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| - My expectations were very high...too high. I did not read the reviews prior to know what to expect.
By pure chance, we chose around 4pm on a Saturday to attend, it doesn't open until 5pm which initially we were bummed about waiting an hour. However, as the line started to form behind I realized how very lucky we were! We got one of the 5 tables in the place :).
At first, I was disappointed by the tiny menu both in drinks and food. We were starving from shopping all day, so we ordered almost half the menu. We got Polenta fries (B+), baked brie (A-),Zuccini Crostini (A-) and Tempura Vegtables (B-). Most of the food came in baskets, very casual and in a timely manner. I had the drink of the day The Pink Lady (A+) (needs to be on the regular menu for sure!) My friend had the Butter Beer (A+). The glasses were all beautiful, great presentation. My friend is Vegetarian, so I was happy they had yummy options we could both enjoy. I understand (for trademark reasons) that this place can't be super harry potter-y. I enjoyed that it wasn't cheesy . Our waiters were pleasant and helpful but seemed kinda over it. They didn't give us plates for our food, or water for the table (not deal breakers but when you order food you kind of expect it.).
We didn't get the Befuddlement Draft (which seems to be the star of the show) but everyone around us did. It was fun watching them light it on fire,and watching people try to figure out how to mix it and drink it. I love that they offer cheap mocktails (5$) ,and complimentary juice and soda. That is a really nice touch!
The atmosphere was good, but the music was NELLY! We were joking that it felt like a surreal dream that didn't quite make sense. In a harry potter bar, listening and dancing to nelly...all I needed to complete the dream was a high school teacher popping in. The speakers were terrible with lots of feedback.
Overall, our entire experience was only 1 hr (other people were asking for our seat before we even got the bill..) Was it fun ? Yes. Would I recommend it? Meh . If you're a super fan it's not harry pottery enough. If you're not a super fan, it's not really worth the trek to Little Portugal. If you happen to be in the area, sure.. it's cute.
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