886 — Restaurant in New York

I really wanted to try this place as I've been wanting a good Taiwanese restaurant in NY Metro for a while. Many of the "old school" Taiwanese places I had when I was young are all either moved to SoCal or retired/closed. I go to Taiwan every year so I do get to enjoy the real deal over there. I really wanted to like this place... But it really seems like it's not a place to get that authentic "old school" nostalgic flavors. It's like an Americanized hipster version cobbled together with ingredients from Sysco. Add the fact that the place was extremely loud didn't really have the might market vibe the were going for... People in night markets don't talk that loud and scream laughing over loud music. The pea shoots when served hot should not have those tofu skins. The was too much chopped garlic in the dish... It should be either minced or puree'd. Served cold to be a proper Xiao cai style. The oyster omelette didn't have enough oysters, too much egg, and the sauce was way too much like ketchup. There also wasn't enough or the correct veggies in the mix/ratio. The best ones in Taipei are almost runny when hot... Gooey with starch with freshness from veg and a burst of umami from the lots river oysters. I know it's impossible to get those oysters here but still, you can control those other aspects. The red sausage tasted more like a hot dog and didn't have the right spices and meat mixture. The glutinous rice was also not seasoned correctly, it should have fried shallots or shrimp to again kick up the umami. So the best dish was the blood sausage, but even that missed the mark in key details. The peanut powder should be crushed fine into almost a powder not have those large chunks. You don't use a blender to make that, but a purpose built mill/grinder. It should also have cane sugar. If it's good then the sauce should not be necessary and it was over sauced as if they were trying to mask the dish. Insert disappointed Hercules meme here This place has potential but the dishes need to be redone for me to recommend or come back. It's a shame other regional cuisine actual gets authentic representation in NY Metro but not Taiwanese. This attempt falls short. Also minor gripe, add hooks for bags/purses/costs. Sure, it's night market vibe but even those places have...

First impressions are lasting impressions, and that's exactly what 886 did for me tonight.

Upon arrival, I was seated with my friend almost immediately. No wait time at all when we went. Immediately get an aesthetically pleasing water vase, and cups, along with clean utensils and plates.

The menu is simple, and pleasing to the eye. Easy to pick out what you want, without having to take 900 years to look through a huge menu. This menu is to the point, and just helps anyone who usually might be indecisive.

Since it's a simple menu, I felt that the food we had ordered came out exceptionally good. A lot of attention to detail, taste and texture. It was enjoyable to look at and filling!! I had a full stomach and it was great.

The atmosphere is club-like. Dim lighting with some colorful strip lights. Super cool, in my opinion. There are also mahjong tables on the ceiling, so make sure to look up!! I liked how the bathroom was super clean and well maintained, very unique. By far one of the best bathrooms I have seen at a restaurant yet. Unfortunately it's only one stall, so make sure you go before a line develops.

The seating is a bit uncomfortable. I was at this location for about an hour and a half or so, and my bottom felt numb after a while. The seats are these plastic high stools, which is interesting but not the most comfortable.. might want to bring a cushion. Tables are small, so beware, you may knock something over if you aren't careful. Seating is limited and can be hard to move around in when it gets crowded. Try to go before the dinner rush if you can.

Overall, I had a really nice time. Food was great, staff was friendly and attentive. Aesthetics were 10/10. Just need to improve the seating arrangement, as well as maybe adding some cushions in the seats. I highly recommend 886. You won't be...

Went to 886 on the night of their soft open and had a great time. Really friendly staff-- shout out to Stephanie who was the host and super accommodating. We actually tried to go the week before the soft open when they weren't open and she made sure we had a reservation for the following week. They didn't have their liquor license yet so she hooked us up with a spot across the street where we could purchase wine and put it on ice for for us.

My wife was a little late but she let me hang out at our table and preorder without issue.

We ordered the cucumber salad and tomato & egg to start. The cucumber was elegantly plated and tasty. The cucumber is cut into long thin ribbons and wrapped in a disc shape. It had a little spice which was nice. I did find the ribbons a cumbersome to handle and eat because they were so long. The tomato and egg defied expectations. It was rich and flavorful and felt homey (this will be a recurring theme). There was an issue with our first tomato & egg and it was taken care in a flash with grace, and removed from the bill. A sign of great service!

The La Bo Beng pork dish was fantastic. It won't knock you over with assertive flavor but it is an umami bomb. It felt like comfort food. Super rich with a silky mouth feel.

The sausage party was a cool dish. With a slightly sweet sausage, it was a good way to warm up to the rich La Bo Beng. This, too, had a playful presentation. This dish, however, could have used more assertive spice. It's labeled as spicy on the menu but did not live up to the billing; it suffered a bit as a result.

We also had the Danzai Mian which was solid. The noodles can flavor and were tender, it came with shrimp and pork and some broth.

The space is nice and they play good upbeat music, Drake, etc. overall a good spot that will definitely get some...