems to get updated often. We ordered a couple drinks before our table was ready which the bar service is very good. They are quick to get you drinks and anything you want. For our food, we ordered a lot of appetizers: Coconut shrimp & jerk mayo ($18), bluefin tuna ($22), hot honey chicken sliders ($16), and the fully loaded sweet potato ($15). I didn't care for most of the appetizers except the coconut shrimp. If it had more coconut, I think I would like it more but it was still good especially with the jerk mayo. We ordered both salads and we enjoyed the Caesar more than the smashed cucumber. The soy cured egg in the smashed cucumber salad is delicious but overall, I'd skip that salad. It took over 20 minutes for our salads to come though. We had asked our waiter for an update multiple times and he didn't check in on the kitchen or tell us about how many minutes. It took for us to ask him for an update when we had been sitting waiting for our food awhile. For our entrees, we ordered the Spaghetti Al Limone ($22) and the Brick Chicken ($28). The pasta was pretty good, nothing crazy, but we still enjoyed it. The Brick chicken was decent as well. I wouldn't say it wowed me but it was pretty good. I think I would just skip it for next time. Overall, I think this place is good to grab some drinks and apps. read more

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After a long travel day from we were met with 'Good news' from none other than this amazing cocktail bar whose entire staff of artist has curated an actual news paper as a menu. There is such a great art energy here that it makes one want to just stay and enjoy everything they make. Our bartenders were powerhouses in their mixology and each drink they had made individually. We are from LA and our cocktail scene is strong but never has a bar supported their own bar staff to make their own drinks and then stand behind them enough to promote them. Thats some love right there. We will definitely be back when we vacation in Detroit next. Yes thats right we love your town so much we vacation there! And it's because of very cool places like Standby! read more

Came here to start my boyfriend's birthday week off! I've heard so many good things about Standby and they did not disappoint! The shareable were really full of flavor and the drinks were soooo well made. The drink menu is lengthy and explains each drink so well. The food menu was smaller but we still ran into the problem of picking between options so i think that says a lot! Our server was Mario and he was so so helpful and kind. He broke down the menu for us and offered help if needed. The interior is smaller and dim lit for a more intimate setting. This is a great place to go for drinks and sharables with a few friends! read more

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I've been eyeing Standby ever since I booked my stay at the Shinola Hotel nearby. We were celebrating our anniversary with a night out downtown, and I chose Standby for its exquisite cocktail list and my "Meditate, Medicate, Meditate" did not disappoint. They are definitely more of a cocktail bar- only one beer on the menu which wasn't completely to my husband's liking, but otherwise, the menu is unique and covers lots of taste profiles. As for food, we loved the crispy pork belly... on this fluffy yet crispy milk bread toast, mixed with vibrant topping of scallions, ginger, and a hoisin chili mayo. We also enjoyed the hot honey chicken sliders. Overall, this was a nice experience along our little tour of the Belt Alley and around Detroit! read more

Standby - Hot Honey Chicken Sliders and Crispy Pork Belly - New American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Jenny/Jenna was amazing! Tried the snake in the grass- DELICIOUS! Not at all what I expected from a drink with mustard greens and celery bitters. It's sweet, tart and refreshing. Bites: coconut shrimp 6/10 crunchy but tasted a little bland, the Jerk sauce was pretty good. Wings- 8/10 with white bbq and hot sauce. Overall super cute. Great music and vibes. Definitely keeping on my list for when I visit Detroit! read more

Bartenders 10/10 Food 10/10 Pricing was fair for the quality. Food was delicious. I got schnitzel and my date had the pork belly. We split the roasted carrots. The carrots were an amazing appetizer. Schnitzel was huge, tender, with a great sauce. Roasted jalepeno was hot as fuck. Pork belly was also great. This place was beautiful. Dark lot but just right. read more

Had a fantastic experience at Standby as an out-of-towner with a small group of friends! This spot offered a classy yet unpretentious environment, with a plethora of creative and unique cocktails and a delectable food menu from Matty Matheson. The restaurant was intimate and cozy, and felt exclusive, like a "hidden gem," tucked into a downtown alley behind a single rustic door. The atmosphere inside was upscale and arty, but still very welcoming with super chill and friendly staff. Service was top of the line. Our meals were phenomenal from start to finish, and prices didn't break the bank. My steak was perfectly cooked, swimming in a savory, gravy-like sauce, and the pasta was such an indulgence - creamy, cheesy, and buttery with a hint of zesty lemon. The rich salty-sweetness of the chocolate cake made for the perfect dessert. I know the menu is subject to change, so while my recs here may not apply in the future, I have confidence anything from the celeb chef's selection will more than satisfy. Excellent spot for a date night, or for any small gathering. Highly recommend Standby while in downtown Detroit! read more

