Mecha Noodle Bar — Restaurant in Washington

Me and my girlfriend drove an hour away to fulfill her ramen craving. When I walked in I noticed we had been seated near a cement wall and I wanted to switch tables. I approached a staff member who was headed to a table next to ours, With a warm hello and to which she replied “one minute”. Even though she seemed annoyed I still stood there and waited. Then another team member walks up and asked if I needed any help and I explained I just wanted to sit near the back. She nicely asked if I was sure to which I replied “yes”. She then explained that that area was not being sat due to the mosquito problem they were having. So I stayed where we were. Upon looking over the menu the annoyed server comes over to the table and offers me water. I declined due to my girlfriend having already ordered one for me. I also inform her that we are ready to place our starters. After she takes the order our drink was delivered by the bartender and our starter by another staff member. As we begin to enjoy the start we see our server walk by, collect a few sauce bottles and head to the back from which she didn’t return. So we just decided Duri was just more concerned with doing her closing side work and we moved ourselves to the bar. When Jada returned to the bar she was warm and inviting. She was patient, made menu recommendations, and also made this fire non alcoholic mocktail. My girlfriend didn’t really care to much for the dish she order and Jada didn’t make a fuss about her not wanting to enjoy the dish any longer. She brought the menu back and let her reselect another item. We decided to just pack things up and pay. While my girlfriend and I are settling the bill we are also raving to Jada about how well she turned things around from the previous service we just had or the lack there of from Duri. As we’re chatting Duri walks up and begins to gather the dishes, stacking them on top of each other, kind of in a prebus way. I notice but wasn’t fully paying attention due to us paying an talking at the same time. I look down to finish the only item I didn’t pack only to notice that Duri had stacked it with the other dishes which pissed me off. Only because she wasn’t around until we started raving about Jada and it further made me angry because the dishes she stacked, she never actually took away to the dish. She basically just came over, I feel like to hear what was being said and to give us that “hurry up, we’re closed” vibe. And we did just that. We closed out with Jada, gave a kool tip and left. Sorry to say we won’t be back but Jada again...

MECHA!! MECHA!! MECHA!!

Omg I had so much fun here!

As soon as we walked inside we were greeted with warm welcomes and immediately seated! It’s a fairly big space so it’s perfect for large groups and family dinners!

The waitstaff, chefs, and managers were all were ALL extremely friendly and helpful. There wasn’t a time we wanted for anything.

As far as the food… AMAZING! We decide on a few different items:

Kale salad: I’m not a raisin kind of girl but I must say this kale salad hit allllll the right spots! The kale taste fresh, the miso vinaigrette was sweet and tangy (I would buy a bottle lol), and the avocado… THE AVOCADO brought all the flavors together… perfection!

Hot Oil Dumplings: Give me 1000 RIGHT NOW! There were some of the most succulent dumplings I’ve ever had. They were STUFFED! Usually when it’s filled like that it lacks flavor, NOT THESE! There were so juicy and flavors. The scallions and hot chili oil combinations.. chefs kiss.

Pho Ga: This was a classic carefully seasoned pho! It was nostalgic! It had always been my go to dish when I’m sick, when it’s super cold in the winter, and of course when/if I have a hangover lol! It’s so simple but everything was executed wonderfully!

General Tso Shrimp: Yes, this was my FAVORITE dish of the day! The shrimp tasted fresh and was breaded immaculately! I’m still wondering how they did it! The sauce was spicy but not too because it was off set by the sweetness. The sauce was perfectly coated on the shrimp! I usually need more at other places but this was just right.

IN MY NO DRINKING ERA (NO PROOF): This was a non alcoholic cocktail option and it was thirst quenching! Refreshing to say the least and with fresh ingredients, it’s a great summer drink! There were literal pieces of fruit inside! Such a fun delicious experience!

MECHA Mule: The Mecha Mule was a classic play on a mule! It did what it needed to do!! Another classically made item at MECHA mad with care and executed perfectly! Top 5 fav drinks here for sure!

I absolutely love MECHA! It’s not far from me so I’ll be a frequent visitor! I’m obsessed with the dumplings. I have no choice but to return!...

10/10!

The SERVICE: 10/10 Every single team member we interacted with made our experience great. From the moment we walked in the host was incredibly warm and welcoming, our server took the time to share a bunch of personal recommendations and never let our water glasses go empty, and it really seemed like they all had each others backs. Also personal preference, but there were no QR menus which I am a big fan of!

The FOOD: 9/10!

We ordered a pork fried eggroll 8.5/10 appetizer with a vinegar dip and lettuce & mint to wrap around the rolls. SO good, especially on a hot summer day.

Red oil dumplingsapp : 6.5/10 sausage filled app with a red oil and herb garnish. Good choice but on the spicier side and a little heavy for summertime lunch

Rare beef and meatball pho: 8.5/10 really nice broth and presentation, but I wish they hadn’t cut up all the herbs and placed in the bowl personally.

Cucumber low ABV cocktail: 10/10 if you’re a cucumber lover this is the drink for you! My favorite cocktail in the city this month. Perfect balance of refreshing, sweet, salty/floral with the asymmetric rim garnish and beautifully done incorporation of the cucumber slice in the glass.

Smoky mezcal drink: 8/10 I’m not a mezcal fan, but if you like a slightly sweet, non fruitydrink with a smoky flavor, and a heavier body, this is the drink for you!

The SETTING: 9/10 beautiful thoughtfully decorated and designed interior space with a cool ceiling wood installation and warm, cozy lighting. Only critique is the TV taking a bit away from the vibe a bit (probably more of a lunchtime...