Introducing our first post of the year: BISTANGO
Danielle
I had heard great things about Bistango from one of my picky friends so I thought it may be a good happy hour since it is nestled among office buildings. That makes it a good quick stop for men after work, right?! Wrong….
We walked in and just gave each other that empty “Oh no” look but proceeded to belly up to the bar. Mom taught me not to judge a book by its cover. The atmosphere was mature. We sat at the end of the bar unfortunately next to 3 disgruntled older gentlemen who apparently had a bad day. They certainly made the investigation start off badly. I can’t tell you how many F-bombs one of the men was able to accomplish in one sentence with us sitting within 3 feet. Now, I still believe that men/guys should be respectful and chivalrous. No, I’m not prudish and yes, I drop my share of expletives. These guys certainly were of the age to “know better.” Putting them aside, we ordered from the happy hour menu. I felt items were a bit pricey for a happy hour, which was confirmed after tasting. I just wasn't as impressed as I have been with other similar restaurants. Wines by the glass were $5 so that was the best part.
They had entertainment—jazz-ish music and a piano. It’s nice background music for dinner I suppose but not really my thing.
The bartender was friendly and helpful and seems to be the kind that may have been there a while. Seems the patrons knew him well. Service was good.
We had the following items:
Queso Fundido: Chorizo, Caramelized Onions, Chopped Peppers $ 9.00
Prime Mayer Beef Slider
Cheddar Cheese, Spicy Slaw $ 8.00
Cheddar Cheese, Spicy Slaw $ 8.00
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Feisty Potatoes: halved potatoes with a spicy sauce drizzled $6.00
As for as the men go, you ask? What men?, I reply.
I think this place would be salvaged for me if I went with my own posse and sat out on the patio to have wine before dinner out somewhere or home after a long day.
Single ladies, wait about 10-20 years before making this your hot spot. By then, you may have more money to buy apps, you will appreciate the music more, and hopefully those old geezers are the bar will be long gone.
Food: ★★☆☆☆
Service: ★★★☆☆
Price: ★★☆☆☆
Ambiance: ★☆☆☆☆
Overall: ★★☆☆☆
S Factor: ☆☆☆☆☆
Candice
Here’s to the start of our new year! We ventured upon Bistango in Irvine, which I found to be a quiet little place to socialize for happy hour. The small plates/happy hour menu was certainly on the moderately priced side given the quantity of food but the flavors were not particularly disagreeable. The crowd was most definitely on the older side (late 40’s to 50’s), and perhaps it was because there was live jazz playing in the background later in the evening. We hung around long enough to consume our dishes, which I ordered the $7 duck slider (emphasis on slider and not sliders) and shared the feisty potatoes and queso fundido with chorizo, paired with a glass of CK Mondavi Chardonnay. Overall, it was a pleasant atmosphere to immerse ourselves back into the swing of happy hours but I do not recommend this place for any social entertainment and/or people watching. The dining room was completely empty and the crowd lacking for social mingling.
Food: ★★☆☆☆
Service: ★★★☆☆
Price: ★★☆☆☆
Ambiance: ★☆☆☆☆ (if you enjoy jazz - ★★☆☆☆)Overall: ★☆☆☆☆
S Factor: ☆☆☆☆☆
