Bar Food

Mediocre at best! I've been twice. We went during their soft opening and weren't impressed. We returned after the Grand Opening and hoped they had worked out the kinks, unfortunately not. The space is beautiful but tables were dirty and there were as many burnt out candles as there were lit ones. Tea lights are cheap! The unisex bathroom had paper towels all over the floor, and we were there early. I'd hate to see the state of the restroom at 10pm. It didn't get better. Since the menu is "small plates", my date and I ordered two items as entrees as well as a salad. We also ordered brie as an appetizer. This is a total of six plates. Even though we relayed our intentions of having several "courses' to our waiter, our food came out together. There wasn't enough room on the table for the plates. And the ones that came were lackluster at best. The vegetable plate was cold as the refrigerator and we were told (snotty) that was the way they served it. Cold slimy okra with a thick curry spread is not appetizing, don't get the veggie plate. The barbeque wontons were the best item but they reminded me of an Applebee's "signature" item. I love a good glass of wine and they have a decent selection. I got a glass of a recommended "red" and it was nice. I then asked for an iced tea and was told they didn't have tea. WHAT????? A southern restaurant that doesn't have sweet tea is unheard of. I learned that the owners have had several short-lived restaurants, I understand why. Try somewhere else!

JB, the impresario who made Queenie's the most enjoyable soul food restaurant around during its glory days, has scored again with his new place in the Hab Village shopping center. How you can get that much vibe into that staid little strip center confounds me, but this place has got soul in a nice clean-lined interior. The menu is minimalist but keeps you fed enough that you can hang in there for another convivial beverage or two. Great spot.