Quinn "Does the NY Times Sunday Crossword in Sharpie" S.'s Profile

Warily, I suggested Cantina for a pre-show drink with friends, remembering how slow they have been in the past, but I figured it would be quiet at 6 on a Saturday.  

It was dead, but that didn't make the bartenders any quicker or more efficient. I was the first of my group to arrive and Tall Asian Guy bartender gave me a menu and went down to the far end of the bar to polish liquor bottles and never came back.  

There were two other couples at the bar, totaling five customers to two bartenders.  After seven minutes of me trying to make eye contact with either of them, and listening to the second bartender talk about all the awards that Cantina wins for being a great bar, while she made drinks for the couple to my left, she finally noticed me dying and took my order, which she passed along to the bottle polisher saying, "could you make a Manhattan for FRUIT BOWL?" indicating the bowl of fruit sitting in front of me at the bar. I can see having spots at the bar designated by name for the sake of smooth communication on a busy night, but when I am the one of five customers in the bar without a drink in my hand, couldn't you at least refer to me as "that guy?"

My friends arrived and it took so long to make their four drinks that they had to chug their cocktails and we were still late for our show.

I used to think that the Cantina bartenders were slow yet methodical in their craft, and could at least respect them for making a great drink, but I am now realizing that Cantina has great drink RECIPES, memorized (or not) by lousy bartenders.    

Long story short, the drinks at Cantina are great, but the service is beyond pathetic.

I like this Pluto's.  There aren't a lot off healthy, affordable options around Ninth and Irving, but Pluto's consistently provides fresh, clean and quick salads and comfort food at a fairly low price.  

Their daily sandwich specials are tasty, and portion size on everything is generous.  The garlic fries were a favorite of kids and teachers alike when I worked at the high school around the corner on 7th, and when I need a little home-style cooking, the mashed potatoes and stuffing with gravy usually do the trick.

My little sister didn't want to park her Beamer in the Loin, so we went in search of a Red Box alternative, and Barracuda seemed to fit the bill.  

It was a Monday night, so the place was dead, but the interior was sleek, the service was stellar (thanks Keith), and the food was not only great, but a great value.  I didn't expect the selection to be a steal, especially after I looked over the menu and saw $10 rolls and $16 bento boxes, but both were not only great quality but also huge portion sizes.  

Check out the Edamame hummus with crispy wonton chips, and the shrimp balls were good, but I think we only ordered them so Caitlin could have an excuse to announce that she loves balls.

Dirty, dangerous 6th and Market has been recession-proofing my lunch breaks for a long time.  Cancun is one of the best deals in town, because the burritos are big, tasty and cheap, and the service is fast, but good luck getting a seat.