by Shelby Mulverhill on The back yard at El Rio sets it apart - and to some extent above - most other dive bars. There are heat lamps, pretty plants, and lots of places to sit. Almost a tropical feel. El Rio also has shuffleboard and pool, and a venue space. Sort of an all-purpose, everything to everyone kind of dive. The crowd tends towards the dykey (awesome) but people of all kinds gather here. The service is a mixed bag. It usually seems like the bartenders are just too busy, even on nights when it's not that packed. On weekends it can take a long time to get a drink, despite the presence of two bartenders and a barback. On weeknights, the service is a little slow but very friendly. Last night the bartender heard me telling my friend what I planned to order and brought it over without me even having to get her attention, though, so at least some of the time you're going to get great service.
by Keith Palk on Snazzy interior design: CHECK Odd modular non-IKEA furniture: CHECK Retro and unobtrusive lighting: CHECK Chic wait staff and cute bartenders: CHECK and CHECK Conveyor belt endless maki: CHECK It has all of the conventions of a cheesy sushi establishment, but the food is good quality. Not only is it a sushi bar, they also offer a wide range of Pan-Asian foods to delight and indulge everyone in your party. The Crab Fried Rice is awesome, the crab rolls kick ass, and the noodle dishes are magnificent. Drinks here are good - but beware - anything that's named after a color will probably have you laid out by drink 4 or 5... I recommend the RED or ORANGE!
by Monica S. on Went last night with a bunch o' coworkers.. I was pretty exciting that JoJo selected Bubble Lounge because it had been soooo long since I was last there - at least 8 years! Ambiance - sexy Service - super UN-sexy - the waitress must have had a rough day, I was very confused. We were sipping our champagne and famished.. placed our order - tuna tartare and manchengo/apple sandwiches.. 30 minutes later: me (to waitress): is our food almost ready? blonde waitress: oh did you place your order? When i asked you earlier it seemed like you hadn't made up your mind yet.. me- confused: Ughh what part of "2 tuna tartar and 2 manchego sandos" seemed like we didn't make up our mind? blonde waitress: ugh ohhh ok let me place it now When my blood sugar is low I get super crabby.. Tartar was pretty good, I've had better - and i was starving so I think I'm a pretty good judge here.. manchego/apple sandos - awesome. fantastic combination! We were all ready to leave so we ask for the bill...blondie forgets that we asked.. geez she needs a new job. I rate: service - 1.5 food - 3 ambiance - 4 price - expensive
