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86 West
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Steakhouses Sushi Bars, Seafood, Steakhouses [Edit]
86 W State StDoylestown, PA 18901
(215) 348-8600
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 1 am
Sun 11:30 am - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for 86 West
18 reviews in English
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Review from Brian C.
HUNTINGDON VY, PA
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Going into this place, I never heard of it before, didn't know where it was, so ultimately had no expectations. I was told they had a vast menu ranging from burgers and fries to sushi. How? How does that work? Nonetheless, it was where my staff wanted to go, so we went. Made reservations and arrived on a Thursday night. I honestly didn't see too much of the place as our table was right next to the front door when we walked in. It sounds like horrible placement but it really wasn't. We had a screen separating us from the door, there was not a draft, so it turned out pretty good. I could see a bar off in the back and it looked like a fun atmosphere back there.
Now I've only had sushi four times in my life, this being the fourth. My first two experiences were awful. The Brew Pub in Manayunk and then Ooka in Doylestown. Both times it just didn't go well, but dammit, I really wanted to like sushi! It looks so cool, it's fresh, why wouldn't it be good. Finally, I had a break through at Ota-Ya in Lambertville, NJ and had the best sushi yet. Then there was 86 West.
Now I know I just exposed all my experience on sushi, so I don't have a lot to stand on, but this sushi was outstanding. The presentation was perfect, really, it was! Super fresh and tasty, spicy, sweet, large portions, I was overwhelmed. I had the Godzilla roll, which was Spicy Tuna, Spicy Crab, Tempura Shrimp, Mango, Avocado, Cucumber, Jalapeño, Wrapped in Soy Paper. I liked the heat and the sweet. I had previous experience with mango and sushi so I went with something familiar. I also got the Mango Shrimp Tempura, which was Spicy Crab & Cucumber Topped with Mango & Avocado. I thought these two rolls would compliment each other well and they did. They needed no wasabi or soy, just straight up in my mouth baby. It was awesome.
Some of the people I was with got burgers and they looked awesome. The rolls looked like pillows of goodness, all shiny on top and soft inside. They were enjoyed by those consuming them.
So yes, I would love to go back here. As mentioned in some of the other reviews, the service was a little dry. For a a party of six, I was expecting a little more pampering, but the visits were far and few in between. Could have been an off night, so we'll see next time. So for anyone who was wondering if burgers and sushi can coexist, visit 86 West and learn that they certainly can! -
Review from erin p.
Updated - 12/10/2011
i had actually grown to like this place since my first review. however, my recent experiences have only reinforced the previous 2-star review. i've been here a couple times for lunch on a saturday. the food is technically the same as knight house. i don't know if it's because it's the day cooking staff or what, but the quality of the sushi dishes has definitely declined. the tuna tartare, my favorite dish here, has also gone a little wonky. the service at the bar on saturdays is pretty awful, too. not sure about you but i like it when the bar staff acknowledges my presence.
i will be looking for a new saturday lunch spot.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/26/2010
i need to preface this review by saying we didn't stay here to eat so i can't comment on the… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer A.
Lansdale, PA
Wow what a roller coaster of a place! I've never experienced so much inconsistency in my life.
The service was pretty terrible, our waiter had no clue about the drink menu or the food. So it was pretty disappointing. We even sat close to the owner and the service did not improve. I cannot believe how this place is run. They weren't even busy so I'd hate to see what its like when they are. I had to ask countless times for the waiter to fill my glass of water, I'm sorry but when I'm paying the price I'm paying for food at this place I do not expect to die of thirst! If the menu didn't interest us I would have left before we even ordered food.
The drinks are half priced for happy hour which runs until 7 and you can sit outside gorgeous Doylestown so that was a plus and they do have some vegetarian options and I think 1 vegan option on the menu so props for that.
Now onto food!
My friend had oysters and they were not even shucked properly. She ate them anyway, but for 15 bucks for 6 oysters totally not worth it.
I had the red beet carpacio salad! This salad was amazing! Shaved roasted beets and a goat cheese fritter! Yumm!
My friend had the Vegas roll and she said it was amazing! Some of the best sushi she has ever had.
For dinner I got the lobster mac and a side of the wok fried brussel spouts. The lobster mac was the WORST mac and cheese I've ever had. It tasted like paste (basically uncooked roux). I understand you don't want to overpower the flavor of the lobster, but there is no way there was 4 cheeses in that sauce, I actually questioned whether they forgot to add the cheese at all. I couldn't even eat this dish.
