I appreciate the owner for taking a gamble on downtown Phoenix and opening in a city where charm is as rare as good drivers. The entrees are generally tasty and reasonably priced. For example, I have thoroughly enjoyed my jerk chicken both times that I have dined here. Similarly, my dining partners have found their prawns and beef stew satisfactory.
The intimate dining room with exposed brick lends a casual and laid-back atmosphere. Service is attentive. Water glasses are always kept full and waitresses are very knowledgeable about the small menu.
So why did I not provide a fourth star? Two words: dessert disaster. I ordered the $5 sweet potato pudding dessert and was presented with a slice of pudding that was about as wide and tall as two of my fingers (and I'm not a giant...) Perhaps I could forgive the size if it were especially decadent, but it was dry and not especially flavorful. Paying $5 for a mediocre sliver of sweet potato pudding hurt me in the "value" department; especially considering that my large entree itself was under $10.
In general, this restaurant has a lot going for it. However, the food seems to be the issue that is leading most reviewers (myself included) to not rate it as highly as we would hope we could. If the owner is reading this review, I suggest he or she consider making some minor revisions to the menu. A restaurant cannot survive if it is only respected for its charming building or "place." The quality and value of the food must equal the surroundings in its ability to satisfy customers.