If I could give this place 100 stars, I would! From the outside, you would never guess what awaits inside. It looks like a small neighborhood spot, but the moment you walk through the doors, you're immediately welcomed by a charming bakery counter filled with fresh pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. Then, as you make your way to the restaurant in the back, the entire experience transforms into something truly special. The ambiance is absolutely stunning--warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed. I honestly spent half the meal just taking it all in because every detail was beautiful. Now, let's talk about the food... phenomenal doesn't even begin to describe it. Everything was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. Our brunch came out surprisingly fast without sacrificing quality, and every bite was bursting with flavor. The service was equally impressive. Everyone was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely seemed to enjoy making sure guests had a great experience. You could tell there was pride in both the food and the hospitality. If you're anywhere near Durham, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Whether you're stopping in for coffee and a pastry, grabbing a sandwich, or sitting down for brunch, you won't be disappointed. I'll definitely be back, and this has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Five stars isn't enough--this place deserves 100. read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I have frequently gone here as it's my favorite place to grab curry mussels. With that being said I came here today to celebrate my girls birthday and it was one to remember for all the wrong reasons. 3/4 of us ordered the same exact meal and I never received my dish. By the time I was able to waive down the waiter , the table was finished eating and they brought out my meal 25-30 min after the fact. I was hopeful that management would own the mistake, but when my bill came nothing was comped. I had to raise my concern with a waitress and she got a manager. Frankly I am disappointed all around by the experience. "Worse birthday ever" was stated a few times by the birthday girl so idk if I'll be coming back. If I'm going to spend $200 on a meal I at least want to eat. read more

Okay, I was so excited when I had a work meeting here to be able to try this place because I have been hearing so many good things about it. First of all, it is absolutely gorgeous. Perfect if you're looking for a spot to have brunch with friends near downtown Durham. There is also street parking nearby. I decided to go with their summer latte special, which was a pink cloud moment with strawberry foam. I also got their churro + donut combo. The churro-nut was AMAZING. Delicious - light, fluffy, and sweet! Wow - you could go there just for that. Now, the latte. It was good, very good, in fact. It was also $9. I don't know if I would return based solely on the cost for just a donut and iced latte being $16. That being said, everything was incredibly delicious. read more

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Grabbed a drink here recently and had a good time. My wife and I sat at the bar and the vibes were super chill. The bartender was attentive and the drink selection was pretty solid. I was tempted by the food menu but we were going out for dinner afterwards so I resisted :) Parking wasn't too bad but you may need to search a bit to find a spot. We couldn't find anything in the parking lot near Aaktun so we had to drive a little bit, but this may have been a weird situation because I think most of the people parked in that lot were watching the World Cup game at Mezcalito :) Anyway, overall, we had a good experience and would definitely come back. I'll probably try the food next time! read more

Went for breakfast and the food and drinks were phenomenal! When you walk in it looks just like a small coffee shop but if you go down the hallway to the left you'll find yourself in a swanky, cycladic style restaurant! I had a guava matcha and it was amazing - they use real fruit and not just flavoring! Our waitress also let us know that you could order any of the breakfast sandwiches as burritos (game changer!) read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I have been to Aaktun on so many occasions and the food, service and atmosphere is always amazing. It's one of my fave places in Durham. It's the sister restaurant to Mezcalitos and TaTaco, all worth experiencing. So if you want to feel like you stepped in to Tulum, then you need to check them out! read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Wonton tacos - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

"Part Dos - Mostly great, with a few exceptions" Food temp is major in my book. While many of the food options were hot, several were not, and I believe that impacted the overall dining experience. We ordered classic breakfast and jerk chicken lunch options. For drinks: Cappuccino and Mango Refreshers. The good: (1) Fried rice - which accompanied the jerk chicken (served hot). While simple, the slightly earthy and bitter (in the best way possible) from the braised/steamed baby bok choy perfectly accompanied the earthy mushroom, and complex soy inspired fried rice. So good - this could be a vegan or meat side entree unto itself - IMO. (2) Scrambled Eggs - If you enjoy large curds of gently scrambled eggs - this is for you. While we enjoyed the remaining options for portion size and flavor, we did note that the temperature was cool to mid - which impacted overall flavor. Jerk Chicken: we understand this is a jerk inspired interpretation. With that being said, the most interesting flavor was limited to the crispy skin. Perhaps the chicken was immersed in a salt brine and basted with a jerk flavoring? We loved the white (perhaps mayo based sauce), and accompanied pickled red onion. But baby, the food temp. Yucca fries - if you're unfamiliar - are the baby of a green plantain and white potatoes. While good, they were not hot. Maybe could have benefited from a unique sauce? Food service good. But the biggest miss was the cheese hash browns and Mango Refresher. Hash brown (cheese) room temp, and tough - Mango Refresher - too tart and not worth the cost. As far as ambience: Customers were Hip, sexy, multi ethnic , and included old and young. We loved our waiter. Overall, a little disappointing especially considering we loved our first coffee breakfast visit so much. Not sure if it was an off day or we just prefer other menu options. However, we'd definitely visit again! Brunch/lunch: 4.2 read more

