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    The Clever Koi

    4.2 (2.2k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order The Clever Koi Takeout or Delivery

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    THE CLEVER KOI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Bun Trio of Steamed Buns / (3) for $20
    Jessica B.

    Had the pleasure of coming here last week! Amazing server Gary, was great!! He definitely knew his stuff! We started off with the mocktail sideline view! They were so good me and my best friend loved them. Then we had an appetizer of the buns. The bun in the moment was the softshell crab. It was 10 out of 10! We also had the eggplant soft bun and that was actually amazing especially as a vegan option! We both got Ramen. I got the chicken Ramen. It was so yummy. This place is happy hour is amazing!! the patio was so pretty, it was a great day to sit on the patio! Highly recommend if you've never tried this place before. The food sounds unique, but it is very good when you try it! Fresh too!

    Menu as of May 2026
    Amy J.

    Service from Gary and Q behind the bar as great and they had some really good recommendations. Cocktails were all delicious. Food was tasty. If you're looking for traditional Thai food, this isn't the place for it. It's more of a fusion with a heavier concentration on Thai flavors. I loved what they did with the space, the vibe, and the dishes and cocktails. Solid spot!

    Shaking beef rice bowl
    Jenn N.

    My experience here was average, despite the hype about this being the best ramen in the city. I came with a group of friends and we all ordered different items. I ordered the shaking beef and a steamed bun. The steamed bun was just okay and overpriced for the size. The shaking beef was $23 and came with rice and only a few pieces of beef that were tough and hard to chew. Not sure if it was the cut of beef or it was overcooked. The flavor was decent, but not worth the price. Portions overall were small for how expensive the menu is. One of dining guests ordered spicy Kim chi ramen and sent it back due to very little broth and a grainy texture. The restaurant has a trendy atmosphere, good service, and convenient parking for a downtown location, but the food did not live up to expectations. I would not return.

    Nori Basil Pesto
    Zoya A.

    I loved this place! The ambiance was nice and dark and fancy. The service was quick and our waiter was really nice giving us tons of recommendations. The food was just so good, so many unique flavors. The pasta and the bun were amazing! The crab Rangoons were not super avacado-y but we finished them still! Definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area looking for some good food fusion !

    Dining area
    Sarah S.

    I have been craving Asian food ever since I moved to Phoenix and haven't found a good spot yet, until now. Clever Koi was so delicious and had some nice vibes going on! My friend and I decided to check Clever Koi out on a Sunday evening (after our first choice was closed) and we didn't consider that we should make reservations. Luckily since it was a Sunday they were able to seat us but it was a pretty small table outside on their adorable patio. There were other more comfortable spots available but they told us there were reservations for those spots. The outside chairs were slightly uncomfortable I noticed one guy came in who was very large and ended up moving because the chair was too small. We really wanted their buns -- Sunday Bunday!! But unfortunately they have dairy in them and my friend has a dairy allergy. I will definitely come back to try the buns though (you normally get 3 for $18 but on Sunday Bunday you get 4 for $18). We wanted to go family style so we ordered the vegan potstickers, the dan dan noodles and a side of orange chicken (batter is dairy free). The dan dan noodles were so amazing, flavorful and creamy. The orange chicken was also delicious -- I normally don't eat chicken but I had to try it!! It didn't disappoint. The only disappointing item were the potstickers -- they just really didn't taste like anything. Overall though I thought the meal was very flavorful and the music in the restaurant was setting a great vibe. I will definitely be back to try more dishes.

    Beef Short Rib Dumplings
    Trinny T.

    I wanted to get Asian fusion for brunch and this place came up. My first impression is how cute the restaurant is. Sadly it looks pretty empty. There are plenty of parking on the side and in the back as well. We sat outside with the nice weather. The server was nice and attentive. He refilled water too, though not consistently. Krazy fries 4/5. I think the fries were basic with sauce and short ribs on top. They were filling though. Berry berry drink 5/5 was tasty, sour, alcoholic but also not strongly bitter like other alcohols I had. Kimchi carbonara 5/5. The udon was al dente. The kimchi doesn't overpower the sauce. In fact I would hate to taste pickled and sour udon and did not taste it here. Meat toppings were plenty. Pork ramen 5/5 came with two big pieces of cha siu. The broth was herby, sweet, and fresh. Short rib dumplings 4/5. The dumplings were delicious and juicy. But the onions made the broth too sour for me. Overall definitely recommend this place for the cute and great food. It should be more trendy and hyped.