Standby - Steak Frites, Spaghetti al Limone - New American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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I am visiting from out the state with my boyfriend and his friend took us bar hopping. Not sure if to call it a speakeasy, but it gave a vibe of that. The entrance looked like an elevator , I really thought you were going to use that to enter the bar. We had a waiter choose for us, and he was also a bartender so he knew the drinks well. His choices were on point. I wanted something aesthetically pleasing and sweet which was check your bag. It was spot on, it was sweet but still had the taste of the alcohol lastly it was pretty. My boyfriend wanted Smokey and spicy which is what he got, tick on a clock. This drink I didn't remember what it had in it, it wasn't on the menu, but it had habanero infused tequila. It definitely had a quick to it. The last one was for his friend which he wanted Smokey and sweet which was meditate meditate meditate . The friend of my boyfriend said it had a Smokey taste and tasted sweet. Overall it was a great experience and would love to come back to try more drinks and the food. read more

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Standby is a go to for a great time. Simple design and layout but the music and vibe is always top notch. I will say it can get a little tight/crowded in there, but I guess that's part of the vibe. Staff is always super cool and the drinks never disappoint. Can't even lie, I forgot I ever ate here lol. Haven't eaten beef in 6 years, but I'm sure the Standby Cheese Burger and Fries was good when I had it lol. read more

Standby - Standby Cheeseburger and Fries. - New American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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This is a smaller restaurant/cocktail bar. It is dark inside and gives off a speakeasy vibe which I love. I only had drinks so I can't comment on the food but it looked good. They have a decent size cocktail menu and the drinks were very good. The wait staff was nice as well. This is a higher end cocktail bar so prices are around 15 ish for a drink some higher and lower. I would return. read more

Loved Standby. Tucked away In an alley, the interior is super cute and perfect for a date night or just a girls hang. I ordered the "Check your baggage" cocktail and it was absolutely perfect. I ended up having another one. They have a good amount of food options, and not that your typical bar food. The staff are very nice and the music was great. read more

Server started out great but went south after initial greeting. Never came back to table after dropping off food/drinks not even to collect payment. He had to be waved down. Sent someone else to drop off credit card slips with no copy of itemized receipt. When I left table to ask for copy of receipt there was an extra burger added to bill. Such a scam claim it was left over from previous guess. Like what? Worse service ever my wife still tip 20% because she managed FOH 30yrs. He did not earn it. read more

I wish I had taken photos--we tried most of the food menu. The arancini, fries, and chicken thighs were standouts and easily our favorites. I've had the burger on a previous visit (not this time), and it's also very good. The drinks are consistently solid--I'm a mezcal fan, and they always deliver. Service was great, and the music and overall ambiance were exactly what we were looking for. The playlist was especially on point. read more

This is for people of color. The food is ok. There is not one person of color on the floor. Not one. I do not recommend eating here due to the lack of diversity. read more

Aptly named, Standby is still the best restaurant + cocktail bar in Detroit. Whenever I'm downtown, I'm hard pressed to choose to go elsewhere because I just honestly would prefer to be here. The cocktails are consistently spectacular, and the rotating food menu is always enticing and delicious. I also consistently receive exceptional service. Top this off with an immaculate vibe, and you've got the makings of, well, a standby. I've come with family to celebrate birthdays, with friends to toast to a promotion, with my husband for an intimate date night, and solo when I just wanted to treat myself. Because of the seasonal menu rotations, there is always something new and interesting to sip or bite. A constant cocktail on the menu that I highly recommend is called the Snake in the Grass. But the best cocktail I had here was called the Black Beretta and was made with clementine sherbet and black sesame - outstanding! I also love that they have a rotating "break-even bottle" - where you can get a taste of typically pricey pours of whiskey, tequila, etc. for just as much money as it costs for them to break even on the bottle. read more

The place was ok didn't live up to the hype Food was over cooked my associate was unable to eat the short ribs Literally had to throw up Said it was a whiskey speak easy yet no whiskey and no speakeasy vibe read more

Was very nice inside. Food and drinks were great and the staff were very nice! Would recommend