The brussel sprouts on the other had were some of the best I've ever had! They were crispy and fresh and the ginger sauce was amazing! I fell in love. It's such a shame that they are here. I may have to just come back to get the brussel sprouts.
My friend had the Bousin crusted prime aged filet mignon. She said it was good but nothing to brag about. It looked ok.
We chose to end our meal with coffee and cupcakes. The cupcakes were huge, but definitely not worthy of my time, calories, or money.
It's just weird that this place serves sushi, its like they are trying to dabble in everything when they should focus on a solid menu. I think I will try it out again just because I loved the brussel sprouts but hopefully next time they will impress! -
Review from Nelly D.
Doylestown, PA
1/30/2012
This actually might be the "best happy hour in Doylestown" like all of their signs say. The drinks were really good and the prices were about $5 during happy hour (which is from 5-7). The sushi was good, but the rolls were pricey. The signature rolls were about $17.50 and house rolls (like the California roll) were $9. The rest of the menu looked pretty good, but was on the smaller side (about 10 burger options and 10 entrée options of fish and steak) and prices are on the higher side. I would definitely go back, but not on a regular basis!
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Review from George M.
Newtown, PA
Updated - 5/25/2011
2nd time around, still a charm. This is a unique spot in Doylestown, really has a city vibe to it and now that the weather is better the whole "indoor/ outdoor" style is in full effect. Highs; excellent drinks and friendly service, decent eats. Lows; only 2 seating, can't say I like that set up for a reservation on a Saturday night, especially for a place that fairly large. Small plates (aka Tapas) which are actually served on relatively large plates, which in turn do not fit on the somewhat small tables. **However, they did figure this out with the sushi and they are now serving on a much smaller wooden sushi platter, much better with 4 of us at the table**. DJ was a bit loud our dining table (we were seated directly next to him), much more so than the last time where they had live entertainment.
Can't say this is a foodie destination, it's good but not a meal that will have you saying "that was one of the best dinners I've ever had". All-in-all it's worth a try, at least for some drinks, or if you are single and want to do a little cougar/ puma hunting on a Saturday night.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/14/2011
1st time here and it was a very good experience, look forward to going back in the warm weather… Read more »
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Review from Jackie T.
Doylestown, PA
11/14/2011
Fun atmosphere and a great variety on the menu. Something for everyone - 2 of us got sushi and the other 2 got burgers. Although the burgers were messy, they were good. The sushi was also very good. Service was attentive even though they were packed. I will definitely be returning.
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Review from Terri C.
Doylestown, PA
5/10/2011
I feel bad giving this place less than three stars considering I find myself here at least once every two weeks.
I find the happy hour specials to be decent, but if you aren't a beer drinker, your choices are somewhat limited.
While I have ordered sushi from the menu, I found the Philadelphia roll to be satisfying, but not worth the hefty price tag. A few nights ago, I ordered a salad, which was priced at 8 dollars, and had expected more than what I got which was a few pieces of lettuce, a scatter of cucumbers and a pinch of sprouts. I definitely was not impressed.
This place is great for meeting friends for drinks, but if you are hungry and don't want to pay top dollar for mediocre food, make sure you have dinner somewhere else beforehand. -
Review from Mike S.
Philadelphia, PA
1/8/2011
Strange layout (only went there once), the full bar is surrounded by tables for people to eat. And the bar is crowded, so conversations are done at an elevated speaking level. Then it segues into more seating, which at some point turns into a club. Live music came on around 9pm, and it was standard stuff coming from a guy with his keyboard.
Menu selection was varied. Sushi selections were limited, and many of them included nontraditional items. Spicy tuna roll was not spicy at all. And the sushi was expensive. I've definitely had better in Philly, and I think Madam Butterfly's sushi is better.
The people were the best part. Most of them were middle aged and single. This place definitely brings an air of hoitiness. Women were all wearing designer jeans, leather boots, and orangy-colored skin from all the years of tanning. Men dressed in fancy clothes and stood off to the sides, watching gaggles of women dance together.
Not particularly the place I prefer, but definitely a place to go if your middle aged, got money, and are on the prowl. -
Review from Tim H.
Furlong, PA
Happy hour and TGIF. Good crowd and getting busy at 6pm
545 on a Saturday, not too crowdedListed in: Best Happy Hour
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/28/2010
Excellent food and atmosphere.
My wife and I come here often for the great food, happy hour from 5-7… Read more »
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Review from christina s.
Doylestown, PA
11/14/2010
Ah, 86 West. You're everything I expected you to be.
