Viridian — Restaurant in Oakland

I've been to this spot many times throughout the few years they've been open. Recently stopped by a week ago with a friend during a bar hop, and thought it'd be time to post my experience below:

Ambiance - a clean, neon, cyberpunk-like lounge is how the interior looked. Music was not only a great selection, but did not overwhelm our conversation. It is a small area, so I wouldn't recommend bringing a party bigger than 6. It was already pretty packed, even on a Wednesday night when we went.

Drinks - Menu is online. You start a tab via the QR code on your assigned seating. Signature cocktails were distinct & delicious, but there are also seasonal drinks like the Red Letter event, per talking with the bartender. I enjoyed the White Rabbit cocktail, whereas my buddy trusted the bartender to make something that turned out to be tart, but refreshing! Prices are standard Bay Area-wise ($5-7 for beers, $12-18 for cocktails)

Food - solid lineup. They have an assortment of Asian fusion dishes, which have changed annually whenever I visit. Standout dish for us (if it's still there) is their interpretation of the Pajeon (or Korean pancake), but with seafood. Surprisingly filling too!

Service - staff, from bartender to host, were friendly throughout our time here. The host notified us in advance that we could only stay 1.5 hours, but none of the staff were ever on our backs regarding that time limit until the last 5 minutes or so.

Overall, Viridian is a great spot to bring friends or dates to, or even a first stop on a bar hop...

loved the modern and neon vibes aesthetic that viridian had along with some poppin music! not only were the vibes immaculate but the ambiance was fitting for any occasion (dates/friends/girls not out/etc!) - the cocktails and food were equally were as fire. additionally, their staff truly helps make the place so lively and it's truly something yall gotta experience yourself. depending on when you arrive there might be some slight wait time but it's not too bad since they have a time limit of 90 minutes or so! i went with a small group of 5 and we all had all really enjoyed the fun energy of the spot!

the tapas/food are slightly expensive but also the flavor is super unique and creative so i feel that it's worth paying to try at least once!

Khmer Chicken Wings 8 pcs. - marinated, double-fried chicken wings, cilantro, crispy garlic, basil, chili, lemon

for my drink i tried the xi muoi fizz song cai vietnamese gin, matcha shochu, ayuuk, salted plum, lemon, egg white, soda -- which tasted so similar to my childhood fav drink soda xi muoi - but with an added layer of alcohol and more hidden notes/taste of the egg white intermixed within

tips: public transportation around! (bart is nearby - my friends and i actually barted there) lots of fun spots to check out in the area perfect for friends/dates street parking is available nearby (MAKE SURE YOU DONT PARK IN FRONT OF THEIR SPOT BC ITS...

Everyone from the hostess to the server was very friendly at this place! Love the interior decorations! I was really intrigued by the Asian inspired desserts and drinks and glad we stopped by after dinner. I believe this place is first come first serve. We got our names down and must have been lucky because we were seated within 15 minutes.

This place is really easy to order. You scan the QR code and order on your phone and your server brings your order out. Be aware though, around 8:30PM on a Saturday night and a few items were already sold out.

My drink was a Tiger Boy - very very umami. It had shiitake in it (I think it was shiitake water, or that's what it tasted like). It came in a cute little glass tiger where they pour it over a clear block of ice. Presentation and concept was good, but the only thing I remember was how overpowering the shiitake flavor was. The White Rabbit cocktail was subtle. Could not really taste the white rabbit flavoring at all. The Escape to Guava Island had potential as well, but no guava taste with each sip. The desserts were impressively decorate, but the taste was a solid okay as well.

Great place overall to explore maybe once or twice, but nothing more than that for...