Had a reservation for standby on Saturday night. We arrived at 5pm and were seated quickly. I was surprised how small it was inside, but it was a nice vibe. We ordered drinks which took awhile, but to be expected since they are specialty cocktails and everyone orders them at once when they open. We got a few apps, and some entrees for the table, some things that were good: fried deviled eggs, beet salad, kaarage (Spelling?) , soft pretzels. Not good: burger, flavor was lacking and fries had SOOOO much salt on them it was inedible. Coconut calamari - good but had so much chili oil ( or some kind of oil) that they were soggy. We ordered all of our food at once, a couple things came out first, then it was almost an hour later before the rest came out. Thought it was strange, I think the waiter forgot to ring it in tbh. Overall the trip was pricey, I wouldn't come back for food. Maybe for a drink but likely will go with other options. read more

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Great place if your party is small. Either way, you'll likely need reservations. They have always made some of the best drinks in the city. It had been awhile since we'd been back and was disappointed that they changed the burger again. Why?? It was the best burger in the city.... Is that not good enough? Now it's just a good bar burger. Seems like this choice was about change or changing someone who doesn't work their anymore recipe...not what is better. read more

Great food with exceptional flavor. Drinks were also out of this world. Service was also amazing! read more

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*** Perhaps my fave chilled place in Detroit. *** I find myself here almost every time I'm in town. Loungey, soulful vibes connect this artsy lil spot. Space is small so always make a reservation first. The 5-star dishes that I prefer the most include: Arancini ... a decadent starter that oozes comfort Beet Salad ... so good that I'm always craving more Short Rib ... tangy entrée filled with balanced flavor. Even the bartenders mix exceptionally well. #trifecta *** Speakeasy vibe w/ good drinks & great food. *** read more

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The drinks were fantastic but the fettuccine that I ordered was awful. The fettuccine itself was just only spicy - no other flavor itself. Ambiance was cute but service was kinda bad. Every time i needed water, I had to wait 20 minutes in between each service. read more

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Every time I come here I enjoy it. Great food and great ambiance. We also had the pork belly which was FANTASTIC. Would definitely recommend that as an app read more

Standby - Steak and smash burger pictured in the back - New American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Always fantastic here- and the staff is the best- I've been coming for years and years and been through changes of chef, menu, staff, etc and somehow the high quality continues read more

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Love this place!!! Happy hour on Sunday? Wow !! Favorite place in Detroit for a drink and always great service. They have a large drink menu and give great suggestions. It's a smaller restaurant but has a decent size bar. It gets very crowded in the evenings so plan ahead. read more

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Went here for a quick drink before dinner at another spot. Wanted to try somewhere new. We definitely walked past it multiple times. (Insert face palm here) It sits right on the corner. We were running late for our reservation, so I wanted to call & get the grace period. Fun fact: I couldn't speak to anyone. You communicate via text. The atmosphere is dim and loud. Staff was friendly and answered questions, broke down the menu for us & serviced us a timely fashion. It's more fancy than anything. I just wish you got a little more "bang for your buck." read more

Standby - Polaris - New American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I've lived downtown Detroit a very long time. Standby until present day is hard to get into. Today's there's a bit more flexibility on a weekday but I still recommend a reservation. Dress up if you come or cool swag. Lights are dim and the music makes you feel better. Drinks are yummy and beers are welcome. The staff is lovely. Brandy is a doll. I did come alone and was treated right. I ordered the pasta and calamari! I love the deviled eggs. I love the carrots and honestly y'all the food is great. Doris approved. 4.6 Only because in order the deviled eggs a lot and a few times they have been cold even tho deep fried- and still yummy. I do like them better a bit warmer also sometimes when empty the food still takes a long time to come ourt- not that I am in a rush! Other than that- it's beautiful and I completely recommend for a date night, team thing for work, or a girls night out. Food: Tonight I got the calamari and the pasta. Calamari is a good mix of pieces. Soft but deep fried. It's in a coconut spicy pineapple white sauce. It's good but I didn't finish the plate. I also got the pasta. The cream sauce isn't special- taste out of the can. The sage would have been better fried. The stuffing is beautiful: really yummy and the shells would cooked al dente. Just lovely, Great amount of food for the price. And some crunch on top. I would recommend. I just wish the white sauce had some bite and there was just one slice of bread. I was offered fresh silverware that matters to me: and my waitress wasn't annoying I didn't feel rushed out. She was very nice and kind to me. Highly recommend! read more

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