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I had an iced chai tea. It was 10 out of 10 it was balanced. It was creamy. The customer servant, and the ambience was unmatched. I would highly recommend this place if ever in the Durham area.The service was quick and precise. read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Chai Tea Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I came here a long time ago for brunch and wasn't that impressed, but I'm so glad I decided to give them another chance because the half jerk chicken dinner meal that I just had was amazing!! The taste, texture, and presentation of the dish were perfect and the service was great too. I will defintley be back! read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - JERKED HALF CHICKEN - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Coffee Review Lovely location. Zero urgency from the staff behind the counter who seemed annoyed about something or someone they had in common. Very good espresso drink - coffee is roaster by local award winning roaster. read more

I did a mobile order on the road heading north....ordered roughly 25 min in advance for breakfast and coffee. Upon arrival everything was ready to go...side note I do appreciate Aaktun waiting until my arrival for finalizing my coffee order...I couldn't resist ordering the Portobello Mushroom and egg sandwich...cooked to perfection and served with tater tots which is always a plus. I topped that off for some Pan Bread for the family which appears to be a go to....de oya drip coffee was my drink of choice...if you ask me it's served fine straight up no cream or sugar...for sweets I recommend the MINIS CHURRONAS...whatever you do grab the napkins...last final thought...upon entry you will immediately say to yourself....I have got to go back to this place for dinner...thank me later read more

We visited Aaktun on a Sunday morning for brunch. We had made a reservation the week prior and were seated right away. The inside of the restaurant is gorgeous and feels like a trendy spot in Mexico. They have a DJ playing music during brunch time. We were initially concerned it would be too loud and hard to talk over, but it was actually the perfect volume and only enhanced our experience. Food was excellent! We got a breakfast sandwich, loaded tater tots, and poke. All were very fresh and well made - especially the fish dish! read more

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It is such a vibe in here! The front section is dedicated to their cafe while the back is for their diners. You truly can't go wrong when it comes to ordering here...from their Huli huli chicken skewers, Thai green curry, shrimp and grits, sandos, tots.....are all delicious!!! Don't sleep on their cafe! I love their coffee. This is yet another spot I love to take out of towners! read more

Love the experience here and the atmosphere is always great. We love the recipes. Huge thank you to Michael, he's always awesome. read more

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Aaktun Coffee & Bar is a great spot for coffee, cocktails, or just relaxing. The atmosphere is warm and unique, with a beautifully designed interior that really stands out. Drinks are well-made, food is fresh and flavorful, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Great service, great vibe, and reasonably priced--highly recommended! read more

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I visited Aaktun for this Saturday's coffee shop Saturday. There's street parking and a few nearby lots. Aaktun has indoor and outdoor seating for the coffee shop and a restaurant that I didn't see. It's super cute inside. The staff is friendly and eager to help. I asked a few questions and ordered the Churruna pastry and The Waves Latte, hot. I decided to sit outside because it was an absolutely beautiful day. I took a bite of the Churruna and it was absolutely delectable. The Waves Latte was also so perfect. I was immediately in awe of Aaktun. They have so many options, I can't wait to go back! read more

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Many reviews may say this but I admit this is THE Brunch spot. We came here for the first time on Sunday and I mean, seriously the vibes were immaculate. Music (that's not blasting in your eardrum) but just enough to keep the energy up. Shout out to our server Carlos for putting us on to the gems of the menu. Pan y Butter to start is a sweet n savory must try. Both of us went with the Bavette Saltado (*medium rare) and WOW, seriously can confidently say that was one of the best meals I've had in my life. The streak was cooked to perfection. I love a good blend of savory rice dishes and the tart of the sautéed tomato + fire of the peppers made it PHENOMENAL. I almost licked the plate. Easily became one of our STAPLES in the RT area to bring our loved ones visiting to. Parking is available in the area: street or lots (~$15 for 2 hrs). Cannot wait to return to try more!! read more