    Daddy daughter date
    Aaron W.

    Came with some new friends after church, this place not only is consistently bringing high flavor they have daily happy hour till 6 and this dad of 3 needs a little help from time to time. We all placed orders and the food began to come out as we chatted and all got pumped as the smells are intoxicating! I was only able to snap a few photos as my kids were starving but we all really enjoyed our food. I got the HH special of ordering 3 Bao buns get the 4th free my wife got the XO noodles and my daughters food stole the show though with the kimchi carbonara! I only got a little bit at the end but WHOA! Every single flavor came together so perfectly, it was an absolutely perfect dish. So glad this place continues to blow everyone we come with including us away by the amazing service great options and amazing flavor experiences!

    Desiree F.

    Passed the vibe check. The energy in the dining room was vibrant and the service was good. The food was flavorful and creative.

    Miso Shoyu Chicken Ramen - among the best in town. I don't want the winter to be over, I'll be back soon for more. Enjoyed with a Paloma
    Zvonko N.

    One of my favorite hangouts in Phoenix, Clever Koi consistently delivers excellent Asian-inspired food paired with genuinely great service. The menu is flexible and accommodating across dietary preferences, and their ramen is especially well-known for good reason. Cocktails are thoughtfully crafted and standout, with solid alcohol-free options as well. Right next door is their sister restaurant, Across the Pond, which focuses on high-end sushi. It offers a smaller, quieter, and more refined experience--and is, unsurprisingly, even pricier than Clever Koi. Both are worth a visit, depending on the mood you're in.

    Vegan ramen
    Jacob M.

    One of the things I love about Clever Koi is their vegan options, and how delicious they are. Their vegan ramen is one of my go tos while in downtown Phx. The price is right on given the portion and the amount of flavor in the bowl. The atmosphere is trendy and nice. The service is always great. My last time I went I also tried the pesto Dan Dan noodle dish, and that was so unique and delicious!

    Chow Mein with Lemongrass chicken
    Chris A.

    This is my second time coming here and it was once again just a wonderful experience. This time around, I hosted my birthday dinner here, and the staff made the day even more special. I had set a reservation a week in advance, and had no problems once the date had arrived. We were all sat immediately upon arrival, and soon we were all eating delicious food. For my dinner, I chose to go with the chow main with lemongrass chicken. This dish was fantastic! There was so much flavor, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. To make the night even better, the restaurant offered a birthday dessert, which we chose Fried Banana Donut Holes with caramel sauce. THIS DISH WAS AMAZING!! Incredibly rich, but not in a way that was overwhelming. In fact I couldn't get enough, but of course had to share with my other 7 friends. Haha! If you get a chance, highly recommend both items, but specifically ending your meal on a sweet note. You won't regret it.

    Krazy Fries
    Madison W.

    I took my wife here for her birthday snd she was so happy! We sat on the patio right at open and the weather was so nice. Our server, Quentin, was super friendly and took note that it was her birthday from the OpenTable notes. We decided to get a bunch of apps and they were all so good, I can't even choose my favorite. I recommend anything with the pork belly. As a Japanese-American, it's soooo good! Reminds me of my grandma's cooking. The drinks are well-balanced and STRONG. Thanks for starting her birthday on the right foot! we'll absolutely back soon! P.S. thanks for the dessert

    Drink Menu
    Raquel A.

