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Chill decor and design, but expectations were SEVE...

Chill decor and design, but expectations were SEVERELY let down due to poor management / experience. I'll break things down if interested:

When I first arrived, the entry was very confusing. There is a comedy bar next door, and many people were getting an a very long line just to be told that it was a different entry. Same for the restaurant line next door. Likely due to a busy weekend crowd, but the exact place to enter is a bit confusing.

Once I got in, I was told that I had to check my bag for $3.00. I was meeting a party of 5 that wasn't there yet, and there was no cell service, as this is in a basement setting, so I went back up to try calling them. They were at a nearby bar, so I said I would come meet them to report that there was likely no more room for us (it was already VERY full at 8:30). I grabbed my bag and told the staff I'd be right back.

When we returned (less that 10 min later) the friendly doorman said "This is your party huh? lol" So he clearly recognized me. I was with a friend that apparently knew some of the staff, and we were told that they had plenty of room for us. Before we were seated, I was told that I again had to pay to check my bag. I mentioned that I had just barely stepped out. but was informed that I still needed to check it again and that it would be $2.00. I said that I was just told not minutes ago that it was $3. I was then told "oh, yeah. That's [staff member's name]. He always charges an automatic tip for himself..."

I payed the 2.00 fee...

When we were seated, the seats were VERY cramped. I realize that I'm a 6 ft. tall guy, but the benches were SO CLOSE to the table it was nearly impossible to get it. We squeezed in just tight enough for the outer person sitting had to "half cheek" it, and we had little arm and leg room, but were happy to be seated. The server came over and took drink orders (there is no bar, you must wait for a server's attention), and I asked if I could be on my own tab as I would be ordering cocktails-- which are the more expensive drinks on the menu-- and would like to pay separately. I was informed that they were unable do that.

The cocktails themselves were not very well priced, as I have had much better cocktails at venues just as good that don't charge a cover or a bag fee and are far more comfortable. I ordered a drink that cost $15.00 (as most are) that was flavorful, but not very strong. I felt almost nothing from it and it tasted mostly of the mixer ingredients. My friend ordered another one for me which again was good, but had no real enjoyable effect of having " a drink".

The band was very talented, nothing bad to say about them at all!
Would I go to this venue and pay for pricy drinks, a cover, mediocre service, and bag fee JUST to see them? No. They were wonderful and had tons of energy! But nothing EXCEPTIONAL.

It may have had something to do with the fact that everyone was crammed into their booths and tables and there is no dance area. Maybe 5 ppl or so can dance in the aisle, but servers are constantly squeezing by. After we asked for the check, it took a while to get and there was some discrepancy that the manager had to fix, which took a while and I'm still not sure was resolved.

While this is a "hip" place to be, It's definitely for tourists. There are much better places with better prices, atmosphere, space, and just as good live music. If I went again it would have to be someone else's treat, and even then I'd make sure it was not on a weekend. Given my choice, I would not choose to go again.

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