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Aaktun is a lovely, tiki-inspired restaurant hidden behind an unassuming cafe storefront. Upon entering the cafe, go to your left and walk down the decorated hallway to teleport yourself to Mexico. The vibes of the seating area were very cool, with plants dispersed throughout and a live DJ playing music. Our party of 4 came in for a Sunday lunch with no reservation and got seated right away. Drinks - we ordered different lattes and Cafe de Olla to try, all were good and nicely presented, and came from the cafe in the front. Food - Breakfast sandwiches were very fluffy and the brioche bread was rich: ordered the B.E.C. and Shrooms sandwiches. Also got the Totchos Supreme which is essentially nachos with tater tots instead of chips. Great breakfast item and the tots were nice and crispy! The star of the show was the shrimp and grits made with purple grain: the sauce had lots of flavor and a kick to it, and the shrimp cooked perfectly. The ambiance combined with the quality of food and drink makes Aaktun an easy brunch favorite in Durham! read more

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Such a cool vibe! The DJ set the mood! I loved the menu. I ordered the B.E.C. It was so fluffy and seasoned to perfection. The bread was thick soft and buttery. The sauce was a nice touch. They have a great outdoor area. The tots were delicious. My friends enjoyed their curry chicken and ceviche. I really enjoyed the cafe de olla latte. The service was great. read more

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One of my favorite places to visit! I especially love the breakfast. I've been going since the day it first opened and love the enhancements they've made to the meals to include tots. The coffee is also always creative and delicious. read more

Wow. The most beautiful coffee shop I have ever seen in my life. Did not expect to find this in Durham, NC, but it beats all the ones I've been to in California. Also comes with a restaurant and bar. My Cafe de Olla Latte ($7) was delicious and came in a cute cup! I spoke with one of the partners, who told me that they want people to feel at home here, and that's certainly how I felt. Having all the options to drink coffee, eat, study, charge my phone, drink alcohol really does make you feel comfortable. He also shared that Aaktun means "cave" in Mayan, which certainly inspires the setting. And what a setting this is. The front area is where you order coffee. It's cozy and cute. Then, you go through a beautiful walkway with string lights hanging from the top to where the restaurant and bar area is. You can bring your laptop and study in the restaurant area too though. The bar is nicely lit and decorated. Overall a very relaxed, spacious atmosphere. read more

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My sister and I share a birthday and decided to gather a group of girls to celebrate. When you initially walk in it's a coffee shop which can be confusing but around the corner is the restaurant. Walking up the decor transports you to make you feel like you're at a restaurant in Tulum giving tropical vibes and the food is the cherry on top. They were able to accommodate a group of 10 of us and our reservation slightly changed but they were very helpful. The drinks were unique and equally delicious, if you're looking for a brunch spot for your girls or a date spot, this is place is perfect! read more

I love Aaktun and have been here many times since it has opened. The place is so beautiful and unlike any other restaurant in the area- it feels like you're dining in a beautiful cave out of town. The entrance starts with a small and cozy coffee shop then leads you down the hall to the main restaurant. The inside is so pretty and the menu + atmosphere makes this a great spot to choose for basically any occasion. You can also order coffee shop items in the restaurant. The coffee is so good- I often get two coffees when I come because it's always made so well. The breakfast sandwiches are a MUST. It's hard to want to order anything else when they exist. If you are familiar with the famous egg drop sandwiches from Buldogis in Las Vegas- then you get a chance to have them here! They are so soft and delicious, and melt right in your mouth. I crave them SO much. The tots it comes with are also good and I usually don't care for tots. My friend says their burger is one of the best burgers she's had. The huli chicken skewers are also delicious and I have ordered this twice. The prices are great, restaurant is gorgeous, and every dish has been a hit. This place will always be one of my favorites! read more

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The ambience is so fun with the decorations. There is both a mini café area and a larger restaurant seating area (both indoor and outdoors) for meals. Service was speedy and well-informed. The food was overall a 4/5. The sandwich was a winner--fluffy and well-seasoned. The papaya salad left more to be desired. The green curry chicken was comforting, but would have been better with another layer of depth in flavor. The coffee and ceramic cups were beautiful. read more