    I don't remember how I first heard about Clever Koi but I know it's been a place I've been interested in checking out for a while now. So when someone suggested it after I mentioned we were going to be in the area and were looking for a place to grab an early dinner, it was an easy decision. The Phoenix location is right on Central just north of Indian School with parking around back. Then you walk down the cozy little walkway that separates Clever Koi from its sister restaurant, Across the Pond (adding that to my list of places to try). The menu isn't large, but the options all look delicious and interesting. And there are Happy Hour options. We decided to try the Avocado Crab Rangoons. Interesting, not bad, but not my favorite. Worth a try for sure! I then chose the XO Noodles and hubby decided to order steamed buns. Being that it was Happy Hour, he was able to choose a 4th bun for the price of the usual three. Good deal! The XO Noodles were tasty but I felt they were missing a little something, though I just couldn't put my finger on what. Maybe a little acid or a kick of sweetness. The portion size was good and had leftovers for lunch the next day. Hubby really enjoyed his steamed buns. He went with 2 of the pork belly, a hot chicken and the bun of the day. (I wish I'd taken a photo of the wall that listed the bun of the day since I can't remember what it was exactly.) He enjoyed them all, but I think the Pork Belly was his favorite. I did get a bite and it was quite tasty. Service was good. We had a few different people come by our table but once we finished eating, it seemed nobody wanted to come by again until my husband waved them over. We'd definitely go back next time we're down that way.

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    The Clever Koi Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Clever Koi

    Is there gluten free noodle options?

    Do you have parking for guests?

    Hey Margie! We have a lot behind our restaurant that is well lit with plenty of parking. You can… Read more

    Any plans to open back up for lunch Mon-Fri like the good old days? I miss getting that Pork Ramen for lunch.

    I haven't eat lunch there. Definitely a good one.

    Is the seafood hot pot ever coming back?

    Thanks for reaching out Matt! What a great dish, huh!? We are currently working on a Pho that… Read more

    Can I buy a bottle of the green sriracha anywhere?? I'm addicted.

    Unfortunately they are not sold at stores, but we have them at both of our Clever Koi locations! Order online through our website for fast pick up and/or delivery.… Read more

    Looks like the number listed isn't in service. Is there another number I can call?

    We called and pick'd up food yesterday.The number we called worked - 602-222-3474 Best of Luck!

    Is there still a gluten free noodle option? Gluten free options in general?

    You bet! We have gluten free. Rice noodles to sub in for numerous dishes. As well as, vegan noodles if you chose to go that route. Come on by and we can lead you through a gluten free amazing meal!

    Any gluten free friendly options? Can't be the sushi (I'm pregnant which eliminates sushi from my options at the moment)

    Yes

    Is there a kids menu or options for kids?

    Great question! We don’t have a printed kids menu, but we do have some great options.… Read more

    Do you have keto friendly options?

    Thank you for reaching out with the great question. We can make some modifications to certain… Read more

    Is lunch takeout pretty quick? I only have half hour to pick it up.

    Thanks for the great question! It takes between 15-25 to prepare your meal once it has been ordered.… Read more

    Do you have soup dumplings?

    Do the Asian dishes here taste authentic? Such as the ramen and pad thai.

    Based on my personal experience, I would say it was a play on traditional dishes, but definitely not 100% authentic.

    Are Friday's full?

    Yes! It thins out fairly quick, but during dinner hours on Friday, I would make a reservation.

    Are there any vegetarian ramen options?

    Thank you for asking! We have a very flavorful Vegetable Ramen. It includes a house made tomato dashi, crispy sunchokes, wok roasted corn & chyote, scallions and a House made leek butter. Our ramen noodle has egg and wheat as it’s components, but we… Read more

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    4.0(272 reviews)
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    1.17.26 A Tale of Two Beet Salads!…read more The first one we ordered tasted kind of "meaty" like maybe it was on the same grill as the burgers? The second one tasted "clean" or like it was supposed to taste. The Burger & Fish Tacos were full of flavor & freshness! I loved their fries b/c crispy on outside & soft on the outside. Missing their Guac & Chips Starter that was on former menu tho. We gotta commend the F&B Manager here! He overheard us talking to the waiter about the differences in the Charred Beet Salads & told us why: one was on the grill too long & he only knew that b/c he was in the kitchen watching them make it. He appreciated us sharing about the nuanced difference in how salads tasted & comped one. Wow - this is really going above & beyond: caring enough to have a convo w/ diners, acknowledging their palates detecting the difference AND making it right, b/c as he said "both should taste the same, like the second one." A commitment to excellence and consistency is a rarity. Overall, Lylo Swim Club outdoor bar/restaurant is a little oasis tucked away amongst so much greenery and beauty! Yes they have the pool nearby, but we didn't take a dip. Something to look forward to! P.S. Can the tile pattern on the bar be any more gorgeous?!

