This is one of those places where the good is really good, but the bad is really bad. Let's get into it.
Pros
* My friend and I had a reservation and were seated within 2 minutes.
* The food was very good. We tried the salmon bites, Caesar salad, branzino, mashed potatoes, and asparagus. For drinks, we had the Porn Star and Very Berry Lemon Drop--both smooth, tasty, and with a nice kick.
* The hookah ($65 ) was smooth the entire time, never harsh, and lasted until we left.
* The vibe is cool and laid-back, but unfortunately the cons interrupt its full potential.
Cons
* A dress code was mentioned via text stating "upscale" (no sweats, etc.), but that wasn't enforced at all. The women were dressed up, but the men were not. I don't mean suits--but I also shouldn't be seeing boxers. One person had on a sweatsuit, and another wore a ski mask where only his eyes showed. Smh.
* It's currently single digits in NYC, feels like 0°, and this night was the coldest of the week. People (the same people) constantly coming in and out made no sense. The place is small, so every time the door opened, we felt it.
* There's a strict 90-minute dining limit, which makes you constantly watch the clock. With these prices, it doesn't make sense. I understand not wanting people to sit for hours, but if guests are still ordering or eating, that shouldn't apply. We even heard a staff member tell a table behind us, "your 90 minutes is wrapping up." That was embarrassing--the wording could've been much better.
* Because the space is small, people waiting near the entrance makes it feel crowded and like people are on top of you. I really didn't like that.
* Lastly--and most frustrating--it's winter, coats are bulky, and there's nowhere to put them. They offered to check my coat, but when I got it back, it was literally freezing. I don't know where coats are stored, but my coat was FREEZING... and where am I going next? Outside. Where it's already freezing. They definitely aren't keeping it inside, because it wasn't cold inside except when the door was opened.
This was a place I had saved and really wanted to try, but it needs major tweaks. Spending about $450 on 4 drinks, 2 appetizers, 2 entrées, 3 sides, and hookah--only to be rushed out in 90 minutes while guys walk in dressed like they're hanging out at home--just doesn't add up.
Would I return? No. read more