Pancakes. I hate pancakes. Just kidding. Ever since I changed my icon to Grumpy Cat, I've been writing more 2-star reviews. Coincidence? I don't know. What I do know is that, Du-Par is an LA institution, and in my best grumpy face, I hated it. I've been to the Du-Par's in LA, and I remember it was unmemorable but I didn't hate it. I think it's the overall vibe of the LV location and the fact that there's so many better options within walking distance that left a distaste in my mouth. Firstly, if this review as based solely on the pancakes it would be 5-plus stars. Pancakes are awesome. Fluffy, crispy, buttery, all at the same time, the way pancakes were meant to be. A full stack will run around $10 but it's well worth it. Another winner is their shrimp cocktail. For $3 you get a sundae cup's worth of medium sized shrimp with some crazy-good cocktail sauce. I liked it better when you they sold these at the snack bar but it's still a bargain but now you have to pay tip and sit down and be waited upon. So... if the pancakes and shrimp are that good... why the two-stars? Everything pretty much negated the awesomeness of the pancakes. Their chicken soup was horrible, a sloppy mess of noodles with little to no chicken. They had a video playing that showed they make their noodles from scratch, which is what prompted me to get it. I love fresh made noodles, they're so light and airy. But I've found that if you overcook them, there is no forgiveness, they become a mushy mess! They're even worse than overcooked store-bought noodles. And these noodles tasted like they've been cooking all day. Gross. The bf got the Vegas fried chicken, which was ok, but hardly worth the $9.50. It was an extra $3 for a less-than-par side salad. Service was really sketchy. They switched out waiters during our meal and our second waitress seemed lost. Food came out slow. Orders were forgotten at the table next to us. They forgot one of our drinks. Overall, just not an enjoyable experience. My bf loves their shrimp cocktail but he'll have to go by himself, I doubt I'll come back after this visit. I just don't like pancakes that much.

negative

i reallllly need to come here more often. this is definitely a little gem of a mexican restaurant that fires on all cylinders. the restaurant itself is adorable-i love all the awesome dia de los muertos paintings on the walls and the unique decor. while it isn't in the greatest neighborhood, you'd have no idea once you walked inside. the salsa bar! oh my god, i don't even know where to start with how amazing this thing is. i am a huge salsa fan (wouldn't mind eating it with every meal, or as a meal, whatever) and i've never known of a restaurant to have so many options! i could literally come here and only eat chips and salsa for hours and never get bored because of all the choices! horchata! they put an interesting spin on the horchata by adding pecans and fresh fruit to it. i thought this might be weird since i've never had it that way, but it was totally delicious and refreshing. food! the menu is packed with delicious items that have some unbelievable flavors. i recommend the carne asada burrito or the bullet (bean and cheese). i'll be coming back soon!

positive

I loved Min and her assistants! I went in to have my eyebrows redone as I went to the wrong place a year prior and had two very uneven eyebrows. The assistants were very patient and were more than comforting. I have to say I was a bit traumatized from my previous bad experience....I wish I would have gone here first!! I paid $100 for my eyebrows and I couldn't have asked for more. The 5 year "warranty" with free touch ups is awesome and I look forward to having more services done!!! Thanks Min!!!

positive

Charlotte's got a lot of great pizza places, but for my money, Libretto's is near the top. The pizza's about as authentic, NY-style as it gets, the pasta dishes are wonderful, and the garlic knots out of this world. Kid-friendly atmosphere and a convenient Ballantyne location make Libretto's a must.
positive