    Was super excited to come here with my friends. We decided to get 3 chairs and there were dirty…read moredishes left everywhere. You would think being outside they would have someone buss since there were bugs swarming everywhere. The Dole Whip drinks you would assume the alcohol would be mixed in but just poured on top. Service was honestly extremely disappointing usually I can give them some grace but this was just... wow! Then I go to pay and there were several items on my bill that were never ordered. Mind you never got silverware or napkins so we were using the towels. 25 minutes for a can of beer mind you. Place could have potential but would need several more servers and maybe individuals that are equipped to even do the job in the first place. $300 for actually a slap in the face and no sunburn because are seats were in the shade with dirty dishes damn near on top of us. Gross, waste of money, and just disturbing. Could not pay me to come back. In addition the pool looked so alarmed I was surprised individuals were even in it, I barely let my feet in. Update : I tried to contact the hotel yesterday to get in touch with the manager, was given 3 emails all wrong. The emails never got delivered. Call the Lylo Swim Club this morning and spoke with Paul Epstein.... oh my actual god good luck. So extremely rude not helpful at all no wonder on his LinkedIn he switches jobs every few months. Some things he told me on the phone.... 1. That the dishwasher/busser was going around every 20 minutes and grabbing dishes... Wrong I saw him once 2. Explained to him that the drinks tasted like they were poisoned. He said what do you expect when you order alcohol. 3. he asked why I didn't grab a server. There were two and I saw them maybe three times only when they were delivering wrong food. He then told me that they were overstaffed yesterday pathetic. On top of that he said everyone was going there to get the dole whip drinks because of TikTok. I'm glad other people could enjoy them, but you would think since he works in the restaurant industry he would have grace for others when its impossible to please everyone. That I understand but with all of these things that went wrong a discount should have been applied. I've never experienced someone so rude and uptight. I can't even imagine someone having a bachelorette party or a birthday there I would be embarrassed to have my friends or anyone I know being in contact with this place or Paul. good luck to him.

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    Ledu Thai - Chicken Pad Ki-Mo

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    4.5(44 reviews)
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    From the moment we stepped into LeDu Thai, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance that…read moreperfectly set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The soothing decor and soft lighting created a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a delightful meal, especially on an unseasonably hot day. We began our culinary journey with the Larb Mushroom appetizer, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The dish featured succulent oyster mushrooms tossed with roasted rice powder, fresh mint, shallots, cilantro, and a vibrant chili-lime dressing. Each bite was a refreshing explosion of flavors, combining the earthy richness of the mushrooms with the zesty brightness of the dressing. It was light, refreshing, and a perfect precursor to the meal ahead. For her main dish, my wife chose the Pad Z U, an outstanding selection that showcased sautéed broad noodles, crispy fried tofu, and Chinese broccoli, all enveloped in a delectable sweet soy sauce. The noodles were soft and chewy, creating a delightful texture that harmonized beautifully with the vegetable medley and tofu. The heat in the dish was skillfully balanced, providing just enough kick without overwhelming the palate. My wife couldn't stop raving about it! I opted for the Kua Kling, and it truly was a star of the evening. This spicy stir-fried minced chicken was enriched with fragrant curry paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, resulting in an aromatic dish that was accompanied by tender long string beans and the unique Sadtor beans. The flavor profile was complex and enticing, with each ingredient complementing the others in a delightful dance of spice and freshness. It was a dish that not only warmed my belly but also left me craving more. What elevated our experience even further was the attentiveness of our server. With a genuine smile and a welcoming demeanor, they offered excellent recommendations and ensured that we were well taken care of throughout our meal. Their knowledge of the menu added to our enjoyment, making the dining experience even more memorable. Overall, LeDu Thai is a culinary treasure that I cannot recommend highly enough. Each dish was exceptional, bursting with flavor and crafted with care. The combination of delicious food, attentive service, and a cozy ambiance makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable Thai dining experience. We can't wait to return and explore more of what their menu has to offer!

