No. 12 - Ridgewood

First off, if you don't know where the entrance is, you will have a tough time locating it. But that's kinda what you want with a speakeasy, so bonus point for that. Atmosphere lived up to the hype, definitely got that hidden, speakeasy feel, which was great. Food on the other hand was 50/50. The ribs were tough and dried out. Not even the sauce could hide how tough they were. The lamb chops pretty much had no seasoning at all and a bit under cooked. Very disappointing. The Brie was really good and so was the pulled pork nachos. Fish tacos were excellent and on of the best dishes. They also had a paste on the specials from Stella (which I love that place) so that was an added bonus. Heads up, it is BYOB. All and all, ok place, few ups, few disappointments. Would go back if others wanted but would personally see any reason for repeat visit given in that area, tons of better places.

So the concept of a speakeasy in ridgewood is very cool. Our experience was okay but nothing to write home about. The dining room has tv screens all over it showing travel videos strange choice. The workers and waitstaff are young and inexperienced. It was solid but nothing to write home about. The food was okay but felt pretty unsophisticated for the price point. Definitely a unique experience but I don’t think I’d go back again.

1. I stood there for 10 min before anyone even asked for my name 2. There was a giant 20 party table. All booths taken and 3 tables. Only one table NOT taken. There was ONE server. That’s it. And a bartender who was consistently dealing w the party 4. We ordered apps . Got one wrong item. Didn’t get anything we ordered to start 5 then shrimp cocktail came. It was hot. Literally hot. The server didn’t understand what I was saying Shrimp cocktail is supposed to be chilled on ice and cold. It was not cooked. It was just extremely warm I sent it back 6. The chilled lobster was chewy 7. The octopus was not edible. 8. The Brussels sprouts should be specific it is a slaw drowning in dressing 9. The bang bang shrimp was the only decent thing we had We didn’t send anything back bc we never saw our waiter bc he was the only one working! Ridiculous for him! The bathroom door lock didn’t lock. I was walked in on We have been there many times prior to the change over. I do not know who owns this place or runs the kitchen. But they need to read this. Oyster choices non existent The server was young and kind but completely inexperienced and all on his own We live in ridgewood. We dine in town frequently and with friends For the amount of items and we paid we could have had a delicious meal at Oceanos felina. Park west. Roots. We were so disappointed in the food. Experience. Service (not his fault). One couple left didn’t even finish

Ups and downs but overall a nice meal in Ridgewood. They have the tables so close, it feels like you are dining with strangers we were being seated right next to another couple when there were plenty of empty seats elsewhere and had to insist on a different table which the host begrudgingly did. Funny thing was the next 2 couples that came in did the same thing! But the food was overall good, especially the brussel sprouts and bang bang shrimp (in the picture here . Cute decor. Remember to BYOB (not really a speakeasy!

This speakeasy does not serve alcohol. We were disappointed to find out upon arrival that the location was BYOB. This information should be made available as most will expect drink service at a speakeasy. The Google about page says that alcohol is available. Otherwise, overall the food was good, but not great. A few items that could use some refinement: The shaved brussel spouts had far too much lemon vinaigrette. The fish in the fish and chips was very plain and lacked flavor. The calamari was perfectly cooked and the sauces provided paired well. Get the lobster nachos, but do not expect a usual nacho portion. I would recommend to try this location if you are looking for tapas or raw bar with a unique experience.