Restaurant Preview: The Mercantile
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This Japanese-owned and run bar, located right next to Sushi Gen in a strip mall, has almost nothing to do with "tapas" in the traditional sense. Miss Cha Cha’s Tapas & Wine Bar C is more of a regular bar, that has karaoke, drinks and food. The emphasis here is less on karaoke and feels more like actual "hostess" bars in Japan. Naturally, the plush hideaway in a strip mall has a killer angle: an all-Asian, all-female staff dressed in French maid costumes a la the Akihabara maid cafes popular in Tokyo in the 1990s.
The menu here is heavy on inventive cocktails (yes, they are expensive), appetizers, fondue, salads and pastas. Crowds here range from curious locals just wanting to soak up the odd atmosphere (plush red textured walls and seating is separated by hanging curtains) with the television sets oddly tuned to MTV or game shows.
You are likely to hear a Mariah Carey tune or two here, but most patrons just chalk it up to the bizarre surroundings. Things get strange here...it's a Japanese thing, after all. But the staff is very friendly and the clientele is a nice mix of Nihon-jins and Americans. Just because it feels like a hostess bar, doesn't mean all aren't welcome...you'll find plenty of women here with friends amongst the Japanese local groups of men on any given night here.
Just don't blame us if the shagadelic surroundings fails to impress your date.
Tip: there is usually plenty of street parking at meters after 6 p.m. on weeknights in the neighborhood if you are willing to walk a bit on Alameda.
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great place to do business and relax. beautiful girls. great service. Jazz, the owner, is wonderful.
OK for people that are serious about reviews good or bad here is one from someone that does care what other people say. My review on Tapas & Wine Bar C is that it is a must visit in So. Cal!! When you first arrive you are treated with the...
Loved the food! Loved the ambiance.. The service was highly attentive. We asked for the tvs to be turned to the news and the staff was highly accommodating. My only complaint is parking can be a pain during certains hours.
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You know, I think this is a bar that either you love or you hate. There's no in between. As expensive as it is, I actually liked this place a lot. It's...
the food is surprisingly great. I would also make the claim that the fusion japanese food served there are as good as any fine japanese restaurant I have...
They made me whip an asian man with a belt. That pretty much sums it up.
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