    Wow! We had the best dining experience at Ledu! It was amazing! The service was incredible. What a…read moredarling restaurant and environment, the atmosphere was a vibe. My daughter and I shared the Som Dtam Tod /which is a crispy papaya salad and the beef Pad Z U. The Som Dtam Tod was absolutely amazing. It's a dish I'll be thinking about forever. It was so unique and so flavorful! The Pad Z U was the best I've had! We ended the evening with their burnt toast with salted caramel ice cream with honey syrup. It was out of this world. I went with a party of 8 and all of us absolutely loved it! I can't wait to go back. 10/10

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    Cool lav!

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    Bar 1912 - Avocado Mule and forest

    Bar 1912

    4.4(71 reviews)
    0.6 mi
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    came here for a nightcap w my brother and sister-in-law! this is one of my fav spots to hit in the…read morevalley, they have the best (sonoran-inspired) drinks. there's truly something for everybody. for drinks, my brother got the hot champurrado (basically a spiked hot chocolate, one of my favorite cocktails on the menu, if not ever), my sister-in-law got their whiskey sour (delicious & refreshing), and i got the baja-blasted high baller (mezcal based, mountain dew, there was something else but i can't remember, and an "electric sugar" rim - SO! GOOD! inspired by taco bell's baja blast hahahah). they TREATED us to all three of their current desserts on the menu. it was the most pleasant surprise i could've imagined. my favorite was the flourless chocolate cake! it was like a thick, rich brownie, had passion fruit cream to "lighten it up" and a caramel-like taffy on the bottom my brother and sister-in-law both said their favorite was the gulab jamun (which is basically like little fried dough balls/donuts, influenced by indian flavors and spices). the mille-feuille was also fantastic - the pastry was light and airy, cream wasn't too sweet and also very light, shaved cheese on top made it have a savory bite, and the jam alongside it was strawberry rhubarb. service is always amazing, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable; it seems like everybody working here truly enjoys it. quite literally already have a reservation booked at valentine and will be coming back here beforehand. update: came back for more drinks (fernet & coke, spaghett western, negroni) and their lamb flauta. all AMAZING! and amazing order to whet the appetite before dinner at valentine.

    Second time visiting this bar. To be honest the first time left a lot to be desired. It was about a…read moreyear ago so the details of what we didn't like have been forgotten. Regardless, we gave it another shot and we were much happier the next go around. Record players in the corner and a fireplace on the opposite side of this dimly lit bar created a cozy vibe on a chilly Saturday night. We arrived right at opening and the bar filled up quickly but the volume still made it easy to have a conversation and still have an intimate night out. The drinks, this time, well balanced and delicious. My wife had the the Pantera Rosa and I had the Last Word. Both were delicious and not overly sweet. I love a good "Last Word" but the tea added a welcome and subtle layer. A nicely created cocktail without shaming the original. Servers were attentive, constantly filling up water, and making sure we were well taken care of. We will be back!

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    Valentine - Squash Sticky Bun

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    4.3(575 reviews)
    0.6 mi
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    I was really excited to bring my parents here while they were visiting from out of town, as I've…read morealways thought the food at Valentine is fantastic and genuinely unique. We arrived without a reservation and were told the wait would be about 25 minutes, which was totally reasonable. We waited the full time and checked in once, only to find the wait continuing to extend while several outdoor tables sat open. When we politely asked about our table, the host (a woman with glasses) responded with a noticeably rude and dismissive attitude. At one point, she muttered under her breath something along the lines of, "If you guys are so anxious... you can head over there," which multiple people in our group heard. It felt completely unnecessary and unprofessional. We were eventually seated at a table that was partially in direct sun, and when we asked about moving to one of the shaded tables, we were told they were unavailable and "reserved". However, those tables remained empty for over 30 minutes, which was frustrating given the situation. To be fair, there was another older woman on staff who was warm, attentive, and fantastic, and the food itself continues to be a highlight. The menu is creative, thoughtful, and one of the reasons we've come back multiple times. That said, this isn't the first time we've experienced service issues here, and it often feels like the restaurant is understaffed, which may be contributing to the inconsistency. I really want to love this place and continue recommending it, but experiences like this make it hard. Great food can only carry things so far when the hospitality side feels off. It's one thing to occasionally be understaffed (I understand people call off in this business) but there's a consistency here which points towards management issues and then on top of it, when your hostess is unnecessarily rude, that's a real bummer. We live in the Willo nearby and I don't think we're going to keep coming here if this restaurant allows the constant service issues and the rude staff like this.

