Q: negative

A: I was hoping to have a great time here, especially after having thoroughly enjoyed the "Big in Japan Bar" up the street. Alas, almost everything about this experience was off. We arrived and sat next to the open kitchen and decided we would order 6 apps, instead of a full meal. The BF ordered a beer and my friend and I were keen on sharing a small bottle of sake. This is where it got weird. Our waitress said that we had to order a meal to have alcohol, because of provincial laws. Um. No, that's not true. She said she'd check with the manager and returned to say, yea, we had to order a main! Okay, whatever. If it were up to me, we would have left right then and headed to Imadake (our original plan!), but it wasn't, so we stayed and complied with the "main" requirement. Some of the items were ordered: Daikon salad - not my favourite but my table enjoyed. Buta Mushi Pain (BBQ pork steamed buns) - I disliked this so much I spit out the bite I took. The pork was bitter, the only thing I liked about the entire thing was the side of salted ginger that was dyed red. Age Goyza (Ravioli) - These were good and crispy. The one thing I actually liked. Agedashi Tofu - was passable, but nothing special, not nearly as good as the one offered at just about any other Japanese restaurants I have been to. Fried chicken - That was okay, but not something I was blown away by. My companions enjoyed it more than I did. Katsu Pork - Overdone, dry, tasteless and boring as all heck. We paid and left - no one commented on the fact that the steamed buns only had 3 bites out of it. But alas, I think they cater to a much to drunk to notice crowd. Whatever, I won't be heading back to this spot again. I actually hate writing bad reviews, but man, this place, I don't know how they are getting such high marks!

Q: positive

A: Went here on a Friday night and it was seafood night. Hot and Cold Crab legs, fish and chips, poki, assorted sushi, mussels, oysters on the half shell, clam chowder and all of the other stuff such as prime rib, roast turkey, deserts galore, and the complimentary beer and wine! I have been here twice and was very, very satisfied. We had a nice view by the window and it was nice to not sit near the hustle and bustle closer to the food. Hey eating in a buffet, a little walk helps the digestion!! Awesomely priced for the selection of food. Smaller portions than the usual buffet plates which means that they rotate and move the food more often, keeping it fresher. Can't wait to go back!

Q: positive

A: Just as insanely large sandwiches as they make in New York. Three big guys ordered one Woody Allen (corned beef and pastrami) with extra bread and split it three ways and we still took home a whole "normal" sized sandwich. I highly recommend the authentic and properly made chocolate egg cream.

Q: negative

A:
Marginal at best. I expected great things based on the Yelp reviews and from asking locals. What a disappointment. I was not turned off by the dated decor; it's rather charming in its own funky way. Besides, you get some of the best Mexican food at the no-frills places. However, this food was sub par. The salsa was watery and I could have made the enchiladas much better myself. Also, I was less than impressed with my margaritas. I tried two different varieties to be sure :) but that was a waste. Absolutely nothing stood out about this place. Where, oh where is the great Mexican food in Phoenix/Scottsdale?