by Maria C. on PROS: Good layout, nice bartenders, funny ass bathroom guard (haha there was a guy managing the bathroom line upstairs), good house music downstairs, hip hop upstairs. CONS: I had been wanting to come here forever and finally on my last visit to NYC, I did. Maybe I had set myself a high standard for this place or amped myself way too much, or maybe it was just an off night. Whatever it was, my experience wasn't what I expected. I wanted to get dolled up and feel fab; the place was dead, the crowd not too impressive, and the drinks were over priced and priced differently with each bartender. What's up w that? On top of that, I was getting picked on by guys my height who happened to be from San Jose - No, no, no! Note that if you pay cash, you can leave your own tip, but if you pay with a card, they add 18% gratuity AND still have a tip section for you to add on... So if you're paying with a card, remember that tip is already added. FINAL ANSWER: Go! I think this spot deserves a second chance. Hopefully next time I get to visit I'm not surrounded by aggressive little boys my size. Haha.
by Harland Pajtas on Best. Dark Chocolate Covered. Strawberries. EVER. Sweet, ripe, juicy berries covered with perfectly bittersweet candy that clings even after you bite. Seriously, my sweetie surprised me with a flat of these bad boys for V-day and I was unable to stop gobbling them down until I noticed that only two remained. Lucky for him, love (plus guilt and limited stomach capacity) allowed me to end the binge and save a couple for him. Beside the seasonal offerings and daily special flavors, Amy's provides the most deliciously rich basic ice cream to be had in Austin. Even though I could try something exotic like Guinness or Snickerdoodle, I always seem to wind up returning to my favorite Ebony & Ivory combo: simply a scoop of Dark Chocolate placed next to a scoop of Sweet Cream, no mixing, no crush-ins. I'm sure even the small cup must have around a trillion calories, but who cares? Like the other Amy's in town, you'll find local artwork on the walls and a vintage photo booth for hams with $3 to burn. Pierced and inked young people wearing wacky hats will prepare your sweets, often providing a sort of variety show act while you wait. This particular location at the Arboretum offers the bonus of a large green space just steps away from the front door. Large fountains spill water down stone surfaces (sorry, no wading allowed), shaded cow sculptures await climbing, and if you're up for the strenuous return, you may even venture down the side of the hill to the swan and duck pond. Parking can be a hassle if you try the surface lot during a busy period. Save yourself the grief and use the covered garage behind the Cheesecake Factory. You'll need the exercise to offset the diet-buster you're about to consume.