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Scrumptious coffee and breakfast sandwiches!!! Stopped in for brunch on a Sunday and ordered the "B.E.C. Sando"- scrambled egg, American cheese, Benton's bacon, avocado (extra), with Aaktun white sauce, on challah bread. The bread and the white sauce MADE the sandwich 10/10. Incredible breakfast sandwiches (big & messy though, be prepared!). For coffees I tried both the "Cafe de Olla Latte" and the "The Waves" latte. I thought both were delicious and I love the decorative foam art and the beautiful clay pots that came with both. Loved sitting outside, it was perfect weather, they have a beautifully decorated space (with lots of Mexican decor and plants galore), that is dog-friendly, but it was REALLY frustrating they decided to do construction work on a Sunday (on the entrance to the patio). The drilling and hammering was SO loud; everyone that stepped foot on the patio, turned right back around to sit inside (we didn't have that luxury because 1. It started after we sat down, and 2. We had our dog with us). REALLY would recommend reading the room, and doing construction during the week (way more appropriate). I had even called earlier that morning to inquire about seating with a dog, and it would have been nice to get a heads up on the current construction situation. I was there for an entire hour and it didn't stop once. Would definitely return for the food again- assuming the outside atmosphere was less noisy! Lovedddd this spot for brunch and coffee. read more

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The ambiance is beautifully decorated with a Tulum inspired theme. The food was absolute delicious and the presentation was impressive. My group and I ordered a variety of items and we all loved our dishes. I'll gladly say that was the best calamari I ever had. The iced mango matcha was one of the best I've had as well. I'd definitely return and try the coffee shop in the front of the building. read more

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Ambiance - 5/5 (set apart) Quality and quantity of portions - 5/5 Service - 5/5. Came here as a party of 6 on a Sunday afternoon, and this spot did not disappoint! They recently opened and the space is BEAUTIFUL with greenery. The staff were super gracious, accommodating, and friendly. We had a baby with us and they immediately accommodated with tables and spacing. The food was so visually appealing and delicious! Our favorites (out of the park dishes) were the pan y butter and lomo soltado. They were bursting with flavors and perfectly cooked. We also got the Huli Huli Chicken Skewers, jerk chicken, Og burger, and Supreme Tochtos. We also got a handful of drinks. Everything was so delicious and aesthetically pleasing. read more

Vibe service food is a1, staff is great and the flavors of the food are so good curried mussels are so good. Drinks are fun and awesome

Visited Aaktun and it was a really cute spot with a great aesthetic! It's a little loud inside though, so it can be hard to hear people at your table, but it's pretty solid as a date night spot. Our server was very attentive, and explained the menu to us with a lot of detail since we were new. She went through almost every dish even though we didn't ask for that much detail, but it was helpful. The food itself came out pretty quickly. I got the pork belly, and it was especially good. Their menu is also tapas style which makes it easy to share if there are a couple of things you want to try. Parking is tough since the area is always busy, so plan a few extra minutes to find a spot. Overall a fun place with great food and a charming atmosphere. read more

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What I recommend: The breakfast sandwich on a brioche bun Aaktun was fantastic. I stopped in for a quick breakfast and was blown away by how good their breakfast sandwich was. It came on a soft brioche bun with a perfectly fluffy egg, crispy bacon, and ripe in-season avocado. Everything came together perfectly, and it's easily one of the best and most unique breakfast sandwiches I've had. It's a little messy, but in the best way possible. The flavors were fresh, balanced, and clearly made with care. Loved it here and would definitely come back for another breakfast. read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Bacon egg and cheese with avocado - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This was my first visit. We ordered coffee and breakfast at the counter and ate it outside. Everything was really yummy! The B.E.C. sandwich was very big and messy. I had to eat it with a fork and knife. Pumpkin spice latte was also good. Prices were a little high for breakfast but seemed standard for downtown Durham. My latte was $8 and sandwich was $15. More of something I'd do for an occasional treat. I'd like to come back and sit inside with table service to try some other things! read more

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From the moment I stepped inside Aaktun Coffee & Bar on a random weekday, I was pulled into a world inspired by rich Mayan history. Forget what you think you know about coffee shops; this place is a hidden gem. While the cafe buzzes at the front, the true dining experience unfolds down a hallway in a secluded, cave-like space. It's an escape, a tranquil spot where natural light spills from high ceilings to illuminate vibrant green plants, creating an ambiance so unique and captivating that I wished the designer could plan my own home. My culinary journey started with the Canela Crunch with oat milk. This drink was a delightful surprise, not overly sweet, with the playful addition of Cinnamon Toast Crunch pieces that I happily chugged down. It was delicious, but next time, I'm already eyeing the intriguing Brown Pantera espresso. For my main course, I went for the shrimp and grits, and it did not disappoint. The dish was absolutely delicious, with just the right amount of mild spice. The sauce was hearty and deeply flavorful, making for a very filling and satisfying meal. While the side of bread--Hawaiian rolls, I think--wasn't my favorite pairing with the dish, the shrimp and grits themselves are a masterpiece I would highly recommend. The menu is full of so many tempting options that I honestly want to try everything. This spot is a total win. I even bought a gift card for my parents, which can be used at three sister locations: Mezcalito, Little Bull, and Tataco. I'll definitely be trying them all someday. I will 100% be back to Aaktun--it's more than a restaurant; it's an immersive experience for both your taste buds and your soul. read more

