I've been wanting to introduce my youngest to Bubble tea, and recalled that this restaurant was easily accessible. Ordering was frustrating, the menu is not clear about allergens. Due to this, I opted to order in person, not from their gigantic tablet/ order-online device, hoping I could glean information about what was in "milk tea" and if there was a non-dairy alternative. He didn't know, couldn't explain, finally admitted they don't have milk alternatives, but then said the milk tea isn't real milk, it's something he could neither explain nor understand.
Nevertheless, my son choice milk tea with Strawberry boba. He likes the first sip, than tasted the very fake strawberry taste of the boba and turned up his nose. A somewhat waster $6 adventure into something new. But it's always great to try new things. My tea, again I asked for a little guidance, trying to he very quick "which would go better with 'Lemon Tea' lychee boba or tapioca. He said he didn't really know, it depended on what I liked. It wasn't rude, but wasn't helpful and I WAS trying to hurry, counting on staff to be the best experts...they can definitely grow their staff training regarding their menus.
While we awaited out drinks, I couldn't help but notice that they were either much busier than expected that day, or just struggling as a crew. There was confusion about which order a meal belonged to, and what was going to an Uber Eats driver. No one was communicating, and I surmised that either it's a rookie crew or perhaps one with workplace tension. They staff didn't look miserable, like a certain fast casual chain in Henrietta NY, but they seemed overtaxed/overburdened in comparison to the demand (God bless them for continuing in this field - it's so needed, yet so stressful. It just makes me wish for something to change so that retail and food service companies could be properly staffed in America). Two women with separate orders seemed like they had been waiting a bit longer than expected for their small orders (could be the large UberEats order :/ ) I enjoyed chatting with my son and had decided not to be rushed, but if I were truly in a hurry, late afternoon on a Saturday is not an ideal time to get in and get out fast. But again, it's a great place to have a tea ior entree with a book. It's seating is broken up, unique table arrangements, etc. And it's neither too bright or too dim inside. It has a lot going for it, and I likely caught TaiChi on a too-busy day at it's worst time.
All that said, the ambiance was peaceful, my 10 yr old enjoyed the faux plants integrated into the design and aesthetic. We opted to sit outside, in one of the numerous tables they had free. It was an unusually warm day for April. They have an outdoor couch my son wanted to use, but it was stained and soggy looking, too. Just didn't feel clean and ready for use. But otherwise the tables were clean and the chairs conveyed the plant/asian fusion atmosphere from 8naide and we enjoyed chatting over --my-- drink. My Lemon Tea (with green tea, strawberry topping and lychee fruit boba) was ok, but not worth the line and cost. If I felt confident a staff could steer me more towards what I like with a little quick assistance ( simple knowledge of the products) I'd definitely try again. The food menu was intriguing, and I'd definitely go back to try the food. For now though, I'll likely try another, more highly rated Bubble tea shop, before pursuing that...
Read moreAYCE KBBQ restaurants are my favorite restaurants and I was excited that one had opened up in Rochester. I’ve done AYCE KBBQ in SF, Atlanta, NYC, etc so I am comparing this restaurant to those.
Negatives: Just based on the price point given the available options, this place is severely overpriced compared to other places. There is a very limited meat menu. Most legit places include will include Kalbi in the AYCE menu. Also the 2 meat limit is the lowest I’ve ever seen. There is no other AYCE KBBQ that will charge you for more dipping sauces (my wife and I finished the sauces). Very limited bonchon sides. Grill doesn’t get super hot so cooking times are increased (not sure if this is intentional).
Positives: My wife and I were the first customers of the day on a weekday, which we intentionally planned for. We had a new waitress but she was attentive so we didn’t have to wait long between meat orders. Meat was well seasoned. Sauces were good. Only AYCE KBBQ option in the area.
Overall: I came in with low expectations but had a good experience. I think a large part of this was the fact that we only had 2 in our party and we were the only customers doing AYCE KBBQ at the time. Given the 2 meat limitation, extra sauce charge, and time limit I would not suggest going with a party of more than two and I also would not go during peak dinner times - I can imagine a frustrating dinner experience. I think it’s a good experience for first timers to KBBQ, but people who have done AYCE KBBQ elsewhere might be disappointed. It was a good experience but I probably won’t be returning for a...
Read moreThe people here are the best!!! I have never experienced a better customer service experience. This was a new place for us, my husband, our daughter and myself. From the moment we entered we were greeted. The gentleman that assisted my daughter with making her order was very patient as my husband asked him 101 questions and while my daughter tried the decide on a drink combo (what flavor smoothie with what flavor boba) to go with her wrap. We finally placed our order, only our daughter decided to try the food. She was so impressed that my husband tried it and liked it. We turned back to get two more wraps and another mango smoothie. We went outside to eat and just after we cleaned up, a guy walked past and asked if we have any food. My husband asked if he wanted to go in and order something. They go in and I follow, knowing my husband left his wallet in the car. I pulled out my card to pay as my husband said, "I'll be right back, my wallet..." Just then, the cashier said, "it's ok, it's on the house." They were truly the nicest group I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. If for no other reason, I would go there...
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