My night at Bao overall was average. The wine list was excellent. The bartender and waitor were very professional but the hostess was sort of goofy and not professional. Everyone was terribly nice though and the restaurant, although beautiful, is very relaxing and has a casual atmosphere. The patrons also seemed very relaxed and non-pretentious and on a Friday night at 9pm, there really weren't that many. I wasn't terribly impressed with the food though I think if I had what was recommended, I would have been. I did have the duck entree (rec. by our waitor) which was excellent-- and I know, because I don't usually like duck. I shared the summer roll and crab noodle soup appetizer which was very lacking in taste and texture. I think Saigon Grill on the Upper West Side is a much better bet for Vietnamese. Overall the service and atmosphere was very good and the proximity of bars and lounges is very convenient. I liked that there was the option of dining at a table outside in front of the restaurant.
Pros: Nice staff, great wine list, good recommended dishes
Cons: Not every dish is worth tasting, unprofessional hostess
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