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Aaktun - Durham, NC Aaktun is one of those Durham gems you don't want to miss. The atmosphere is fun, lively, and full of creative décor that instantly puts you in a good mood. Be prepared for a bit of a wait if you don't have a reservation--it's a popular spot for a reason! The food is outstanding. The shrimp and grits were my favorite--perfectly cooked with layers of flavor--and the bavette saltado was equally delicious. The drinks are top-notch, and the staff is friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. And whatever you do, don't skip dessert. The passion fruit cheesecake is to die for! Amazing tropical flavors, a little tart, but absolutely perfect with the creamy cheesecake. Definitely one of my new favorite restaurants in Durham. Highly recommend! read more

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I went for brunch on a Sunday. The restaurant is gorgeous and the food was delicious! The staff however, not so much. It took 40+ minutes from being seated for someone to come over and offer my friend and I a water!!! The only reason it did not take longer was probably because my friend and I were loudly stating that we were about to leave. We were found to speak loudly because the music was extremely loud (not the vibe for a Sunday brunch before noon)! I wanted to love this place because of the owner and the gorgeous atmosphere, but honestly I don't think it's worth it to over pay for the horrendous service. If you decide to order from there, I recommend you order from their coffee shop in the front or just do a pick up/to go order but don't expect your food to be on time! read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

We'd been for brunch and had a good time, especially with the DJ. The coffee options are interesting and food was solid - especially the curry chicken. But dinner was the real star of the show. The drinks are photo worthy and backed up by taste. We shared everything family style including apps, entrees, and desserts. All of the plates were picked clean by the time we left! read more

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Tropical-inspired spot with a coffee shop on one side and a bar/restaurant on the other. We didn't have a lunch reservation but still got a table (though I'd recommend booking ahead). The menu leans Latin fusion with global influences. Drip coffee was bold, my horchata latte was fine, but the sandwiches really steal the show--the mushroom sandwich was toasted, flavorful, and delicious. I had the lomo saltado, which was very delicious but a bit heavy on the sauce for my taste. Service was friendly and somewhat attentive. We'd definitely come back for the sandwiches alone! read more

Outstanding ambiance to this place! The booths are such an awesome design which provide a measure of privacy and yet with decent acoustics to be able to hear your party talk. This place had a live DJ while we were there, music wasn't too loud where you couldn't carry on a conversation. Our server was chill and not pushy or rushing us to order. The food itself was top notch. It was flavorful with a nice presentation, decent portion size for the cost. Overall this place is up there for a date night or another special occasion. read more

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The bacon egg and cheese sandwich is excellent at Aaktun! I ordered it with aioli on the side with tater tots and it hit the spot. My boyfriend got a black coffee, two eggs, bacon, and the cornmeal pancakes. They were also excellent and made up a very well balanced meal. I thought the service was great at Aaktun and it is a regular in my rotation of Durham restaurants! read more

Aaktun Coffee & Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Each time I come I love my experience. To be honest I've only tried the BEC because I love it so much. This time my friend and I shared the pan y butter and we could have easily finished an order ourselves! The rolls were perfectly seasoned and the butter was smooth and not overly flavored. My friend got two drinks and liked both. We came without a reservation but were able to seat us outside. It was pretty windy and chilly but they had warmed inflatable domes. They were very effectively warmed and we even had to turn off the heater at one point, but a nice way to enjoy outside dining. Each time I come the vibe is amazing and every detail is great, down to the glassware and decoration. read more

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PLEASE GO for the dinner experience. Every single thing on the menu was sooooo good. My cousin and I got the whole menu and just tried everything. Even the grilled romaine, which I was a little hesitant about, was SO good. Same with the ceviche, skewers, brussel sprouts and omg the main courses were AMAZING! One was steak (similar flavoring as brussel sprouts) then the other was salmon, shrimp, calamari in a coconut curry. A BOMB 10/10!!! Service was wonderful. It became a little bit of a joke bc I asked for the cocktail of the week and they were out, then I wanted prosecco and somehow they were out? But she took everything in stride bc the bar did seem unusually backed up. Wish I got the servers name bc she was great. The ambiance is soooo cute! Pictures included:) Almost perfect overall experience. read more

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