Okay, Nancy's Hustle is officially a HIDDEN GEM!…read more
I chose this place for dinner based on a recommendation, and it absolutely did not disappoint. This was the dinner portion of a first date, and the vibe was PERFECT.
First things first--Nancy's Hustle is kind of tucked away, so you need to know where you're going. Map yourself there and pay attention because you could easily pass right by it. But once I opened that door... YES!
It's a small, intimate restaurant with low lighting, a bar, table seating and a patio. We arrived before the patio opened at 7:00, which was perfectly fine with me because I actually prefer sitting at the bar. The whole space just had that cozy, intimate, grown-folks-date-night feel without trying too hard.
We started with cocktails. My date ordered one of their summer cocktails--I cannot remember the name to save my life --but it was a beautiful yellow drink served with a pineapple slice, and it was GOOD! I stuck with my favorite, a classic Long Island, and they made it perfectly.
Now let's talk about this FOOD!
We tried the Parmesan and Pancetta Croquettes, and they were delicious. Crispy on the outside and incredibly soft, creamy, savory and cheesy inside, with shredded Parmesan across the top. Even the presentation was beautiful.
I ordered the cheeseburger, and I almost NEVER get excited about somebody changing up a burger, but this one came on an English muffin and IT WORKED! The fresh beef smash burger was cooked perfectly. I left off the pickles, aioli and onions, but otherwise I wouldn't have changed a thing. It was honestly one of the best-prepared burgers I've had in a while.
Then, halfway through my burger, I discovered they had French fries. How did I miss the fries?! So of course I ordered them late, and I'm glad I did. Fresh, hand-cut potatoes, perfectly cooked, and served with a dipping sauce that I cannot identify--but whatever was in that little cup needs to keep happening because it was AMAZING.
From the cocktails to the food to the atmosphere, Nancy's Hustle was exactly what I wanted for a first-date dinner: intimate, relaxed, interesting and GOOD.
Definitely one of those places that makes you say, "How have I never been here before?"
Nancy's Hustle, I WILL be back.