by Danan R. on I had the chicken, chayote, and tofu with eggplant. The dishes were cooked well (marinated and stewed) but the portions were small. About 1 spoonful of each dish with a heaping mound of rice. But that may be because I'm used to Ka Man in Edison where you get 3 dishes, rice, and soup for $4.50. Overall, it was good and I would recommend trying it if you happen to be in South Philly. Just don't go on a hot day b/c air conditioning is quite minimal.
by Dave H. on Like nightclubs? Hit Circle at least once. Hate nightclubs? Skip Circle. When I was there, the place was crammed full of guys and attractive, hoochified girls. Lots of Koreans. (If you can't speak Korean, it's pointless to hit on girls.) It was Halloween, so I don't know the regular dress code, but I'm sure typical upscale clubwear is called for: no sneakers or jerseys, wear pants, etc. Stereotypical crazy loud club scene. Guys waited in line and watched VIPs go in, and the table service line apparently meant little - my friend's friend had reserved a table, and then he was told at the last minute that all the tables were taken! At least our group didn't get hassled by anyone. The line moved at a snail's pace; Circle was practically packed to capacity. Circle isn't the largest, even taking into account their upstairs loft lounge. Trippy lighting, stripper poles, platforms for enthusiastic guests - and a dancer swinging from a hoop - all make Circle what it is. Music kept us bouncing, though the idea of "dancing" shoulder-to-shoulder-to-shoulder while rude people tried to push us to get past wasn't an ideal experience. Prices were high but in line with NYC club rates. Couldn't pay for their $25 cover with a credit card - irksome - and we had to check in coats, which didn't help. Even ladies paid $20! I understand Circle feels the need to feign exclusivity, but it's laughable, especially in NYC. I guess we can assume that Circle's off-Times Square location means they're getting shafted with real estate prices? If you go, pregame.
by Tad Amacker on I've never been to a Nikki Beach in other parts of the world, but the hostess was eager to rattle off the locations of them for us. I actually had a really good experience at Nikki Midtown. I was in love with the decor . . . I think it would be a great place for a birthday party or a date. There are tables that are tucked into the corners of the rooms and white cushions abound. Rumor has it, late at night when it becomes more of a club people use the extraordinarily large center table on the lower level as a dancefloor. The service was impecable - our hostess was very accomodating and extremely friendly. Our waitress was one of the best waitresses I've ever had in New York. She checked on us often, made our drinks to perfection and maintained an overall calm and cheery demeanor even though she was also handling a really large birthday party of about 30. While I thought the menu could use more choices, the choices they did have seemed delicious - especially if tropical food fare is your thing. My two friends and I shared two appetizers off the tapas menu and two entrees and it was MORE than enough food. We actually didn't finish it all so I think it is safe to say their portions are more than satisfying. The food was enjoyable, although I thought the fish could have been a little softer and the chicken satay . . . a little sweeter. I would definitely reccommend Nikki Midtown.