I went to 86 West with a friend for lunch.
We ordered a bunch of sushi and some drinks. The sushi was pretty good, but I've had better. For some odd reason ordering sushi here just doesn't seem right to me..
I also got the brussel sprouts for an appetizer, and those were pretty good.
We ordered Blue Moon, which was served flat. After telling the server the Blue Moon didnt taste right, she told us that people had complained of that the previous night....hm. She asked us what we wanted instead of the Blue Moon, and then told us we could keep them and wouldn't be charged. LOL. Thanks.
I won't go back to 86 West. There are too many other places in Doylestown to take up my time returning here. -
Review from Mark G.
Doylestown, PA
1/25/2010 1 photo
I went last night for the first time and must have just missed my friend Barry, we arrived about 830 and had a cocktail at the bar. I had a Manhattan and it was mixed well and in a big glass, I love a drink that is worthy of a big glass! The bar was really hopping with a nice crowd of people.
We got a table a few minutes later in the back and got quick service. We stuck to sushi and started with our servers suggestion of the Tuna Crunch, it was a great start! We followed it with a big variety of additional plates of Spicy Tuna and Crazy Roll Lobster Club and a few others...all in all the experience was really positive and I will continue to go back and recommend it to friends. -
Review from Barry P.
Greenville, SC
1/24/2010 1 photo
I would love to hear more from my friend Jason who rated it 1 star.
We went last night (Saturday) at the recommendation of a good friend. We arrived a bit early (6:50) and the place was hopping. Its owned by the owners of the Knight House and is next door on State Street.
Its large, well laid out and nicely appointed (despite the fact that they still had Christmas decorations up). Fairly loud and difficult to have conversations, but nice crowd (so it depends what you are looking for).
The food was ok. Specialties are small plates and sushi. I tried both. The hamachi was ok, not great. When I saw it on the menu (6 pc for $12) it seemed a good value. They were cut uncharacteristically thin, so it was not good value. Cocktails also mixed weakly (my wife had a cosmo and after coming from the Freight House earlier said it seemed "all cranberry"). They had difficulty doing that to my grey goose :)
Service good but not great. I probably would've rated it higher if the value were better. -
Review from BO R.
Doylestown, PA
10/3/2010
Part and parcel of the Knight house fame, it is a nice compliment to the pre or post dinner meal. Albeit you can grab a sushi plate at 86 West and it is made right in front of you.
Nice outdoor venue, spacious modern themed furnishings.
Service was great too. The tenders took care of us withour delay.
$$$ three symbols as it NYC priced but worth it. -
Review from Neen J.
Doylestown, PA
4/23/2010
Truly fabulous small plates, great service, fun bar (there is one in the front and a quieter one in the back). Highly recommend their sushi and sashimi. Great, funky spot for a drink or a meal. Great live music even on week nights, check it out.
Listed in: Best Happy Hour
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Review from Jeff L.
Silverthorne, CO
7/31/2010
86 west is a newer addition to the downtown Doylestown restaurant/bar locations. I stopped in with my girlfriend last week to meet some friends for drinks. The atmosphere was fun and energetic. The interior was nicely decorated and felt classier than some bars in town. The beer was cheap which is always a plus. I recommend to anyone looking for a good place to meet friends, which doesn't require you to be rubbing elbows with everyone in the restaurant since this is quite a spacious bar.
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Review from Joe B.
Doylestown, PA
7/25/2010
Cool atmosphere, but I'd get different lighting. The back bar area reminds us of an airport lounge. And the big circular lighting upfront has a floresent look that cheapens the place. Food was a little overpriced for the quality but the fact that it's the only place like it in town makes me want to give it more but then they won't work to improve. Could be a five.
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Review from Jason W.
Doylestown, PA
Updated - 3/7/2010
They are taking steps to improve the place. They have fired some of the staff that weren't playing by the rules and have hired good musical talent. Certainly a step in the right direction, which is attracting a better crowd and for a night spot a great crowd is key.
1 Previous Review:
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1/23/2010 First to Review
Some of my friends are raving fans. Others have had very bad experiences. Proceed with caution.
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Review from carly g.
Feasterville-Trevose, PA
8/18/2010
Great atmosphere...lovely outdoor setting. But I ordered the pad thai and it tasted like noodles with instant Simply Asia sauce (NOTHING like pad thai). When I told the waitress she didn't offer to take it back and it wasn't discounted or taken off the bill when we finished our lunch. Slow service overall, even when the place wasn't crowded. Definitely wouldn't go back here again.
