This review is one of the rare instances where the food is 4/5 stars but the wait time, unfriendly server, Christopher, and virtually everything else ruined the experience.
1) yes, there are 18 seats and they refuse to make any sort of alternative compromise like a carry out. Let's just put it this way: the waiting time was so long, that I could have driven back to Los Angeles or take a plane from la to my hometown of northbrook Illinois! We are talking well over three hours from start to finish. Good thing I had my book!
2) To add insult to my injury and to also burdensome to customers, you have to stand throughout the duration of this wait. If you don't do this, you risk losing your spot! I waited from 7:20 and did not leave until well over 10:30! I should have brought my godfather part 2 movie to watch!
3) management is unbelievably amateur and unprofessional and they don't care because there will always be a line. There were two seats unoccupied for 20 minutes before the next party were sat. When another customer complained, I witnessed Christopher be extremely rude to her. It also took Christopher many minutes to clean each seat as there was a lack of urgency on his behalf! With 18 seats there should always be a sense of urgency to reduce wait time!
3) the owners make no concessions on the price as well! 25 dollars for the three hour wait is not kind!
4) I got the combo and it was pretty good. They were somewhat stingy on the seafood. I also ordered it 8 out of ten on the spice scale; it was more like a four.
5) caught the chef sneezing twice and did not wash his hands. The bar has a panoramic view of the lone chef, but I guess he does not care.
6) I did not order oysters, but the name oyster bar does not withstand if they run out! The customer sitting next to me was heartbroken when Christopher told her we're out! Imagine that? if your name is the oyster bar, and you are out of oysters, we have a huge problem!
Conclusion: will not be coming back here with the beyond unreasonable wait time. This is the longest I've ever waited in my life for food, and I regret wasting my time here.
No more angry! Word to the wise: don't buy in to the hype!