    I absolutely loved this restaurant. I'm visiting Arizona from out of state and I'm so glad we came…read morehere. The food feels local yet innovative and most importantly, everything was delicious. Octopus: 5/5 The best octopus dish I've ever had. My seven-year-old son kept asking for more and more. Pretzel: 4/5 The whipped butter and honeycomb paired perfectly with the pretzel. If you're a pretzel lover, you'll really enjoy this. Gem Salad: 5/5 Fresh, bright, and lightly dressed with a subtle mustard flavor. Elote Pasta: If you love Mexican street corn, this playful pasta dish is a fun take on it. Charcoal Cabbage: 10/5 Incredible. The flavors were so unique. It tasted kind of like black garlic. Absolutely unforgettable. Pesto Sundae Dessert: 5/5 So creative and innovative. Fun play on pesto. I've never had ice cream made with pine nuts before and loved it. The basil granita was incredibly refreshing. Service: 10/5 I wish I had gotten their names, but our server (a boxer) and the hostess with long brown hair were fantastic. Truly warm and welcoming service.

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    0.9 mi
    $$

    I first came across Don Woods' Say When reading a Yelp article listing out the best rooftops in…read moreeach state. Don Woods was Arizona's pick. For quite a few months, I had it on my list to visit. I finally made things happen on a Wednesday evening for a drink. Located on the roof (of course) of a boutique hotel, I find free parking in the hotel's parking lot. While it was a busy parking lot, I was able to find a spot. Unfortunately, my night consisted of a comedy of errors. Ambiance (3/5): When you think best rooftop in the state, you're thinking scenic and peaceful views. Don Woods' certainly has that, though I've seen better in Phoenix. You can see the mountains in the background, but that's about it. The hotel is located on a busy street, where you'll often hear the noise of cars buzzing by or the train choo-chooing. Did I just make up a word?! I imagine the best time to stop by is during sunset. The outdoor area is relatively narrow with seating for about 20-30 people. It's a mix of comfortable seats and tables/chairs. There's also a charming indoor area, where the bar is located, but I felt like I had to sit outside. The weather was perfect, too. Service (2.5/5): This is where the comedy of errors began. I was given a menu and some water and was left to peruse the menu. Before the waitress had returned, I had picked out an appetizer and a cocktail. I then discovered that their cook had quit the other week and as a result, no food was available. That's fine and all, but you've gotta give me a heads-up when giving me the menu. That way, I wouldn't have spent the time to look over the food menu and get my heart set on a particular dish. On a better note, they have free WiFi. And service was overall friendly and pretty efficient. Food (N/A): While I was unable to order some food, on most nights, they have a small menu of small plates. More of a snack type of spot then a full meal type of establishment. Drinks (3/5): Don Woods is know for its cocktails and they have a list of 10 or so craft cocktails. Plus, beer, wine, and the typical options that you would find when there's a full bar. I feel like the bartender messed up the proportions on my cocktail as it was a bit rough. One drink and I was out. It seems like Don Woods' is experiencing some turnover which is leading to some mishaps. Combine that with some high expectations given the accolades they won, and it was the recipe for a disaster. I love a good rooftop bar, so I was hoping for more at Don Woods' Say When. Even the lobby of the hotel was experiencing issues. They sell popsicles in the lobby but the guy temporarily manning the front desk didn't know how to get their Square device working. Which ended up meaning no appetizers for me at Don Woods and no popsicles from the lobby. Two strikes. We live to fight another day.

    At the Say When Rooftop Bar, we enjoy the complementary cocktail. Not sure what it was but it was…read moredelicious with passion fruit and vodka. The service was not so good. Our food ended up at another table and vice versa. When we got the Mini Pizzas, they were very tasty and a great little snack between lunch and dinner.

    Photos
    Don Woods' Say When - Cocktail

    Cocktail

    Don Woods' Say When - View from rooftop

    View from rooftop

    Don Woods' Say When - View from the bar

    See all

    View from the bar

    The Clever Koi - asianfusion - Updated May 2026

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