Datsun describes themselves as an Asian Bar, located below sidewalk level on the corner of Elgin and Gladstone they are right next to their sister restaurant El Camino. Their atmosphere and style can be seen before you even walk through the door with a takeout window beside the entrance. Inside there are neon signs, low lighting and community style tables, the restaurant is usually busy and with no reservations it may be hard to get a table but worth the wait. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, whether it is your first time visiting or you're a frequent dinner they'll be able to make sure you have the best experience possible. Now let's get into the specifics.
As I mentioned, Datsun focuses on Asian food which you can pair with specialty cocktails expertly prepared at the bar. Their signature dish is their steamed buns which come with a variety of fillings, I tried the fried chicken steamed bun, the crispy chicken was a nice compliment to the steamed bun and the fresh vegetables as garnish cut through the richness of the rest of the bun. The remainder of the menu changes on a regular basis with the chefs circling through new creations and reliable hits. The same applies to the cocktail menu, while you can always get the classics, the signature drinks that appear on the menu change to reflect the food and season. If you are planning to go to Datsun go with people who are willing to share their food, the best way to taste the menu is ordering multiple plates and tasting each dish. The prices are moderate to high, it is easy to start to spending a lot especially with the element of sharing plates, in a group of 4 people, we each spent about $40 on food, plus drinks with most being around $10.
Being on a lower floor Datsun takes advantage of their dim lighting to set the right mood of cozy lighting for anyone who comes in. The restaurant is pretty open, with a bar running along the one side and a window to see into the kitchen on the other side, and large tables for one or multiple groups at the front and back. Despite the community tables, it can still be an intimate experience but Datsun is not limited to a place for dates, I think Datsun works great for groups of any size as long as people are willing to share plates. As a date night it is a restaurant that is a little more exciting than your average chain choice and gives you a little more of an experience than just getting food. It is the perfect place to go and stay for a long meal, you can sit, drink and talk for a while without feeling rushed, to go with their overall relaxed atmosphere.
The takeout window is of course a notable feature of Datsun, if you don't have the time to wait for a table there's always the option to take their great food to go. This and the neon sign outside are notable places to grab a photo to commemorate your night. Overall Datsun is a worthwhile night if you get the chance. I would recommend having a plan of something to do in the area in case you have to wait for a table, but don't let the wait hold you back from checking out the food. No matter what's on the menu when you go, Datsun will be sure to satisfy.
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